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)