Vortex Core Review

[@babagucci]

Here is my day one experience with this keyboard. I'm a programmer and I also use Pok3r at work with all blank keycaps and I'm really comfortable with it. The build quality and the look of the keyboard is top notch. Programmability is not as good as Pok3r but still good. No underside switches. There are no bumps on F and J which feels weird. I never knew I liked them so much. I also didn't like the flat base, you may also need a nice wrist rest with this, if you plan to make it your daily keyboard. Writing with it is really fun and easy if you write youtube comments but for code you have to practice a lot. The manual that comes with the keyboard is misprinted which is not a big issue, there is an updated manual on the manufacturers website. I think if you carefully change your layout for coding and with practice you can get really fast. I don't usually write long comments but with this keyboard I can't stop. The blue switches are amazing, I also have blue switches with the Pok3r but these sounds much better maybe because of the quality keycaps because I use cheap-ass blank keycaps with it. Somebody stop me. Thanks for reading. Hi mom!

[@curlcurllocal]

To hit F2 how do I do it? i.e. do you hold a functionkey and then the key with F2 on it, or do you have to fully go to a layer using the layer switching keys and then press it?

[@tusing7780]

Nice cinematic shots! Loved seeing the sunlight reflect off of the curves of the DSA caps at 4:55.

[@matt-im6wp]

The b-roll in this video was next level. Love it!

[@ultraviolet7129]

Appreciate the improvements in production quality man. Great work

[@RhinoFeed]

Thanks!

[@NONAME-vl5dn]

I love this keyboard! I had issues with my wrist after a surgery and it left me with less mobility than I used to have, often forcing me to take a break after typing for long periods of time. Now with the size of the keyboard my wrists don't usually have to be bent at a weird angle causing me pain and I am free to type for much longer. I plan to use this keyboard in college (although maybe I'll have to bring a number pad) for programming. The blue switches in my version are nice, obviously loud but unless if I am typing in a library my work station will most likely be a laptop anyway only breaking out the keyboard if my wrist flares up or I am using a school/work computer. My gripes with this keyboard is that while replacement keys are out there Vortex [at least to my knowledge] doesn't supply any stock keys with the shortcuts labeled on them and I would love an option in the future to allow USB-C. While not meant for gaming {DUH} it is great for productivity and likewise perfect for the daily commute. Other than that this keyboard is a home run and I love the compact footprint of the product and its minimalistic design. Many people prefer the 60% keyboards but I am in love with this little 40% one. 5 out of 5 would buy again.... But it better get USB-C in it's next iteration! - Typed on Vortex core [Cherry MX-Blue switches]

[@JJC15433]

My Core with MX Clears is coming tomorrow. If it's remotely as usable as the Pok3r I'll be super excited.

[@mmmorp]

So, how is it?

[@bariswheel]

Yes how is it??

[@LyndanTylor]

I got mine today and I'm typing this with it. I've only ever used one other mech which was the Razer Blackwidow with Cherry MX Blue switches. I got the Core with Silver switches and compared to the clacky clacky blues on the cheapo Blackwidow (2013), this thing feels AMAZING. I still make typos and type kinda slow because I'm getting used to it.. And having to learn new ways to press apostrophe, question mark, exclamation mark, etc. is a hassle, but I'm sure I'll be used to it in no time, at which point I'll love this thing to death. The quality of this thing truly is immaculate.

[@MegaKalkas]

Com'on man, how is it?

[@yannhk]

I really enjoy your keyboard review, pure excellence! thanks for uploading

[@knowgnod]

the video aesthetics are next-gen. love it

[@profetik777]

Loooooooved the closing shot

[@corpclarke]

Got this keyboard this week. Love it. Although I think that fancy box was reserved for reviewers. The retail units are shipping in fairly ordinary boxes now.

[@rauljosegarcia]

Typing this comment on the Vortex Core keyboard. It is really comfortable and a huge space saver. It takes some time to get used to the the alternate locations of the "missing keys" but it's worth it if you really need to save the space or take a keyboard with you somewhere. Highly recommended.

