Vortex M65 Review｜65% mechanical keyboard with classic looks and customizability

It may look retro on the outside, but it’s modern on the inside.

The Vortex M65 is a mechanical keyboard with a 65% ANSI layout.

In addition to the enjoyable blank space design, the beige resin housing is thought to feature the good old vintage keyboard, IBM’s “Model M” (that Model M-type design known as a famous machine in the 1980s)”.

Retro in looks but up-to-date in content.

It also supports keymap changes using VIA, is hot-swappable, and features multiple sound-absorbing materials in addition to gasket mounts for a more modern typing experience.

This article reviews the M65, the latest retro-luxe keyboard to be brought back to life in the modern age.

Vortex M65 was provided by Vortex for promotional purposes.
GreenEchoes Studio, which operates Greenkeys, may receive compensation if a contract is signed from a link in this article.

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Vortex M65 Specifications Overview

(data) item	Contents
Product name	Vortex Model M 65
Size / Array	65% layout
Case Design	Retro-inspired design (Model M style)
Housing material	ABS plastic (spray-coated surface)
access method	Wired (USB-C) Bluetooth 2.4GHz Wireless
switch	Mechanical switches (Gateron G Pro / Cherry MX, etc.)
hot swap	Supported (3-pin & 5-pin)
keycap	PBT material / Cherry profile / Sublimation printing
Plate material	PC (Polycarbonate) plate
inner structure	Equipped with silicone damping pad and switch pad
software	VIA 3.0 compliant
backlight	not equipped (with)
Typing angle	6 degrees (with stand: 10 degrees)
Supported OS	Windows / Mac OS

Selectable key switches

brand	switch(es) name	feature
Gateron.	G Pro Brown 3.0	Tea Axis (Tactile)
	G Pro Yellow 3.0	Yellow axis (linear). Slightly heavier and smoother than the red axis.
Cherry MX	Blue	Blue axis (clicky). A clear clicking sound.
	Red	Red axis (linear). Light and straightforward push feeling. Standard type.
	MX2A Brown	Brown shaft (Tactile). Improved version (MX2A) with improved smoothness.
	Clear.	Clear axis (Tactile). Heavier and clearer feel than the brown shaft.
	Silver	Silver axis (speed). Shallow working point for high-speed input.
	Milky (White)	Milky white (clicky/tactile). Slightly heavier clicks.
	MX2A Silent Red	Silent red-axis (linear). Silent model with low noise red-axis keystrokes.

Review Environment

The review environment is as follows

• Connection environment: macOS
• Switch used: Cherry MX MX2A Silent Red
• Layout: 65% ANSI
• Primary use: content writing (typing Japanese)

[Photos] Vortex M65 Review

Now let’s take a look at the actual M65.

I can already feel the homage to IBM from the outer box.

This is a sight for sore eyes.

Contents include the keyboard itself, simple instructions, Type-A to C curl cable, replacement accent keycaps, key switch/keycap puller, hex wrench, and replacement logo badge.

Taken as a whole, it is an English-language keyboard with an orthodox 65% layout.

The coloring and Cherry-like step-sculptured profile Kanji characters also give a retro feel.

Modifier keys are for both Windows /Mac and do not come with dedicated replacement keycaps.

The green line on the Fn key only is also very cool.

The modeling of these parts is very detailed, and one can sense the attention to detail in the work.

Unlike PC66, which the company releases as a separate line, M65 has an angular back design.

On the other hand, it is rounded in the form of a large R on the front side.

There are no switches around the keyboard, only a USB Type-C connection on the back.

On the back, there are non-slip surfaces placed at the four corners, a vintage-looking spec label in the center, and a battery compartment above it.

The tilt leg has only one level, approximately 6 degrees in normal and 10 degrees when one leg is raised.

The keyswitches are MX compatible, and Cherry switches, which are now rare by default, can be selected.

The switch plate is made of PC and has no backlight.

Multi-layout is supported, but the keycaps/key switches must be removed and disassembled once in order to change the layout.

Let’s look at keycaps.

The keycap material is PBT and the printing method is sublimation printing.

There are no print blots on the keys.

The surface of the keycap has a slightly shiny form of reflection.

Some of the keycaps had loose end processing and some burrs were visible.

This is what it looks like when all the accent keycaps are used and replaced.

Evaluation of keystroke feel and keystroke sound

Video is currently in preparation.

Advantages of the Vortex M65

The advantages of M65 that I have found in actual use are as follows.

The gap between the looks and the feel of the keystrokes is wonderful.

I still felt that the most important point of M65 was the gap between the looks and the feel of the keystroke.

I wouldn’t expect such a soft keystroke feel from a keyboard with this look.

It is a keyboard that will disappoint you in a good way.

Retro but hot-swappable and keymap changeable

This is another pattern that is hit by gaps, but the M65 is hot-swappable despite these looks.

In addition, we are happy to see that it is VIA-compatible, which makes it perfect for keymap changes.

In addition, it is multi-layout compatible and can be changed to split-back space or ISO layout specifications.

