Azio KB512 vs Vortex MultixMembrane vs Mechanical Showdown
Choose the Vortex Multix for a premium mechanical typing experience and deep customization, or the Azio KB512 for a simple, budget-friendly membrane board with large fonts.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Azio KB512
Membrane
- Features large-font keys designed to reduce eyestrain, according to Azio.
- Includes dedicated multimedia and calculator hotkeys.
- Offers three backlight color options (red, purple, blue).
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Vortex Multix
Mechanical Showdown
Build quality in the top 35% of 80% boards under $150.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
- Fully programmable via VIA software for key remapping and macros.
- Features a silicone sound dampening pad under the plate for a quieter typing experience.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your budget and desire for a mechanical experience are the deciding factors. The Vortex Multix is a justifiable investment for typists, tinkerers, and gamers who value customization, a premium feel, and a compact wireless design. The Azio KB512 serves a specific need for large, legible keys at an accessible price, but makes significant concessions in typing feel and features to get there.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Azio KB512
Vortex Multix
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Sound dampening
No
Yes
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Backlight
RGB
Yes, north-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Azio KB512
- Vortex Multix
- Performance
- 6071
- Build quality
- 5564
- Productivity
- 5985
- Customizability
- 7671
- Portability
- 5374
- Hot-swappable
What will you mostly use it for?
The Vortex Multix is the clear choice for most specialized use cases, particularly programming, modding, and travel, due to its programmable firmware, compact design, and mechanical foundation. It also holds advantages for office and gaming with its durable PBT keycaps, sound dampening, and N-Key Rollover. The Azio KB512's primary strengths are its large-font keys for accessibility and its likely lower price point, making it a contender for basic content creation or general use where budget is the foremost concern.
Pick the Vortex Multix
- The Vortex Multix offers N-Key Rollover for reliable simultaneous key presses.
- It provides a choice of mechanical switch types including linear and silent options.
- Its 2.4 GHz wireless connection may offer a more stable, low-latency connection for gaming compared to Bluetooth-only options.
Azio KB512 vs Vortex Multix specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 21 specs differ
Azio KB512
Vortex Multix
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Azio KB512
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Vortex Multix
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Amazon
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Azio KB512 vs Vortex Multix: your questions
No, the Azio KB512 is not a mechanical keyboard. According to its specifications, it uses a membrane switch type. The Vortex Multix, in contrast, is a mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable sockets for various switch types.
Yes, the Vortex Multix is fully programmable using VIA software. This allows you to remap any key, create layers, and set up macros directly from a graphical interface on your computer.
The Vortex Multix offers more robust wireless options. It supports both Bluetooth and a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless connection, which typically offers lower latency. The Azio KB512 lists Bluetooth connectivity, but specific details about its performance or battery life are not provided.
No, the Vortex Multix does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. According to the vendor description, its wireless mode is powered by 2 AAA batteries.
The Vortex Multix uses double-shot PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine. The keycap material for the Azio KB512 is not specified in the provided information.
The Vortex Multix is likely more portable due to its 80% (tenkeyless) form factor, which omits the number pad. The Azio KB512 has a full-size layout with dimensions of 467mm in width, making it larger and less travel-friendly.
Yes, both keyboards list Mac support as an extra feature in their metadata, making them compatible with Apple computers.
The Vortex Multix includes a keycap puller and a switch puller in the box, as stated in the vendor description. This allows you to easily change keycaps and hot-swap switches without needing separate tools.
Hot-swappable is listed as an extra feature for the Azio KB512. However, as it is a membrane keyboard, this likely refers to a different mechanism than the standard MX-style hot-swap sockets found on mechanical boards like the Vortex Multix.
The Vortex Multix offers adjustable typing angles with two-stage feet for 6°, 7°, or 11° angles. The typing angle for the Azio KB512 is not specified in the provided information.
The Vortex Multix has a built-in advantage for noise reduction. It includes a silicone sound dampening pad under the plate, and you can choose silent mechanical switch options. The Azio membrane keyboard may also be quiet, but its acoustic properties are not detailed.
Not sold on either?
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