Vortex Race 3 / 3ACE 75% Mechanical Keyboard - Unboxing & Review

Vortex Race 3 : amzn.to/2MDfVR9
Going on with the 75% boards, we have the new Vortex 3ACE or Race 3 75% mechanical keyboard. They've continued with their new minimal design with DSA keycaps, and it's a nice addition to their lineup of compact keyboards. Looks to be a great mechanical keyboard option for Apple Mac users.
As usual, all keyboards are already opened and tested for a period of time, and then repacked for the unboxing.
Official website : www.taekeyboards.com/
Google+ : plus.google.com/+TaeKeyboards/
Facebook : / taekeyboards
Instagram : / taekeyboards
Longing by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
Music provided by Audio Library • Video

[@TaeKeyboards]

Looks like the top row is a greater problem than I projected, which is fair enough, so I'll let them know our views. Also prevents having an artisan on the escape key :(

[@MichaOstrowski]

Perfect for artisan keycap haters tho...

[@thump3r]

i would still put 1 there ahahah

[@colvinwellborn]

As someone for whom function outweighs customizability, I really like the larger escape and delete keys.

[@marcusperry9481]

I've been using this keyboard for a year now and it is one of my favorite features.

[@SaudadeSunday]

The keys are on the corners, there is no functional purpose for larger keys in those locations.

[@marcusperry9481]

@@SaudadeSunday When you are moving quickly, the extra space makes it easier to strike the keys without accidentally hitting other keys. It's like how having a little longer runway helps when landing a plane.

[@SaudadeSunday]

@@marcusperry9481 I guess if you have very bad typing habits it makes sense, and the larger keys would encourage those bad habits. The escape key is completely isolated in a normal layout. I used a Pok3r for a long time and the escape key never posed an issue. Good ergonomics would not require the corner keys to be larger because of their position. The escape and delete keys are not used extremely often and, if they are, they are probably best relocated.

[@marcusperry9481]

@@SaudadeSunday I have terrible typing habits, but I'm very fast. I'm like a sidearm baseball pitcher on the keys. :-)

[@TaeKeyboards]

Forgot to mention that this is coming out SOON, and is available for preorder at various places. This is a reupload because of an audio issue with the earlier one. Sydney Mechanical Keyboard meet up in July! Ask questions on Reddit! www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/677pfu/meetup_sydney_meetup_early_registration/

[@TaeKeyboards]

Yup.

[@GeminiKLY]

Detailed, in depth review. Very helpful. Thank you!

[@johnnyblakeborough9123]

I got this as my first mech keyboard with cherry mx browns. I have desoldered, lubed and re soldered the switches, modded the stabs and put in a piece of thin foam in the case and the keyboard is very useable. Less of a metallic ping now. I love these DSA key caps and the look of the board is quite nice.

[@buburayam6557]

Thanks for reviewing! I have been waiting for somebody to review this keyboard since I am on the market for 60%/75% keyboard. I am still deciding which is the best for me.

[@jpg.]

I love Vortex man, they just make really good boards. I love my poker three.

[@nostalgiaholic777]

the ESC/ DEL is awesome ! i don't know why everyone upset about it ? personally i pre-ordered mine week ago (cherry mx silver)

[@lewistyler2401]

It is on Massdrop but if you see this and are interested be quick because it ends 12 Jan 2018

[@samdeur]

I do like your vid have shown it to lots of friend because you show the size with other layouts my compliments

[@samray3461]

larger escape and delete are gold for those working in design suites

[@quokkaokka3473]

I like the way they've done the top row to stagger the keys.

[@Bobbals.]

when you start to appreciate your own keyboard

[@Lightning-qv3ss]

that honestly sounded pretty nice for cherry mx blues

[@98SE]

Great video!

[@jgalentine]

I don't see an issue with the top row - you're getting awesome PBT keys and esc/del are worthy of being larger. You're also getting function keys that are closer to your finger tips than a typical keyboard that has a gap between the number row and the function row (awesome if you're a programmer and use an IDE, which I am.) PBT / 75% is why I bought mine.

[@Jay-zh6vr]

Its harder to customize

[@mfrancis90]

why would it be awesome if you were a programmer using an IDE ?

[@RossWasTaken]

@@Jay-zh6vr Just dont change the escape and delete key?

[@Jay-zh6vr]

@@RossWasTaken also the arrow keys shift ctrl and end key

[@RossWasTaken]

@@Jay-zh6vr But they already cool :X

[@hlogo2720]

Nice, and where u bought it? I still remember the first race 75, pretty useful but hard to replace keycaps

[@boggeshzahim3713]

75% is the best of both worlds

[@TheSonicWafflez]

Was really excited to pick this up, but the non-stand top row is a bit of a killer for me. I love my keycaps. Great video.

