Pok3r

The Vortexgear POK3R is the perfect solution for limited space in situations. It's integrating 3 kind of layout. Also features 3 layers customization options individually programmable key codes and LEDs, all easily set through what you want. The Vortex POK3R V2 comes configured to support 6-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Weirdly, there is no option to even switch to NKRO for those who need it, although this is admittedly not really a factor with the 60% form factor adopted here. 25 likes 29 talking about this. The Vortexgear POK3R is the perfect solution for limited spaces in situations. Built up 3 kinds of layout, it features individually programmable keys with 3 layers customization options, all easily set through what you want.

Software

There are no software drivers for the Vortex POK3R V2, with all functionality hardware based. As such, I have chosen to combine this section with the performance section below. Note that Vortex has an online configurator they call MPC, which is available on their website. However, Vortex says the more budget-minded POK3R V2 will not get MPC support, which is a shame because it makes programming the keyboard a lot more user-friendly.

Performance

The Vortex POK3R V2 comes configured to support 6-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Weirdly, there is no option to even switch to NKRO for those who need it, although this is admittedly not really a factor with the 60% form factor adopted here. No key chatter was detected on all the keys using Switch Hitter. The image above also shows what the base layer on the keyboard is pre-programmed to as far as dedicated keys go. As with just about any keyboard these days, there is no right Windows key, having being substituted by an Fn key instead. Also, as with other Vortex keyboards, the menu key on the right of the space bar is instead their 'Pn' key for programming the keyboard.

When first connected, the keyboard lights up in a static white color for all keys, which helped test color fidelity since RGB LEDs have a hard time depicting white, and it was one of the more accurate whites here, which is always good to see. As expected from previous findings, the keycaps are not really backlit, and we only see the lighting seep through the sides and into any common spaces between keycaps. As seen above, the white base keycaps are better illuminated here relative to the dark gray ones. In a separate test via one of the preset multi-colored options, I tested for light bleed, and it was definitely present at the common edges because of the floating keycaps, but not offensively so.

Customizing backlighting on the keyboard is all done via onboard controls, and I have included the relevant section of the manual given the lack of an online manual as this is written. For those with experience with a recent Vortex RGB keyboards, the instructions above will be very familiar and bring with it either a sense of relatable relief or dread, and not much in between. There are definitely fans of this specific onboard control scheme using Vortex's Pn key and their palette mode, of which we have 61 colors using all 61 keys on the POK3R V2, and R/G/B per-channel brightness in 10 steps (including off) to allow for more granular backlight (or side lighting, as is the case here). Pre-programmed effects can be toggled through for those wanting a light show, of which there are not many, and there are custom modes for per-key lighting control to allow for, say, only WASD keys to be lit up during gaming if needed.
Here are some of the lighting effects demonstrated, including a color cycle, aurora, and rainbow wave mode, all making full use of the hardware onboard. The transition animation is smooth, and the effect is a good demo to also ensure the keyboard is powered on and working properly. You will not get a lot of effects compared to the more mainstream offerings with software drivers, so keep that in mind if it is an important factor for you.

Pok3r V2

Aside from the base layer, which has legends printed on the keycaps for easy identification, there are three other layers for custom programming. Layers are accessed as with other Vortex keyboards, in that Pn + N/M toggles through layers 0–3. Layer 0 is the default layer, and the left LED under the space bar is off to signify this. It turns red, green, or blue to indicate whether you are in layer 1, 2, or 3 respectively. Vortex has additionally pre-programmed the Fn+ layer for added functionality as seen above. This is absolutely key on a smaller form factor keyboard such as the POK3R V2, and I like the logical choices Vortex has made. The main problem is that the keycaps do not show these pre-programmed functions as front-printed legends similar to before with their other small form factor keyboards. This, combined with the lack of a printed manual and current absence of an online variant means users are left to guess at what to do.
The other functions are for the macro functionality, which remains as powerful as with other Vortex keyboards from recent years. Indeed, there are custom modes for recording keystrokes as expected, but onboard controls also allow for the addition of keystroke delays, multimedia functions, and even complete re-assignment if you want to go with, say, a Dvorak layout instead of QWERTY for typing. As expected, you can also reset the current keyboard layer or all layers if you messed up and want to start from scratch. This is definitely where Vortex's MPC support would have been handy, especially for power users wanting to quickly customize powerful macros on layers 1–3.
Overall, using the POK3R V2 will take time and effort for most users. This is especially true for those used to the 104/105-key full-size form factor their entire life, but it is definitely worth it if you know you will benefit from the smaller form factor. The ergonomic benefits are logical for most people, with the mouse in a more natural position closer to the keyboard. Less finger travel can also be very efficient, but only if you have set up the keyboard with the keystrokes of your desired layout on the base layer and are comfortable with using the other layers as needed. I usually take a minimum of a week to get re-accustomed to such form factors after weeks of testing TKL/full-size keyboards and found myself getting used to the POK3R V2 within five days of typical use to where I was typing at my usual speed already. I did find myself often comparing it to the 65% Ducky One 2 SF we recently reviewed, especially since it has dedicated arrow keys and then some, so perhaps that is an alternative you may want to consider as well.

