Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare LUMINKEY Lumino vs Vortex Hellcat Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a fully-built wireless keyboard and a more compact DIY kit. The Luminkey Lumino offers a 75% layout with tri-mode connectivity and a screen out of the box. The Vortex Hellcat is a 65% kit requiring assembly, focusing on RGB lighting and a clear acrylic case. The choice hinges on your need for dedicated function keys, wireless use, and whether you want to build or just type.

75
Luminkey Lumino75 Keyboard
77
Vortex Hellcat 65% Hotswap RGB Dye Sub PBT DIY Keyboard Kit

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 (6)
0.0 (0)
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Sized at 18 x 138 x 326 mm
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Includes a No display
  • Supports VIAL configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Made with a Plastic, Acrylic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 51.9
  • Build Quality: 75.7
  • Productivity: 73.2
  • Customizability: 79.4
  • Portability: 78
Scores
  • Performance: 54.7
  • Build Quality: 77.1
  • Productivity: 68.9
  • Customizability: 85.7
  • Portability: 69.3
Name
LUMINKEY Lumino
Name
Vortex Hellcat
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
Plastic, Acrylic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
18 x 138 x 326 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

If you prioritize a ready-to-use keyboard with wireless flexibility and a practical 75% layout, the Luminkey Lumino is the straightforward choice. Opt for the Vortex Hellcat if you enjoy the building process, want extensive RGB lighting, and prefer the compactness of a 65% layout for a lower upfront cost, acknowledging you'll need to buy switches separately.

LUMINKEY Lumino

  • +Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired).
  • +Fully built and ready to use, including switches, keycaps, and stabilizers.
  • +Features a programmable LED display.
  • +Uses a gasket mount with multiple foam layers (IXPE switch pad, Poron sandwich foam) for sound dampening.
  • +Includes a comprehensive accessory kit with a screwdriver, pullers, and an aluminum weight.

  • Lacks any form of RGB backlighting.
  • Uses plate-mount stabilizers instead of screw-in stabilizers.
  • The quick-release top case design may feel less solid than a fully enclosed case to some users.

Vortex Hellcat

  • +Includes per-key RGB lighting with south-facing LEDs and RGB underglow.
  • +Comes as a DIY kit with high-quality inclusions like screw-in stabilizers and a silicone switch pad.
  • +Supports a wide range of firmware for programming (QMK, VIA, VIAL).
  • +Features a unique frosted acrylic CNC case for a distinctive aesthetic.
  • +Includes a carrying case for transportation.

  • Requires assembly and does not include switches.
  • Uses a tray mount system, which can lead to a less consistent typing feel compared to gasket mounts.
  • The acrylic case and plastic mounting posts, according to a user review, may be prone to cracking.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Luminkey Lumino is the more practical choice for general productivity, office, and gaming use due to its out-of-the-box readiness, wireless features, and more expansive 75% layout. The Vortex Hellcat excels in specific scenarios like travel due to its smaller size and included case, and is the clear winner for hobbyist modding. For content creation, the decision splits between the Lumino's utility keys and the Hellcat's visual RGB appeal.

GamingLUMINKEY Lumino
  • The Lumino offers a 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4GHz modes for consistent responsiveness.
  • Its 75% layout retains dedicated arrow and function keys useful for game shortcuts.
  • It is a fully built unit, ready for gaming immediately without assembly.
OfficeLUMINKEY Lumino
  • Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) offers flexibility for connecting to multiple office devices.
  • The 75% layout includes function keys useful for productivity software.
  • It comes fully built with switches and keycaps, requiring no assembly time.
ProgrammingLUMINKEY Lumino
  • The 75% layout provides dedicated arrow keys and a column of function keys, beneficial for IDE shortcuts.
  • VIA support allows for easy key remapping to create macros for coding workflows.
  • It is a ready-to-use solution, allowing programmers to focus on code, not assembly.
TravelVortex Hellcat
  • The Vortex Hellcat's 65% layout is more compact than the Lumino's 75% layout.
  • It includes a carrying case, as stated in the kit contents.
  • Its DIY kit nature allows for a lighter build if lighter switches are chosen.
ModdingVortex Hellcat
  • The Hellcat is a DIY kit designed for assembly and customization from the start.
  • It includes screw-in stabilizers, which are generally preferred by modders for better tuning.
  • It supports QMK, VIA, and VIAL firmware for extensive programmability.
Content CreationTie
  • The Lumino's function row can be useful for video/audio editing shortcuts.
  • The Hellcat's per-key RGB and underglow offer aesthetic customization for streaming setups.
  • Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch changes to suit typing feel during long sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

100
$199
Chilkey ND104 CNC Aluminum Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
Chilkey ND104
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

96
$170
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
Nuphy Gem80
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$169
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron LemoKey P1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

93
$119
Rainy 75 WOBKey Keyboard Kit
WOBKEY Rainy75
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

90
$139
Luminkey65 65% Keyboard
LUMINKEY Luminkey65
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$219
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

93
$149
Keychron Q2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard (US Layout)
Keychron Q2 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount