Vortex POK3R - Personal Review

[sdiearly]

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Firmware 1.14 update:
Backlit function supported:
FN+ X: backlit mode change
FN+ C: decrease light
FN+ V: increase light

Here I have my DIY testing video on my POK3R:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXgPDik6APU

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Hi GHers,

Before this Chinese New Year, Vortex ask me to help them to test POK3R.

As you may know, Rhinofeed has uploaded his review on youtube already.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wjW-Or1jg8
Please also find User Manual to download and read.

This review focus on POK3R's firmware improvement and mechanism.
Note: This POK3R is engineering sample, the final version for retail maybe different.

POK3R feature:
  1. To inherit Poker 2, there is no changes on layout, Ansi 61 keys / ISO 62 keys.
  2. Key code and LED PWM can be programmed.
  3. Four exchangeable key map layers, the 2nd ~ 4th layer can be programmed and including FN layer
  4. Using DIP switches to select basic Layout: QWERTY / DVORAK / COLEMAK
  5. Alumni case (Casting)
  6. Firmware update via USB

Front view


Key caps are like thick OEM profile PBT group buy on Massdrop.com.
Due to engineering sample in early stage, the print(beta layout) is different from Rhinofeed 's

Aligning holes


Same position as Poker / Poker 2/ Pure, also fit with GH60 design.
We can replace POK3R with customized CNC or other cases.

PCB and Case

Silk screen shows VORTEX logo, MCU is Holtek HT32F series, ARM cortex M3.


Between PCB and Case, there is a plastic cover, insulation is needed due to casting alumni.


Round shape traces can prove this case is casting!

Firmware Implementation:
Current Version is V1.5

POK3R is designed as FOUR keyboard layers can be exchanged,
With Fn + "M" "<" ">" "?', we can select layer from 1st to 4th.

Key re-assignment steps, please reference User Manual.
POK3R can do single key re-mapping, and also MACRO or Combined command.
Besides, Fn layer of 2nd to 4th layer is programmable too.

User have to find LED status below Space Bar to check what function is working now.

The features I wanted on POK3R firmware
In Poker 2, for programming, Fn / Pn are designed  but fixed position, this feature is inconvenience for geekers.
In POK3R, we have DIP SW-4 to do Fn / Pn re-mapping.
Note that after Fn / Pn re-mapped, these two keys are not empty, they are auto assigned Win_R / Menu_R

If User forgot what position of Fn / Pn, It's better to restore to default via press original Fn(Win_R) + R

Another idea is like Pure Replica, Shift + Esc = ~ , this combined command is like Leopold FC660.
But some OS or software(explorer/editor or etc.) may have this hot key, too.
This design will occupy such function by keyboard, software can't work.
So we separate Shift into Shift_Right and Shift_Left
Only Shift_Left + ESC = ~, but keep Shift_Right + ESC = Original 100% keyboard function

[Novus]

Neat.
I'm always jealous of people that get to play with things beforehand 

What do you think of the quality differences between the poker 2 and 3?

[Giorgio]

Are the stabilizers plate mount out pcb mount?

[Flyersfan1]

Are the stabilizers plate mount out pcb mount?

plate mount.

[alexofthewest]

I am getting mixed information about something regarding leds in the non backlit pok3r.

Can you add them to the current offering of poker 3 being that it is non backlit? I believ i recall a guy on massdrop screenshotted a vortex person saying no to this question.

If the answer is yes, what are the possibilities with that?

[NorrisB]

can you take a picture of the keycaps

[FoC_Tow]

Show Image

Between PCB and Case, there is a plastic cover, insulation is needed due to casting alumni.

I'm confused as to why the plastic 'insulation' layer is needed between pcb and case, is it in fact due to issue with electrical connectivity?!

The actual mounting points obviously aren't insulated, and the pcb shouldn't have electric parts at the mounting spots anyway I guess.
Do components on the pcb actually touch the plastic layer or possibly the fins underneath if left out? (it looks like the plastic shows marks from the pcb?)

Did the standalone cases available at pexon pcs come with a layer like this?

[Photekq]

Did the standalone cases available at pexon pcs come with a layer like this?

They didn't need it since they were machined and anodised. Anodising does not allow electricity to be conducted, but you cannot anodise cast aluminium.

[FoC_Tow]

Did the standalone cases available at pexon pcs come with a layer like this?

They didn't need it since they were machined and anodised. Anodising does not allow electricity to be conducted, but you cannot anodise cast aluminium.

The cases from pexon I was referring to are as far as I can tell pretty much exactly the same cases as used on the Pok3r. (If only there was a white available btw... xD)

Also you can clearly see the round marks in the bottom of the case, which as sdiearly pointed out should prove it is casting:

Show Image

Round shape traces can prove this case is casting!

