Vortex Vibe 78%

[mogo]

(From tomshardware review)


(From Vortex's Instagram)

Called the Vibe, the keyboard is a “78%” layout--which is basically a 60% layout with a numpad attached.

...Vortex neglected to mention which switches would be on the Vibe (we assume it’s going to be multiple Cherry MX options), but the keyboard does feature PBT, dye-sublimated keycaps--in SA profile...

All of that is mounted on a CNC-machined metal chassis.

Although Vortex has been teasing the Vibe for a bit already, the company said that this is the final version. There’s no word on release timing or price. from tom's hardware article

I'm a big fan of 78% boards. I've been wanting one so very badly ever since I first discovered the RedScarf-III (which is bigger than 78% because of the F-row). Since the Sentraq 78 board I bought is boned after soldering, I've been hankering for another shot at this formfactor.

[scwoopz]

So I have to say is that it looks long and a little weird.

Glad to see this layout available commercially, though.

[quasistellar]

PBT SA Caps .  Looks like just row 3 though

[Softkore]

Want this so bad. Unfortunately I missed out on the UK78 custom, would love to get this as a replacement.

[mogo]

PBT SA Caps .  Looks like just row 3 though

All Row 3 isn't that bad. Many of the early SA sets (1976, Nuclear Data) were all row 3 and they feel fine to type on. Besides, there's a glut of SA options these days so it would be easy to swap them out for $100. I'm glad that everything on 78% is standard keysizes.

[drevyek]

Excellent. Love the numpad action. You can use the num-locked legends for a nav cluster too, like a Model F XT or AT. Definitely a favourite layout.

[HotRoderX]

looks ok really funky and kinda long! Seems like in a way it defeats the entire purpose of a smaller board. As it seems to be bit unwieldy length wise. Though it is a cool concept I guess

[_haru]

This is cool, but a programmable 71% would be cooler.

[mogo]

A reddit post by /u/kbwarriors-ig:

Disc: This is an engineering sample.
This keyboard is essentially a Race III in a new layout and new SA caps.
This sample has RGB and clear housings(yah!), But I am not sure if the production models will have RGB and clear housings. Judging from the previous Vortex Engineering samples, probably not.
The board feels very solid(made in Taiwan). Caps have the same texture as you would find on the Core. Pretty smooth with a slightly sandy texture. Layouts include Dvorak, Colmak, and Qwerty.
More pictures to come in a later post.
Review will be posted in the coming weeks.

I like the look of the plain white/grey keyset perhaps more than the color-accented one shown in previous photos. Interesting that this sample has clear housings and what I suspect are SMD RGB's when the SA caps have no shine-through legends, but perhaps the glow is pleasant between the keys. I wonder if those clear switches are Cherry, or if we might be able to pick a Kailh or Gateron option.

[dante]

I'm still waiting on more info on Vortex teased 65% "low profile" keyboard.

[Duckyreddy]

Looks delicious