INTRODUCTION

   As mentioned already many times in our previous reviews largely thanks to their size compared to full 104+ keys mechanical keyboards TKL (tenkeyless - 83/87 keys) models have skyrocketed in popularity especially among gamers. Of course, although most gamers care mostly about the distance between their hands (keyboard/mouse) there are always those who just don't have enough (or just don't want to use much) space on their desks for a full sized keyboard. Personally, I find myself using the numeric keypad quite a lot on a daily basis but I too would seriously consider a TKL model if my desk space was limited. VORTEX may not be among the most popular manufacturers in the world but thanks to their high-quality mechanical keyboards these past few years they've actually build a somewhat large and loyal fanbase consisting of not only gamers but also enthusiasts and professionals. Well it did take quite a while for our sample to arrive but it did and so today with us, we have the Race 3 model (New 75 - 75% keyboard) TKL mechanical keyboard.

   Founded in 2010, our mission is to allow the keyboard becoming a boutique for computer peripherals by high quality materials, superior craftsmanship design, unique features and the most important is a affordable price. With the various accessories we provide, so that the keyboard is no longer a tedious input devices. We've redefined the keyboard during 2010-2014, challenge established norms. Again and again to lead our keyboard millstone to the upper stage. We decide to restructure our brand in 2015, to give it a new image, hope we can create another brilliant history. Everything we do is want to bring a ultimate experience to you!

   The Race 3 (VTG-8200) line of ANSI layout TKL mechanical keyboards by VORTEX (total of 83 keys) currently includes grey & silver colored models with Cherry MX RGB black, blue (our sample arrived with these), red, brown, clear, silver, silent black and silent red mechanical switches. Those keyboards also feature an anodized CNC-machined aluminum case (with a space-saving narrow bezel), per-key RGB illumination, detachable cable, short profile PBT/dye sub/DSA keycaps, matte coating, removable feet and are also bundled with MAC & RGBY keycaps. What really makes the Race 3 quite unique however is its four programmable layers, compatibility with different operating systems (Windows/MAC/Linux), several layouts (QWERTY/COLEMAK/DVORAK) and the ability to create some of the best RGB lighting effects without the need for extra software. So, let's move forward with today's review and see just how good this 75% keyboard really is.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The Race 3 arrived inside a black box that just has the company logo at the front.

A small sticker located on the left side has the product code, switches used and color printed on it.

VORTEX packs the Race 3 inside a secondary cardboard box for increased protection during shipping.

Along with the Race 3 TKL mechanical keyboard and its detachable mini USB cable you're also getting two round feet, two round rubber feet, two small screws and some MAC & RGBY keycaps.

THE RACE 3

Measuring just 308mm in length, 117mm in width and 25mm in height the 500g heavy Race 3 is very compact (although VORTEX has even smaller models in their product lines).

Just like every modern mechanical keyboard in the market the Race 3 follows the floating keys design.

Here we see the Cherry MX RGB Blue mechanical switches.

The micro USB port is placed on the far right front corner of the keyboard.

Turning the keyboard over we find four round rubber feet, two holes and an aluminum plate.

In these holes you can mount the removable feet with the bundled screws (after that you can place the two bundled rubber feet over them).

These feet raise the top end of the keyboard roughly 11mm from your desk (roughly since we didn't place the two rubber feet for our test).

Here we mounted all of the bundled keycaps (the end result is something some people will like while others will not).

Both the micro USB and regular USB plugs of the 1.8 meter long cable are gold plated.

Here you can all see the minimum and maximum brightness levels of the keyboard.

Some of the backlight colors and effects are showcased above.

AUDIBLE FEEDBACK

Many people ask my opinion on what keyboard they should get for their needs. Some want a “silent” model for use in their living room or even in their bedroom while others ask for a model with good audible feedback for use in the office or for gaming. Because of this I decided to test keyboards by placing our ExTech HD600 vertically over each keyboard (5cm distance) and typing NikKTech a total of 6 times with each (after that the max recorded number - max hold - is placed in the graph). I have to admit that this methodology may not be 100% accurate but it does give a good idea on what you can expect from each model since aside the type of switches used keycaps and keyboard material also matter.

CONCLUSION

   The Race 3 TKL mechanical keyboard has been around for almost two years and is one of the best-selling models VORTEX has manufactured to date and the reasons are quite simple really. Excellent build quality (anodized aluminum case), Cherry MX RGB switches (all models currently available by Cherry), size (75%), OS compatibility, 4 programmable layers (including the ability to record macros), per-key RGB illumination and last but not least a detachable cable. Granted the color scheme may not be for everyone (grey/silver is ok but an all black version or even a black/red version would also be nice) but I think most people looking for a high-quality TKL model will put color combo in second place. Of course don’t forget to download the user manual from the VORTEX page to check all the possible keyboard shortcuts for programming macros and RGB effects and colors (since our sample didn’t arrive with a manual we had to do that ourselves – don’t know if that was just with our sample however).

   With a current price tag set at USD152.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 162Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) the Race 3 TKL mechanical keyboard by VORTEX is certainly not what we’d call affordable and this is also it’s sole drawback. Sure some may argue that its price reflects all the things you’re getting but still it’s quite hefty for a TKL keyboard from a not so popular manufacturer regardless of features. That being said however the VORTEX Race 3 is indeed a very good mechanical keyboard worth checking out and for that it also gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality (Anodized Aluminum Case)
- Cherry MX RGB Mechanical Switches (50M Actuations)
- 4 Programming Layers
- Per Key RGB Illumination
- NKey Rollover With 100% Anti Ghosting
- Detachable Micro USB Cable
- TKL Size (75%)
- OS Compatibility (MAC/Windows/Linux)
- Layouts (QWERTY/COLEMAK/DVORAK)

CONS

- No USB Passthrough
- Price (For Some)
- Color Combination (For Some)