Also, unlike the company’s Core Plus, it seems to operate on a QMK basis, and functions such as MOD-TAP and simultaneous presses can be set from AnyKey.

Switch lineup designed for office use

Unusually for a product of this type, Cherry’s silent linear switch can be selected by default.

In addition to the gasket mounts, the keys have a very gentle strike sound, thanks in part to the multiple layers of sound-absorbing material.

The fact that silent linear specifications can be used in the office without problems is a major advantage.

Keycaps for both Windows /Mac

Thus, for the M65’s Bottom Row, the keycap printing is designed not only for Windows but also for Mac.

It is convenient to use either OS without changing keycaps.

Affordable pricing

The M65 is also attractive in part because of its affordable pricing.

It is a wonderful cosmetic product that can be purchased for only $129.00 (approx. 20,000 Japanese yen) with such specs.

Disadvantages of Vortex M65

After all, even the best products have disadvantages that should be accepted.

The disadvantages of M65 as actually used and felt are as follows

No Japanese-language lineup

Unfortunately, M65 does not have a Japanese-language lineup.

Since ISO layout is also supported, it is possible to customize the keycaps if you do not mind matching the printing on the keycaps, but you need to prepare keycaps separately and the Backslash key is on the right side of the left shift, which is opposite to the Japanese layout. However, it is possible to customize it if you don’t care about the keycaps.

It is better to use it as a straightforward English sequence.

Large size for a 65% keyboard and occupies a large desk space

Although this is probably something that those who purchase M65 will inevitably agree with, the body of M65 is larger vertically because of the margins.

Despite being a 65% size, the vertical width is larger than the 75% size.

Be careful before you buy.

Keycap finish is slightly different from the company’s products

The PBT sublimation printing keycaps used on the M65 are slightly more noticeable than those used on the Core Plus in the post-molding process of the keycaps.

As can be seen in the photo, a key was identified with burrs in the end processing of the key.

Comparison with similar concept keyboards

The appeal of the Vortex Model M 65 lies in its clear concept of paying homage to the “IBM Model M”.

Here we compare it to two 65% keyboards with authentic retro designs that also have a strong “office equipment and PC of the 80s and 90s” feel.

1. comparison with Vortex PC66 (68 Key)

This is a comparison with its sibling from the same Vortex company: if the Model M 65 was the “IBM Model M”, this one is based on the “IBM PCjr”.

feature	Vortex Model M 65	Vortex PC66 (68 Key)
motif	IBM Model M (heavy office use)	IBM PCjr (early home PC)
Case Design	Thick, angular bezel with a large “forehead” (upper frame)	Rounded design with a groove (pen holder style) at the top
raw materials	ABS plastic (painted finish)	ABS plastic
Mounting Structure	Gasket (with PC plate)	Gasket (FR4 plate used)
Number of keys	65%	65%
Battery-powered	AAA dry cell battery x 2 pcs.	AAA dry cell battery x 2 pcs.
price range	Approximately $129.00	Approximately $119.00 – $159.00

Both are part of Vortex’s “Retro Series,” but they have different design preferences.

If you are attracted to a slightly charming round form, PC66 is recommended.

2. comparison with Epomaker CIDOO V65 V2 (Retro Grey)

Typical retro keyboard made of “metal (aluminum)” instead of plastic.

They are similar in terms of their “beige/retro gray” appearance, but differ in the direction of texture and keystroke feel.

feature	Vortex Model M 65	CIDOO V65 V2 (Retro Grey)
Housing material	Plastic (spray paint) faithfully reproduces the texture of the time	Full aluminum (painted finish) Heavy weight and luxurious feel
keystroke impression	Relatively prominent high notes Tend to enjoy retro sound	Low, thumping sound Modern “thocky” keystroke sound
functional difference	Pure keyboard functionality only	Rotary knob (volume control)
appearance	Beige” in the 80’s	Slightly darker “retro gray”
connection	Tri-mode (Wired/BT/2.4G)	Tri-mode (Wired/BT/2.4G)
price range	Approximately $129.00	Approximately $129.00 – $140.00

If you enjoy the retro plastic texture and hard look without knobs as “reproducibility,” Model M 65 is for you.

If you like the retro look, but want a modern luxury feel inside, such as “metal weight” and “modern-style rattling sound,” CIDOO V65 V2 is a strong competitor.

Price, sales format, and availability

• Availability: ★★☆☆☆☆ (Availability is not so good due to purchase from the original Taiwanese website)
• Price range: $129.00
• Form of sales: Normal sales
• Scheduled to be resold: Always sold in stock
• Available at: Overseas official website

summary

These are the reviews we have done on the M65.

In recent years, the “retro boom” has resurfaced, and we are seeing a “return to basics” from the latest designs.

While many keyboards are modern in content, the M65 can be said to be a keyboard with an image of “a modern upgrade of the old keyboard feel.

If you want to enjoy a key feel that cannot be achieved with a plastic enclosure, the M65 is a highly recommended keyboard.

If you are a retro fan, this is the keyboard you want to get.