VarmiloReleased 2024

VPE87 Panda R2

79/100
Strong value
Overall score · how we rate
80% ANSIHot-swappableHall-effectQMK / VIAWireless

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Why we rate it

  • Class-leading productivity (80/100)
  • Strong portability (75/100)
  • Hot-swappable switches
  • First-class QMK / VIA firmware
  • Build quality is the weak point (56/100)
  • Plastic case rather than metal
Score profile

Where the VPE87 Panda R2 wins and loses

Six weighted axes · the shape tells the story
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall566656807564
Build quality
56
Customisability
66
Performance
56
Productivity
80
Portability
75
Overall
64
Full specification

Specifications

Grouped · supported features marked in blue

Layout

Layout size80
StandardANSI
ProfileNormal
ErgonomicsNormal
Volume knobYes
OLED / LCD screenYes

Switches & feel

Switch typesTactile · Linear · Clicky
Hot-swappableYes
Mount typePlate Mount
Screw-in stabilisersYes
Sound dampeningYes
Hall-effect / magneticYes
Rapid triggerYes

Connectivity & firmware

ConnectionWireless + wired
USB-CYes
N-key rolloverYes
QMKYes
VIAYes
VIALYes
Mac & WindowsYes
Multi-media keysYes

Build

Case materialPlastic
Keycap materialPBT
BacklightWhite
ColourwaysYes

More specs

Passthrough UsbYes

Watch it in action

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Head to head

VPE87 Panda R2 vs Weikav STARS80 V2

Highlighted cell = better in that row
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall
VPE87 Panda R2STARS80 V2
 VarmiloVPE87 Panda R2This pageWeikavSTARS80 V2
Overall score64 /10080 /100Better
Build quality56 /10079 /100Better
Performance56 /100Better54 /100
ConnectionWireless + wiredWireless + wired
Polling rate
Mount typePlate MountGasket MountBetter
Case materialPlasticAluminumBetter
Hot-swappableYesYes
QMK / VIAYesYes