Vortex Race 3 Aluminum 75% Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard
Best compact mechanical keyboard for professionals seeking a premium, minimalist workspace.
Discover the Vortex Race 3, a compact 83-key mechanical keyboard featuring a versatile 75% layout with dedicated arrow keys. Its premium silver anodized CNC aluminum case is complemented by Dye Sub PBT keycaps in a vintage grey, and includes 19 extra RGBY and MAC keycaps for personalization. With three programmable layers and compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux, this keyboard offers extensive customization. Connecting via Micro USB, it provides a familiar typing experience with a minimal learning curve, ideal for enhancing productivity and style.
$95.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1632
/ 3798
#1632 in Keyboards
Price vs Category Average
-32%
Below average
Layout Size
7583
/ % ( keys)
Who it's for
- Typists seeking a durable, premium-feeling desktop centerpiece
- Productivity users needing function keys in a compact footprint
- Keyboard enthusiasts who value high-quality, long-lasting stock keycaps
Who should skip it
- Customization fans wanting to swap in aftermarket keycap sets
- Users preferring intuitive software over complex hardware programming
- Modern setup owners requiring universal USB-C connectivity
Performance breakdown
Build integrity
The CNC aluminum case provides a rigid, premium foundation for typing.
Keycap durability
Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps resist shine and wear over long-term use.
Layout efficiency
The 75% form factor maximizes desk space without sacrificing essential keys.
Customization depth
Three programmable layers offer solid flexibility for power users and workflows.
Connectivity standards
The aging Micro USB interface feels dated compared to modern standards.
Ergonomic comfort
Standard profile height is familiar, though it lacks integrated wrist support.
Key Specs
Layout Size
75% (83 keys)
Keycap Material
PBT
Case Material
CNC Aluminum
Interface
Micro USB
Physical Layout
ANSI
Switch Type
Cherry MX-style
Cord Length
50 inches
Assembly
Prebuilt
Know before you buy
No, the Vortex Race 3 does not feature any backlighting. It is designed with a clean, vintage aesthetic that focuses on build quality and typing feel rather than illumination.
Yes, the keyboard supports three programmable layers. You can customize your key layouts directly on the board to suit your specific workflow or software needs.
Yes, the Vortex Race 3 is fully compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. It even includes a set of dedicated Mac-specific keycaps to help you maintain the correct layout.
The Race 3 uses Cherry MX-style mechanical switches. Because it uses this standard mounting style, it is compatible with a wide variety of aftermarket keycaps if you ever decide to swap them out.
The 75% layout is a compact design that retains dedicated arrow keys and a function row, making it much smaller than a full-sized board while keeping essential keys accessible. It is designed to feel familiar immediately, so you won't need to relearn your typing habits.
The Race 3 includes screw-in cone feet that provide a stable, slightly angled typing position. These are a fixed height and offer a sturdy base for the CNC aluminum case.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$95