[@luisernst91]

I like everything about it appart from the case. I kinda want a high profile case

[@RichDasix]

Hey TaeKBDs, I'm so glad I have found your channel, the videos are so informative and perfect for me as I want to dive into building my own kbd. Do you know maybe any nice 75% boards I could build? Except the KBD75 because that's a tiny bit above my currenct budget. Thank you in advance!

[@TaeKeyboards]

Building will usually be more expensive :( The next best for a 75% keyboard would probably be the Drevo Excalibur. Quite similar, but keycaps would be as nice.

[@BoBBaB0oN]

best types of key caps ever

[@ABVRGS]

such a nice sound.

[@classicrockonly]

I got this with MX clears and rearranged the keys and modded the layout a bit to Colemak Mod DH. I also love the 1.5U esc and delete because I use those keys a lot and it makes it much easier to hit. Couldn’t ask for a better keyboard

[@erics9801]

Thank you!

[@AlfiNawarumi]

Hi, thanks for the review, just pre order this board after it just old out here. I have one question, can more LED be added like the pok3r or like white fox from input club? I‘m new to mechanical keyboard, being able to modify it is what makes me interested. Thanks a lot!

[@RoroKeyboards]

Awesome review as always ! Thanks for the review TaeKeyboards ! How does the typing experience on DSA profile compare with OEM/Cherry and which one you like the most?

[@TaeKeyboards]

I find them fine, but I'm not like a pure typist. I think I still do prefer Cherry profile though.

[@joshuaschoenman8212]

Roro SA grrrrr

[@choliladrian2307]

Hello, anyboady know how to swap Fn position to Ctrl? I updated the frimware to V1.02.02, but can't seems to make it work, thanks before

[@JackOfHarts96]

DSA is love, DSA is life

[@thump3r]

i just got a pok3r rgb LE!!! in black with frost acrylic in silver switches!!! i love it!!! wow its like typing on a brick!

[@samdeur]

i am truly impressed by your review. first time i saw your vid.. i consider people like Rhinofeed and LiquidEvilGaming to be the top of keyboard reviewers but your coverage is on a different level impressive. i will subscribe . i'm considering this keyboard i'm a mx-clear user FC660M and got the FC660C topre because my fingers get tired after a short while on mx-clears but i like the tactile feel so it's going to be a gamble but i want to try this one with mx-browns. i would preferred panda-clears or ergo-clears but can't get a board with them stock and i don't own a solder/desolder station.

[@TaeKeyboards]

Thanks mate :) Those guys are awesome, just a bit different. Definitely recommend a soldering station. It's a tool that can be used for anything around the house, but it will open you up to so many more other things keyboard related.

[@movax20h]

What I would like is to reduce Esc and Delete to 1U, and utilize saves 1U total as spaces between F groups. Also Pn can probably be shoved somewhere else, like Cltr-Shift-Fn or something.

[@sonicase]

i like the staggered f row but i'm just thinkin about if you could do it without the nonstandard keys

[@alcohost]

Best KB (mx red) for me :)

[@0SuperStylin0]

Do you know if there is possible on this board to record key combinations with the "shift" key? On my Pok3r that wont work.

[@ordaineddoodle4970]

Your video inspired me to get one of these. Just got it today with Cherry MX Browns. When I press Fn + Right Shift, I’m not seeing the various LEDs for each program layer - I’m only getting red and no light. Any ideas?

[@Blackmaverick-v2b]

The Mx blue keys seems to be in high demand. They are out of stock on amazon and there official website 😔 anyone know when they will restock?

[@classicrockonly]

I bought good Cooler Master Master Keys S PBT keyboard recently and love it. I switched to Colemak soon before buying, and seeing a keyboard like this makes me regret my purchase in not getting a keyboard that supports Colemak out of the box :/ aside from those more scooped keycaps you were talking about, this keyboard would have been great for switching the caps to Colemak and having the layout built into the keyboard so I wouldn't have to worry about OS functionality for my keyboard layout. mehh.

[@samdeur]

If your letting them know about the caps size. Why not add fully programmable that's the main reason why I don't consider it an option after being spoiled by Hasu module on my FC660c

[@EphruzTech]

Best sounding MX Blues ever? Thinking about getting an MX Silver one myself.

[@the_lostprophet]

I got silvers on my current board myself, I love them. Thought about going to pinks, but I think imma stick to Silvers too.

[@ChinmayH]

I am new to mechanical keyboards - is there a way to map func key to context key - the one which is between alt and control (right of spacebar) ?