[@samdeur]

nice overview. like the pics and the part @end looks like shots i would run on my tv just to relax hahaha nice keyboard pics with coastal sounds in the background ;-) or am my being to keyboard nerdy? i have the same problem as with other Vortex models i want the Fn key on the left so i can use the arrow cluster with my right hand. that's the only reason why i payed so much to get two FC660C/M models

[@replicant8532]

Pok3r needs to be updated with the same style case and dye sublimated keycaps (keep OEM profile and Bank Gothic font though), fully programmable and hotpluggable switches. Endgame off the shelf!

[@idkthetime]

thats the review I've been waiting for

[@fishblade2]

Do you know if the updated firmware allows for one space bar to be programmed to fn? Also how do you updated the firmware?

[@thecount25]

At the end is that the keyboard in his natural environment?

[@username65585]

I thought I'd be happy with my Pok3r and then I see this. Why must you tempt me Vortex?!?!

[@DavidKarlsson]

I COMPLETELY agree, I want a minivan with the right space as a function key. That would be perfect.

[@heatvisionvr]

Loving these compact keyboards

[@scaredfolks5923]

Just got mine with the new keycaps and all, sooooooooooo nice. Mine didn't come with clear cherry housing and I think it looks way better. This took so long to type haha.

[@floydhayes]

it's great apart from the micro USB port which is weak - I've had two of these now and both times that port just isn't "deep" enough.

[@UsrBinAnnika]

Well done! Great review and such a beautiful video.

[@abdomination]

This seems like an awesome keyboard and an amazing value.

[@bradmcnamara706]

So you brought up that USB-C is the new thing with keyboards. Is there actually any benefit to USB-C for a keyboard other than it being easier to insert it into the keyboard?

[@bangs_edit]

Will they restock on amazon?

[@DavidSimonTetruashvili]

Great review, you should be getting more subs for this.

[@mattburnett7440]

With hardware programmable keys is it possible to program things like en dash and em dash if they aren't present on the keyboard already? What about commands like Alt+F4, or media functions? Great review btw - thanks!

[@Atm-nv9lz]

I feel that if I ever got a keyboard with a split space bar, as I would make them both space! I type using my right thumb, but game with my left!

[@SubterraneanChick]

Vortex appeared a bit dazed and confused about the design with this particular model. Specifically, some engineering models have black switch housing, some with clear housing and a few with out the box RGB LED models. I think I prefer the former, but am soon to own each. This is the first OTB complete to capture my heart at first sight. This is definitely a keyboard screaming happy hacking. Cream & tan + programmable = Uber Geeky. Love.

[@amirunited2903]

On these little keyboards, when compared to a typical mechanical keyboard, is there actually less distance between the keys "asdfghjkl"?

[@hlogo2720]

So quick... you has got it

[@vincetang7548]

I'm thinking of picking one up specifically for school with the use of my laptop. I've only before used full Sized, tkl, and a 68 percent keyboard, but never committed to a 60 percent. I've dabbled in function layers and macros before, though. So my question is should I commit to the smaller size for more probability or go with a 60 percent, and how much time would it in general take to "get used to" this board?

[@slipknotboy555]

This little guy looks like a great choice for a living room gaming PC (other ~40% keyboards probably would, too, though)

[@SugarFreeTargets]

I think this keyboard looks badass! But I think I would have a hard time typing on it.

[@Sphierro]

Will this keyboard have RGB in the next model? I really like the look of this board

[@mujtaba598]

Man I want to get one, but I do a lot of programming and some keys are missing. Not sure if I could adapt to using the fn + shift keys to access those often used keys :(

[@jayscoottey]

absolutely amazing b roll

[@laboyrie]

so to do a bracket and switch back to default layer it would take 5 key strokes?

[@SlickyMemsec]

u know he's serious when he puts the keyboard on sand

[@thinkdunson]

what's the official website for the company that makes this?

[@iAnthony]

Nice review!

[@R4vel]

My god, that case is fucking amazing

[@theIzekk]

Wow. This was the best review ever.

[@DefenderOfChodes]

Nice review as always. Will you ever do an Iphone 7 review?

[@RhinoFeed]

Is it too late? I guess MKBHD is going to do a 6-month video, I suppose I could do the same. I'll have to consider it...

