UK VA88M CMYK PBT Backlit MX Brown Tactile Keyboard

My third mech keyboard, first with brown switches. The other ones have been mainstream gaming companies as opposed to keyboard enthusiasts, and the difference shows.

First off - The build quality, Varmilo are renowned in the keyboard community, and I now realise that it's incredibly justified, you can feel the build quality from the keycaps to the main body.

Secondly, the usage. I use a keyboard a lot as I both play games, and program often, so this keyboard with these switches feels absolutely perfect, the brown switches aren't too loud, and the tactile response is amazing for both typing and games.

Finally, the design - Tenkeyless keyboards are amazing, I don't have much desk space but even if I did, I doubt I will ever switch back to tenkey, it just feels so much sleeker and nicer, and gives me more space for mouse movement in FPS games like Counter-Strike. The keycaps are also lovely, with both the cmyk and retro keys both being a beautiful scheme. I love them both so much that I switch between the two kinda often, as I'm still undecided on which I prefer.

In conclusion, I've had no issues with the product, and I had amazing support from keyboardco, making sure the keyboard arrived okay, with a follow up email after it had arrived too. I can tell that this keyboard is a lasting investment, and I hope to keep it for a long time.

Highlight, an excellent solid keyboard that works wonderfully for my job writing SQL queries (programming).

I'd been using a Logitech keyboard with the Romer G switches and after a prior MX brown keyboard I thought I'd found my ideal. After a few year it developed a nasty habit of double registering keypresses which in my job is a major hazard as I tend to be writing for around half the hours in the day and clicking the rest writing SQL queries and such for my job working with databases. I bought this keyboard as a replacement but I almost bought another Logitech keyboard and now I'm glad I bought this instead. Though it uses the same keys as my prior more gaming focused MX brown keyboard it feels a lot more solid on the keys. The prior board had some level of wobble as you pressed the keys like they weren't quite attached right but this one is damn near perfect. I added some dampners as I prefer quiet keys but with those fitted the keystroke is definite and smooth with a clear, if dampened, bottom to the travel. I can type with more certainty and took no time to adjust to this new keyboard even though my prior one was a full sized gaming keyboard.

Time will tell if I suffer from any issues with the board but in my first week or so with it I've seen no sign of any issues and judging by how efficient Keyboard Co has been about my order, their selection of products and the email following up my order asking if I've had any issues, I don't believe I'll have any issues in the future either.

Bought for my son for school work and for gaming. Was an upgrade from a Corsair with speed switches. He loves his VA88. I want one now.
Super fast delivery.

Great keyboard, great service.
The keyboard (UK VA88M CMYK PBT Backlit MX Brown Tactile) is solid and a step up from anything I've owned in the past. Many of the keyboards I have previously owned were more expensive than this. They offered more gimmicks but did a poor job of the basics; a keyboard is for typing.
The deck is solid with very little flex. The Cherry MX Browns are just the right balance of Tactile and noise level. The PBT key caps are high quality and the TKL form factor is exactly the right size and functionality for me (I program, Game and do general typing). For those who wish to move into the enthusiast zone the keyboard offers a great start point if you wish to customise further; but for most of us it's perfect as it is.

I don't usually do reviews but I'm enjoying typing on this keyboard so much this has turned into an Essay!

The Keyboard Co were fantastic with their communication, this product was unavailable when I wanted it so they let me pre-order and kept me in the loop. The product itself is fantastic, it feels really high quality - and don't get me started on how GOOD THE KEYS SOUND! Thanks TKC!

First time using keyboardco, first TKL and first experience of cherry browns. Delighted with the quality of the board so far, and with the service from keyboardco.

Looks great. The backlighting is not as useful as it might seem because the lights face forwards, not upwards, and the keycaps are opaque, so it doesn't really help me to see the keys. But I touch-type a layout that doesn't match the labels anyway. The pulsating backlight mode is a gimmick which entertained my kids for a few minutes.

The spacebar feels a bit floppy but that is not too unusual, otherwise feels good to type on. I wasn't expecting it to feel so different to my 8-year-old Filco which also has Cherry MX browns. Perhaps 8 years of use has worn them down!

The only real functional issue is that, as other reviewers have noted, the keyboard presents itself as an Apple keyboard; Linux defaults to Apple-style FN-key handling; but the FN key doesn't behave like it does on real Apple keyboards. It was easy enough to work around by setting hid_apple.fnmode=2, and in fact I already had this set from previously using a real Apple keyboard. But I fairly regularly do fresh installations so it is sad that I will have to do this every time to get the F-keys to work. Allegedly one can ask Varmilo for alternative firmware that doesn't have this issue, and the workaround works well enough for the time being. But if I had done better research ahead of time I might have gone with a different keyboard.

