Author Topic: Varmilo VB87M Bluetooth! Wireless Mechanical keyboard..Wehoo! (Read 31659 times)

James35 · « **on:** Wed, 20 May 2015, 18:30:38 »

Finally, another bluetooth wireless mechanical option has become available! https://www.massdrop.com/buy/varmilo-vb87m-bluetooth
The only other decent wireless TKL is the GON NS NerD Crystal TKL. I'd prefer the GON but it's out of my price range ($555 assembled).
Looking forward to a real solution for my HTPC. Might be able to switch pairing to my cell phone and laptop. Not sure if they offer some sort of pairing toggle or not.

Data · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 21 May 2015, 08:15:58 »

There's no such thing as a pairing toggle. BT doesn't work that way. It's very... caveman-esque. You should not expect to switch between 2 active devices with Bluetooth.

That said, buy this keyboard. I have the wired version and it's phenomenal. I'll be buying another one as soon as Varmilo offers them with Cherry Clears again -- which could be ages from now.

awhitedev · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 21 May 2015, 08:38:38 »

What's the battery life like on this thing? No one can seem to answer this question

Wireless things are either really good or REALLY bad.

James35 · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 21 May 2015, 14:39:46 »

Quote from: Data on Thu, 21 May 2015, 08:15:58

There's no such thing as a pairing toggle. BT doesn't work that way. It's very... caveman-esque. You should not expect to switch between 2 active devices with Bluetooth.

Sure there is. Check out the new Logitech MX Master. Best mouse I've ever owned by the way.

"Pair up to 3 devices and easily switch between them with the touch of a button."

Latin00032 · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 21 May 2015, 15:21:09 »

Quote from: James35 on Thu, 21 May 2015, 14:39:46

Quote from: Data on Thu, 21 May 2015, 08:15:58
There's no such thing as a pairing toggle. BT doesn't work that way. It's very... caveman-esque. You should not expect to switch between 2 active devices with Bluetooth.

Sure there is. Check out the new Logitech MX Master. Best mouse I've ever owned by the way.
Show Image

"Pair up to 3 devices and easily switch between them with the touch of a button."

Dat hand model!

Latin00032 · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 21 May 2015, 15:23:08 »

Quote from: Data on Thu, 21 May 2015, 08:15:58

There's no such thing as a pairing toggle. BT doesn't work that way. It's very... caveman-esque. You should not expect to switch between 2 active devices with Bluetooth.

That said, buy this keyboard. I have the wired version and it's phenomenal. I'll be buying another one as soon as Varmilo offers them with Cherry Clears again -- which could be ages from now.

Why is it phenomenal?

I'm just asking because I want to know what makes it stand out compared to most other tkl boards.

daerid · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 22 May 2015, 03:01:30 »

Quote from: Latin00032 on Thu, 21 May 2015, 15:23:08

Why is it phenomenal?

I'm just asking because I want to know what makes it stand out compared to most other tkl boards.

Same here. I'd love a BT mech for quite a few things, and am curious as to Data's reaction as well

Sygaldry · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 22 May 2015, 03:18:45 »

Hmm... Comes with USB cable but apparently can't hook up to the computer via USB - I guess it's just for charging?

This looks interesting but if I can't choose whether to use BT or USB, then this is a no go for me. Bluetooth is too finicky for a permanent solution IMO.

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 22 May 2015, 07:26:27 »

Quote from: James35 on Thu, 21 May 2015, 14:39:46

Quote from: Data on Thu, 21 May 2015, 08:15:58
There's no such thing as a pairing toggle. BT doesn't work that way. It's very... caveman-esque. You should not expect to switch between 2 active devices with Bluetooth.

Sure there is. Check out the new Logitech MX Master. Best mouse I've ever owned by the way.
Show Image

"Pair up to 3 devices and easily switch between them with the touch of a button."

This is what I was thinking as well....anyone remember one of the first bluetooth mechanical boards?

-> http://kbtalkingusa.com/full-specifications-and-features/

'Quickly switch between 11 devices (10 Bluetooth devices + 1 USB) for an incredible typing experience on all your favorite devices! Can be 100% wireless (powered by two AA batteries) or USB powered. It’s up to you!'

vivalarevolución · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 22 May 2015, 08:43:08 »

I saw in threads from a few months ago that these did not work well with Mac? Any update on that?

greath · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 22 May 2015, 09:54:54 »

On the discussion on massdrop:

MartyPark: "Hi there, I have heard that this model has a key typing bug . Have you heard about this before ? If you have, please let me know.... I have heard about it from LEOPOLD which is the Keyboard Company in south Korea and they confirmed this model has the issue. I would like to know the truth of this, since this is very serious."

Anyone know what this guy is talking about?

SamFlynn · « **Reply #11 on:** Sat, 23 May 2015, 00:09:24 »

Quote from: greath on Fri, 22 May 2015, 09:54:54

On the discussion on massdrop:

MartyPark: "Hi there, I have heard that this model has a key typing bug . Have you heard about this before ? If you have, please let me know.... I have heard about it from LEOPOLD which is the Keyboard Company in south Korea and they confirmed this model has the issue. I would like to know the truth of this, since this is very serious."

