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Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£140
  • Avg. price in US: ~$170
  • Layout size: TKL
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: ?
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.0

Technical Score

20.0%

7.3

User score

Good
6.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.5

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

3.5

Features

6.0%

7.3

Design

Good
7.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Very good
  • 1.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    1.0

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    4.0

    Onboard memory

  • 7.7
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    9.0

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    7.8

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 2.8
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

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  • varmilo-beijing-opera-vem87
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 is a premium TKL mechanical keyboard featuring high-quality 1.3mm PBT dye-sublimated keycaps and a refined aesthetic inspired by Chinese cultural heritage. It utilizes Varmilo’s proprietary EC (Electrostatic Capacitive) V2 switches, which offer a frictionless, contact-free typing experience and exceptional durability. Main pros include its rock-solid build quality, vibrant themed artwork, and pre-lubricated stabilizers that ensure smooth performance. However, notable cons include the lack of modern wireless connectivity (standard wired-only), a non-detachable mini-USB cable on some older revisions, and the absence of hotswap PCB sockets.

Technical Specifications of Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.5

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

3.5

Features

6.0%

7.3

Design

6.0
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a technical score of 5.95 points, which is lower than that of 75.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

7.3
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a user score of 7.3 points, which is lower than that of 81.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 79.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.3
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is lower than 74% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

?
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile / clicky
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

Varmilo EC V2
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

42 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.0 mm
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a minimum actuation distance of 1.0 mm, which is shorter than 75.8% of keyboards and equal to 2.9% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

Capacitive
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

TKL
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

87
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has 87 keys, which is more than 44.5% of keyboards and equal to 17.6% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
Mac legends on keycaps.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

no
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not have RGB lighting. 88% of keyboards include RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

no
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not have per-key RGB. 77.3% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
White LED only.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

0
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has 0 RGB zones, which is fewer than 86.5% of keyboards and equal to 13.5% of keyboards.
White LED only.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
White LED only.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

north-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

steel
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

PBT
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

dye-sub
Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 uses dye-sub legends, which are less durable than 74.4% of keyboards and equal to 11% of keyboards.
Show more

Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 vs the average keyboard

  • 0.4 mm shorter key travel
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    What it is: Measures the full distance a key can move from top to bottom.
    When it matters: When full key movement changes comfort, speed, or the way the keyboard feels under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.6 mm vs 4 mm
  • 0.7 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1.0 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 1 ° lower typing angle
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (4 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
    What it is: Measures the incline of the keyboard during use.
    When it matters: When wrist posture and typing comfort depend on how steeply the keyboard sits.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (4 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.4 ° vs 5 °
  • 1 ° lower typing angle
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (4 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
  • 0.4 mm shorter key travel
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
  • 0.7 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.

Total
Design
Switches
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • No hot-swap support
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
    White LED only.
  • No onboard memory
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
  • 83 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (0 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    White LED only.
  • No RGB lighting
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • No hot-swap support
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
    What it is: Shows whether the switches can be removed and replaced without soldering.
    When it matters: When you want to try different switches, replace a bad switch easily, or tune feel without soldering work.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
    White LED only.
    What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
    When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • 83 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (0 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    White LED only.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (0 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.0 vs 83
  • No onboard memory
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can store profiles, lighting, or remaps internally instead of depending only on software.
    When it matters: When you move between multiple PCs and want your remaps, macros, or lighting to travel with the keyboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
  • No RGB lighting
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
    When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
  • 5.77x less popular
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).1 vs 5.77
  • 7% worse value for money
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.29 vs 7.802).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.29 vs 7.802).7.29 vs 7.8
Total
Overall
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features

Graphic comparison of Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87 and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87?

  • Stunning Beijing Opera aesthetic with detailed artwork on the space bar and case
  • High-quality PBT dye-sublimated keycaps with a nice texture that resists shine
  • Excellent build quality that feels heavy, sturdy, and durable (built like a tank)
  • Exceptionally smooth Varmilo EC V2 switches (Sakura/Rose/Daisy) that outperform standard mechanical switches
  • Lubed stabilizers that are quiet and rattle-free straight out of the box
  • Useful cable management with three-way routing channels on the underside
  • Premium unboxing experience and high-quality artistic packaging

What customers dislike about Varmilo Beijing Opera VEM87?

  • Lack of customisation software or onboard macro reprogrammability
  • Still uses a mini-USB connector instead of the more modern USB-C
  • Possible 'spring ping' or metallic echoing noise on certain keys in quiet environments
  • Stock keycaps are not compatible with backlighting (only the indicators shine through)
  • Limited ergonomics as it lacks a dedicated wrist rest
  • The artistic ancient 'Bronze Script' legends can be confusing for some users to read
  • Partial compatibility with Mac OS (shortcut keys often do not work)

Expert reviews

T
techpowerup.com
08/02/2021
Varmilo MA87M Beijing Opera Review - A Celebration of Chinese Culture

The TechPowerUp review of the Varmilo MA87M Beijing Opera praises its premium build quality, featuring thick PBT keycaps, intricate art, and smooth electrostatic capacitive (EC V2) switches that provide a superior linear typing experience. While offering a premium, unique aesthetic with hardware-controlled backlighting, the keyboard faces drawbacks such as a high price point...Read more

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