The Ultimate Varmilo VA87M Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

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When it comes to mechanical gaming keyboards, the options are endless, but one keyboard that has garnered significant attention is the Varmilo VA87M. With its solid build, variety of switch types, and unique aesthetic, it’s no wonder this keyboard has caught the eye of many gamers and typists alike. So, let’s dive into this Varmilo VA87M Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review and see what makes it stand out.

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Unboxing the Varmilo VA87M: First Impressions

Unboxing the Varmilo VA87M is like opening a gift. The packaging is sleek and professional, giving you a sense that you’re about to experience something special. Inside, you find the keyboard wrapped securely, a keycap puller, and a detachable USB cable. There’s no unnecessary fluff here—just the essentials, which is refreshing.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Varmilo VA87M is its sturdy build. This isn’t one of those flimsy keyboards that feels like it could break if you look at it the wrong way. The durable plastic casing and metal plate supporting the switches give it a heft that screams quality.

Design and Build Quality: Aesthetic Appeal Meets Durability

If you’re someone who cares about aesthetics, the Varmilo VA87M will not disappoint. The model we’re looking at features white keycaps with a few pink accents, reminiscent of cherry blossoms. The Dye Sublimation Printing ensures that the key legends remain sharp and vibrant even after prolonged use.

What sets the Varmilo VA87M apart is the attention to detail in its design. The keyboard comes in various color schemes, so whether you’re into a minimalist look or something more vibrant, there’s an option for you. The PBT keycaps feel fantastic to the touch and are resistant to the wear and tear that can make other keycaps look shiny and worn out over time.

Switches: The Heart of the Beast

One of the standout features of the Varmilo VA87M is the variety of Cherry MX switches available. Our unit is equipped with Cherry MX Red switches, known for their smooth, linear action, which makes for an excellent gaming experience. These switches have a short pre-travel distance and low actuation force, meaning your keystrokes register quickly and effortlessly—a must for any serious gamer.

For those who prefer a different typing feel, the Varmilo VA87M offers other Cherry MX switches like Blue, Brown, and Silver. Each switch type caters to different preferences, whether you like a tactile bump, audible click, or something in between.

Typing Experience: Comfort and Precision

Typing on the Varmilo VA87M is a joy. The PBT keycaps feel solid under your fingers, and the Cherry MX Red switches provide a satisfying yet quiet typing experience. Even without a wrist rest, the keyboard is comfortable to use for extended periods. The keycaps’ texture and the keyboard’s overall ergonomics make typing feel almost effortless.

For office use, this keyboard is a solid choice. While it lacks dedicated media keys and macro programmability, the typing quality more than makes up for these shortcomings. The Varmilo VA87M strikes a balance between a functional work keyboard and a responsive gaming keyboard.

Gaming Performance: Ready for Battle?

Now, let’s talk about the gaming performance of the Varmilo VA87M. With Cherry MX Red switches, the keyboard is tailored for gaming. The short pre-travel distance and low actuation force mean that your inputs are registered swiftly, which is crucial in fast-paced games. However, there is a slight caveat: the keyboard’s latency is a bit high for a wired keyboard, which might be a dealbreaker for competitive gamers who need the fastest response times possible.

For casual gamers or those who don’t mind the slight latency, the Varmilo VA87M performs admirably. The keys are responsive, and the overall build quality ensures that the keyboard can withstand intense gaming sessions.

The No-Frills Approach: What’s Missing?

One of the Varmilo VA87M’s biggest strengths is also its most notable weakness: simplicity. This keyboard doesn’t come with macro-programmable buttons or companion software for customization. For some, this might be a downside, especially if you’re used to having programmable macros and software control over your keyboard’s settings.

However, the lack of these features also means there’s less that can go wrong. There’s a certain elegance in the simplicity of the Varmilo VA87M. It does what it’s supposed to do, and it does it well.

Durability: Built to Last

Durability is where the Varmilo VA87M truly shines. The build quality is exceptional, and the materials used are top-notch. The PBT keycaps are particularly noteworthy because they don’t wear down easily. Even after extended use, they look and feel as good as new. The Dye Sublimation Printing ensures that the legends on the keys remain sharp and clear, no matter how much you use them.

The Cherry MX switches are also known for their longevity. These switches can withstand tens of millions of keystrokes, so you won’t have to worry about your keyboard giving out anytime soon.

Everyday Usability: Beyond Gaming

While the Varmilo VA87M is marketed as a mechanical gaming keyboard, it’s also an excellent choice for everyday use. The typing experience is smooth and comfortable, making it a great option for office work or general computer use. The lack of a wrist rest might be a downside for some, but the keyboard’s overall ergonomics help mitigate this issue.

The Varmilo VA87M’s aesthetic appeal also makes it a great addition to any desk setup. Whether you’re in a professional office environment or a home setup, this keyboard fits right in.

Maintenance: Keeping It Clean

Maintenance is straightforward with the Varmilo VA87M. The PBT keycaps are resistant to oil and grime buildup, so they stay clean longer than ABS keycaps. When it’s time for a cleaning, the keycap puller that comes with the keyboard makes it easy to remove and clean the keycaps.

Final Thoughts: Is the Varmilo VA87M Worth It?

In conclusion, the Varmilo VA87M is a standout in the crowded world of mechanical gaming keyboards. Its combination of build quality, typing experience, and aesthetic appeal makes it a fantastic choice for both gamers and typists. While it might lack some of the features that other gaming keyboards offer, such as macro programmability and companion software, its simplicity is part of its charm.

If you’re looking for a keyboard that offers a great typing experience, is built to last, and looks good doing it, the Varmilo VA87M is a solid choice. The variety of Cherry MX switches available means you can tailor the keyboard to your personal preferences, whether you’re a gamer, a typist, or both.

So, if you’re in the market for a new mechanical keyboard, the Varmilo VA87M is definitely worth considering. It’s a keyboard that proves you don’t need all the bells and whistles to deliver an outstanding user experience.

Recommendation: Who Should Buy the Varmilo VA87M?

If you’re a casual gamer who values build quality and typing comfort over customizable features, the Varmilo VA87M is an excellent choice. It’s also great for typists who spend a lot of time at the keyboard and appreciate the feel of high-quality keycaps and switches. However, if you’re a competitive gamer who needs the absolute lowest latency and programmable macros, you might want to look elsewhere.

In the end, the Varmilo VA87M is a keyboard that delivers on its promises. It’s built to last, feels great to type on, and looks fantastic. What more could you ask for in a mechanical gaming keyboard?

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