Varmilo Chang E APT87 Review | 64 Data compared
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Varmilo Chang E APT87 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£150
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • Layout size: TKL
  • Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Varmilo Chang E APT87 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Keyboards category and whether it is worth buying.

7.0

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%

7.0

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Keyboards category across these key areas: Switches, Design, Connectivity & Power, Features, Materials.

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

Score components:

34.0%

7.7

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.7

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

6.3

Features

6.0%

7.5

Design

Very good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 7.8
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    9.0

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    ?

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 4.1
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    ?

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    ?

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    ?

    Connection type

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £150

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 Chang'e APT87 is a tenkeyless (80%) mechanical gaming keyboard featuring triple-mode connectivity (Wired, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4GHz) and a distinctive celestial-inspired aesthetic with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. This model is built with a hot-swappable PCB, a polycarbonate plate, and a 2500mAh battery that provides up to 100 hours of use with lighting off. Main pros include its highly detailed Han Dynasty-inspired artwork, versatile 5-device pairing, and premium typing feel supported by dual-layer silicone sound dampening. However, notable cons include its plastic case construction compared to all-aluminum alternatives, north-facing LEDs which may cause interference with certain Cherry-profile keycaps, and the lack of an included wrist rest.

Technical Specifications of keyboard Varmilo Chang E APT87

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Keyboards category across these key areas: Switches, Design, Connectivity & Power, Features, Materials.

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

Score components:

34.0%

?

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

?

Switches

20.0%

?

Materials

12.0%

?

Features

6.0%

?

Design

7.0
Varmilo Chang E APT87 has a technical score of 7.04 points, which is higher than that of 58.8% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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 Chang E APT87 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 82.4% 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%

7.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

7.8
Varmilo Chang E APT87 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.8 points, which is higher than 42.6% 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: LOW

mechanical
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: LOW

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: LOW

?
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: LOW

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: HIGH

?
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: LOW

mechanical
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: LOW

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: LOW

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 Chang E APT87 has 87 keys, which is more than 44.6% of keyboards and equal to 18% 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: LOW

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 / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Varmilo Chang E APT87 offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity, which is more versatile than 57.3% of keyboards and equal to 42.7% 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

yes
Varmilo Chang E APT87 supports multi-device pairing. 4.5% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
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: LOW

5.1
Varmilo Chang E APT87 uses Bluetooth 5.1, which is newer than 67% of keyboards and equal to 23.5% of keyboards.
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: MEDIUM

?
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

100 h
Varmilo Chang E APT87 lasts 100 h on a charge, which is shorter than 63.6% of keyboards and equal to 8.5% of keyboards.
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: LOW

yes
Varmilo Chang E APT87 has RGB lighting. 12.4% of keyboards have 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: LOW

yes
Varmilo Chang E APT87 has per-key RGB lighting. 27.6% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
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

87
Varmilo Chang E APT87 has 87 RGB zones, which is more than 58.4% of keyboards and equal to 11.6% of keyboards.
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: LOW

no
Varmilo Chang E APT87 does not include underglow lighting. 8% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
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: LOW

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: LOW

polycarbonate
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 / ABS
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: LOW

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 Chang E APT87 uses dye-sub legends, which are less durable than 75.1% of keyboards and equal to 10.9% of keyboards.
Show more

Varmilo Chang E APT87 vs the average keyboard

  • 0.2 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.8 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
    What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
    When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Chang E APT87 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.8 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.1.8 mm vs 2 mm
  • 0.2 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.8 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.

Total
Switches
  • 37.5% smaller battery capacity
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 has a smaller battery than the average keyboard (2,500 mAh vs 4,000 mAh). The average keyboard has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh.
  • 80 h shorter battery life
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (100 h vs 180 h). The average keyboard lasts 180 h on a charge.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5.1 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Less durable legends
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 uses dye-sub legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.
  • 37.5% smaller battery capacity
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 has a smaller battery than the average keyboard (2,500 mAh vs 4,000 mAh). The average keyboard has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh.
    What it is: Measures how much electric charge the battery can store, usually in mAh.
    When it matters: When you want rough battery context behind the runtime claim instead of trusting the advertised hours alone.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Chang E APT87 has a smaller battery than the average keyboard (2,500 mAh vs 4,000 mAh). The average keyboard has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh.2500 mAh vs 4000 mAh
  • Less durable legends
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 uses dye-sub legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.
    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

    Varmilo Chang E APT87 uses dye-sub legends, while the average keyboard uses double-shot.dye-sub vs double-shot
  • 80 h shorter battery life
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (100 h vs 180 h). The average keyboard lasts 180 h on a charge.
    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

    Varmilo Chang E APT87 lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (100 h vs 180 h). The average keyboard lasts 180 h on a charge.100 h vs 180 h
  • 6.15x less popular
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 6.154).
    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 Chang E APT87 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 6.154).1 vs 6.15
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5.1 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    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: LOW

    Varmilo Chang E APT87 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5.1 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.5.1 vs 5.2
  • 15.4% more expensive
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 is more expensive than the average keyboard (£150 vs £130).
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 is more expensive than the average keyboard (£150 vs £130).£150 vs £130
Total
Overall
Connectivity & Power
Materials

Graphic comparison of Varmilo Chang E APT87 and other products in the Keyboards category

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Varmilo Chang E APT87?

  • High-quality PBT dye-sublimated keycaps with intricate celestial artwork
  • Exceptionally smooth typing experience with Varmilo's EC V2 (Electrostatic Capacitive) switches
  • Solid and heavy build quality that prevents slipping during use
  • Excellent acoustic profile featuring double silicone filling for effective noise reduction
  • Premium aesthetics including unique lunar phase designs and a starry sky color scheme
  • Includes thoughtful extras such as a dust cover and a dedicated keycap puller

What customers dislike about Varmilo Chang E APT87?

  • Switches are soldered to the PCB and are not hot-swappable
  • Limited software functionality for remapping keys or creating complex macros
  • White-only LED backlighting lacks full RGB customization found in competing gaming boards
  • Darker keycap colors can make legends difficult to read in dim lighting conditions
  • The 500Hz polling rate is lower than the 1000Hz standard of many dedicated gaming keyboards
  • High price point compared to other pre-built mechanical keyboards with more features

Expert reviews

R
root-nation.com
30/11/2023
Summary of the review
Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e EC V2 Sakura keyboard review
R
root-nation.com
30/11/2023
Summary of the review
Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura Keyboard Review
(Translated)Show original
I
itc.ua
05/03/2024
Summary of the review
Review of the Varmilo VPE87 Chang'e Mechanical Keyboard
(Translated)Show original
E
es.root-nation.com
30/11/2023
Summary of the review
Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura keyboard review - Root-Nation.com
(Translated)Show original
R
root-nation.com
30/11/2023
Summary of the review
Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura keyboard review
(Translated)Show original

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