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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 it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.9

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%

6.9

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.9

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%

7.8

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.2

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

6.3

Features

6.0%

7.4

Design

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

  • 7.9
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    9.0

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    9.0

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 5.0
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    10

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    10

    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 Varmilo Chang E APT87

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%

?

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

?

Switches

20.0%

?

Materials

12.0%

?

Features

6.0%

?

Design

6.9
Varmilo Chang E APT87 has a technical score of 6.93 points, which is higher than that of 56.9% 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 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%

6.9

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 46.2% 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

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: 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

?
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 Chang E APT87 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

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: 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 Chang E APT87 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 / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Varmilo Chang E APT87 offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity, which is more versatile than 57.9% of keyboards and equal to 42.1% 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.
up to 5 devices.
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

5.1
Varmilo Chang E APT87 uses Bluetooth 5.1, which is newer than 64.7% of keyboards and equal to 24.1% 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: HIGH

yes
Varmilo Chang E APT87 is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
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 61.5% of keyboards and equal to 8.6% 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: HIGH

yes
Varmilo Chang E APT87 has RGB lighting. 12.3% 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: HIGH

yes
Varmilo Chang E APT87 has per-key RGB lighting. 23% 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 58.6% of keyboards and equal to 11.8% 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: MEDIUM

no
Varmilo Chang E APT87 does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Per-key RGB 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

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: 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 Chang E APT87 uses dye-sub legends, which are less durable than 74.4% of keyboards and equal to 11% of keyboards.
Show more

Varmilo Chang E APT87 vs the average keyboard

  • 0.7 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 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 Chang E APT87 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
  • 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
  • 0.7 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 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.
  • 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.
  • 66 h shorter battery life
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (100 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 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.
  • 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
  • 66 h shorter battery life
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (100 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 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 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.100 h vs 166 h
  • 5.77x less popular
    Varmilo Chang E APT87 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 Chang E APT87 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).1 vs 5.77
  • 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: MEDIUM

    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

Graphic comparison of Varmilo Chang E APT87 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

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
Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e EC V2 Sakura keyboard review

The Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e EC V2 Sakura is characterized as a premium, aesthetically driven keyboard featuring high-quality five-sided IMD PBT keycaps, pre-lubed stabilizers, and double silicone filling for superior sound dampening. Its smooth Varmilo Sakura EC V2 linear switches provide a distinct typing experience, though the keyboard is positioned more as a collectible artifact of...Read more

R
root-nation.com
30/11/2023
Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura Keyboard Review

The Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura is a premium TKL keyboard featuring unique, high-quality PBT keycaps produced via five-sided in-mold decoration. The keyboard is praised for its exceptional build, factory-lubed stabilizers, and ultra-smooth typing experience provided by Varmilo's contact-free, linear EC V2 Sakura switches. Key disadvantages include the lack of hot-swappable...Read more

(Translated)Show original
I
itc.ua
05/03/2024
Review of the Varmilo VPE87 Chang'e Mechanical Keyboard

The Varmilo VPE87 Chang'e is an 80% compact (TKL), hot-swappable mechanical keyboard that doubles as a visual masterpiece inspired by Asian mythology, moon phases, and the goddess Chang'e. Reviewers praise the device for its reliable, high-quality build, tactile versatility, and deeply satisfying, quiet typing experience delivered via pre-lubricated stabilizers and silicone...Read more

(Translated)Show original
E
es.root-nation.com
30/11/2023
Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura keyboard review - Root-Nation.com

The Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e EC V2 Sakura is a premium TKL keyboard featuring a unique, Chinese mythology-inspired design with high-quality PBT keycaps and durable, smooth Electrostatic Capacitive (EC) V2 Sakura linear switches. The keyboard is lauded for its excellent acoustics, pre-lubricated stabilizers, and solid, premium build quality. Conversely, the review notes significant...Read more

(Translated)Show original
R
root-nation.com
30/11/2023
Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura keyboard review

The Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura is a premium, artistically designed tenkeyless keyboard featuring durable PBT keycaps, pre-lubricated stabilizers, and smooth, non-contact Varmilo Sakura EC V2 switches for an exceptional typing experience. Its high-quality build and unique Chinese folklore-inspired design are major pros, offering a distinct aesthetic and reliable performance....Read more

(Translated)Show original

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