Amazing keyboard! Comfortable and seems very well made. For those of you who are having trouble with function keys not working on Ubuntu add `options hid_apple fnmode=2` to etcmodprobe.dhid_apple.conf file.

Service from KeyboardCo was really good. Fast delivery and I good communcation.

For the past 6 years, I have used nothing but mainstream brand full-size mechanical keyboards! I was sitting on the fence for weeks deciding on whether or not spending this amount of keyboard was justifiable.

In the end I decided to bite the bullet and make the purchase, I have never bought anything from The Keyboard Co before, however, now I have I can say I can wholeheartedly recommend them, quick, professional and with plenty of choice for even the most niche preferences.

The first time I used the keyboard, it felt like I had come to a revelation. The keyboard feels extremely solidly built, even for plastic casing. The keys feel far nicer and grippier than the ABS plastic ones on the consumer boards I used before. Even the tactile feel is much smoother and cleaner than that of equivalent MX Brown keyboards I had been using previously.

I was initially hesitant about switching from full size to TKL, but now I have gotten used to it, this form factor is far more comfortable to type on and use along-side my mouse as it sits more central on my desk.

I do use this keyboard with Linux, and there are a couple of steps you need to take due to some Linux distros recognising it as a Mac Keyboard, for things to work (i.e. function keys). Also used on my work PC that runs Windows 10 with no problem.

Overall, great keyboard and great company! Both highly recommended.

Delivered on time, prompt responses to my queries topped off with an absolutely lush keyboard (brown switches), would very much recommend both keyboardco and the keyboard itself!

TLDR: this is an amazing keyboard, high quality and a joy to type on.

I went back and forth on getting the VA88m for a while due to its price. Having never used a mechanical keyboard before or a TKL I thought maybe I should try something cheaper in the first instance, but I'm so glad I didn't. The keyboard is built to a very high stanrds, looks great and feels beautiful under you fingers. The keys are perfect, my typing speed and accuracy has improved just by switching to it and the sound of the keys is a nice bonus. If you've got to the point where you're thinking about getting a mechanical keyboard and have the money for this one I totally recommend it. The only caveat I would add is that if you don't already have a palm rest you will probably need one for using this keyboard as it is quite high.

Service from keyboardco was excellent.

My first serious keyboard- its perfect, looks great and types great too. Would order again.

Wonderful service from keyboardco. It was originally out of stock and they kept me informed at every step along the way. Thanks!

First tenkeyless keyboard and very happy with it. Build quality is solid and lives up to the hype.

Service from keyboardco was great. Hassle free and swift delivery, and freebies are always nice.

Really happy with this purchase. Best quality keyboard I've ever owned in my life. Really solid feel to it. Excellent to type on and stands out from the crowd with the coloured keys.

Service from keyboardco was exceptional, would highly recommend!

This keyboard is an unbelievable bit of kit for the price. Back lighting is perfect. Although there is some slight shine through on the coloured key-caps, but this is a non issue to me.

No discernible rattle in the stabilisers which is super nice.

Shipping and customer support were also fantastic, will definitely return!

Bought with MX Browns, keyboard is quality. Stabilizers are amazing and have no rattle at all on the spacebar, feels nice and light to type on. Was thinking about getting MX Reds but the Browns feel much nicer. Always buy from TheKeyboardCompany.

I own a Ducky keyboard with clear switches and wanted a tkl brown. This is easily one of the best TKL format keyboards out there. Solid build, has good weight to it. The non slip pads have a good grip to them.

Quality key caps too, they have a light grain finish to them which is very nice for typing. It comes with extra caps if you dont want to use the colour ones.

Excellent choice--feels great when typing fast and for longer periods.

Best supplier of keyboards in Europe!

Excellent range and great advice by Bruce and the team. I ordered the VA88M CMYK PBT with Cherry MX Brown. It's very sturdy and the keys have great weight with the MX Brown providing excellent response and activation.

I own various mechanical keyboards but this is by far my favourite. Looks amazing and it feels really nice to use. Delivery was quick and the packaging on point.

Delivery was on-time, the product arrived in perfect condition.

This is my second mechanical keyboard, first with tactile switches. I like it so far.

Great first keyboard for me so far. keys feel really nice and tactile. not too loud and the keycaps have a great feel and colour scheme.

My first mechanical keyboard. I have been using it for a month now and I couldn't be more satisfied with either the product itself or Keyboardco service! The build quality feels very robust, the keys feel great and are surprisingly easy to press, and the coloured modifier keys break the otherwise sensible white and grey. Would recommend!

first purchase from the keyboard co. first mech keyboard. keyboard feels and looks great...worth the premium over standard non mech keyboards. buying process was easy, price was reasonable. packaging, delivery charges, and delivery info was good. would recommend. cheers.

My first mechanical keyboard. Easily the best one I've ever typed on! Keyboardco service was great too.