[@pratamakevin3064]

So excited good reviews

[@seconduk]

Always love your video!

[@DzSwipe]

Could you do a review on the leopold fc660c dyesub? Very interested in it and I want to know your thoughts on it.

[@samdeur]

trying to find the manual the link doesn't seem to work.

[@Supertimegamingify]

I genuinely never knew what the delete key did until yesterday, I don't get why so many people are so obsessed with having one.

[@abdomination]

So for the function layer, is it a toggle or do you have to hold them down while using?

[@807800]

is there any 40% keyboard that have colemak layout?

[@Link6155]

how would you type the exclamation (!) mark? I don't see any key assigned to it, is this something you have to program?

[@RhinoFeed]

Shift + Fn1 + Caps. It's easier than it sounds.

[@Link6155]

Great! Looking forward to my Core with MX whites coming in 2 days :) Also, I've been asking around but no one has answered my question. Can you add on LED lighting to the Core similar to the Poker II? Or is it like the Pok3r where you can't do this?

[@RhinoFeed]

Nice! You'll enjoy it. I'm not really sure. I would guess you can't... the POK3R had an entirely different PCB for the backlighting. The Core doesn't have that.

[@Link6155]

Have you seen the Vortex Core "RGB"? Someone on youtube posted a very short video demonstrating RGB lighting built into a Vortex Core. I'm pretty sure it's an engineering sample, but knowing Vortex they'll eventually release the Core with RGB like the Pok3r RGB. I couldn't wait to find out if they will, I hope that was the right choice.

[@Link6155]

And actually, I read a facebook post by Vortex saying that the latest firmware for the Pok3r adds support for custom backlighting (but adding them will void your warranty). I'm thinking this is the same for the Core, especially since they provide Cherry switches with clear housing.

[@heatvisionvr]

Do you think blues are too loud to type with in a coffee shop or school?

[@change0fheartx]

no yes

[@lorenzomariani7386]

you can do it but everyone will probably hate you

[@heatvisionvr]

Sooo reds with O rings

[@lorenzomariani7386]

Even better, topre with hypersphere rings

[@iali01987]

I use blue in work and no one complain. It's not that loud. Thought I would say brown is a safer rout.

[@MrDJCoulton]

how do you get to quotation mark? I want to get these for work and I'd need that a lot

[@RhinoFeed]

Fn1 + Shift + B

[@MrDJCoulton]

Rhinofeed thanks, ill get used to it. Massdrop is about 28 usd cheaper than mechkey.com with shipping so its going to be 2 long months of waiting

[@NDiltri]

mine's Fn1 + Shift + N

[@Own3dProd]

Do any of you guys know any other mechanical keyboards (atleast 60%) with a splitted space bar (enter and space)? Please I'd like to buy a keyboard like that. Thanks

[@geigster]

Own3dProd mistel barroco

[@_hawawa4930]

You can get it in mx silver now

[@ZizoMass]

No Bluetooth option?

[@sunnysfu]

I was looking forward to your review of this board. What does the left 'spacebar' do on layer 0? Just a duplicate spacebar?

[@RhinoFeed]

Correct, by default it is just a duplicate space bar.

[@sunnysfu]

That's disappointing.. You said you can't remap FN's to it either so what do you think would be a good use for that key? I'm theorizing here, but how about backspace? 'Forward'-space on the right, backspace to the left. What do you think?

[@RhinoFeed]

That's actually a great use for it! Still hoping they'll update the firmware though...

[@agentpromokator]

review? no typing test?

[@memeoid1]

Which spacebar layout do you prefer, Minivan's, or Core's?

[@RhinoFeed]

They both work great for me.

[@australispowers5686]

is cool but dvorak would be off with the mod keys

[@mckekyeety4343]

Recommended for a student who types essays and plays some counter strike? (cherry brown)

[@tntdude64]

I mean, if you can play CS without quick access number keys, it's a really good keyboard.

[@RELIN-Q]

The manual link doesn't work.

[@niqvuk]

ummm where is the question mark?

