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Varmilo Sakura R2 87 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Layout size: TKL
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Varmilo Sakura R2 87 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

5.9

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%

5.4

Technical Score

20.0%

7.9

User score

Good
5.4

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%

5.0

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.1

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

4.2

Features

6.0%

7.2

Design

Good
7.9

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%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

4.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(32)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(32)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 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

  • 7.7
    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

  • 1.2
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    1.0

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

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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 Sakura R2 87 is a high-quality, tenkeyless (80%) mechanical keyboard featuring a striking pink and white cherry blossom aesthetic on a durable plastic case with a metal plate. It is equipped with premium 1.3mm dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile and typically utilizes Varmilo’s proprietary EC V2 Sakura linear switches, which offer a 45gf actuation force and a contactless electrostatic capacitive design for increased longevity. Main pros include exceptional build quality, pre-lubricated stabilizers that eliminate rattle, and flexible three-way cable routing for its detachable USB-C connection. However, notable cons include a lack of official software for reprogramming or macro support, non-hot-swappable switches on standard models, and potential light bleed from the single-color white LED backlighting through some keycap modifiers.

Technical Specifications of Varmilo Sakura R2 87

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%

5.0

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.1

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

4.2

Features

6.0%

7.2

Design

5.4
Varmilo Sakura R2 87 has a technical score of 5.4 points, which is lower than that of 86% 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%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

4.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(32)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(32)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.9
Varmilo Sakura R2 87 has a user score of 7.92 points, which is lower than that of 64.7% 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.
4.0
Varmilo Sakura R2 87 has a popularity of 4 points, which is lower than 61.1% 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%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.1
Varmilo Sakura R2 87 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.1 points, which is lower than 83.8% 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

45 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

2 mm
Varmilo Sakura R2 87 has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.3% of keyboards and equal to 33.4% 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 Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 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

5.0
Varmilo Sakura R2 87 uses Bluetooth 5.0, which is newer than 46.8% of keyboards and equal to 17.7% 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

no
Varmilo Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% 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: 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

aluminum
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

Cherry
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 Sakura R2 87 uses dye-sub legends, which are less durable than 74.4% of keyboards and equal to 11% of keyboards.
Show more

Varmilo Sakura R2 87 vs the average keyboard

  • 1 ° lower typing angle
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 has a lower typing angle than the average keyboard (4 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.

Total
Design
  • 96 mm thicker design
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 is thicker than the average keyboard (134 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Limited Mac support
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • 0.3 mm longer actuation distance
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2.3 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
    White LED only.
  • 83 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 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
  • Limited Mac support
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 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 Sakura R2 87 has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 83 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (0 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.0 vs 83
  • No RGB lighting
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 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 Sakura R2 87 does not have RGB lighting, the average keyboard does. 87.7% of keyboards feature RGB lighting.
  • 0.3 mm longer actuation distance
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2.3 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 Sakura R2 87 has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2.3 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.2.3 mm vs 2 mm
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Varmilo Sakura R2 87 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 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 Sakura R2 87 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.5.0 vs 5.2
Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features

Graphic comparison of Varmilo Sakura R2 87 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
32 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
32 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Varmilo Sakura R2 87?

  • High-quality PBT keycaps with durable, dye-sublimated legends that resist wearing and shining
  • Excellent build quality and a sturdy, heavy frame that prevents slipping during use
  • Superior out-of-the-box typing experience with well-tuned stabilizers that have minimal rattle
  • Vibrant and high-quality 'Sakura' floral aesthetic that many users find visually appealing
  • Smooth and consistent performance from the Varmilo EC (Electro-Capacitive) V2 switches
  • Practical design features like a detachable USB-C cable and multi-level adjustable feet

What customers dislike about Varmilo Sakura R2 87?

  • Lack of RGB lighting and limited software customization options for macros or remapping
  • Backlighting is not 'shine-through,' making legends difficult to see in dark environments
  • Potential for minor 'spring ping' noise on certain keys in quiet settings
  • Some users reported a 'hollow' typing feel due to a lack of internal sound-dampening foam
  • The mini-USB port on older R1 versions or specific variants is considered outdated compared to USB-C
  • Occasional reports of firmware-related issues where keys may lock up or stop responding

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 a premium TKL keyboard themed around Chinese folklore, highlighted by durable PBT keycaps and smooth Sakura Electrostatic Capacitive (EC) V2 linear switches. It features factory-lubricated stabilizers, superior sound-dampening, and high-quality build materials. However, the keyboard lacks hot-swappable switches, meaning the proprietary EC V2...Read more

D
delightlylinux.wordpress.com
29/12/2022
The Varmilo Sword 2 Mechanical Keyboard - Delightly Linux

The Varmilo Sword 2 is a premium, high-end mechanical keyboard praised for its exceptional all-aluminum construction, solid stabilizers, and buttery smooth electrostatic capacitive (EC) switches. The build quality delivers a heavy, luxurious feel with crisp keycap lettering and zero noticeable scratching or spring ping. It includes a magnetic top frame for color customization, a...Read more

E
es.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 exceptional build quality, five-sided IMD printed PBT keycaps, and a distinct aesthetic inspired by Chinese mythology. Performance highlights include pre-lubed stabilizers, double silicone noise dampening, and smooth, durable contactless EC V2 Sakura switches. However, the keyboard lacks a hot-swappable PCB,...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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