Vortex Limited Edition Releases

[mashby]

I'm just getting back into mechanical keyboards and somewhat fixated on the Vortex/KBT models. Looking at mechanicalkeyboards.com I see that there are a couple of limited editions that have been available:

Oni/One:

• none

Poker:

• none

Pure:

• Limited Edition - featured a black aluminum case
• Silver CNC Limited Edition - featured a silver aluminum case

Race:

• Limited Edition - featured white plastic case, white pbc & white or orange LEDs with either pink or white keycaps

Given that Vortex doesn't have a proper web site, just a Facebook Page, I'm curious what other releases they've had in the past? Anything cool I may have missed?

[jabar]

There is also some sort of MX Green board which MechKeyboards is using for its every-500-giveaway. I don't recall older limited editions other than those you're already aware of; they are a relatively new company.

[MissMurd3r84]

KBTalking  Pure Silver CNC Limited edition

[mashby]

KBTalking  Pure Silver CNC Limited edition

Thanks MissMurd3r84! I updated the original post.

[Binge]

It doesn't fit into the poker, pure, or race genre of boards, but there were KBtalking Pro in blue and brown switches available for a spell.

[mashby]

It doesn't fit into the poker, pure, or race genre of boards, but there were KBtalking Pro in blue and brown switches available for a spell.

I'm so focused on the tenkeyless, that I forget that they make the 104 as well. Doh!

So are you saying that they did a limited run with other switches, since the KBtalKing Pro is now only offered with Cherry Reds, or Blues?

[Binge]

Yes there were extra switch options as well as a different limited edition black legend (raised) on black keycap set.  I'll see if I have pictures somewhere.

edit: check the order site again.  You can only order Cherry Red.  The blue switches were the first to sell out because of the special keycaps.

http://kbtalkingusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Resize-of-Black-on-black1.jpg for a picture of the limited edition keycaps.

[mashby]

Yes there were extra switch options as well as a different limited edition black legend (raised) on black keycap set.  I'll see if I have pictures somewhere.

Nice work Binge, thank you. I've updated the original post to include the Pro.

[laffindude]

KBT Pro black on black is neither a Vortex board nor limited edition.

[Binge]

KBT Pro black on black is neither a Vortex board nor limited edition.

I know I've goofed in a couple of posts talking about this board.  Weren't there limited edition variations on release?

I've enjoyed a lot of the KBTalking boards.  Which are made by vortex and which are made by others?  @_@

[laffindude]

Strongman:
Taclick
KBTalKing (the original upload flavor)

Zippy:
Legend of Aurora (scissor boards, couple of limited editions. Eye of Odin, Ghost of Meng.)
Pro

Vortex:
Pure
Race
Oni/One

Poker is not a KBT project, but KBC. Most of the early KBT boards are not real limited editions, but GL finding one since the very low production numbers.

[mashby]

Vortex:
Pure
Race
Oni/One

Poker is not a KBT project, but KBC. Most of the early KBT boards are not real limited editions, but GL finding one since the very low production numbers.

I'm still green with these boards, so thank you for shedding some light on this. Let me parrot back what you said, just to make sure that I understand it.

- Vortex has made four keyboards: Poker, Pure, Race and Oni
- The Pro is made by KBtalKing, not Vortex
- The Pro, Pure and Race were KBT projects
- The Poker is a KBC project.

Do I have that right?

[Binge]

found this when searching for zippy brand keyboards on google!  Small world

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=31416.0

[rootwyrm]

Okay, so if Vortex only makes Poker, Pure, Race and Oni then who the heck makes the One? (And for that matter, does the One speak PS/2 or only USB?)

Clarification: This One. (see what I did there? Yeah. I facepalmed too.)

[tp4tissue]

I've always felt that the alu-case for those boards is kind of a waste.. I mean.. it's all under the keyboard. you don't get to see it... only a little on the side...

[laffindude]

- Vortex has made four keyboards: Poker, Pure, Race and Oni
- The Pro is made by KBtalKing, not Vortex
- The Pro, Pure and Race were KBT projects
- The Poker is a KBC project.

Do I have that right?

You forgot One. /rootwyrm style pun
Pro is a customized Zippy board.
Yes.
Yes.


Edit: There was an one off version of the Pro too with uncoat Zhuyin caps. They were the lowest cost version, and only available in the launch batch.

[rootwyrm]

Pro is a customized Zippy board.

Wait, WUT?

Zippy as in... Zippy Emacs? As in the Zippy Emacs that makes my 2+2 2200W power supplies?!
Well son of a *****, you do indeed, sir.

[Eleassus]

Damn some of those are expensive, I would most likely order that Race board if it wasn't for the blue switches, and my limited funding, since shipping to where I live isn't too cheap. But I guess those who are really enthusiastic about the boards would be willing to pay that amount ^^.

[Leslieann]

The Race LE is available in white on white with blue, brown, black and red switches.

The only thing I really dislike is that the white case is painted plastic, which comes off pretty easy. The white plastic is sort of off white, while the paint is more eggshell. I bought it intending to change it to an aluminum one, I'm just waiting on the group buy.

[mashby]

The Race LE is available in white on white with blue, brown, black and red switches.

Is this the same thing as the Race S listed here, or was this a separate release?

[laffindude]

There 2 versions: white and pink.

[mashby]

There 2 versions: white and pink.

Thanks for clarifying that Laffindude. I've updated the list.

[Halverson]

There 2 versions: white and pink.

If we want to get technical, the pink one is more of a failed LE. Hence the very cheap selling price of them from mechanical keyboards.

[mashby]

If we want to get technical, the pink one is more of a failed LE. Hence the very cheap selling price of them from mechanical keyboards.

Looking at this thread, I can see what you mean. Reading through it, it sounds like it was a real disaster. That being said, I have a pink one, so I don't know that it was a "failure". The keycaps do have consistent blemish, but it doesn't bother me in the least.

[Halverson]

If we want to get technical, the pink one is more of a failed LE. Hence the very cheap selling price of them from mechanical keyboards.

Looking at this thread, I can see what you mean. Reading through it, it sounds like it was a real disaster. That being said, I have a pink one, so I don't know that it was a "failure". The keycaps do have consistent blemish, but it doesn't bother me in the least.

It was just supposed to be more than blue switches, pink caps on pink case with pink LEDs. Just not the LE that was expected.

[Leslieann]

Trying to find a white L.E. can also be challenging, as they only made 300(?), it appears most have been sold. If you can find one, by the time you get a white L.E. to the States, expect to pay over $150.

While that price isn't outrageous for a nice mechanical, considering the paint issue, limited switch options, and the difficulty in finding and acquiring it, I'm not so sure it's worth it for most people. I got mine out of Singapore and browns were long gone. I got reds and then switched out the spring and stems. All told, this has become one expensive keyboard and I still plan on changing out the case. You have to pay to play though.