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Varmilo VA87M compared with MonsGeek M3
Spec Varmilo VA87M

Varmilo

Varmilo VA87M

$126–$169

“Varmilo's wired Cherry MX TKL with dye-sub PBT and quiet stabilizers”

MonsGeek M3 by MonsGeek

MonsGeek

MonsGeek M3

$110–$116

“Aluminum TKL, barebone price”

Price , different $126–$169 $110–$116
Size TKL TKL
Type , different Pre-built Barebones
Connectivity Wired Wired
Released , different 2016 2023
Mounting , different Tray Mount Gasket
Case , different ABS plastic Aluminum
Colors , different Many dye-sub themes Black, Silver, Purple
Weight , different 940g About 1950g barebone
Dimensions , different 356 x 134 x 33mm 366 x 146 x 34mm
Typing angle , different Adjustable feet Not listed
Front height , different 33mm 34mm case height
Switches Mechanical Mechanical
Profile Standard Standard
Keycaps , different Dye-sub PBT Not included
PCB , different Soldered Cherry MX, white LED Hot-swap, south-facing RGB, 1.2mm
Plates , different Steel PC
Compatible switches , different Fixed Cherry MX, chosen at purchase MX-style 5-pin
Software , different None QMK, VIA
NKRO Yes Yes
RGB , different No Yes
Features , different TKL, Cherry MX, Dye-sub PBT, White LED, Lubed stabilizers, Case foam Aluminum TKL, Gasket mount, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA, PC plate, RGB
Good for , different Typists who want a quiet-ish, solid Cherry MX TKL People who care about stabilizers and keycaps Buyers who like themed colorways First-time builders who want a metal TKL VIA users who like a heavy wired board Desk keyboards that stay put
Skip if , different Hot-swap or wireless shoppers RGB or macro users Anyone who needs USB-C Wireless users Buyers who want a finished board People who want slim bezels
Pros , different Switch and Click called the stabilizers the best on any prebuilt keyboard, with no spacebar rattle Genuine Cherry MX switches in many varieties, including silent options (MechanicalKeyboards.com) Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps (MechanicalKeyboards.com, Switch and Click) Sturdy case with no creaking and a metal plate (Switch and Click) Plug-and-play with no software to install Full N-key rollover (MechanicalKeyboards.com) Aluminum TKL with gasket mount and a polycarbonate plate QMK/VIA firmware on the international edition South-facing 5-pin hot-swap PCB Screw-in stabilizers and extra foam in the box A Korean owner reported about 2 kg and no case hollowness (2023)
Cons , different Mini-USB port rather than USB-C (Switch and Click) No hot-swap, so switches are fixed at purchase (MechanicalKeyboards.com) No RGB or macro software; most versions have only white or no backlight (Switch and Click) Legends hard to read on dark keycaps in the dark (Switch and Click) A Geekhack reply said the spacebar stabilizer tilted over time Plastic ABS frame (MechanicalKeyboards.com) Wired only Barebone: switches and keycaps are extra, and stabilizers need assembling Large bezels (Clien owner post) Only an older single owner post found; no professional review Does not support MonsGeek's driver, so the QMK/VIA edition is the one to buy
Research take , different A long-running prebuilt favorite for stabilizers and keycaps, still without hot-swap, USB-C or software. Choose it for feel and looks and expect a plain, wired board. A plain, solid TKL kit. Only light independent evidence exists, so treat the sound as unverified.