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Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$160
  • Layout size: Full-size
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

5.8

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%

5.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.8

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%

4.8

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.1

Switches

20.0%

9.5

Materials

12.0%

4.8

Features

6.0%

8.7

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

  • 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

  • No image
No image

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 VPM108 is a premium full-size mechanical keyboard featuring a 108-key layout with V-Silk dye-sublimated PBT keycaps and a distinct pink wood-grain texture plastic case. It is primarily equipped with Varmilo’s own Electrostatic Capacitive (EC) V2 switches, such as the linear Sakura or Rose options, which offer a smooth, contactless actuation, alongside a white LED backlight, pre-lubed stabilizers, and a detachable USB-C cable. Main pros include its exceptional build quality, the high-performance and durable EC switches, and a unique artistic aesthetic that stands out in any setup. However, notable cons include the lack of full RGB lighting customization (offering only single-color white LED), the absence of a wrist rest, and a north-facing LED orientation that may cause interference with some aftermarket Cherry-profile keycaps.

Technical Specifications of Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108

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

5.8
Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 has a technical score of 5.8 points, which is lower than that of 77.9% 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 Sakura R2 VPM108 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%

5.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.0
Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is lower than 87.1% 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

1.8 mm
Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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

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

Full-size
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

108
Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 has 108 keys, which is more than 89.2% of keyboards and equal to 8.2% 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
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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 VPM108 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

no
Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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

yes
Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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

no
Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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 VPM108 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 VPM108 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

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 Sakura R2 VPM108 uses dye-sub legends, which are less durable than 74.4% of keyboards and equal to 11% of keyboards.
Show more

Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 vs the average keyboard

  • 0.4 mm shorter key travel
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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 Sakura R2 VPM108 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.6 mm vs 4 mm
  • 21 more keys
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 has more keys than the average keyboard (108 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 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

    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 has more keys than the average keyboard (108 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.108 vs 87
  • 21 more keys
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 has more keys than the average keyboard (108 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 0.4 mm shorter key travel
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.

Total
Design
Switches
  • 23% higher weight
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,200 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 87 mm wider width
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 is wider than the average keyboard (442 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
  • 98 mm thicker design
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 is thicker than the average keyboard (136 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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 VPM108 is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • 0.1 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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 Sakura R2 VPM108 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 VPM108 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (0 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    White LED only.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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 VPM108 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 VPM108 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 VPM108 is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • No per-key RGB lighting
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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 VPM108 does not have per-key RGB, the average keyboard does. 77% of keyboards offer per-key RGB.
  • 83 fewer RGB zones
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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 VPM108 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (0 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.0 vs 83
  • 23% higher weight
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,200 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,200 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.1200 g vs 976 g
  • 5.77x less popular
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 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 Sakura R2 VPM108 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).1 vs 5.77
  • 10.8% worse value for money
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.04 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 Sakura R2 VPM108 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.04 vs 7.802).7.04 vs 7.8
  • 87 mm wider width
    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 is wider than the average keyboard (442 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard from side to side.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to match limited desk width or fit inside a specific setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 is wider than the average keyboard (442 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.442 mm vs 355 mm
Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches
Features

Graphic comparison of Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108 and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108?

  • Smooth and high-quality typing experience with Varmilo EC V2 Sakura switches
  • Excellent build quality with a heavy, rock-solid feel and no keyboard flex
  • High-grade dye-sublimated PBT keycaps that are durable and resistant to shine
  • Beautiful and vibrant Sakura-themed aesthetic with matching custom spacebar and keycaps
  • Lubed stabilizers provide a smooth feel with no audible rattle
  • Generous accessory package including a dust cover, keycap puller, and extra themed caps
  • Features 1000Hz polling rate and N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for responsive gaming performance

What customers dislike about Varmilo Sakura R2 VPM108?

  • Uses an outdated Mini-USB connection instead of more modern USB-C
  • Non-programmable white LED backlighting with no support for RGB or custom software
  • Legend on keycaps is not shine-through, making them difficult to read in the dark
  • Keyboard layout is limited to wired-only connectivity
  • Lacks a wrist rest in the standard packaging
  • Documentation and user manual are kept to a minimum
  • North-facing LEDs may cause compatibility issues with some third-party Cherry profile keycaps

Expert reviews

E
es.root-nation.com
30/11/2023
Review of the Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura keyboard

The Varmilo VPM87 Chang'e EC V2 Sakura is a premium, tenkeyless wired keyboard featuring unique Electrostatic Capacitive (EC) V2 Sakura linear switches. It offers a high-end typing experience with pre-lubed stabilizers, dual silicone sound-dampening, and high-quality PBT keycaps. However, the keyboard carries a high price tag, lacks hot-swappability for its soldered switches, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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