![Vortexgear Core 40% - Dark Grey CNC Case - PBT DSA Keycaps - Cherry Mx [CNC Aluminium Casing] (Mx-Brown)]({"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71k2LvTdBvL._AC_SX679_.jpg":[453,679],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71k2LvTdBvL._AC_SX569_.jpg":[379,569],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71k2LvTdBvL._AC_SX355_.jpg":[237,355],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71k2LvTdBvL._AC_SX522_.jpg":[348,522],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71k2LvTdBvL._AC_SX450_.jpg":[300,450],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71k2LvTdBvL._AC_SX466_.jpg":[311,466],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71k2LvTdBvL._AC_SX425_.jpg":[283,425]})
![Vortexgear Core 40% - Dark Grey CNC Case - PBT DSA Keycaps - Cherry Mx [CNC Aluminium Casing] (Mx-Brown)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71k2LvTdBvL._AC_SS450_.jpg)
The Vortex Core is part utilitarian, part enthusiast, part nomadic keyboard. The Vortex CORE brings some really great features to the table, that very few non-custom keyboards bring to the table. First, we will talk about the layout itself. The Vortex CORE uses a 40% layout, that many people will not be accustomed to. However, having used a few different 40% keyboards such as the JD40 and the MiniVan before, it wasn't too jarring to get used to - like any smaller layout for a keyboard, you have to give your fingers time to adapt to the new feel. It has been surprisingly very easy to switch between my HHKB, POK3R, and WASD V2 without too much effort, But there is something of an interesting effect about 40% layouts like this board, and that is that they typically keep your fingers on the home row more than you might be used to. If you are like many of the millennials I know, including myself, your typing style may be considered "non-standard". What I mean by that is you may not necessarily rest on the homerow as often as Mavis Beacon may have told you too. The CORE sort of forces you into that style of typing, and it is a very tactile and fluid style of typing. I normally type at around 115 WPM on my HHKB, but I was quickly able to almost match that on the CORE without much effort. Normally, I would spend about a week with a keyboard before I give my opinion on it, but it is clear - the CORE is both functional, and a pleasure to type on.
The switches I opted for were MX Blues, and I am glad I did. I haven't owned a Blue board in quite some time - I had moved away from the blues as time went on mainly because I felt that Browns were more suitable for my needs, but I am happy to say this is my favorite Blue board I have ever owned. The DSA layout combined with the MX Blues offers a very unique and super smooth experience while typing. Something about this combination just FEELS good. Which brings me to the next point... the keycaps.
Vortex also hit the ball out of the park on the build quality of the board. It feels like one complete solid piece, with a great CNC Anodized Aluminium case, this thing just oozes premium feel and build. I think I would have liked to see some more color options, but me personally, it was exactly what I wanted.
Vortex is one of the first non-custom boards that I know of to not only offer a 40% layout but also a beautiful and really nicely done DSA layout with PBT keycaps. It is stunning to look at in person, and even more enjoyable to type on. If I ever decide to do some fun mods with my POK3R, these keycaps might find their way onto that board at some time in the future because, they're that enjoyable to type on. If you had any worries about the keycaps themselves, let me put your worries at ease, these are top tier quality. Very little to no wobble throughout the board, even on some of the "larger" keys.
One of the more important features of this board is the programability. There is no software, which could both be a pro or a con depending on the person, but the individual layers are powerful enough to to change key layouts or do hardware macros that will give you some power user capabilities. The feature set is that of all of Vortex's boards, so it is powerful enough for all but the most programming heavy enthusiasts. I myself changed the layout on Layer 1 to emulate my HHKB layout, where CTRL is on CAPS and moved tab down to L_CTRL to keep my shortcuts quick and accessible without having to do any major hand movements. If you need, for some reason, a higher level of programability, you will probably have to look for some DIY solutions like a Planck or MiniVan. However, make sure you update the firmware of the board to the latest version once you have the board in hand.
If this is your first 40% board, you started off with a super power house of a keyboard for the size. A great feature set, great layout, and really beautiful and wonderful feeling keycaps make this package a SWEET deal for the price.
Another key feature I almost failed to touch on with this board is it's portability. Taking this keyboard to and fro for taking notes in meetings or doing work out in the wild proved effortless. The keyboard is small enough to throw into a small bag with your tablet or phone for taking notes or doing correspondence. Where was this keyboard when I was in college? This would have been a godsend a few years back when I was taking notes.
You have here a pretty solid keyboard here, that is hard to beat. While it might not be perfectly suited to something like gaming, there's nothing wrong with that because that's not what it is aimed at performing in. When it comes to typing, and having a small form factor, that is also incredibly portable and comfortable to use, there are very few keyboards out there that will give you this level of typing nirvana for the price. At a third of the price of a MiniVan keyboard, I can whole heartedly recommend the hell out of this keyboard.
While not a perfect keyboard to use as a daily driver, it serves as a tool that will make your life easier. Not to mention, for the enthusiasts out there among you - you will love to add this to your collection.
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