VA87M is still relevant, but these alternatives cover the gaps it leaves on price fit, feature mix, or niche-specific performance.
- VA87M is not a bad product, but it is not automatically the right answer for every buyer. The important differences sit in Layout: TKL • Switches: Cherry MX (various) • Connectivity: USB-C.
- The alternatives below are not filler picks; they are same-category options that can match specific buyer priorities better.
- Use the spec rows and direct comparison links to avoid buying on brand habit alone.
Logitech MX Keys S
MX Keys S is the cleaner switch if VA87M feels mismatched for your use case.
View on AmazonMX Keys S makes more sense when you need a better fit around battery.
MX Keys S is not just a random substitute. It changes the buying profile by pushing harder on battery while staying in the same broad category.
| SPEC | Varmilo VA87M | Logitech MX Keys S |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | Full-size |
| Switches | Cherry MX (various) | Scissor with low-profile |
| Connectivity | USB-C | Logi Bolt USB / Bluetooth (3 devices) |
| Hot-swap | No | No |
| Backlighting | White LED | White Smart Backlit |
| Battery | — | 10 days (backlit) / 5 months (no backlit) |
WHERE IT BEATS VARMILO VA87M
- + Superior Battery
- + Lower baseline price or better specs.
WHERE IT FALLS SHORT
- - Lacks the established ecosystem of Varmilo.
- - Slightly worse Expensive premium switches.
| SPECIFICATIONS | BEST OVERALL Logitech MX Keys S | EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE Varmilo VA87M |
|---|---|---|
| ACTION | View on Amazon ↗ | View on Amazon ↗ |
| OVERLKD SCORE | 39/100 | 39/100 |
| LAYOUT | Full-size | TKL |
| SWITCHES | Scissor with low-profile | Cherry MX (various) |
| CONNECTIVITY | Logi Bolt USB / Bluetooth (3 devices) | USB-C |
| HOT-SWAP | No | No |
| BACKLIGHTING | White Smart Backlit | White LED |
| BATTERY | 10 days (backlit) / 5 months (no backlit) |
Ducky One 3
One 3 is the cleaner switch if VA87M feels mismatched for your use case.
View on AmazonOne 3 makes more sense when you need a better fit around battery.
One 3 is not just a random substitute. It changes the buying profile by pushing harder on battery while staying in the same broad category.
| SPEC | Varmilo VA87M | Ducky One 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL / Full-size / 65% |
| Switches | Cherry MX (various) | Cherry MX series |
| Connectivity | USB-C | Wired USB-C |
| Hot-swap | No | Yes |
| Backlighting | White LED | RGB |
| Battery | — | Wired |
WHERE IT BEATS VARMILO VA87M
- + Superior Battery
- + Lower baseline price or better specs.
WHERE IT FALLS SHORT
- - Lacks the established ecosystem of Varmilo.
- - Slightly worse Expensive premium switches.
| SPECIFICATIONS | BEST OVERALL Ducky One 3 | EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE Varmilo VA87M |
|---|---|---|
| ACTION | View on Amazon ↗ | View on Amazon ↗ |
| OVERLKD SCORE | 39/100 | 39/100 |
| LAYOUT | TKL / Full-size / 65% | TKL |
| SWITCHES | Cherry MX series | Cherry MX (various) |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wired USB-C | USB-C |
| HOT-SWAP | Yes | No |
| BACKLIGHTING | RGB | White LED |
| BATTERY | Wired |
NuPhy Air75 V2
Air75 V2 is the cleaner switch if VA87M feels mismatched for your use case.
View on AmazonAir75 V2 makes more sense when you need a better fit around battery.
Air75 V2 is not just a random substitute. It changes the buying profile by pushing harder on battery while staying in the same broad category.
| SPEC | Varmilo VA87M | NuPhy Air75 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | 75% |
| Switches | Cherry MX (various) | Gateron Low Profile (swappable) |
| Connectivity | USB-C | Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4G / USB-C |
| Hot-swap | No | Yes |
| Backlighting | White LED | RGB |
| Battery | — | 3000 mAh |
WHERE IT BEATS VARMILO VA87M
- + Superior Battery
- + Lower baseline price or better specs.
WHERE IT FALLS SHORT
- - Lacks the established ecosystem of Varmilo.
- - Slightly worse Expensive premium switches.
| SPECIFICATIONS | BEST OVERALL NuPhy Air75 V2 | EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE Varmilo VA87M |
|---|---|---|
| ACTION | View on Amazon ↗ | View on Amazon ↗ |
| OVERLKD SCORE | 39/100 | 39/100 |
| LAYOUT | 75% | TKL |
| SWITCHES | Gateron Low Profile (swappable) | Cherry MX (various) |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.4G / USB-C | USB-C |
| HOT-SWAP | Yes | No |
| BACKLIGHTING | RGB | White LED |
| BATTERY | 3000 mAh |