[@frederik4515]

I have this board with mx browns, really recommend it :)

[@joshuaschoenman8212]

frederik browns sound so wack. Most cherries do though so idk.

[@aznjezza88]

Key compatibility? A 1U keycap can't fit in a 1.5U spaced slot?

[@TheXylezz]

Hey, loving your reviews. Quick question: Do you have any idea if this comes with ISO layout as well? As a german that would be great. (we got stuff like Ö Ä Ü pretty often in our language...^^)

[@TaeKeyboards]

I think they mentioned that on their Facebook page that they will be releasing an ISO version.

[@user-cr8ml8to9w]

Great review and keyboard, for those who complain about the top row I have to say you are not Vortex 75% lovers, cuz the top row has been like this for years, I own Race 1 n 2 since my middle school years, the layout is fine but Race 2 have a R5 top row which was my problem at the beginning, somehow this layout is kind of vortex iconic design

[@achillesmunch8450]

Does somebody know if the Fn key itself can be re-programmed? I would need it to be a 2nd Meta (Super/Windows/Command) key. Thanks!

[@MechMerlin]

The case from Vortex seems to be higher quality than the Drevo. Are things similar enough that the Drevo PCB would fit in the Vortex case?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Yeh the Vortex one is nice, but a bit thin. And the Drevo standoffs are better, as well as being in different places, so the PCB won't fit.

[@samdeur]

i heard the guys from "Top Clack " mention that Vortex is doing something with firmware to bring programability to the poker2..would be awesome if this board was programmable..

[@DatBoi-eh6dw]

75% is my fav but i dont have one

[@callumhaynes1384]

I have just bought one but I have a few problems, the space bar stab on the left is very rattly, and the case is slightly warped (so it doesn't sit flat properly on the desk) so I might be returning for a replacement if I can

[@dumbr2098]

Cherry MX Blue: Dying plastic clicks.

[@MrRitRot]

Do you think the retail version will have backlighting?

[@user-iq7en1lg3i]

Is it wireless and RGB? How would you compare this to anne pro?

[@echolessowl]

is there anything like the satisfaction 75% and this that i can actually buy and customize

[@MAGAIVER]

Keychron K2 V2 hot swappable.

[@tychothorpe4515]

Does anyone have this in MX Black... I really want to know if it sounds as good as the Vortex Core 40% Mechanical Keyboard he reviewed

[@wildeyestudios5]

can you program alt key to be ctrl and viceversa?

[@TachiKomaBlue]

Hey Man great videos. Can you or someone help me out with a good 60%, 75%, TKL or any type of mechanical keyboard for MAC? Price is not an issue. I have been searching and searching and everything leads to your channel. Thanks

[@starmountpictures]

Is is possible to make this keyboard bluetooth compatible?

[@eddiesuen8370]

where can i order this? When is it coming out?

[@thump3r]

im waiting for the race rgb!

[@ditdisini]

You're lucky then, its available now

[@Bert0ld0]

Is there a 40% with arrows around?

[@philippklemmer3785]

Where is the difference between Mx Silent Red, MX-Blue/Brown/Red/Clear ?

[@PedroPauloMdeM]

Wich is best, this one or the TADA 68?

[@tacanacy]

Which did you go with? Did you try both?

[@0oArtyo0]

Does anyone know if there's a light or indication if the caps-lock is on or off on this keyboard?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Yep, under the caps lock, much like the spacebar LEDs.

[@tomsenn88]

Looks like it doesn't come with a keycap puller. What is a safe way to pull keys without one of these?

[@CatDevz]

I wish there was a backlit version ...

[@jl9752]

The retail version does NOT come with a manual

[@Jaaoood]

Is this the one they call "new 75" on their website ? Or is it the predecessor?

[@uoweme5grand]

3:16 I find this to be a problem with SDA keycaps. The slight misalignment in the key switches are amplified by how close the the keycaps are with each other. I quite like the low profile design and for that reason I prefer the XDA caps.

[@Lanurus]

He's talking about the legends on the keycaps not the actual keycaps

[@void2258]

could you link to that other 75% that is more standard?

[@jokutyyppi120]

The soldering on the usb plug is not very good and ive broke 3 of these with swithing usb chord frequently… other than that i love this

[@Maximusprime24]

Seriously considering this keyboard but the lack of back lighting kind of puts me off. Aesthetics is everything for me when it comes to boards and lights is the main factor in it.

[@jesuschrist8341]

is this better than a custom board, kbdfans board for example

[@tannyyy8141]

how you reset the keyboard binds?

[@snickers2210]

=( I liked the first upload's intro.

