I love this keyboard BUT the microUSB is horrible and I have had to have this keyboard repaired twice now because of how loose it becomes. Sorry Vort3x, but PLEASE make your next keyboard with USB-C or more firm construction around the port.

Cherry MX Clear switches, currently with Signature Plastics PBT-SA keycaps, no modifications or lubing as that's above my pay grade.
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This keyboard has been my daily driver since around mid-November 2018, and in that time it has seen several different sets of keycaps in a variety of profiles. The default SA, DSA (Granite, specifically), PBT SA from PMK, as well as some generic OEM profile stuff from other manufacturers. While the caps on this board have been changing constantly, what hasn't changed is my love for the layout.

Back when the consensus among the community was that smaller keyboards were en vogue, especially those in the 60% variety, I jumped in on the bandwagon and bought myself a POK3R, also with MX Clears. While that board does see some use alongside a smaller project, it just felt *too* small for everyday use. The lack of a numpad and traditional arrow keys was a big detriment, as I'm someone that does a fair bit of calculations as well as gaming, particularly in the shmup genre, where fine control in a familiar layout can be the difference between playing well and not being able to play at all.

Though it admittedly odes take some getting used to, this layout is quite honestly anything and everything I could have possibly asked for in a keyboard. The different layers allow me to do things such as change the number row to function keys for easy access in programs and games where the F keys are more important, and the numpad tacked onto the end of a traditional 60% layout which doubles as a nav cluster is an ingenious design choice that Vortex should continue to manufacture and improve in years to come. Not that there's much improvement that needs to be made here-- the construction is excellent and has held up amazingly in the two and a half years I've used this board. Not a single switch or LED has died on me, and while I might not be able to detect some of the finer details (wonky stabilizers, things in need of lubing, etc) this board is quite honestly the last one that I think I'll ever need to purchase.

.unless they come out with one that has USB C. Micro USB in 2018 was pretty normal, but in 2021 it's practically unacceptable. I loathe the day that I go and get a proper desktop and need to try and find a longer cable for this board, even though I know that it will still serve me well when I do.

In short-- if the idea of a smaller form factor keyboard intrigues you but you don't think you can live without the creature comforts that comes with a full-size layout that you have probably been using for your entire life up until this point, then the Vibe is definitely something you should consider. Media keys, programmable layers, and a solid build with quality materials are all things Vortex continues to bring to the table. So long as you don't mind a healthy dose of RTFM ever now and then until you get used to where everything has moved to, odds are you'll enjoy this board.

Just got this keyboard with silent black switches. I had to wait a while for the silent black, but I think it was well worth the wait. It's really everything I think I wanted. 10-key was important to me, and it's easy enough to switch the 10-key layer to nav arrows/Home/End/Delete. Caps Lock has an LED underneath but I wish the Numlock also had one, because that's the one I'd really like to know is activated (other reviews don't make it clear whether there is one?). The right shift key doesn't always activate when I want, but this might just require a little practice in the force needed to press. Looks like I need to update the firmware to get that 00 key working. There are a few things I'm still getting used to, but given how much real estate I'm saving on my desk, and the pleasure of typing on it, it's well worth the effort! The metal case is hefty, and the keys feel substantial in a way that I really enjoy. This is my first mechanical keyboard. I should have bought a key puller with my purchase to get into the fun of those colored key caps.

I'm quite impressed with the layout. As someone who likes having a numpad handy but is not the best off on desk space, I've wanted to try navless for a while, so I picked up a ViBE.

The design is excellent, with PBT SA keycaps (a rarity to be sure) and an entirely aluminum case. I found that I was able to get somewhat used to alternating between the nav cluster and numpad in only a while, though it took a firmware update for the 00 key, LEDs and layer buttons to work. Some of the keys' printing is a bit off-center, especially the R and C keys. Also, the num lock indicator is placed in such a way that my left hand blocks my view of the indicator of mode I'm on, so I have to move it away for a bit to see that (It might be better to put the LED on the Num Lock key for better visibility). Also, the keyboard still uses Micro-USB and the tolerance in the port is quite tight. Nevertheless, I think I can get used to these, so they shouldn't be anything to dock stars over.

However, something is amiss that does deserve a dock: the stabilizers are not great. They aren't rattly, making the stabilized keys quieter than they are on other boards, but they are far from uniform. Three keys, in particular, are bothersome: the alphanumeric Enter and the numpad and Enter keys. The alphanumeric Enter stabs seem to have a loose tolerance, so the Enter key is very wobbly, plus if I press in such a way that the weight is toward the northern edge of the key (right by the border between it and ]) then the key won't go down, seemingly blocked by the stabs. As for the numpad and Enter keys, if I press the keycap too far onto the stems, then the keys will stick at the bottom of the press, whereas with the Backspace it's just a bit scratchier.

Overall, it's a really interesting board with a great design, but the stabs are a bit tough to put up with. Maybe it's a defective product, or maybe I need to find other stabs and put them in for easier use. Either way, this board gets a solid 4 stars, at least for now.

I ordered the Cherry MX Silver switches and was pleasantly surprised at the superb quality of this keyboard! I have used MX Browns and Razer's Purple Optical switches in the past, but this keyboard has made MX Silver's my new favorite! The switches are very smooth and are consistent between keys. The board is built very well and has considerable heft to it - resulting in a very deep typing sound. The PBT keycaps as high quality, but I would highly recommend using the included feet to tilt the keyboard towards you, as without them the keyboard is very flat. The layout is taking a while getting used to, I find myself gliding my hand across the right edge looking for the arrow keys, but I'm sure that I will get comfortable in no time. Overall, fantastic quality, and a great layout for those who love 60% but need a numpad.

If you want the equivalent of a 60% keyboard plus number pad look no further! I love the expanded functionality with the num pad, and the simple layer switching for your navigation functions is easy to get used to while the overall case of the keyboard still remains as compact as possible.
The keycaps themselves are high quality and feel very nice with the SA profile, although a few are just slightly crooked.
I have been using this keyboard with brown switches for over a year now daily at work. This is a very solidly built keyboard and I would recommend it to anyone.

This keyboard is absolutely phenomenal. I love the feel of the board, it is very compact and I love the feel of the Cherry Blue's. I am coming from a DAS Keyboard 4C. I have been using this keyboard for a few years and decided to upgrade to something a little more modern. Vortex has delivered well on the quality of the board. I recommend this board to those that are looking to get into mechanical keyboards for a decent price. Definitely premium.

Best Keyboard I have used. SA keycaps are solid and feel nice. Keyboard has got some weight to it, and the programming is nice

Got this as my first mechanical keyboard, and I couldn't be happier! I really wanted a 75% keyboard, but this was the only that had the look that I was going for. The keyboard is nice and solid, and surprisingly heavy. It takes up barely any space on my desk and types like a dream. It came with a micro USB cable and a few colored modifier keys, I have it set up with just the red keys and it looks fantastic. The only con I have is that there are a few imperfections on some of the keys, a few mold marks visible and slightly off centered legends on two of the keys. However, the keys are very solid and feel really nice, I don't really notice the small imperfections anyways.