Vortex Race 3

ohaimark · 30 May 2017, 06:38

I really don't understand why Vortex kept the 1.5u keys on the top row, but at least the stock keycaps are decent now. To summarize, it could make a decent travel keyboard for enthusiasts who don't want to swap its caps. Otherwise, it's a package deal for non-enthusiasts who want something nice.

I write for GoMK. You can read more here: http://gomechanicalkeyboard.com/vortex-race-3-review/

MrDuul · 30 May 2017, 06:45

Great review. Unlike my reviewing career which went up in flames in seconds.

Tuntematon · 13 Jun 2017, 05:03

Having 1.5u keys in the corners is actually quite logical. These are the keys furthest from home position, so a larger landing pad makes them easier to strike without looking. Of course, non-standard sizes will always get flak because of the compatibility issue.

Daniel Beardsmore · 13 Jun 2017, 09:21

I don't accept that a keyboard is truly programmable until I can add keys to it that are not yet there. For example, adding numpad 5 for Inkscape. Without scancode entry, why waste your time bothering? You''ll have to use some other solution so you may as well stick with that as it will be easier.

zslane · 13 Jun 2017, 18:47

ohaimark wrote: I really don't understand why Vortex kept the 1.5u keys on the top row...

Because disregarding standards is a philosophical necessity when producing Yet Another Alternative Layout. The assumption always is that the unique layout is vastly more important to you than replacing the stock keycaps.

TuxKey · 13 Jun 2017, 21:35

Nice review indeed.
Only the user Rating of 8.3 is a bit on the high side if you ask me i would say around 7.5 max.
i considered this board and decided to pay double and get the K-type for several reasons.
One of them being programability and the keycaps being standard size.

i would have preferred this layout. and with full programmability.
This is basically how a 75% would look with all keycaps being compatible And having full programability.

Spoiler:

Personally i could do without the F-row considering that's just a layer away. so why not.

Spoiler:

Only problem is no one makes it YET..
Who knows perhaps one day Vortex will step up...or Perhaps Input club with version 2 of the whitefox ..

ohaimark · 13 Jun 2017, 22:10

My rating system only rates what is there, not what isn't.

If a keyboard doesn't have full programmability or some other feature, I don't judge it based on what it doesn't have. Features are so subjective and personal that I can only judge the implementation of what IS there. Not aesthetics or its spec list. Only durability and usability.

Daniel Beardsmore · 13 Jun 2017, 23:32

We're way beyond the point where a rubbish attempt at programmability is acceptable.

Too much form, too little function, like basically everything else on the market. The extreme lengths that companies go to over an object that you're not even supposed to see when using it is absurd. What's the use of reactive backlighting if you're looking at the screen? And a metal case that's nearly invisible is a waste of money that could be better spent on a better controller.

chuckdee · 13 Jun 2017, 23:35

That's for you to decide. And for others to decide. The programmability on a non-custom keyboard is very much useful to me. Having my whitefox at work is troubling, and I got my clueboard to take to work... but don't think I will. They just cost to much to have sitting out. My Pok3r I had at work was a good price point to take that risk with. I also have a cheap 75% that I was thinking of taking, but it's one that I built from scratch, so affection keeps that from being a viable alternative. I'm hoping to replace it with this, as the Pok3r for daily use was too much in the way of concession, but this won't be.

zslane wrote:
ohaimark wrote: I really don't understand why Vortex kept the 1.5u keys on the top row...
Because disregarding standards is a philosophical necessity when producing Yet Another Alternative Layout. The assumption always is that the unique layout is vastly more important to you than replacing the stock keycaps.

Yeah, this was my concern also.

TuxKey wrote: Nice review indeed.
i would have preferred this layout. and with full programmability.

<snip />

Only problem is no one makes it YET..

There are several that follow your layout already available. In fact, this is the one on my standing desk work setup at home:

There's a GB for one going on right now on GH that I'm thinking about getting in on, and the KBD75 takes a while to get, but is readily available from KBDFans (I have one waiting for me to put it together).