The Vortex POK3R V2 keyboard only comes with the Cherry MX Low Profile RGB Red switches. This switch, as Cherry puts it, 'has a very shallow profile and is specially designed for flat desktop applications as well as notebooks'. As seen above, it attempts to best replicate the typing feel of the popular Cherry MX Red switch by using a steeper force-travel diagram. We have a 1.2 mm rated actuation distance with 3.2 mm total travel as opposed to the respectively more typical 2.0/4.0 mm setup. Actuation force is rated the same as for the Cherry MX Red at 45 cN, although the heavier spring means you need to apply more force to fully bottom out. You can find more information on the official product page, and these are among the smoothest linear switches Cherry has ever made. The flat, low profile keycaps have an impact on it as well, and not necessarily positively, at least for me.
As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the Vortex POK3R V2 keyboard sample at ~105 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Cherry MX Low Profile Red RGB switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with linear switches. I did bottom out often given the short travel distance with these switches, but the absence of a plate does reduce bottoming out noise, and the sound profile also does not have that metallic ping associated with the downstroke.

Vortex, manufacturer of the hugely popular Poker II 60% keyboard, has been teasing its next generation Poker on Facebook. Dubbed the POK3R, or Poker III, the new board is set to include several upgrades, and undoubtedly will sell for more than the Poker II’s ~$110 street price.

Pok3r Pcb

Here’s a quick rundown of the POK3R’s features–at least those we know so far, and how they stack up against the Poker II:

• Metal case: Unlike the Poker II, which ships with a plastic case, the POK3R will feature a low-profile cast aluminum case. This alone guarantees that the POK3R will retail for at least $150, and likely more. It appears to be the same aluminum case that Vortex has been selling separately for the last year or so.
• Black or white: The POK3R will be available with black caps and a black case, or white caps and a white case, similar to the Poker II.
• Full programmability with 3 layers: The Poker II has only two programmable layers with a fixed Pn key. Vortex says the Poker III will have three programmable layers with the Fn and Pn keys being programmable themselves–in other words, full programmability similar to keyboards with custom controllers.
• Support for QWERTY, Dvorak, and Colemak: Vortex’s teaser photos suggest these layouts will be settable via DIP switches on the PCB, and DO show correct-profile Dvorak and Colemak keysets, but it’s unknown whether they will ship each layout as a separate SKU. When you start multiplying layout support with color, LED options, and so on… that makes a LOT of different SKUs, and retailers don’t like that–too difficult to stock everything. More on this below.
• LED Backlighting with programmability: The Poker II comes in backlit and non-backlit varieties. The same will possibly be true of the POK3R, since some teaser shots show it with backlit-compatible keycaps and some show it with solid keycaps. However, all of the ‘naked’ Poker III shots so far have shown LEDs installed, so it might be a mandatory feature. Either way, we also know that on backlit models, you’ll also be able to program LEDs on a per-key basis if you only want certain keys illuminated. Note that it will NOT be an RGB board, although Vortex has commented that they’re interested in releasing RGB boards in the future when Corsair’s exclusivity contract ends.
• Authentic Cherry MX switches: Unlike many of their competitors, Vortex won’t be switching to a lower-cost MX alternative switch like Kailh or Gateron.
• Multiple types of keycaps, including PBT+POM doubleshots: In a Facebook comment, Vortex suggested that the Poker III will come with a choice of keycaps–including, at least, their recently released PBT keycaps with translucent doubleshot POM legends, dyesubbed PBT, lasered or printed PBT, and ABS (probably pad-printed).
• Plate mounted: The POK3R will have a plate sandwiched between the PCB and switches for extra rigidity, just like the Poker 2. There was some previous speculation that it would be PCB-mounted (i.e., switches soldered directly to PCB with no plate in between) like the original Poker X, but this has since been proven false.
• Revised function layer: On the Poker II’s function layer, the missing arrow keys were mapped to WASD. On the Poker III, they look to be mapped to IJKL instead, and many other functions have been relocated too. Of course, this is only the default configuration–with 3 programmable layers, you can arrange your function layer any way you want.
• No “Enjoy Your Feeling” on the spacebar: Good, because no one enjoyed that on the Poker II.
• Will be available in ISO: Good news for our European friends.

I think there are two main takeaways here.

First, the POK3R is going to be an expensive, high-end keyboard, with its aluminum case and vast new feature set. My guess is it’ll retail between $150 and $200, and probably closer to $200. If this happens, Vortex will continue to sell the Poker II as a “budget” option.

Pok3r 3

Second, Vortex is really pushing customizability, from color, to keycap material, to keycap layout, to backlighting. If you multiply together all the possibilities, you get dozens if not hundreds of combinations. There’s no way retailers will stock all these SKUs. It may mean that certain combinations are impossible to find at retail… or maybe Vortex is planning something special? Maybe they’re going to start selling made-to-order boards direct? That’ll be complicated since they’re based in Taiwan, but don’t rule it out completely–especially with the POK3R’s expected premium price.

Finally, the latest word from Vortex is a February 2015 release date, though some people on the forums are saying March. Don’t hold your breath, though–Vortex is notorious for delays.

Pok3r Le

I’ll close out here with a gallery of images Vortex has released so far. Enjoy, and let me know what your predictions are for the Poker III!