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Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£160
  • Avg. price in US: ~$140
  • Layout size: TKL
  • Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

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

5.7

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%

4.6

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%

7.0

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

2.9

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

3.5

Features

6.0%

7.4

Design

Good
4.6

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%

6.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.0
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Poor
  • 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

  • 2.5
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    1.0

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    4.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    10

    Connection type

  • varmilo-cmyk-vem87
varmilo-cmyk-vem87

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 CMYK VEM87 is a high-quality tenkeyless (80%) wired mechanical keyboard featuring a durable plastic case and a sturdy polycarbonate or metal plate for a premium typing feel. Its main characteristics include high-end, 1.4mm thick dye-sublimated PBT keycaps with a signature retro CMYK color scheme, white LED backlighting with adjustable brightness levels, and a detachable USB-C connection. The primary pros are its exceptional build quality, smooth pre-lubricated stabilizers, and available Varmilo Electrostatic Capacitive (EC) V2 switches—such as Ivy, Rose, or Sakura—which offer a refined, frictionless experience. However, notable cons include the lack of RGB lighting, no dedicated software for macro programming or advanced customization, and the absence of an included wrist rest.

Technical Specifications of Varmilo Cmyk 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%

7.0

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

2.9

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

3.5

Features

6.0%

7.4

Design

6.0
Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 has a technical score of 5.97 points, which is lower than that of 74.8% 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%

6.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.0
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

4.6
Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 has a user score of 4.58 points, which is lower than that of 99.7% 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.
1.3
Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 has a popularity of 1.3 points, which is lower than 79% 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%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

6.9
Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.9 points, which is lower than 88.5% 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

Cherry MX
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

1.8 mm
Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 has a minimum actuation distance of 1.8 mm, which is longer than 53.3% of keyboards and equal to 9.2% 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

?
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 Cmyk 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 / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 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

no
Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 does not support multi-device pairing. 96% 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: 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

no
Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 is not Mac compatible. 55.9% of keyboards work with Mac.
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 Cmyk 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 Cmyk 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 Cmyk 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 Cmyk 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

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

Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 vs the average keyboard

  • 0.4 mm shorter key travel
    Varmilo Cmyk 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 Cmyk VEM87 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.6 mm vs 4 mm
  • 0.2 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 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 Cmyk VEM87 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
  • 1 ° lower typing angle
    Varmilo Cmyk 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 Cmyk 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 Cmyk 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 Cmyk VEM87 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
  • 0.2 mm shorter actuation distance
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 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
Design
Switches
  • Limited Mac support
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • No multi-device pairing
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 does not support multi-device pairing, the average keyboard does. 95.6% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
  • No hot-swap support
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • 0.1 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.8 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Varmilo Cmyk 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 Cmyk VEM87 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
  • 83 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Cmyk 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 Cmyk VEM87 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
  • No hot-swap support
    Varmilo Cmyk 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 Cmyk VEM87 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • Limited Mac support
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
    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

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • No multi-device pairing
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 does not support multi-device pairing, the average keyboard does. 95.6% of keyboards support 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

    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 does not support multi-device pairing, the average keyboard does. 95.6% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Varmilo Cmyk 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 Cmyk VEM87 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • 83 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Cmyk 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 Cmyk 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 Cmyk 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 Cmyk VEM87 does not include onboard memory, the average keyboard does. 85.7% of keyboards include onboard memory.
  • No RGB lighting
    Varmilo Cmyk 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 Cmyk VEM87 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
  • 74.7% lower user score
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 has a lower user score than the average keyboard (4.58 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 has a lower user score than the average keyboard (4.58 vs 8.000).4.58 vs 8
Total
Overall
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features

Graphic comparison of Varmilo Cmyk VEM87 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.0
2 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
2 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Varmilo Cmyk VEM87?

  • Excellent build quality featuring a sturdy plastic housing and a metal positioning plate
  • High-quality, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps that are shine-resistant and feel premium to touch
  • Pre-lubricated stabilizers that provide a smooth, rattle-free typing experience out of the box
  • Impressive aesthetics with a unique CMYK color scheme and clean white backlighting
  • Stable typing experience with minimal key wobble, especially with EC V2 Sakura switches
  • Convenient cable management with a three-way routing channel and detachable cable

What customers dislike about Varmilo Cmyk VEM87?

  • Lack of companion software or macro-programmability for custom key mappings
  • Wired-only connectivity limits portability and use with mobile devices
  • No included wrist rest, which may affect long-term ergonomic comfort for some users
  • Latency is noted as slightly high for a wired keyboard, potentially impacting competitive gaming
  • The mini-USB port is considered an outdated connection standard compared to USB-C

Expert reviews

L
latestintech.com
04/07/2022
Varmilo VEM87 Mechanical Keyboard Review

The Varmilo VEM87 Summit R2 is a premium, plug-and-play Tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard highly praised for its exceptional build quality and striking aesthetic artwork. Pros include its ultra-durable plastic and aluminium frame, which easily withstands intense gaming sessions, and its full-sized, lightly textured PBT keycaps that resist finger grease and long-term wear. A...Read more

L
latestintech.com
04/07/2022
Varmilo VEM87 Mechanical Keyboard Review Would you like me to find Italian reviews for the VA87M CMYK, which shares the same aesthetic but uses differ...

The Varmilo VEM87 Summit R2 mechanical keyboard is a premium, Tenkeyless (TKL) wired keyboard praised for its exceptional build quality, striking aesthetics, and plug-and-play simplicity. Its standout feature is the Varmilo EC V2 Sakura switches, which utilize a contactless electro-capacitive design that reduces wear and tear while providing a remarkably smooth, stable, and quiet...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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