Decisions... Vortex Keyboards

[quill0zx]

Hi guys,

I'm in the business for a new keyboard and even though I've done so much research and I'm still undecided. It seems I have to compromise on something or they keyboard is unavailable.

I saw the Vortex KBT Poker 2 with the dark grey PBT keycaps and fell in love but it's lack of arrow keys will frustrate me I think as I'm a software engineer. Then I stumbled across the Vortex KBT ONI, which seems to have the same PBT keycaps, look and feel and has arrow keys - yes! Unfortunately I can't find any, anywhere... I'm in the UK.

Will the lack of arrow keys on the Poker 2 frustrate me?
Any similar keyboard suggestions that I can put on the same PBT keycaps?
Any info on Vortex ONI availability?

Oh, should probably mention I'm after MX blues, or maybe browns.

Can anyone advise?
Big thanks in advance!

[ynrozturk]

The arrow cluster being where it is on the Poker II will bug some people, and other people will just get used to it very quickly. It's not an issue for me at all anymore, I actually prefer it to the actual arrow keys on a TKL board because it's less hand movement. But if you're going to be using the arrow keys all day then I can see how that could be a problem.

[Data]

http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=203

Ask these guys in their vendor forum if Vortex is still making the board and if they have any idea when it might be back in stock.

[IvanIvanovich]

Perhaps the Leopold FC600 is a good match for you if you want something more compact than standard TKL? Has dedicated cursor key and come with nice PBT keycap default.

[quill0zx]

Thanks for the replies guys, I think I've decided.

I can get a Poker 2 from Amazon UK. Unfortunately it's in QWERTZ rather than QWERTY. From my research it seems that the keyboard will respond in QWERTY format if my PC is set to QWERTY, so not really a problem. The keycaps being in the wrong place won't really bother me as I don't really look at the keyboard anyway.

After MORE research I think that the Leopold FC660M is actually the perfect keyboard for me but it's currently unavilable. Here's hoping that this massdrop happens again soon: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/leopold-fc660m?mode=guest_open&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Massdrop%20-%20Master&utm_campaign=Product%20Announcement%202014-08-22

162/200!

So... I think I'll order the Poker 2 and try it out, if I don't like it I'm sure I won't have trouble selling it.

And as soon as I can get my hands on a FC660M I'll grab one!

[Oobly]

I find the lack of cursors on my KBT Pure a mild irritation while coding, but I'm quite used to the Fn layer arrow keys now.

Qtan has the FC660M on his site: http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/item/shop-mechanical-keyboard-by-sw/leopold-fc660m-mechanical-keyb/lid=35722930

May have to pay more than a Poker II due to shipping and customs, but it's a great board. I recommend getting Clears rather than Browns or Blues, but that's just a personal preference.

[quill0zx]

I find the lack of cursors on my KBT Pure a mild irritation while coding, but I'm quite used to the Fn layer arrow keys now.

Qtan has the FC660M on his site: http://www.vendio.com/stores/E-sports-Gaming-equipments/item/shop-mechanical-keyboard-by-sw/leopold-fc660m-mechanical-keyb/lid=35722930

May have to pay more than a Poker II due to shipping and customs, but it's a great board. I recommend getting Clears rather than Browns or Blues, but that's just a personal preference.

Ah fantastic, thanks! I wasn't aware of that site - I'm new
It's only a little more expensive, so I think I'll order one of those!

I'll do some more research on clears, using blues now and just wanted something similar but a little quieter.

One of the photos shows some RGB modifiers, do you know if they are included?

Thanks

[quill0zx]

Ordered the FC660M from Qtan!