[@lazymj8284]

I want this. Cant find it for sale or in stock anywhere. Help

[@TrueZtyleZ7]

What keycap set is that for the Anne Pro? They look really nice.

[@sebastianpuentes7596]

TrueZtyleZ7 Its like a mario one I believe kbdfans sells it on aliexpress or on his website

[@TrueZtyleZ7]

+Sebastian Puentes I gave that a check; unfortunately, there's no blue version of it, just the full gray set. Thanks for pointing out where to get the main set though.

[@sebastianpuentes7596]

Maybe you could dye the modifiers just try with one keycap to try but idk

[@bounha]

Where can I find one of these in Australia?

[@d3vastat0r89]

Those accents that are included in the box are really nice, but they're also taller than the keys that come pre-installed. That was the case for me at least, so I pulled them back out, and reinstalled the regular ones. Edit: So, I was wrong. It just takes a fair bit more force to properly seat the accent keys.

[@turkeyphant]

Is there a keyboard like this layout but with a numpad?

[@avrankulj]

What scent is the microphone weight?

[@Ulthion]

This vs Drevo Excalibur?

[@Vaargaath]

Is possibile to change switches without the need of purchase an entire new keyboard? I mean with a bit of DIY that is not hard to do

[@basshead.]

Yes, if you have soldering skills.

[@saaddp]

is there a cheaper keyboard like this? preferably wireless? and newer?

[@pablillocea]

Have you checked out the Vortex Tab 75?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Briefly at Computex 2019. It's basically a smaller version of the Tab 90, so I decided not to check it out.

[@pablillocea]

@@TaeKeyboards would you recommend it over the racer 3?

[@iComment87]

If only this board had back lighting and was Varmilo build quality.

[@georget10i]

Not liking this keyboard. How did they go from POK3R to this? All they had to do is to add more keys to 60% POK3R. I don't like the keycap design or irregular top row layout. Is there even a version with black keycaps?

[@endofoverjoy]

Can I make this a bluetooth keyboard?

[@likeable6906]

What do they call those colorful keycaps? I want to get keycaps like those but I don’t know what they’re called :(

[@TaeKeyboards]

These are like RGBY accents. But you can find like CMYK accents as well.

[@johnny_123b]

Does it support qmk?

[@veggie4639]

They should make the Escape and Delete key 1u and use the space saved to make spaces between the F keys

[@sandysanders411]

is it RGB?

[@rockshrimp]

Man, if this keyboard had usb-c I'd jump on it so fast. Micro-usb isn't the biggest deal, but it's kind of wack given so many of my devices are moving to usb-c...

[@tubeampsrule1]

They might've meant a play on thrice.

[@johnnyspeedy1344]

What USB cord is used for this? Type C?

[@donjenzuss3712]

Micro

[@Joker-wn5fr]

Is M800 with QS1 switches worth to buy?

[@TaeKeyboards]

I've only tried a few keys in a store. I mean if that's exactly what you want, then it may be worth it. But it's completely proprietary, so no changing keycaps, no changing or replacing keyswitches. Perhaps you can try a keyboard with Cherry MX Speed Silver or something.

[@Joker-wn5fr]

I want to buy my very first mechanical keyboard and I can't choose between M800 with QS1 and Ozone (I forgot full name, it costs ~120$) with Cherry MX Red. I want it mostly for gaming, not typing.

[@kaitlyn__L]

tbh i game a whole bunch on clicky switches and it's fine. unless you're super high level at mobas or.. rtses.. or maybe have such super good reaction times with fpses and need that extra ms to throw the grenade or whatever... you really won't notice a difference. i play mobas at a low level just fine with a clicky switch. so, people say "reds and blacks are better for gaming" but then don't seem to think much about what that means, nowadays.

[@FireFr0ggy]

I was excited for this, and then the ESC and DEL key happened.

[@didnthurt4077]

Would you chose the Voretx over a Varmilo Keyboard?

[@iComment87]

I loved the look and layout of this Race 3 but went for Varmilo, purely on build quality.

[@didnthurt4077]

@@iComment87 yea same, just ordered my second Varmilo with MX browns.

[@iComment87]

@@didnthurt4077 I went for clears. Going in blind though!

[@didnthurt4077]

@@iComment87 how you liking the clears?

[@iComment87]

@@didnthurt4077 I'll have to let you know when it arrives. Varmilo are closed until the 1st for a 'Lunar Holiday' 😢

[@bariswheel]

Why is this keyboard not on sale on Amazon anymore?

[@basshead.]

Didn't sell well(terrible layout)

[@BezBeregov]

The pok3r name is waaaay better. And the rac3 name really would be better

[@kikatothepepper4405]

Rgb or na