Pok3r

• Pok3r Manual
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• Pok3r Rgb Manual
• Pok3r Mini
• Pok3r Case

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 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. Main Specification: - Tiny size keyboard with 61 keys - Cherry MX Switches - Arbitrary programming - White backlit.

When I was using a Mac full time, I almost always used a CODE keyboard for all my typing. That lead me to find something better to use with my iPad, and I snagged a Poker II with MX Clear switches. It was a good keyboard for occasional iPad use, but it had a few fatal flaws: it was ugly, and the CMD key was unchangeably in the wrong location.

I had given up on a mechanical keyboard for the iPad when I switched to it full time — I just hated the way all of them looked. However, over the last few weeks I have come back to wanting a better typing experience. I hooked up the CODE and remembered why I loved it so much, but the same problem with the CODE + iPad Pro remains: scale. The keyboard is just too large compared to the iPad Pro.

I needed something smaller.

I tried the Poker II again, but just couldn’t be bothered. When I went looking around I found the Vortex Pok3r (aka Poker 3) — an all new and vastly improved version of the Poker II. Still in the 60% layout format.

The changes in the Pok3r are vast: better case, better design, and programmable key layers. With all of these changes, the issues I had with the Poker II are resolved.

Programming

You wouldn’t know the keyboard was programmable when you opened the box, as it comes with no manual. But some searching around and you’ll come across this handy guide for getting your keyboard setup.

I was quickly able to reprogram the keys, however the right CMD reprogram has yet to really work for me — until I realized you also needed to move the FN key — after that everything worked. I’ve been able to fully reprogram the keyboard to work just as I want it to, with one notable exception.

There’s no Eject key — which you think would be a non-issue given that I am using it with an iPad and not a Mac, however the Eject key is how you prompt iOS to show the emoji keyboard. Without it, I am left without access to the keyboard while using the Pok3r.

Overall a much greater success than when I used the Poker II.

Design

For me this is one of the biggest changes. If you look at the two beside each other you can readily see how much better the Pok3r looks. But it also feels much better too. The case is no longer plastic which scales the edges, instead it is a heavy chunk of aluminum which sits low. The key caps too are made of a nicer material, but more than that they don’t have any of the cheesy crap from the Poker II models printed on them.

The entire keyboard looks like a keyboard which has been stripped down to it’s more essential components: the keys. It’s edge to edge keys and I think it looks fantastic (of course you can get aftermarket keycaps to modify the look if you desire).

In Use with iPad Pro

The Pok3r is a wired keyboard, and thus you need to use one of the many “camera connection adapters” for the iPad in order to hook it up. It can be powered off the non-powered kit, but fair warning: it takes a toll on the battery. Without the keyboard attached, just using the Smart Keyboard Cover, I can get about 8-9 hours of battery from my iPad Pro in an average day. With the Pok3r attached, I get 7-8 hours, losing about a full hour of battery life. That’s less than ideal, but can be mitigated with the powered adapter to keep your iPad Pro charged.

Aside from the battery life hit, I’ve found working with this setup to be near perfect. To alleviate the visual eye sore of the wires, I bought better looking wires, yeah. I’ve been using the excellent Compass (version 1, not 2) to prop up the iPad Pro as well.

Pok3r Manual

Once properly programmed, I’ve had no issues at all with using the keyboard and iPad together — far fewer issues than I do when I try to use any Bluetooth keyboard with it.

Note About the Back Light

When I initially received the keyboard the back light made an insane sounding high pitched whine when it was on. Some searching around lead me to find that a firmware update would fix the issue. In order to update the firmware I had to dig out a circa 2002 Dell laptop, but I got the job done and no more whine.

Overall

I was initially worried I would be close, but not there with this keyboard, but I am there. This is a fantastic keyboard, not just for iPad users but for computing in general. I do wish there was a bluetooth version, but I also find Bluetooth keyboards problematic on iOS, so perhaps it’s better not to be given the option.

You can find yours here.

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A 60% mechanical keyboard is a small form factor mechanical keyboard that is even smaller than a Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard. As from the name implies, these keyboards come with 60 keys (some can have a bit more), and they do not come with function keys, number pad keys, navigation cluster, arrows keys, and relies on the secondary or multi-key layers to make up for the missing keys. This means you can activate or engage the missing keys using the modifier key or FN key in conjunction with another key. Most of these 60 percent keyboards also come with DIP switches that allow you to change keyboard layout e.g. from QWERTY to DVORAK, COLEMAK or vice versa. Moreover, these DIP switches are also used to customize some particular keys on the keyboard. These 60% mechanical keyboards offer great portability and you carry them easily in your laptop bag during travel. They can also be called as super compact or ultra-compact mechanical keyboards.

