The Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e EC V2 Sakura keyboard faced a huge responsibility. An impossible one for thousands of others. But it wasn’t earned for the pretty eyes. But for pretty caps. The thing is that I wanted the same feelings from Varmilo Chang’e as I got from the first acquaintance with “boutique” keyboards when I got Varmilo VA108 Summit R2 for review.
That is, an accessory with its own personality, with charisma and still fresh remnants of paint on the caps. That said, I would certainly have liked the advantages of the same Keychron – but the Summit R2 was unquestionably obsolete, which I considered part of the barter for unbridled artistry. So what to expect from the Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e EC V2 Sakura?
Video review of Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e EC V2 Sakura
Market positioning
I’m telling you right off the bat – there are two versions of this keyboard. One of them has quick-change switches and wireless modes of operation, including Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz. The other, simply wired, is the one I got. The cost of my version is about $240, and even more. At the same time, I note at once that even large Ukrainian shops are very confused about the models.
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It is understandable, because even on the manufacturer’s website you can order a keyboard in the Chang’e palette in an unreal number of combinations. There are two sizes: 80% i 110%. There are 14 different switches, including Kailh, Cherry and the branded Varmilo. And finally – three connection options. All models have white backlighting, there is a separate version for two connection modes, but only the three-mode one has interchangeable switches.
At the same time, since not all combinations of switches can be selected with all the lights and other chips – Chang’e models are only six. Of them – four 110% and two 80%, they are VMP87 and VPE87. The latter has quick-release switches and wireless connection. Mine has only Type-C and backlighting.
External appearance
And here, actually, the situation is not very pleasant. The thing is that if it was VPE87 or VPE108 that came to me, I would call it a flawless keyboard, give it a 10 out of 9 and finish the review here. Because the Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e on the Varmilo EC V2 Sakura switches, while lacking wireless capabilities, really replicates all the advantages of the Summit R2, and even surpasses them.
The print here is about the Chinese moon goddess Chang’e. The author of this palette is the artist Li Huang, who is quite famous for thematic drawings. Even I, although not a deep fan of this culture, really appreciated the detailing with the help of the explanations from the official website.
I mean, moon phases, traditional NumPad counting method, white rabbit, prints on the back. If there’s a map of Shambhala hidden in here somewhere, I wouldn’t even be surprised. And even that’s not all!
Caps
Remember when I was a fan of carelessly applying paint to Summit R2 caps? Well, here, the paint is even applied with the ends covered at the bottom. But in doing so, the paint doesn’t penetrate, and stays neatly around the contour. It feels as if Summit R2 was painted by a genius student – and Chang’e was painted by someone whose skill has caught up with talent.
Plus – I noticed casting artefacts on the caps. At the bottom, where I expected to see careless application of paint. So, the keyboard partially satisfied my craving for the human factor.
Plus – the caps themselves are made from PBT, and the 1.3mm thick print is made using the so-called five-sided IMD, or in-mold decoration, method from ABS plastic.
In short – it’s a special way of applying the paint, it’s very expensive and unrealistically more reliable. But gives an extremely pleasant feel under the fingers. They reminded me of the silky Mionix caps, but there it was ABS plastic for the price of PBT.
Switches
Moving on. The value of the Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e EC V2 Sakura is reflected in more than just the caps. There’s greased stabilisers, double silicone filling for noise reduction, dual-mode feet, a Type-C connector and three-way cable management.
The switches I have are Varmilo Sakura, made with contactless electrostatic capacitance structure technology, or Electrostatic Capacitive, or EC. In short – this is one switch variant where physical contact is minimised and reliability is improved.
This means that there is no indicator of millions of clicks here. Theoretically, the switches are immortal. Which is useful because, as a reminder, they are not replaceable.
In general, Sakura EC linear, with a 45g pressing force, 2mm actuation stroke and a total stroke of 4mm. That is, in terms of general characteristics – almost as vanilla as possible, but I would be lying if I said that I am absolutely satisfied with them. I am, however, very pleased. The sound of printing will be in the video review.
However, as you can see for yourself, the caps here have no Ukrainian layout. Blaming the keyboard for this is like blaming the Rosetta stone for the lack of .srt subtitles. You are a bit on different levels of reality, so such claims have no basis. However, it doesn’t mean that I have no claims at all.
Disadvantages
I also forgot to tell you about the bundle, it here includes a cap removal tool, dust cover, astronaut figure and…. a warranty. There is also a mini-booklet that claims to be an instruction manual, but the claim is weak. And that, in my opinion, is the main problem of the keyboard and the manufacturer in general.
Varmilo, as far as I know, does not put instructions for keyboards. To be more precise, they put only primitive booklets. For example, they don’t describe how to switch on the backlighting, which is done via Fn + arrows. If it wasn’t for the company’s representative, I wouldn’t know that it worked for me. And if I had a VPE87, I wouldn’t know how to switch on Bluetooth.
Why is it done this way? I have no idea. Because I can forgive a $240 keyboard for lack of Bluetooth, because the model is aimed at a certain audience. But the lack of a normal manual does not form the audience, but scares them away, and in no other way.
Summary
This keyboard is much more an artefact of Chinese folklore than a keyboard itself. Technology is present here, but it plays the role of a guide-translator. If you want a model without compromises, VPA87 is for you. And Varmilo VPM87 Chang’e EC V2 Sakura is just a valuable thing for fans of oriental mythology. So yes, I recommend it.
Where to buy
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