Vortex Pok3r
 | |
| Model no. | VTG-6100 |
|---|---|
| Branding | none |
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Features | 3 programmable layers, (RGB) backlighting, DIP switch configuration, |
| Layouts | 60% ANSI, ISO |
| Keyswitches | Various Cherry MX variants |
| Switch mount | Plate mount |
| Stabiliser | Cherry plate mount |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot ABS (backlit), Printed PBT (non-backlit) |
| Interface | Mini USB port |
| Rollover | USB NKRO |
| Introduced | 2014[1], backlit, RGB 2015[2] |
| Precedes | iKBC New Poker |
| Supersedes | KBC Poker II |
| Price | 120$ - 150$ Retail[3] |
KBT Pok3r, KBC Poker 3, Vortex Pok3r, or simply Pok3r is a programmable 60% keyboard from KBT. It is the successor to the original KBC Poker II. Versions are available with single color or RGB back lighting (with doubleshot ABS keycaps[4]) and without back lighting (with printed PBT keycaps[5]). Notable improvements over the KBC Poker II are a solid cast aluminium keyboard case and two additional programmable layers. The doubleshot PBT ANSI RGB modifiers keys are no longer included.
Contents
Box contents
- One Pok3r keyboard[5]
- Mini-USB cable
Programming
Programming is done using key combinations and is stored permanently in the keyboards micro controller. There is no programming software required or available for the Pok3r. It is impossible to backup/restore the configuration of a Pok3r.
Step 1. Choose the layer (Fn+ <, > or ? key) which you want to program
Step 2. Press Fn + Right CTRL to enter the programming mode (Spacebar right LED steadily lit)
Step 3. Press the key you want to program (Spacebar right LED flashing)
Step 4. Key in the programming content and then press Pn (Spacebar right LED steadily lit again)
Step 5. Repeat step 2 and step 3 to program other keys
Step 6. Press Fn + Right CTRL to exit programming mode ( Spacebar right LED off)
Taken from the Pok3r manual[5]. Please check the manual for further details regarding the default layer, programming and other features.
Known restraints
Unlike previous versions of Vortex-made 60% keyboards, the PN key does not act as a temporary layer switch key for the programmable layer. This is due to the increase of programmable layers from one to three and the extended usage of the PN key for backlight configuration.
Early versions (Firmware < 1.1.4) did not include media control keys in the firmware[6]. Please upgrade the firmware to solve this.
DIP Switches
The Pok3r supports Dvorak and Colemak through DIP-switch configuration:
| SW1 | SW2 | Layout |
|---|---|---|
| On | On | Colemak |
| On | Off | Dvorak |
| Off | On | Qwerty |
| Off | Off | Qwerty |
Functionality of DIP switches SW3 and SW4:
- SW3 On: CapsLock = Fn, Off: CapsLock = CapsLock
- SW4 On: Allow remapping of FN & PN, Off: FN & PN mapped to default keys
Variants
The Pok3r comes with a great variety of Cherry MX switches and in different case and keycap configurations. Backlit variants of the Pok3r are known to have double shot ABS keycaps. There are variants with white and black aluminium bottom cases. Not all variants are available in ISO layout.
| Switch | Case color | Keycaps | Backlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Red | Black/White | lasered PBT | No |
| Cherry MX Blue | Black/White | lasered PBT | No |
| Cherry MX Brown | Black/White | lasered PBT | No |
| Cherry MX Clear | Black/White | lasered PBT | No |
| Cherry MX Green | Black/White | lasered PBT | No |
| Cherry MX Black | Black/White | lasered PBT | No |
| Cherry MX Red | Black/White | ABS Dual Coating | White |
| Cherry MX Blue | Black/White | ABS Dual Coating | White |
| Cherry MX Brown | Black/White | ABS Dual Coating | White |
| Cherry MX Clear | Black/White | ABS Dual Coating | White |
| Cherry MX Green | Black/White | ABS Dual Coating | White |
| Cherry MX Black | Black/White | ABS Dual Coating | White |
| Cherry MX RGB Red | Black/White | ABS double shot | RGB |
| Cherry MX RGB Blue | Black/White | ABS double shot | RGB |
| Cherry MX RGB Brown | Black/White | ABS double shot | RGB |
| Cherry MX RGB Black | Black/White | ABS double shot | RGB |
| Cherry MX RGB Silver | Black/White | ABS double shot | RGB |
| Cherry MX RGB White | Black/White | ABS double shot | RGB |
Gallery
Front view of the Pok3r, ISO-DE
Top down view on the Pok3r with MX Red switches, ISO layout
Bottom case
Bottom case inside (with plastic inlet and screws)
Vortex Pok3r PCB (ISO build)
External links
References
- ↑ Facebook post announcing release of Pok3r, 11. November 2014
- ↑ Tweet announcing release of Pok3r RGB, 7:10 AM - 29 Dec 2015
- ↑ Corus KB, Vortex International Distributor
- ↑ Pok3r RGB Manual PDF
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Pok3r Manual PDF