TuxKey · 27 Jun 2017, 22:53

Funny i have the same white-blue double shot pbt set sitting in plastic bags. along with a set of black/white double shot pbt never used. didn't know they looked so good. Still will be putting them both for sell. EU only have no use for them so..

btw. clueboard awsome wish i had the $$ to spring for one.
going without the "Optional Decorative Set:"
And no Keycap set.
But getting the Zealios 65g tactile the total price is $294
if i want sum caps and considering the shift issue that seems like a good idea. Total price goes to $389
Add the 33% customs crap i have to pay ..yes i live in Europe .. so it's $286 or $518 ....
No way that's just NUTS.
Time for a different solution for us folks outside the US

chuckdee · 28 Jun 2017, 00:13

TuxKey wrote: Funny i have the same white-blue double shot pbt set sitting in plastic bags. along with a set of black/white double shot pbt never used. didn't know they looked so good. Still will be putting them both for sell. EU only have no use for them so..

btw. clueboard awsome wish i had the $$ to spring for one.
going without the "Optional Decorative Set:"
And no Keycap set.
But getting the Zealios 65g tactile the total price is $294
if i want sum caps and considering the shift issue that seems like a good idea. Total price goes to $389
Add the 33% customs crap i have to pay ..yes i live in Europe .. so it's $286 or $518 ....
No way that's just NUTS.
Time for a different solution for us folks outside the US

Depends on what set you have laying around. That one is actually GMK Hydro from the Keyclack groupbuy and is shipped in a tray.

https://old.keyclack.com/product-catego ... uys/hydro/

As far as the other, I see this complaint over and over, but no solutions. And I think it's just because it's something that has to be paid for import, dictated by your government, and nothing that the manufacturers/distributors have any control over. I order from overseas, and see the customs certs on the boxes. But I don't have to pay anything on them. I've ordered from KBDfans, UK Keycaps, JTK through a group buy in the UK, and several others, and haven't had to pay anything extra. That seems to indicate that the problem is on your side, through your government. Unless I'm missing something?

chuckdee · 28 Jun 2017, 00:18

ohaimark wrote: I really don't understand why Vortex kept the 1.5u keys on the top row, but at least the stock keycaps are decent now. To summarize, it could make a decent travel keyboard for enthusiasts who don't want to swap its caps. Otherwise, it's a package deal for non-enthusiasts who want something nice.

I write for GoMK. You can read more here: http://gomechanicalkeyboard.com/vortex-race-3-review/

So I purchased this board from Amazon a bit ago. And no longer have it. It's to that extent how much I didn't like it (and keep in mind that my first board was a Pok3r, and I liked it so much that I got another. Everything, from the angle to the caps, to the layout was not fit for me for a 75%. Add to that the fact that the default layer isn't programmable, and it started out at a negative for me. Even with that, I tried to get used to it, but it wasn't for me.

The quality of it, I have no complaints about; it was actually a fairly heavy board, and there was little rebound when typing. But there was some other quality that I couldn't put my finger on, that made it very difficult to type on with any accuracy and speed.

Just one man's take...

TuxKey · 28 Jun 2017, 00:18

Well that helps a lot doesn't it

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TuxKey · 28 Jun 2017, 00:19

Here's what I think about government. http://bit.ly/2sG0wZM

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TuxKey · 28 Jun 2017, 00:23

Correct it's a problem for me. So no skin of your back. Only I'm hoping it will have an influence on the spending of many because we / I can only spend my € once so if I'm paying all sorts of chit to get one product I won't be buying seconds or thirds without thinking hard real hard about it.

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TuxKey · 28 Jun 2017, 00:25

As a result people outside the us say things like the demand in the Eu so much lower. Not stating all the reasons for that.

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chuckdee · 28 Jun 2017, 00:33

TuxKey wrote: Correct it's a problem for me. So no skin of your back. Only I'm hoping it will have an influence on the spending of many because we / I can only spend my € once so if I'm paying all sorts of chit to get one product I won't be buying seconds or thirds without thinking hard real hard about it.

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I just asked what is the solution? The solution would seem to be with your government. Do you disagree? Is there something that they could do to get around customs and the additional money that you're paying? You talk about the spending habits- do you think that Clueboard could reduce the pricing to make it so that you can pay the usury on the product coming in? He's said that he prefers lower prices so that he can sell more units and cuts his margins as much as he reasonably could. So that's not really an option. What other options are there?