Vortex is a Taiwanese brand that makes mechanical keyboards and keycaps. One of their more popular models is the New 75 or Race 3 (Race 3 from now on). Vortex were so kind to send me a Race 3 to review. I’ve used it for about a month and I feel I have spent enough time typing away on it that I can write a review for you guys.
The Vortex Race 3
The Race 3 is excellent for people who look for a smaller keyboard than tenkeyless, but don’t want to slim down to a 60% immediately. The Race 3 is a very nice in-between at 75%. There is no division between the number and F-keys, Home-End-PgUp and PgDown are located along the right side stacked. There is no excess space, just a densely packed keyboard.
”The condensed layout really is a space saver
Now I do really appreciate how densely packed it is but I hit the incorrect keys quite often, even after a month of using it. I tend to slam the Delete key when I want to hit Backspace and I catch myself fumbling for the arrow keys because there is no reference (empty space around them).
The anodised aluminum base does not wrap around the keys so they appear to float above the base which is a pretty nice effect. The aluminum base does make it heavy and sturdy and makes it feel well built which is really nice.
Thick dye-subbed PBT keycaps
The Vortex Race 3 sports thick dye subbed PBT caps which means no wear on the legends and no shine on the caps from the oil on your skin that interacts with the plastic overtime. They feature a nice, large capital letter dead center and the colored caps are nicely saturated in color and really pop.
Solid thick dye subbed PBT keycaps
Comes with colored keycaps
Typing away on this keyboard
The typing feel is amazing. I LOVE how the keycaps feel and how smooth they click. Mine was equipped with blue MX switches and it is seriously a joy to type on.
That being said, I do find myself going for the delete key when I mean to press the backspace. And I cant blindly find the arrow keys with my fingers, I have to look at the board and place my fingers on he arrow keys because there is no physical reference (ie empty space).
Changing modes with Vortex firmware
The firmware on the Vortex Race 3 allows you to switch between Mac and Windows mode, between QWERTY, Dvorak and more, assign macros and shortcuts.
There are three layers. By default layer 0 is active which you cannot program. This layer corresponds with the default keycaps set. Then there are three additional layer which are programmable. The layers are represented by a red, blue or green LED on the spacebar so you know which layer you’re working on.
The Vortex Race 3 comes with a set of keys for Mac users which contains Command and Option keys rather than the Win and Alt. You can switch to Mac mode so all keys work straight away without remapping them.
What do I think?
The Vortex Race 3 is so well built, of such high quality and types so nice that I rate it 8.5/10.
I love typing on this keyboard and I love the fact that I have more room on my desk because of its size. I immediately slapped on the colored keycaps because the all-grey felt boring and bland and I can see myself changing more keycaps soon. Unfortunately I will run into the problem with the oddly sized Esc and Delete keys not being included in many third party keycap sets.
Vortex delivers a winning combination of excellent build quality and functionality.
