Varmilo VA87M Review
True Score
Experts
Consumers
Expert Rankings
(
)
Product reviewers liked that the Varmilo VA87M had a low typing noise and high build quality. They also praised its good ergonomics and customizable backlighting, but they were not impressed that none of its keys were macro-programmable. They also didn’t like its high latency and missing wireless connectivity.
We’re reader-supported. $$ from affiliate links finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. No sponsored results. Ever. Learn more
What Is Not on the Box
What the brand doesn’t always tell you…
our Verdict
The Varmilo VA87M had testers delighted with its impressive build quality and typing experience. During their typing tests, product testers from Rtings liked how smooth its PBT keycaps felt and that the keyboard was not noisy.
Also appreciated were its low profile and two incline settings, which made it comfortable to type on. Its metal plate housing is something it has in common with the Vortex Race 3 (which we covered in our Vortex Race 3 review), and its keys are also individually backlit.
Critics from Business Insider liked that they could adjust the brightness levels for its backlighting and that the keyboard didn’t require any setting up.
However, testers didn’t like that none of its keys were macro-programmable. This forces it to rank a notch lower than the System76 Launch and the Corsair K63, which both have macro-programmable keys and a lot of other pros that you can learn about in our System76 Launch review and our Corsair K63 review. They also disliked its lack of wireless connectivity and high latency.
Reasons to Buy
- Great build quality
- Low typing noise
- Customizable backlighting
- Good ergonomics
- Detachable cable
Reasons to Avoid
- No wireless connectivity
- None of its keys are macro programmable
- High latency
Specifications
- Battery LifeWired
- Customizable LightingYes
- FoldableNo
- Form FactorTenkeyless
- Key Switch BehaviorLinear
- Keyboard TechnologyMechanical
- Max Wireless RangeWired
- Palm Restna
- Spill Resistantna
- Touchpadna
- Wirelessna
- Wireless ConnectivityWired
Overview
First announced in 2021, the Varmilo VA87M is a TenKeyLess keyboard with 87 keys. Its build quality is also great since its switches are encased in a metal plate, and its keycaps are made of PBT plastic. Compared with some of the best ranked keyboards on the market, it is not that large, measuring only 14 by 5.2 inches.
The keyboard features white backlighting where all its keys are individually lit, and its white backlight makes it stand out from other highly rated gaming keyboards.
That said, its latency of 12.8ms is only good enough for casual gaming, but if this is a concern and you’d like lower latency, then feel free to check out our SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL review.
Its ergonomics are also decent as it offers two incline settings, and since its cable is detachable, packing it for storage should be a breeze.
Get the Winner of the Day Direct to Your Inbox
Product Comparison
 |  |  | ||
| True Score | 78 | 89 | ||
| Market Context | – | The Varmilo VA87M has white backlighting while the Ducky One 2 RGB TKL has RGB backlighting, but all the keys on the Ducky One 2 are macro programmable as opposed to none on the VA87M. The Ducky One 2 also has a lower latency of 7.7ms than the VA87M’s 12.8ms. | The Varmilp VA87M is a TenKeyLess keyboard, while the Ducky MIYA Pro is a compact 65% keyboard, but all the keys on the MIYA Pro are macro-programmable, while none on the VA87M can be programmed. The VA98M also has media hot keys, while the MIYA Pro does not. | Customers who prefer highly customizable keyboards might be impressed with the Varmilo and its range of keyboards. The Varmilo VA87M Moonlight is a popular pick that is different from the Varmilo MA87M in that the VA87M has black legends on white, grey, and blue keycaps, while the MA87M has pink legends on white and pink keycaps. |
| Keyboard Technology | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical | |
| Key Switch Behavior | Linear | Different switches available | Tactile | |
| Touchpad | No | No | No | |
| Customizable Lighting | Yes | No | No | |
| Palm Rest | No | No | No | |
| Dig Deeper | – | Read Review → | Read Review → |
All Stores
Availability
Free Shipping
Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Expert Score Breakdown
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
ATrust Score
80The Varmilo VA87M is a good keyboard for gaming. The Cherry MX Red switches on… read more- F
Trust Score
NRThe Varmilo VA87M boasts an elegant design, very high build quality, and all the options… read more
Learn More About Gaming Keyboard
Gaming Keyboard Resource Articles
Gaming Keyboard Buying Guides
Gaming Keyboard Reviews
