Vortex Gaming

• ✅ 90s-inspired design with a translucent style.
• ✅ Compact 98-key layout (1800 style) with integrated numpad.
• ✅ High-profile keycaps that offer a more defined typing feel.
• ✅ Excellent customization and Bluetooth performance.

This keyboard is presented as an interesting option for those looking for a mechanical keyboard with a numpad in a more compact format than full-size keyboards.

• ✅ The keyboard connects via Bluetooth and allows pairing with up to three different devices.
• ✅ The pairing buttons are located on the top of the keyboard for easy switching between devices.
• ✅ The USB-C port on the back is only used for charging and does not allow wired connection.

The pairing process is simple: one of the pairing buttons is held down until the light starts flashing, indicating that it is in pairing mode. Then, the keyboard is searched for in the Bluetooth settings of the device and connected.

• ✅ Available in three colors: graphite, bone white, and lilac, all with a translucent design.
• ✅ The design is reminiscent of Mac keyboards from the 90s.

The graphite model is the one shown in the video and has an attractive appearance.

• ✅ Uses Logitech's new Marble linear switches, which feel similar to standard red switches.
• ✅ The switches offer smooth and fast activation.
• ✅ The keyboard volume is medium, with a bright sound.

Marble switches do not have a tactile bump and offer a smooth typing experience.

• ✅ It is the only Logitech Bluetooth keyboard with a gasket mount.
• ✅ Incorporates Logitech's Uni Cushion system to absorb keystroke vibrations.
• ⚠️ The construction is entirely plastic, which creates some flexibility and a less robust feel compared to options with an aluminum base.

Despite the lack of aluminum, the Uni Cushion system helps improve typing comfort.

• ✅ Offers one level of height adjustment via feet on the bottom.
• ✅ Includes a Logi Bolt USB-A receiver that can be stored on the bottom of the keyboard.
• ✅ Battery life is up to 12 months with the backlight off.

The Logi Bolt receiver allows for a 2.4 GHz wireless connection that is faster than Bluetooth.

• ✅ Compatible with Mac and Windows, with labels for both operating systems.
• ⚠️ The smaller size of the keyboard means that the command keys are smaller than desirable.
• ⚠️ The left command key is slightly larger than the right, which can make it difficult to use.
• ✅ The arrow keys are close to the Shift and Enter keys, making them easy to access.

Despite some limitations in the layout, the keyboard allows quick access between the numeric keypad and the alphanumeric keys.

• ⚠️ Despite being a compact 1800 design, the keyboard is still large and thick.
• ⚠️ Not ideal for those who prefer small keyboards or with minimal key travel.
• ✅ The Uni Cushion system raises the height of the keyboard.

The keyboard is not the most compact option on the market.

• ✅ Logi Options Plus software allows you to customize most of the function buttons and special action keys.
• ✅ The keys are pre-mapped for common functions in Mac and Windows, such as dictation, emojis, and screen capture.
• ⚠️ Customization is not reflected in the key labels.
• ⚠️ Customization can only be done on devices running Logi Options Plus, not on phones or iPads.

The lack of dedicated media skip keys is a disadvantage, although they can be remapped.

• ❌ The F1, F2, and F3 keys are lost due to the device pairing buttons.
• 💡 It would be helpful to have a dedicated switch to switch between Easy-Switch profiles.

The loss of the F keys for functions such as screen brightness is a drawback.

• ✅ The typing experience is comfortable.
• ✅ Marble switches feel smooth and premium.
• ✅ Compatible with Cherry MX switches if you want to customize them.
• ⚠️ Not the ideal keyboard if the main goal is customization.
• ✅ The keys have a good feel and texture.

The keyboard offers a fast and comfortable typing feel.

• ✅ The price of $120 is considered a good value compared to other Logitech products such as the MX Mechanical and the MX Mechanical Mini.
• 💡 It would be nice if it included an aluminum bottom plate for this price.

Despite the lack of aluminum, the keyboard offers good value for money.

• ✅ Overall, it's a great keyboard with smooth typing.
• ✅ Offers a different design than other mechanical keyboards on the market.
• ✅ Recommended for those who need a mechanical keyboard with a numeric keypad without the standard full size.
• ✅ The clear design and compact form factor make it attractive.
• ✅ The gasket mount helps absorb vibrations.
• ✅ It is recommended to combine it with an MX Master 4 or Logitech MX Anywhere 3S mouse.

The Logitech Alto Keys K98M is an excellent option for those looking for a compact mechanical keyboard with a unique design and good features.