60% Mechanical Keyboards are the popular choice of programmers, coders, and typists because of their cluster free layout, simplicity, portability and the reliability of mechanical switches. These keyboards are generally not meant for gaming, because of the missing keys (especially arrows keys) that may be needed in games. However, you can game on them as most of them support N-key rollover with anti-ghosting. In general, 60% mechanical keyboards are in the minority group as most of the big brands don’t actually care to make them. However, there are some very good, reliable and feature-rich 60 percent mechanical keyboards available, which I am going to list here.

Read also:Best 40% Mechanical Keyboards for Work [Ultra Portable]

Best 60% Mechanical Keyboards for Professionals

Here are the best 60% mechanical keyboards that you can use for programming, coding, typing, gaming and normal day to day work.

Vortexgear POK3R Mechanical Keyboard

[PBT Keycaps, Programmable, Custom Layouts]

Vortexgear POK3R or Vortex Poker 3 is a very popular and one of the best 60% mechanical keyboards for professionals that include programmers, coders, and typists. The keyboard has got 61 keys in total and comes with Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red / Clear / Silent Red / Silver switches to choose from. It has got great build quality and has got aluminum construction. There are four DIP switches located at the bottom that allows you to change the layout (DVORAK, COLEMAK or QWERTY), and also allows you to customize some of the main keys e.g. turning your Caps Lock key into an FN key, or repositioning FN and PN keys wherever you want on the board.

This 60% mechanical keyboard has got Laster Etched PBT keycaps that are better than ABS keycaps as they are durable and hard, and do not develop shine or smooth out in the long run. Being a programmable keyboard, it has got 3 customizable layers, which you can program according to your requirements and ease. The LED under the space-bar key tells you about the layer you are currently working on. You can enable or record macros up to 32 keystrokes per key, which is remarkable and prove very useful for code snippet, text navigation & selection, etc. All the programming settings of programmable keys are stored on the on-board memory, and no software is needed for customization and changing settings.

The keyboard also has a gaming side too as it supports N-Key Rollover with Anti-Ghosting. So, if you want to enjoy a bit of gaming, when you need a change from the work, then this keyboard is very much capable of gaming too. The only thing that this keyboard lacks is the LED backlighting, which could have made this keyboard almost unbeatable in every aspect. However, most of the users can live without it but it should be there for a keyboard of this quality and caliber. The keyboard is compatible with Windows XP / 7 / Vista / 10, Mac OS, Linux, but the firmware update is carried out on Windows only. So, if you looking for an ultra-compact mechanical keyboard for your programming and typing needs then you won’t find anything better than this. It is also available in white that looks outright classy. Highly Recommended by me.

iKBC New Poker II Mechanical Keyboard

[PBT Keycaps, Programmable, Custom Layouts, USB Type-C]

iKBC is a brand that does not compromise on quality and is pretty well known for making durable, simplistic and high-quality Cherry MX mechanical keyboards. Here we have a super-compact mechanical keyboard from it, which is iKBC New Poker II Mechanical Keyboard. This is a true 60% mechanical keyboard that comes with Cherry MX Brown / Red / Blue switches, and Laser Engraved PBT keycaps for durability, longevity, and better typing feel. This is a fully programmable keyboard that comes with three programmable layers with macros. The keyboard supports four layouts: Qwerty, Dvorak, Colemak & Workman, and you can switch between them and customize some important keys using the six DIP switches located on the backside of the keyboard.

This is a well-built minimalist 60 percent mechanical keyboard and feels very solid and sturdy. For gaming, the keyboard also features NKRO and Anti-ghosting. Just like the Vortexgear POK3R, this keyboard also lacks keycap backlighting, which is a bit of setback for some users. In terms of functionality and features, it is a bit ahead of the Vortexgear POK3R. The operating systems supported by this keyboard include Windows and Mac OS. It comes with two detachable braided cables; one is USB Type-C to USB Type-C and the other is USB Type-A to USB Type-C for a wider range of connectivity. The package also includes two Red Ctrl keycaps, two Blue Alt Keycaps and two Green Shift Keycaps for ease of use. Overall, a great 60% mechanical keyboard that excels in quality, features, and functionality, and is a boon to programmers, coders, and heavy-duty typists.

Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2

[TOPRE Capacitive Switches, Sturdy, USB Hub 2 Ports]

HHKB Professional 2 is a very special 60 keys keyboard from PFU Limited, a Japanese manufacturer. The main highlight of this 60% keyboard is its unique switches. It comes with Topre switches, which is a hybrid between a mechanical spring-based switch and rubber dome-based switch with a capacitive sensor. In these Electrostatic Capacitive Switches, the keypresses are registered or sensed electrically rather than physically (by closing a circuit). This is done to eliminate key bounce or key chatter, which is a common problem with traditional mechanical switches. The Topre keys require an actuation force of 45g (similar to Cherry MX brown switch) and are available in both silent and clicky variants.

Topre switch requires only a gentle push to register a keystroke and produces a satisfactory ‘thock’ sound. They are much more expensive than mechanical switches (including Cherry MX), and this increases the price of these keyboards to a greater extent. These switches are also used in military and commercial applications where there is no room for failure, and higher accuracy is a necessity. It may take some time to get used to these Topre switches, especially if you are transitioning from a Cherry MX keyboard. However, when you really get a good hold on them, then typing on them is satisfactory and they feel as good as the mechanical switches. Below you can see the key elements and construction of a Topre switch.

HHKB Professional 2 Keyboard comes with 60 keys and has a contoured frame and design that helps in reduce finger fatigue and stress on your hands. This keyboard is solidly built and comes with PBT keycaps, six DIP switches and three levels of height adjustment. The DIP switches at the front side allow you to switch layouts that include HHKB Mode (UNIX), Lite Ext. Mode (Windows), Mac Mode, and to customize some of the main keys. The keyboard also features a USB 2.0 hub with two USB ports to connect a mouse, flash drives, headphones or any other low power USB devices. The keyboard lacks LED backlighting and comes with a detachable USB cable for connectivity. The keyboard is available in both blank keys and printed keys variant, and also in two colors that include charcoal (black) or white. So, if you are a programmer, coder, typist or a professional, and are looking for a highly reliable 60% keyboard that offers the highest level of accuracy and has great build quality then you should definitely go for it. The main reseller for this keyboard is Fujistu, so it is also known as Fujitsu Happy Hacking Keyboard.

Note: Bluetooth variant of Happy Hacking Keyboard is also available. The Type-S model or variant of the keyboard has Topre Silent Switches. You can check out all the models and variants from the links given below.

Cooler Master SK621 Mechanical Keyboard

[Low Profile Switches, Slim Design, RGB Lighting, Bluetooth+USB]

Cooler Master SK621 is a 60% low profile mechanical keyboard with fancy RGB backlighting. It comes with Cherry MX RGB Low Profile Switches that have less key travel distance and lower actuation point. The keyboard has got flat contoured keycaps that resembles chiclet keys, which you normally see on modern-day laptops and notebooks. It has a floating keys design that makes it easier to clean. Because of the low-profile keycaps and mechanical switches, this keyboard is slimmer than all the 60% mechanical keyboards and is ultra-compact and portable in size. You really have no trouble at all carrying this keyboard in your laptop bag, even if the bag is a bit smaller.

The keyboard comes with the hybrid connectivity option, which means it supports both wired and wireless modes of operation. For wired mode, is uses a braided and detachable USB cable that has USB Type-C connector at one end and USB Type-A at other. The keyboard supports Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity and you can connect it to any supported Bluetooth enabled device that includes your smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. It has got a rechargeable internal battery that can provide up to 4 -5 months of backup with lighting Off, and up to 15 hours with RGB lighting On. Using the special function key (FN) with other keys, you can engage the missing keys and also activate the various media shortcuts. This FN key is also used to adjust per-key backlighting, switch lighting modes or effects, and even record macros on-the-fly without the need for any software. The RGB lighting is bright, looks great and there is actually nothing to complain about them. The build quality of this minimalist keyboard is pretty good and it has got a brushed aluminum top that gives the keyboard extra rigidity.

It may take some time getting used to these low-profile switches and keycaps on this keyboard, especially if you haven’t had any experience with low profile keyboards previously, and also do not use laptop keyboard at all. It can also be used for gaming because it supports N-key rollover with Anti-ghosting and RGB backlighting. This may not be the preferred compact keyboard for programmers and coders who do a lot of typing and want greater programming features, but is a great alternative for regular users and some gamers, who want to save a considerable amount of space on their desk. It is also a great compact keyboard for someone who wants a slim portable mechanical keyboard that is easy to carry in their laptop bag.