Edit: Also it honestly looks to me like those cases just as the Pok3r aren't anodized, do they use a powder coating finish? Can cast aluminum even be anodized, probably not right?

[Photekq]

The cases from pexon I was referring to are as far as I can tell pretty much exactly the same cases as used on the Pok3r. (If only there was a white available btw... xD)

Also you can clearly see the round marks in the bottom of the case, which as sdiearly pointed out should prove it is casting:

My bad. He had some cases before which were machined + anodised. I hadn't seen those before, and they do look the same as the POK3R case.

And you're right. Cast aluminium cannot be anodised. Only machined aluminium can.

[Polymer]

Cast aluminum can be anodized but it depends on a lot of different things....

I think the general answer is that it isn't a good idea as it doesn't come out very well..but there are ways to do it..it just costs more or takes more time which sort of defeats the purpose of casting vs. milled...

[FoC_Tow]

Thx Guys!
And yes I also didn't really specify which case I was talking about... xD

I just realized the pictures on pexons site even show the plastic layer, but I honestly still have a hard time believing its required for electrical insulation.

I'm pretty sure I have seen pictures of builds before that didn't use it, and also cases being sold without it in classifieds.
Shouldn't powder coating provide some level of insulation just as anodizing, and isn't aluminum conductivity already pretty low?

Even if its required, I would personally think a strip of electrical tape on the fins only might work just as well and actually look cleaner.

So I'm really wondering why they choose to go with the plastic layer inside, and if its actually required. I'm actually wondering if it just might be an oversight on the prototypes personally, but that would be even more strange I guess...

[sdiearly]

I am getting mixed information about something regarding leds in the non backlit pok3r.

Can you add them to the current offering of poker 3 being that it is non backlit? I believ i recall a guy on massdrop screenshotted a vortex person saying no to this question.

If the answer is yes, what are the possibilities with that?

POK3R will have backlit and no-backlit version, (both SKU have LED control IC)
Maybe some difference at Key caps, depend on marketing.

[sdiearly]

Thx Guys!
And yes I also didn't really specify which case I was talking about... xD

I just realized the pictures on pexons site even show the plastic layer, but I honestly still have a hard time believing its required for electrical insulation.

I'm pretty sure I have seen pictures of builds before that didn't use it, and also cases being sold without it in classifieds.
Shouldn't powder coating provide some level of insulation just as anodizing, and isn't aluminum conductivity already pretty low?

Even if its required, I would personally think a strip of electrical tape on the fins only might work just as well and actually look cleaner.

So I'm really wondering why they choose to go with the plastic layer inside, and if its actually required. I'm actually wondering if it just might be an oversight on the prototypes personally, but that would be even more strange I guess...

Vortex POK3R's case isn't anodized, the surface between electrical parts and case may have chance to get short.
Especially this case is designed linear brace like vein. (I don't know how to call this structure)

[Oobly]

This case is EXACTLY the same as the Pexon one and yes, it came with the plastic layer and some nice little hex screws.

It is cast and powder coated, not machined and anodised. The powder coating is actually quite soft and scratches / dings pretty easily, but it is still a solid, heavy, aluminium case that feels good to type on. I would love if they made an uncoated one, actually, as then the scratches and dings wouldn't show bare metal, which is highly visible against the black paint. I may just sand mine down to see how it looks at some point and possible recoat it, since the scratches are making it look less than premium.

I used a layer of packing foam (the thin stuff) instead of the plastic to mount my GoN NerD60 PCB.

In the ISO Pok3r Ineterest Check thread it was mentioned that the non-backlit boards would not support adding LED's yourself, but that could just mean that they're not populating the resistor spots or something. I would be very surprised if they truly crippled the backlight support on the board somehow. IMHO, at most it will require adding LED's, resistors and possibly an FET or two, but don't quote me on that.

[azhdar]

Did the standalone cases available at pexon pcs come with a layer like this?

Mine had one.

ps: is it bad to mount a pcb onto this case without a layer to separate them?

[sdiearly]

Vortex has released new firmware on their website.

Three major changes:
1. R_Alt + Space = arrow key mode On/Off. 
This feature is like what Vortex did on KBC Poker / KBT Pure

2. Add media key
FN+ S: Volume down
FN+ D: Volume up
FN+ F: Mute

3. Backlit function supported:
FN+ X: backlit mode change
FN+ C: decrease light
FN+ V: increase light

Here I have my DIY testing video on my POK3R:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXgPDik6APU

[merlin64]

Is this a new pcb revision? Or did you simply solder LEDs on, flash new firmware, and you get what you have shown in the video?

[sdiearly]

Is this a new pcb revision? Or did you simply solder LEDs on, flash new firmware, and you get what you have shown in the video?

This is the same one POK3R....
If there is a newer one, I'd post in another thread.

[merlin64]

Very very nice, I have been waiting for this news!

I don't know what resistors are currently soldered in but will any LEDs work?