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Vortex 22-Key DIY Switch Tester

Vortex 22-Key DIY Switch Tester

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Product Description
A fun side project and a great way to test switches before you take the plunge, this DIY Switch Tester from Vortex comes with 22 varieties of Cherry MX switches to try out—including Browns, Reds, Clears, Whites, and even RGB switches. Use it to see what kind of typing experience you enjoy, whether it’s bumpy, linear, clicky, or something different altogether Read More

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Data
2004
Data
Mar 11, 2017
Friends, I believe this is the correct style LED.
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Notice the RGB emitters face "down" (relative) toward the PCB. This is the correct orientation to fire "up" through the switch. I've only found them at one company so far. I need to confirm if this is the correct pin-out for these boards but this gives us a good baseline to look for better options.
Manufacturer's site: http://www.brightekeurope.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=2039
PDF Spec Sheet: http://www.brightekeurope.com/productcart/pc/catalog/N0M25S71.pdf
These are 3228 PLCC4 package SMD emitters. Manufacturer calls them "top view" -- I was told to look for "reverse" but this seems to fit the bill IF it's the correct pin orientation. It's hard to say without having the PCB in my hands. I'll keep looking.
Props to Xi Kuang @ Massdrop for the lead, and Yanbo for passing it on. <3
Data
2004
Data
May 12, 2017
Heh, I didn't even realize MD had started a new drop for this. The RGB LEDs weren't an option on previous drops -- there were two prior drops that I'm aware of. So we had to do a bit of leg work. Definitely take advantage of that option if you're the least bit interested as Massdrop is offering the LEDs for a killer add-on price. And good luck with your build!
emoji
145
May 13, 2017
DataAh okay, I see. Sounds like the research you did has in turn helped Massdrop with future drops. Still trying to decide if I really need another numpad but I'll definitely get the LEDs if I join. Thanks!
Sachin3767
31
Dec 26, 2016
PCBA info please
Makami
4237
Dec 26, 2016
Nice, i like that!
You know what's coming next, don't you?
P C B A
Programmable? Scancodes?
Still, wishing you a Merry Christmas!
CaiJLe
5
Dec 26, 2016
MakamiI also want more info about PCBA! whatever MD can provide...
Branny
733
Dec 26, 2016
Makamicore
DukeDimwit
126
Dec 27, 2016
Is the PCB programmable? That would make this drop a must-buy.
Mechmind
90
Dec 30, 2016
DukeDimwitHilarious that MD would offer this product with a $20 addon pcb and not give us any info what so ever.
Hello everyone,
There are some things that need to be clarified:
1. Metal plate mount options only "Black" not white. Regardless of the case color you chose.
2. Everyone concerned about this board whether can be programmed, unfortunately it can't. So far, it is just a numeric keypad. But it can be upgraded in the future. We are currently developing a software editing kit that is expected to launch in Q3 2017.
3. For 2 different cutout usb ports in the case, one for normal keypad use (connect with your PC), the other is for our future products.
Here is CNC machined color for option:
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Happy New Year!
Vortexgear team
StrangeloveEsq
25
Mar 26, 2018
VortexAny update on software to make it programmable? It's now almost Q2 2018.
chankygigi
0
Mar 1, 2021
VortexSorry but i may have missed it. Has the software for this been released?
Gobluebro
91
Dec 18, 2018
No hotswap on the PCB feels like a missed opportunity for a switch tester.
LocalDeity
94
Mar 8, 2017
Completed my number pad. Hot swap-able with 67g R1 Zealios. It was fun to build but my fingers are sore from installing the switch sipsockets w/o the proper tools. I really need to gel a soldering iron or something. No lighting yet since I do not know what LED it uses and I need to solder those on.
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RicardoYU
101
Mar 9, 2017
Got it and Thanks.
iamak9
62
Mar 9, 2017
Yeah, I saw that. Also found some pics of the Vortex RGB Core with LEDs soldered on... looks identical to this one, so answered my own post and deleted it. Tagged you in that
SoShamMuchWow
12
May 12, 2017
Is there anywhere to get this without the switches? I'm wanting to use it as a numpad with all MX browns, but I can't really justify paying for a bunch of switches that I don't plan on using.
Qumass
38
Feb 6, 2017
I was looking for information about the Ducky Pocket Macro V1.0 for this drop... https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ducky-pocket-rgb-mechanical-numpad
... and I found two interesting pics of the PCB on its product page: http://www.duckychannel.com.tw/page-en/Ducky-Pocket/
I guess those pictured on the bottom side of the PCB are the LEDs we need for this PCB. Does anyone know about them?
BTW either they removed the plate from the picture or those are PCB-mounted plate mount switches, aren't they?
Edit: Just so nobody misunderstands me, I'm talking about those two PCB's bottom side pictures. The actual Ducky product has plate-mounted switches as shown on the drop's pictures.
fluxrez
47
Feb 26, 2017
Qumassdefinitely looks like the right LEDs... I'll put more effort into this once they ship. Good to know I'm not the only one curious about this though.
Qumass
38
Feb 26, 2017
fluxrezI already lost hope of someone reading my comment... Thanks!
Pinkyusaf
185
Dec 19, 2018
what the purpose of thi? I’m not been sarcastic I’m actually wondering why people buy this things so much.
reddevved
9
Dec 19, 2018
Pinkyusafit's like a sample variety pack of chocolates but keyboards
A community member
Dec 20, 2018
PinkyusafIt's to help people decide which switches they want to buy. It's better to buy 1 of many different switches you're potentially interested in, rather than buy the whole set for your board only to find out it's not something you want
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