Must Read:Best RGB Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming

Vortexgear Cypher Mechanical Keyboard

[Dedicated Arrow Keys, PBT Keycaps, Programmable]

Vortexgear Cypher is a 65% mechanical keyboard that comes with 68 keys. The keyboard includes dedicated arrows keys that you won’t find in the Vortexgear POK3R model. Despite more keys, the keyboard is still super compact and portable. The keyboard comes with Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red / Silver switches with Laser etched PBT keycaps, but lacks LED backlighting. It is a fully programmable keyboard that has got three programmable layers and supports built-in layouts that include Qwerty, Dvorak, and Colemak. You can change the layouts and customize some functions of the main keys using the DIP switches located on the back of the keyboard. The keyboard allows you to program up to 100 characters per key and all this is done on-the-fly using the physical switches, and no software is needed for it.

Pok3r Pcb

The inclusion of arrow keys makes this keyboard very much suitable for gaming too, and it also supports N-Key Rollover with Anti-Ghosting. The construction quality of the keyboard is good and it comes with a Detachable USB Type-C Gold Plated Cable. The keyboard is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Linux but the firmware update can only be done using Windows OS. So, if you are looking for a portable keyboard for professional and gaming needs with dedicated arrow keys included, then you won’t find anything better than this.

Note: A split spacebar variant of this keyboard is also available with a total of 69 keys, while all other features, design, and specifications remain the same. You can check out this version too from the link given below.

Ducky One 2 Mini 60% RGB Keyboard

[RGB Backlighting, PBT Doubleshot Keycaps, Lightweight]

Ducky is a pretty well-known brand that has got a very good reputation for its high-quality Cherry MX mechanical keyboards. Here we have Ducky One 2 Mini 60% RGB Mechanical Keyboard that comes with Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red switches. The keyboard uses double-shot injection PBT keycaps, where the legends on the top use double-shot printing, while the side legends are laser engraved. The RGB lighting on the keyboard looks amazing and you can customize the RGB lighting modes using the special function (Fn) key, which is also used to invoke media shortcuts, missing keys, and macro recording. The DIP switches present on the backside of the keyboard can be used to customize some keys and settings.

The keyboard is well built and has a black top and a white bottom that gives it a very stylish look. It has three level feet adjustment and comes with a detachable USB Type-C cable with USB Type-A connector at one end. The keyboard is on the lighter side compared to the other 60% keyboards in the segment. It can be used as gaming too and it supports NKRO with Anti-ghosting. A set of ten colorful PBT keycaps also comes included with the package. The keyboard works with Windows and Mac OS. Overall, a great 60% mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting and genuine Cherry MX switches. This is an all-rounder compact keyboard, and you can use this keyboard for typing, gaming and for programming purposes too. Highly Recommended by me.

Note: You may see Akko written before the name of this keyboard, which is nothing but the name of the reseller or supplier of this keyboard located in China, and there is no difference in quality and specifications between Akko X Ducky One 2 and Ducky One 2 keyboard (non-Akko).

Cooler Master SK622

Pok3r Rgb Manual

[Ergonomic Low Profile Keycaps, Great Build Quality, RGB Lighting, Hybrid Operation]

Cooler Master SK622 is a new offering from Cooler Master and is an upgrade over the Cooler Master SK621 keyboard with improved and ergonomic keycaps. While the Cooler Master SK621 has flat low profile keycaps, the Cooler Master SK622 comes with traditional design low profile keycaps and employs different low profile switches, which are TTC switches. The keyboard has excellent build quality and an aluminum top plate that enhances structural integrity. The keyboard features RGB lighting on the keycaps and around the edge of the keyboard base. The RGB lighting can be changed on-the-fly or customized using the Cooler Master MasterPlus+ Software (work with Windows only). Using this software, you can also define Macros, set profiles, set LED brightness, and customize other settings.

It is labeled as a gaming-grade keyboard and comes with an N-key rollover with anti-ghosting technology. The keyboard can be used in wired as well in wireless mode. For wireless operation, it uses Bluetooth 4.0 and has a large 4000mAh (2000mAh × 2) rechargeable internal battery. The battery can be charged using the USB Type-C cable that comes along with the keyboard and is also used for wired operation. The multimedia shortcut keys can be invoked using the FN key. The keyboard supports all the modern-day OS and devices that include Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android. The keyboard is available in Black and White colors, and you can check it out from the link given below.