Anyone know what this guy is talking about?

'key typing bug' - weird thing to say

Blaise170 · « **Reply #12 on:** Sat, 23 May 2015, 02:49:26 »

Quote from: vivalarevolución on Fri, 22 May 2015, 08:43:08

I saw in threads from a few months ago that these did not work well with Mac? Any update on that?

"Finally bringing a native supported bluetooth 4.0 mechanical keyboard to the market that boasts the same build quality you've come to love, but with the extra features of Gateron switches and full Mac compatibility."

Axollott · « **Reply #13 on:** Sat, 23 May 2015, 05:11:41 »

BT keyboards = key loggers delight. Another possible security exploit. Wonderful thing for a critical device where you type your life.

vivalarevolución · « **Reply #14 on:** Sat, 23 May 2015, 06:08:07 »

Quote from: Blaise170 on Sat, 23 May 2015, 02:49:26

Quote from: vivalarevolución on Fri, 22 May 2015, 08:43:08
I saw in threads from a few months ago that these did not work well with Mac? Any update on that?

"Finally bringing a native supported bluetooth 4.0 mechanical keyboard to the market that boasts the same build quality you've come to love, but with the extra features of Gateron switches and full Mac compatibility."

I should read more. Thanks.

Moses Williams · « **Reply #15 on:** Wed, 27 May 2015, 20:06:36 »

Does anyone know if this board can work via usb plug in? That is, will it work if the usb cord is plugged in, but the device isn't bluetooth paired? I need to know if this board can work using a wired connection!

Edit: it doesn't.

James35 · « **Reply #16 on:** Wed, 27 May 2015, 20:46:59 »

According to what I've read, it will not work via USB. USB is for charging only. Someone said their next version will have both connection options. For my needs, I'll be using it for wireless only, so Bluetooth only works fine for me.

cutterline · « **Reply #17 on:** Wed, 29 July 2015, 01:57:54 »

Quote from: Axollott on Sat, 23 May 2015, 05:11:41

BT keyboards = key loggers delight. Another possible security exploit. Wonderful thing for a critical device where you type your life.

Yeah, they can just keylog my vulgar history. Cmbucket, cream pie, turtle p0n0s, milk, etc.
Or you can easily make Faraday's cage for your working space.

I assume with your security concern, you don't type critical part your life in a cafe or public area don't you? Unless being a hipster, bringing TKL keyboard everywhere.

Joking aside, they can use this instead, a sure method to get your life. Probably they can just tap router as well.

==================================
I wonder if someone already got and undress this baby.
I'm curious about the nrf51882 they're using.
This module they're using is more open than Broadcom's so it has higher chance to make your own layout or cannibalize to make your own BT keyboard.

Axollott · « **Reply #18 on:** Wed, 29 July 2015, 02:07:12 »

Quote from: cutterline on Wed, 29 July 2015, 01:57:54

Quote from: Axollott on Sat, 23 May 2015, 05:11:41
BT keyboards = key loggers delight. Another possible security exploit. Wonderful thing for a critical device where you type your life.

Yeah, they can just keylog my vulgar history. Cmbucket, cream pie, turtle p0n0s, milk, etc.
Or you can easily make Faraday's cage for your working space.

I assume with your security concern, you don't type critical part your life in a cafe or public area don't you? Unless being a hipster, bringing TKL keyboard everywhere.

Joking aside, they can use this instead, a sure method to get your life. Probably they can just tap router as well.

==================================
I wonder if someone already got and undress this baby.
I'm curious about the nrf51882 they're using.
This module they're using is more open than Broadcom's so it has higher chance to make your own layout or cannibalize to make your own BT keyboard.

Wired connections, VPN, strong entropy passwords, updated software, outbound firewalls. I'll do everything I can if you don't mind.

skuko · « **Reply #19 on:** Wed, 29 July 2015, 05:22:02 »

Quote from: Data on Thu, 21 May 2015, 08:15:58

There's no such thing as a pairing toggle. BT doesn't work that way. It's very... caveman-esque. You should not expect to switch between 2 active devices with Bluetooth.

That said, buy this keyboard. I have the wired version and it's phenomenal. I'll be buying another one as soon as Varmilo offers them with Cherry Clears again -- which could be ages from now.

would you mind doing 2 things for me?
1. take a photo of the underside sticker, depicting the exact model number (currently there's a real confusion among the VA87M, VA87MR, etc)
2. take off the spacebar confirm that it has costar stabilizers and standard spacebar stem spacing (ideally by comparing the spacebar with a standard one)

i currently have one on order from aliexpress and i do really hope it has standard spacebar stem spacing and costar stabilizers, because i hear that people who ordered from massdrop received stuff with cherry stabilizers and nonstandard spacebars, which is infuriating, since they wanted to put GMK sets on, etc.

cutterline · « **Reply #20 on:** Wed, 29 July 2015, 06:28:24 »

Quote from: Axollott on Wed, 29 July 2015, 02:07:12

Wired connections, VPN, strong entropy passwords, updated software, outbound firewalls. I'll do everything I can if you don't mind.

