Disassembly

As is usually the case with such bezel-less single-piece metal case keyboards, disassembly of the Vortex POK3R V2 is extremely easy. All you have to do is remove specific keycaps to access eight Phillips head screws, and a precision screwdriver is useful here. With that done, take the PCB/plate off the case for a better look at the things ticking inside. We can now better see the CNC-machining on the aluminium case, which allows for the precisely threaded screw holes and opening for the USB Type-C connector that is flush with the case. A thin plastic sheet between the case and the PCB acts as an insulator to prevent shorting.


The PCB is black and of exceptional solder quality, no doubt machine-assembled as with most keyboards today. There is no steel plate to keep the keyboard low profile, with the thick aluminium case providing the structural integrity necessary for this 60% form factor keyboard. The switches are directly soldered to the PCB, and each switch has an associated SMD RGB LED. We can also better see the USB Type-C connector here, as well as an unused ribbon cable connector that is perhaps helpful for internal diagnostics.


Powering the keyboard is a Holtek HT50F52352 USB microcontroller; a data sheet of it was not available online. I have seen it used with other backlit keyboards from Ducky and Cooler Master, all to good effect. It is likely a special version of Holtek's HT32F ARM Cortex-M0/+ USB microcontroller and works fine as far as the Vortex POK3R V2 is concerned. There are also two separate Macroblock MBIA043GP LED drivers for the RGB lighting control. All components, including the switches, LEDs, and capacitors, are soldered to a multi-layered PCB.

Before we move on, be advised that disassembly may void the warranty and that TechPowerUp is not liable for any damages incurred if you decide to go ahead and do so anyway.