Pok3r Mini

Anne Pro 2 RGB Mechanical Keyboard

[RGB, Software support, PBT Double Shot keycaps, Bluetooth+USB, Tap Key]

Here we have Anne Pro 2 RGB 60% mechanical keyboard from a Chinese brand Obnis. The keyboard comes with Gateron switches (Blue / Brown / Red) that are Cherry MX clones but feels pretty nice. Just like Cherry MX switches, here also blue ones are tactile and clicky, browns are tactile and reds are linear switches for gaming. However, the feel of these switches is a bit different from the original Cherry MX switches. The keyboard has got PBT Double-Shot keycaps and comes with double function keys (FN1/FN2) and a Magic FN key. The double function keys are used for programming in setting up layers, while the Magic FN key is shared with the Caps Lock key and it retains the original functionality of the Caps lock key. The Magic FN key can copy the FN key function (FN1 or FN2) that gives you quick access to your media player, custom function, etc. This means Magic FN can act as the FN key and you can set the function layers for FN1/FN2, customize any keys or even create a macro for keystroke combination through the Obinslab Starter, and the Magic FN key can mirror this FN behavior.

There is also a very unique feature on this keyboard, which is the Tap key, where the Shift, FN1, FN2, and Ctrl keys can act as arrows keys when just tapped. This comes in really handy as you don’t have to press two keys for engaging the arrow key. The keyboard supports Obinslab Starter software that can be used to customize RGB lighting, setting up Macros and also for firmware upgrade. The keyboard supports dual-mode connectivity as it can be used in USB wired mode and in wireless Bluetooth mode (Bluetooth 4.0). The Bluetooth can be turned On and Off based on your requirements, using a switch located at the bottom of the keyboard. It comes with a USB Type-C detachable cable that also serves as a charging cable for the 1900mAh built-in battery. In Bluetooth mode, you can pair and connect up to four devices (Android, Windows, Mac OS, IOS). The battery backup time in Bluetooth mode is around 8 hours, which in my opinion is on the lower side. It can serve as your gaming keyboard too as it supports NKRO and Anti-ghosting. Overall, a great 60% mechanical keyboard that comes with a ton of features and has RGB lighting too. Also, it is very competitively priced and is quite affordable. It is available in two colors: black or white. Recommended by me.

Note: The keyboard is also available with Kailh Box Brown and Kailh Box White mechanical switches.

Qisan Magicforce Mini Mechanical Keyboard

[Cheap 60% Mechanical Keyboard, Basic Functionality]

If you are looking for a basic and cheap 60% mechanical keyboard then Qisan Magicforce Mini will do the job for you perfectly. Technically, it is a 65% keyboard as it comes with 68 keys and dedicated arrow keys. However, it is still pretty compact and smaller than TKL keyboards, and you can carry it easily in your laptop bag. The keyboard comes with Outemu brown switches that are Cherry MX Brown clones, but they feel different. However, you do get a satisfactory mechanical feel from them and they serve the purpose pretty well. The keyboard has ABS keycaps with a floating key design. It does not come with backlighting, but it does come with an FN key that can be used to invoke the missing keys and media shortcuts.

The keyboard has a decent build quality and has got foldable feet for height adjustment. It is also pretty lightweight and weighs under 600gm. This is not a keyboard for coders and programmers, as it does not come with programmable layers and macro functionality. It is more of a space-saving portable keyboard for travelers and casual users. For connectivity, it comes with a detachable USB cable. It works with both Windows and Mac OS. So, if you are looking for a cheap and basic 60% mechanical keyboard then this is your best bet.

Note: A slightly better version of this keyboard is available with Gateron Brown switches, White LED backlighting, and with N-key rollover & Anti-ghosting capability. It is available in both black and white colors. You can check out this variant too from the links given below.

See also:

Final Words

Pok3r Case

60% mechanical keyboards might not be the mainstream norm, but they are popular in a particular segment that includes programmers, coders, typists, and professionals. These compact keyboards are ultra-portable because of their smaller size and provide you a clutter-free and clean layout that is the main requirement of most of the professionals. Most of them are fully programmable having multiple layers for different layouts or profiles. Some of the 60% mechanical keyboards do come with RGB lighting too, and can be used by gamers who want to save some space on their deck. Also, most of the 60% mechanical keyboards support NKRO and Anti-ghosting which is a very important requirement for gaming. If you have any doubts regarding which keyboard to choose from, then you can ask me queries in the comment section below.