Varmilo
Varmilo Sword 2-87 Flying Tigers
Best premium mechanical keyboard for enthusiasts seeking a durable, compact design.
Experience the Varmilo Sword 2-87 Flying Tigers, a second-generation mechanical keyboard featuring a premium CNC aluminum case with a striking four-stage color separation design. Its detachable magnetic top case allows for customization and future aesthetic updates. This keyboard stands out as the only one on the market combining a full metal case with exclusive Varmilo EC switches, offering a unique typing experience. It boasts PBT keycaps with dye-sublimated legends and white LED backlighting, ensuring durability and clear visibility. The Tenkeyless (TKL) form factor provides a compact yet functional layout for various users.
$305.00
More Sword Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1053
/ 3673
#1053 in Keyboards
Price vs Category Average
+118%
Above average
Case Material
CNC Aluminum
/ CNC Aluminum
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking a unique, visually striking desk centerpiece
- Typists prioritizing long-term durability and premium construction
- Professionals desiring a smooth, consistent, and satisfying typing feel
Who should skip it
- Minimalists preferring a neutral or understated aesthetic
- Enthusiasts wanting hot-swappable switches and deep software customization
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable mechanical option
Performance breakdown
Build Integrity
CNC aluminum construction provides a rigid, premium foundation for daily typing.
Switch Performance
Proprietary EC switches deliver a remarkably smooth and consistent tactile experience.
Aesthetic Customization
Magnetic top case design allows for effortless visual refreshes and updates.
Keycap Durability
High-quality PBT material ensures legends remain crisp after years of use.
Ergonomic Footprint
TKL layout balances essential functionality with valuable desk space savings.
Maintenance Flexibility
Lack of hotswap support limits quick switch experimentation for enthusiasts.
Key Specs
Case Material
CNC Aluminum
Design
4-stage color separation
Top Case
Detachable magnetic
Switches
Varmilo EC Ivy V2, Varmilo EC Rose V2, Varmilo EC Sakura V2, Varmilo EC Daisy V2
Layout
Tenkeyless (TKL)
Logical Layout
US QWERTY
Physical Layout
ANSI
Keycap Material
PBT
Features
- Premium CNC aluminum construction for durability and aesthetics.
- Unique four-stage color separation design for a visually appealing look.
- Detachable magnetic top case for easy customization and style changes.
- Exclusive Varmilo EC switches offer a distinct typing feel.
- Durable PBT keycaps with dye-sublimated legends for longevity.
- White LED backlighting for enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Tenkeyless (TKL) form factor saves desk space while retaining essential keys.
- Full USB Key Rollover ensures all keystrokes are registered accurately.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Varmilo Sword 2 87 Flying Tigers for its exceptional design and premium build quality. The unique Flying Tigers aesthetic is a significant draw, offering a distinctive and visually appealing keyboard. Users frequently highlight the robust construction and satisfying typing experience, attributing these to high quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. This keyboard is often seen as a standout piece, blending artistic flair with reliable performance, making it a cherished item for enthusiasts who value both form and function.
Know before you buy
Varmilo EC switches use non-contact electrostatic capacitive technology, which provides a smoother, more consistent keystroke than traditional mechanical switches. Because they lack physical metal contact points, they are also highly durable and resistant to oxidation.
No, the Varmilo Sword 2-87 is not hot-swappable. The switches are soldered to the PCB, so you should choose the switch variant—Ivy, Rose, Sakura, or Daisy—that best matches your preferred typing weight and sound profile at the time of purchase.
The top case is held in place by magnets, allowing you to easily detach it from the main aluminum chassis. This design makes it simple to clean the keyboard or swap the top frame if you want to change the aesthetic of your setup in the future.
Yes, the keyboard is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. While it is optimized for a standard US QWERTY layout, it will function plug-and-play across all three operating systems.
PBT plastic is significantly more durable and resistant to the 'shine' that develops on cheaper ABS keycaps over time. The dye-sublimation process embeds the legends into the plastic, ensuring the characters will not fade or wear off even with heavy daily use.
The Tenkeyless (TKL) layout removes the dedicated number pad but retains the function row, arrow keys, and navigation cluster. It is an ideal balance for users who want more desk space for their mouse without sacrificing the essential keys required for typing and general computing.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$305