Vortex Poker 3 Ultra-Compact Mechanical & Programmable Gaming Keyboard
- Programmable without software
- More Details...
- Not ideal for those who works on numbers as it has no keypad
- More Details...
Mistel Barocco MD600 60%, Ergonomic Split Programmable Keyboard
- Ergonomic, split design
- More Details...
- The micro-USB port, which is what connects the keyboard to your CPU, wears easily. When worn down, the keyboard’s connection to the CPU becomes intermittent.
- More Details...
Rosewill RK-9000V2 RGB, Full-Size Programmable Gaming Keyboard
- Design is easy and familiar to use
- More Details...
- Limited programmability
- More Details...
Vortex Core 40% Programmable Keyboard with CNC Aluminum Casing
- Compact, light and travel-sized
- More Details...
- Difficult to type due to small keys
- More Details...
Corsair K95 Gaming Keyboard
- Massive, unlimited programmability with its Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) app
- More Details...
- Expensive due to the many features
- More Details...
Vortex Poker 3 Ultra-Compact Mechanical & Programmable Gaming Keyboard
Best All-Around Mechanical, Programmable Keyboard (Small-Sized at 60%)
SCORE
8.9
CRITERIA RATINGS
Keyboard Switch Feels
Ergonomics
Programmability
Durability
Price
PROS
- Programmable without software
- Compact and portable size
- Quality mechanical switches
- Durable and easy to clean
- Compatible with popular operating systems
CONS
- Not ideal for those who works on numbers as it has no keypad
- Limited programmability
- Limited features
THE BOTTOMLINE
A favorite among compact, TKL keyboard fans, the Vortexgear Poker 3 Mechanical Keyboard is known as a “60%” keyboard given that it is only 60% of the normal-sized keyboard. But there’s a reason why the Poker 3 is a crowd favorite among small keyboard enthusiasts – what it lacks in size certainly isn’t lacking in functionality and customizability. Its on-board memory handles the programmability of the keyboard. As such, there is no software to install. There are 3 available layers of customization, 3 kinds of layout (QWERTY, Colemak, and Dvorak). Recent upgrading allows each key to be able to execute 32 different keystrokes. This programmable keyboard features an anodized CNC aluminum cast frame that is tough and long-lasting.
Mistel Barocco MD600 60%, Ergonomic Split Programmable Keyboard
Best Versatile, Ergonomic Programmable Keyboard
SCORE
9.02
CRITERIA RATINGS
Keyboard Switch Feels
Ergonomics
Programmability
Durability
Price
PROS
- Ergonomic, split design
- Equipped with authentic Cherry MX Switches
- On-board programmability without the need for special apps
CONS
- The micro-USB port, which is what connects the keyboard to your CPU, wears easily. When worn down, the keyboard’s connection to the CPU becomes intermittent.
- It takes time to get used to typing with a split-design keyboard
THE BOTTOMLINE
Also a fully programmable, 60% keyboard similar with the Vortex Poker 3, what makes the Mistel Barocco MD600 unique is its ergonomic, split design. Split keyboards are known to provide more comfort, reduce strain, over-reach and stress to the user’s hands and fingers. So, if you’re a fan of compact, TKL keyboards that you can program to your own preferences but would also like to experience the benefits of using a split keyboard, the MD600 may just be the right programmable keyboard for you.
Rosewill RK-9000V2 RGB, Full-Size Programmable Gaming Keyboard
Best Full-Size, Aesthetically-Pleasing Programmable Keyboard
SCORE
8.9
CRITERIA RATINGS
Keyboard Switch Feels
Ergonomics
Programmability
Durability
Price
PROS
- Design is easy and familiar to use
- Versatile design great for home or office
- Authentic Cherry MX Mechanical Switches
- Extra function keys in addition to programmable keyboard keys
- Durable; made with a steel back plate
CONS
- Limited programmability
- Its full-size means it would hardly fit smaller work spaces or gaming stations
THE BOTTOMLINE
From innovative tech gadgets company, Rosewill comes the RK-9000V2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Designed to give gamers an almost-flawless keyboard experience, the Rosewill RK-9000V2 is an ingenious mechanical gaming solution that will fit most gamers’ needs. If you love full keyboard customization options and love programming your keyboard on-the-fly, then this may be the keyboard for you. Also, it’s under-$200 price isn’t so bad, as well. This is a full-size, fully-programmable keyboard that offers great value for money.
Vortex Core 40% Programmable Keyboard with CNC Aluminum Casing
Best Compact, Portable Programmable Keyboard
SCORE
8.84
CRITERIA RATINGS
Keyboard Switch Feels
Ergonomics
Programmability
Durability
Price
PROS
- Compact, light and travel-sized
- Designed with 47 programmable keyboard keys
- Authentic Cherry MX Switches
- Durable design with aluminum bottom shell case and a steel back plate
CONS
- Difficult to type due to small keys
- Not backlit
- Limited programmability
THE BOTTOMLINE
A mini mechanical keyboard that only has 47 fully-programmable keys (ANSI layout), the Vortexgear Core Mechanical Keyboard is an amazing find for anyone who requires a smaller-than-usual yet powerful keyboard. Other than it’s pocket-sized proportions, and great price, it is fully-customizable. It is also available in Cherry MX Brown, Blue, and Red. To add to its programmability, one feature that stands out about the Vortex Core is its split space bars that you can decide to keep both to use as a space bar or you can opt to reprogram the other half and leave the other half as is. You may also reprogram both, if that’s what you prefer.
Corsair K95 Gaming Keyboard
Multi-Function Programmable Keyboard
SCORE
8.84
CRITERIA RATINGS
Keyboard Switch Feels
Ergonomics
Programmability
Durability
Price
PROS
- Massive, unlimited programmability with its Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) app
- Features 100% Cherry MX mechanical key switches for fast, responsive, and precise inputs
- Programmable 18 G-keys at up to 108 macros
- Protected with aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum
CONS
- Expensive due to the many features
- Takes a large amount of space on the desktop
THE BOTTOMLINE
An excellent gamer’s keyboard but will also serve well for programmers, the Corsair K95 features responsive keys that are light to the touch. Users will also love its dedicated RGB backlight, great for late-night gaming. In terms of programmability, it’s designed with the Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) app allows you to customize each key’s function, allowing an almost unlimited degree of customization – setup sophisticated macros and key combos quickly and easily. CUE also allows you to tailor lighting effects for an even better visual gaming experience. For durability, the gaming keyboard is protected with aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum. You can play hours and hours of intense gaming without worrying about destroying your keyboard.
