KBT RACE vs DUCKY SHINE

[BigO]

I have been trying to decide weather or not I should buy a ducky shine II or a KBT race 75%
I've had a hard time trying to find information about the KBT on google. So I was wondering if anyone who owns one would be able to give me an overview on that board.

[mashby]

I have been trying to decide weather or not I should buy a ducky shine II or a KBT race 75%
I've had a hard time trying to find information about the KBT on google. So I was wondering if anyone who owns one would be able to give me an overview on that board.

I have one and it's a good board. You can browse my Flickr Set to see all the photos. That being said, I think I'd recommend the Ducky over the Race for several reasons:

1. Build Quality - Vortex, the makers of the Race, have quality control issues. It's not detrimental, but there's always one or two things a little off on a Vortex board.

2. Plate Mounted Switches - a more solid feel when typing. There isn't a community plate for the Race that I'm aware of.

3. Standard Key Caps - the Race has a very unique layout and it'll be a challenge should you ever wish to use different key caps. You won't have that issue with the Ducky Shine II.

Hope that helps!

[BigO]

Does the weird layout apply to all keys or just specific ones? The main ones I'd like to replace are the letter keys.

Also what led modes does the race have? any programmable modes like the shine?

[mashby]

Does the weird layout apply to all keys or just specific ones? The main ones I'd like to replace are the letter keys.

The alphas are pretty straight ahead, but the top row and the right side are problematic. this post explains it better.

Also what led modes does the race have? any programmable modes like the shine?

1. Off
2. WASD
3. Whole Board
4. Whole Board Pulse

There are 5 levels of brightness for 2 and 3.

[domoaligato]

I have 3 KBT/Vortex race keyboards. and I would also like to state that the build quality could be better.
I originally bought a black race with red switches.
the half the led's in the top number row did not work.
I returned it and got a second one. the one I got had a bad bottom led row. (z-?)
I returned it and finally got one that works great.
on the lighter side I bought a white limited edition race with reds and it has worked great since the day I opened it.

[quake4mhg]

I have 2 Race too. I just love the size & the hard to find row 5 keys