Still you can't not to use processor. Even back in 2013, they can extract RSA key using sound of CPU.
2 years later, they make a bug PITA bread to sniff processor wave. If they can do that, somebody bound to use that to tap to router's ARM processor as well.

Either build a faraday's cage around the vital s pot or back to stone age?
or, you can program the MCU to give out "F*ck p0n0s" in the packet every 10 second or so?

paicrai · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 29 July 2015, 12:46:28 »

Quote from: Axollott on Sat, 23 May 2015, 05:11:41

BT keyboards = key loggers delight. Another possible security exploit. Wonderful thing for a critical device where you type your life.

i feel like this mindset is a bad idea but im guilty of it

FoxWolf1 · « **Reply #22 on:** Wed, 29 July 2015, 13:06:40 »

No genuine USB connection is a dealbreaker for me, as is the lack of numpad. Lack of multi pairing also seems sub-optimal.

Guess I'll wait for someone to start importing or rebranding Jaki JB002s before revisiting the idea of a keyboard for my desktop that I can also use to type out text messages.

Axollott · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 29 July 2015, 14:59:21 »

Quote from: paicrai on Wed, 29 July 2015, 12:46:28

Quote from: Axollott on Sat, 23 May 2015, 05:11:41
BT keyboards = key loggers delight. Another possible security exploit. Wonderful thing for a critical device where you type your life.
i feel like this mindset is a bad idea but im guilty of it

It's all about being less fragile, less vulnerable to the great impact of the highly improbable. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

madhias · « **Reply #24 on:** Wed, 29 July 2015, 15:03:32 »

I had it in my hands when user HAL showed me his new purchase. It is well build, and feels solid, and I really like the (simple) design. It does look not cheap! USB can't be used, it is only for charging though. I'd like to get maybe a smaller version, the VB660 if it is available somewhere... But only if there are no Bluetooth issues

wlhlm · « **Reply #25 on:** Wed, 29 July 2015, 15:07:18 »

Quote from: madhias on Wed, 29 July 2015, 15:03:32

I had it in my hands when user HAL showed me his new purchase. It is well build, and feels solid, and I really like the (simple) design. It does look not cheap! USB can't be used, it is only for charging though. I'd like to get maybe a smaller version, the VB660 if it is available somewhere... But only if there are no Bluetooth issues

VB660 is totally a thing!

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/2dji8f/varmilo_vb660m_a_bluetooth_modified_leopold/

ms264556 · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 01 October 2015, 11:18:05 »

Not sure what you guys need wired for, but if it's because you need to type in boot passwords, use in an unsupported OS, etc, then there's a nice workaround...
I bought a Laird BT820 usb bluetooth dongle from Farnell.com, and followed the instructions on the laird website (Application Note - BT800 Series HID Proxy.pdf) to switch it into HID Proxy mode.
The dongle now looks like a usb hub with a usb keyboard plugged in. The VB87M works to enter and use the bios setup, and I use it every day to type in my bitlocker boot password.

compuguy · « **Reply #27 on:** Sat, 12 March 2016, 15:48:55 »

Quote from: ms264556 on Thu, 01 October 2015, 11:18:05

Not sure what you guys need wired for, but if it's because you need to type in boot passwords, use in an unsupported OS, etc, then there's a nice workaround...
I bought a Laird BT820 usb bluetooth dongle from Farnell.com, and followed the instructions on the laird website (Application Note - BT800 Series HID Proxy.pdf) to switch it into HID Proxy mode.
The dongle now looks like a usb hub with a usb keyboard plugged in. The VB87M works to enter and use the bios setup, and I use it every day to type in my bitlocker boot password.

Hate to resurrect an old thread, but how were you able to get the CSR BlueSuite software without signing an nda (mentioned here: http://www.lairdtech.com/brandworld/library/Application%20Note%20-%20BT800%20Series%20HID%20Proxy.pdf). I would love to get this to use on Linux, since the keyboard doesn't pair properly with Ubuntu 15.10.

ms264556 · « **Reply #28 on:** Sun, 13 March 2016, 01:30:45 »

Quote from: compuguy on Sat, 12 March 2016, 15:48:55

Hate to resurrect an old thread, but how were you able to get the CSR BlueSuite software without signing an nda (mentioned here: http://www.lairdtech.com/brandworld/library/Application%20Note%20-%20BT800%20Series%20HID%20Proxy.pdf). I would love to get this to use on Linux, since the keyboard doesn't pair properly with Ubuntu 15.10.

If you do a google search for csr bluesuite then one of the top results is a firmware upgrade guide for kc wirefree.
I followed the link at the top of this pdf.

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Author Topic: Varmilo VB87M Bluetooth! Wireless Mechanical keyboard..Wehoo! (Read 31659 times)