[@darknessblackmajic]

Has anyone used this keyboard or any 40% really for gaming? If so what are your thoughts

[@perplexedmoth]

Not a single shot showing when it's being used, and the sound it makes? That would be very useful sensory information.

[@_hawawa4930]

perplexedmoth He makes the typing tests separately.

[@RW3132000]

If you don't mind me asking, what happened to your pc setup?

[@RW3132000]

Did you switch to a mobile setup?

[@ryker6076]

ily

[@Lendercl]

Intro song?

[@dnpotter001]

This or the minivan, that is the real question

[@UnixGoldBoy]

You need to review the Motospeed Inflictor CK104. I bought one of these in China, but have not seen any good English reviews (last time I checked). Lots of Russian and Spanish language reviews. Keep in mind I've seen this keyboard re-branded with other names on it, but I think the real company behind it was always Motospeed. It's a great keyboard!

[@brianleay2832]

Cool!!

[@zorn2637]

很喜欢这种小键盘，虽然不中用

[@faciality]

👌🏼

[@carrythezero]

Bravo

[@azsdango]

Thank you for a great review! Being new to the Mech Key thing, I just learned from you what a DSA profile is, thx! So..is the keycaps hard to find because of DSA, or because their height/length are really irregular?

[@RhinoFeed]

Any profile keycaps would work with this keyboard, but you'll have a hard time finding keycaps that are the right size. The split space bar and smaller shift and enter keys may not be included in a lot of standard ANSI keycap sets.

[@azsdango]

But if I only replace the alphabet keys(kinda remember that this community have a specific name for those keys but I forgot), it should be fine, right?

[@RhinoFeed]

Yep, you could do that. You would want to get a set with the same profile, however, other-wise it might be a little weird.

[@azsdango]

Yep, thanks!

[@Link6155]

I found some blank DSA profile keycaps on Aliexpress. There are blank white/black ones and another one that comes in blue/yellow or blue/white. What you can do with these blank keycaps is dye them to almost any color you wish (if they start out as white). There's plenty of tutorials online on how to do this and it's certainly cheaper than buying DSA keycaps from pimpmykeyboard. You have to get used to blank keycaps, but I argue that you shouldn't be looking down at your keyboard when typing anyways if you want to get the best speed.

[@idkthetime]

nvm, wheres the typing test?

[@sonicase]

i tried one recently,.. i didn't like it cause the space bar split was right where my thumb sits usually

[@minx0614]

Imaging Playing Valorant and Trying to Plant the Spike

[@PSS395]

No typing sound test? xD

[@Link6155]

Rhinofeed usually does it in a separate standalone video.

[@Unregistered007]

rino feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!!!

[@sguzaki4545]

VORTEX, GET DOWN FROM THAT TREE, YOUR GRADES ARE TERRIBLE

[@marco_evertus]

Seriously does anyone really prefer split spacebar over a regular one?

[@user-yk1cw8im4h]

yes, hardcore fans here

[@K3V0M]

I haven't used a split spacebar yet but I only use my left thumb to press the spacebar so I wouldn't mind having a different function right next to it.

[@marco_evertus]

K3V0M I used it and it felt horrible, honestly I can never use a 40% as my daily and the split keyboard just makes it worse, but they look so cool tho!!

[@user-yk1cw8im4h]

Rounak Dutta 40% sucks I agree, it's more of a novelty item. There's no reason not to put on a few more keys. I'd much prefer to use a built-in one instead, if space is that much of an issue. Split space bar on the other hands makes so much sense, especially to smaller hands users. The long spacebar was designed to accomodate a large variety of hand sizes. On a normal keyboard, I just hate how my left thumb, which is the strongest finger, gone unused.

[@marco_evertus]

***** I use a 40% keyboard in my networking closet, I originally bought it to replace my WASD code v2 but I found it impossible for gaming and frustrating for general use, that's the reason I have a $130 keyboard tucked inside a closet.

[@GurvirSingh64]

Just get a planck instead.

[@emmanueltuisaua7204]

ayyyy

[@dumbr2098]

usb c sucks though.

[@TheNewSkai]

Why does it sound like you are exaggerating some words and letters. "I will poott"

[@SamuelKelemenC]

Doesn't support C-like languages... =(