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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: sdiearly on Tue, 31 October 2017, 04:52:12

Title: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: sdiearly on Tue, 31 October 2017, 04:52:12
Hi All,

Here is the engineering sample of Vortex ViBE / 78keys keyboard.

In the first eye, we can find Vortex get the new design on package.
(https://i.imgur.com/nHIdcsV.jpg)

What are the component in the box?
(https://i.imgur.com/iPeygUo.jpg?1)
1. ViBE - a keyboard with CNC case
2. add-on keys - two tones on "ESC" "ENTER" "Pad_ENTER" "NUM_LOCK" "SPACE"
3. Foot pad - also alumni material with CNC.
4. Micro USB cable

*. Disassemble the keyboard, total 10 drills
(https://i.imgur.com/WfjqdDC.jpg)
   
    MCU is the same as core/race
(https://i.imgur.com/Gz0Mjte.jpg?1)

    Shift Registers to drive PWM to control RGB LEDs
(https://i.imgur.com/Gz0Mjte.jpg?1)

*. The keycap profile on ViBE is SA-like, and R3 on all row.

    (https://i.imgur.com/JjjlRJW.jpg)
    (https://i.imgur.com/Y3KIEL3.jpg)

*. The print is dye-sub on PBT
    (https://i.imgur.com/QiISIEm.jpg)

*. Re-Assemble the Foot Pad.
(https://i.imgur.com/6sGeHom.jpg)

*. ViBE is using another LED right on Caps key to indicate LOCK status.
    Green color means Num Pad function is ON
    (https://i.imgur.com/82o7Hsf.jpg?1)
   
    Red color means Caps lock is ON
    (https://i.imgur.com/vfSdD0R.jpg?1)

    Yellow (MIXed red and green) means Num Pad and Caps lock are ON
    (https://i.imgur.com/FRq9MLn.jpg?1)

This is an ES keyboard, the backside doesn't have the Nameplate
(https://i.imgur.com/gWIiMsg.jpg)



Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: Entropia on Tue, 31 October 2017, 08:03:27
Where's the del key?
Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: Myoth on Tue, 31 October 2017, 08:08:09
Quote from: Entropia on Tue, 31 October 2017, 08:03:27
Where's the del key?

I think the numpad works like a nav cluster when it's not a numpad, just like the Quickfire TK. Otherwise I don't see why they split the 0 key.

http://www.pcgameware.co.uk/images/CM-Storm-Quickfire-TK-Keyboard-Numeric-Keypad.jpg (http://www.pcgameware.co.uk/images/CM-Storm-Quickfire-TK-Keyboard-Numeric-Keypad.jpg)

so it should be on the 4 ?
Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: ppp on Tue, 31 October 2017, 08:24:55
Do those legends look off-center to anyone else? And that S looks upside down. Looks pretty cool though! I wonder how much it costs though... There have been a lot of GB for similar boards that provide more layouts that might appeal to a wider userbase.
Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: Mechboards on Tue, 31 October 2017, 08:26:48
Quote from: ppp on Tue, 31 October 2017, 08:24:55
Do those legends look off-center to anyone else? And that S looks upside down. Looks pretty cool though! I wonder how much it costs though... There have been a lot of GB for similar boards that provide more layouts that might appeal to a wider userbase.

The W E and R are definitely off-center. The S key may have just been placed on upside-down
Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: Elrick on Wed, 01 November 2017, 05:17:36
Quote from: Myoth on Tue, 31 October 2017, 08:08:09
Quote from: Entropia on Tue, 31 October 2017, 08:03:27
Where's the del key?

I think the numpad works like a nav cluster when it's not a numpad, just like the Quickfire TK. Otherwise I don't see why they split the 0 key.

http://www.pcgameware.co.uk/images/CM-Storm-Quickfire-TK-Keyboard-Numeric-Keypad.jpg (http://www.pcgameware.co.uk/images/CM-Storm-Quickfire-TK-Keyboard-Numeric-Keypad.jpg)

so it should be on the 4 ?

The ONLY reason I have avoided this keyboard is the absence of any DELETE key (VERY important).

If anyone who gets this can confirm where it is, then I might get one but until that happens I'll stick with keyboards that have an actual Delete key.
Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: pixelpusher on Wed, 01 November 2017, 07:47:52
Yes it is on the 4 with numlock off:

http://www.vortexgear.tw/db/upload/webdata4/6vortex_201710420113118858.pdf
Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: Duckyreddy on Sat, 04 November 2017, 23:50:32
I love the look, very clean and sleek!  :thumb:
It's up for pre-order on some websites now, pricing is around 140-150 based on switch choice for those who are interested, I really want to grab one my self hehehe
Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: _haru on Sun, 05 November 2017, 16:17:56
The casing of this board is very nice-looking, but those stock keycaps are only second to the Race 3 in terms of ugliness. A nice blank grey or that clear DCS set would look absolutely amazing on this though.
Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: pixelpusher on Mon, 06 November 2017, 09:22:58
Quote from: _haru on Sun, 05 November 2017, 16:17:56
The casing of this board is very nice-looking, but those stock keycaps are only second to the Race 3 in terms of ugliness. A nice blank grey or that clear DCS set would look absolutely amazing on this though.

I agree somewhat about the keycaps.  I think thick SA is a pretty awesome deal for the price of this board.  However, those legends just don't look very nice to me.  Also... the "S" key is upside down :(

I do think that overall it's an amazing package.  If you can get over the long rectangle shape.
Title: Re: Vortex ViBE - 78keys layout keyboard
Post by: matt-taco on Tue, 07 November 2017, 08:50:48
That's one of coolest layout I've seen. I'm personally a big fan of the XT layout for typing.  I wish the right hand modifiers werea unit samller for I feel that it would be  a little of a stretch to get to that numpad for nav commands. That's the one thing I love about the og XT, nothing requires a stretch except for the f keys.

 Honestly, I wish I knew about that when I got my core... anybody want to buy lightly used Core  with Clears at a reasonable price?