Ducky One 3 TKL vs Varmilo VA87M
The Ducky One 3 TKL and the Varmilo VA87M are close alternatives. The main differences: the Ducky One 3 TKL is the cheaper of the two at $125 versus $139; the Ducky One 3 TKL is hot-swap while the Varmilo VA87M is soldered; stock, the Ducky One 3 TKL sounds clean, dampened clack and the Varmilo VA87M solid, mild clack.
- Lower priceDucky One 3 TKL$125 versus $139
- Easier to modDucky One 3 TKLhot-swap sockets
4.39 ratings· Amazon
Choose the Ducky One 3 TKL if
- you mainly want it for gaming.
- you want to spend less ($125).
- you want to swap switches without soldering.
Choose the Varmilo VA87M if
- you mainly want it for office.
Ducky One 3 TKL vs Varmilo VA87M, spec by spec
| Ducky One 3 TKL | Varmilo VA87M | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Keycaps | PBT double-shot, Cherry profile | PBT dye-sub |
| Case | ABS plastic (two-tone) | ABS plastic |
| Mount | Tray (silicone + EVA dampened, QUACK Mechanics) | Plate (tray-style plate mount) |
| Backlight | RGB | White / none |
| QMK / VIA | No | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $125 (stronger spec) | $139 |
| Sound (stock) | clean, dampened clack | solid, mild clack |
| Released | 2021 | n/a |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
49% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Ducky One 3 TKL; 55% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Varmilo VA87M.
Where to buy the Ducky One 3 TKL
Where to buy the Varmilo VA87M
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