Vortex Race 3
Best compact mechanical keyboard for professionals seeking a premium, durable typing experience.
Experience the Vortex Race 3, a compact 75% mechanical keyboard featuring a robust aluminum frame and premium DSA PBT Dye-Sub keycaps. Designed for enhanced productivity, it offers N-Key Rollover and onboard macro programming, powered by reliable Cherry MX Switches. Connectivity is simple via Micro USB. This keyboard includes interchangeable metal and rubber feet for a customized setup and ensures broad compatibility with Windows and macOS operating systems, making it a versatile choice for any workspace.
$59.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
458
/ 3658
#458 in Keyboards
Price vs Category Average
-58%
Below average
Connection Type
Wired
/ Wired
Who it's for
- Minimalists seeking a durable, space-saving desk setup
- Typists who value long-lasting, high-quality keycap texture
- Power users needing advanced layout and macro customization
Who should skip it
- Custom keyboard hobbyists who enjoy swapping keycap sets
- Users requiring a clean, cable-free workspace
- Typists who prefer the ergonomic feel of sculpted profiles
Performance breakdown
Build Quality
The robust aluminum frame offers a premium, tank-like feel on desks.
Typing Experience
Cherry MX switches paired with PBT keycaps provide a satisfying tactile response.
Space Efficiency
The compact 75 percent layout maximizes desk real estate without sacrificing functionality.
Customization Potential
Onboard macro programming allows for efficient workflow tailoring without extra software.
Connectivity Modernity
The aging Micro USB interface feels outdated compared to modern USB-C standards.
Ergonomic Comfort
Interchangeable feet offer basic angle adjustments but lack dedicated palm support.
Key Specs
Connection Type
Wired
Switch Type
Cherry MX Mechanical Switches
Keycap Material
DSA PBT Dye-Sub
Dimensions
31.0 x 12.0 x 2.5 cm (± 0.3)
Product Weight
833g (± 10)
Connectivity Interface
Micro USB
Compatibility
Windows 7/8/10/11 & Mac O.S
Warranty
12 Months
Features
- Durable aluminum frame construction
- Supports N-Key Rollover
- Onboard macro programming
- Includes interchangeable feet options
- High-quality dye-sublimated keycaps
- Compact 75 Percent layout
- Uses trusted Cherry MX Switches
- Micro USB connectivity
What customers say
The Vortex Race 3 is widely recognized as a benchmark for quality and compact design in the 75 percent keyboard layout. Users consistently praise its exceptional build quality, noting the solid aluminum casing and durable PBT keycaps that deliver a satisfying typing feel. Its compact form factor successfully retains essential keys like the function row and arrows, appealing to those needing full functionality without excess size. The typing experience is highly rated due to reliable switches. The main point of friction involves keycap compatibility; the unique sizing of the Escape and Delete keys prevents easy installation of standard aftermarket sets. Despite this limitation, the Race 3 maintains its reputation as a premium, reliable keyboard justifying its cost for enthusiasts prioritizing superior build and typing refinement.
Know before you buy
The 75% layout is a compact design that removes the dedicated number pad and condenses the navigation keys to save significant desk space. It retains the function row and arrow keys, making it a great middle ground between a full-sized keyboard and a minimalist 60% board.
Yes, the Vortex Race 3 is fully compatible with macOS. It also supports Windows 7 through 11, allowing you to switch between operating systems without any compatibility issues.
The keyboard features PBT dye-sublimated keycaps, which are highly resistant to the shine and wear that typically develop on standard ABS plastic caps over time. The DSA profile offers a uniform, flat look that many enthusiasts prefer for a clean aesthetic.
You can program macros directly on the keyboard without needing to install any external software. This allows you to store custom key assignments on the device itself, which will remain saved even if you plug the keyboard into a different computer.
The Vortex Race 3 includes interchangeable metal and rubber feet. You can swap these out to adjust the typing angle and stability of the keyboard to better suit your ergonomic preferences.
No, the Vortex Race 3 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects to your computer using a Micro USB cable, ensuring a reliable, latency-free connection for typing and gaming.
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$59