CODE 61-Key Illuminated Mechanical Keyboard with White LED Backlighting - Cherry MX Clear

I got this keyboard because I hated using the nasty, never cleaned, membrane keyboards at my college and I wanted to replace my old cherry mx blue keyboard for something quieter but still tactile and something that was portable which is why I went with the cherry mx clear switches . I don't regret the decision at all. If you weren't aware, this is basically, or literally just a re-branded version of the popular vortex pok3r keyboard. This was done in collaboration with WASD keyboards and the only difference is that this has ABS keycaps instead of PBT. However from what I've heard, you get better service when it comes to the warranty with WASD as a company than Vortex. If you get this, I would definitely replace the keycaps, they're decent, but not great.

As has been said before, this is a rebranded Vortex Pok3r with Cherry MX Clears under WASD Keyboards' CODE line. The keyboard itself is great. The construction is nice and solid, the Clear switches are easy to feel without being too noisy (don't use blue O-rings or it will feel like nothing but mush); the 60% compact form factor is nice if space is a concern, if ergonomics are your thing (you sit square over the typing portion) or if you want something more portable; it has the extra programmable layers, and the backlighting is nice, if that's either/also your thing (don't think the stock Pok3r offerings with Clears have backlighting; there isn't even a Clear switch with RGB capability IIRC).Probably the one thing that lets this particular offering down is the keycaps. They're ABS, which is already kinda cheap, and they don't even sit that well on the switches, they have quite a bit of jiggle to them. They sound really hollow and flimsy while typing, more so when you have O-rings installed, their "pinging" is noticeable. They have the little printing on the side to help you remember the default Fn+ features of each key, but the printing on the M key, the "Default [layer]" key, was printed crooked on mine! Good news is that the layout is pretty standard, so you can swap them out, but if you're gonna do that, then why not just buy a Pok3r directly? The "added value" then reduces to the backlighting for contrast/low-light settings and the different vendor.In conclusion, there's a few extra frills to be had with this version, but if those don't matter to you, stick with the original.

This is a greeat keyboard, but the switches are what makes it exceptional. Go with the Cherry clears and thank me later. More satisfying that browns without the the coworker or spouse anger of blues. For my money Cherry Clear is the best "stock" switch you can buy.

Compared to Cherry Browns the Clears have a nice firm actuation to them. The keys don't bottom out, and the frame is heavy metal and very solid.