What makes the Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u keyboard unique?

The Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u stands out with its gasket mount structure, providing a satisfying typing experience with a 6-degree typing angle. It's a barebones DIY kit that allows for full customization, perfect for enthusiasts who want to build their own dream keyboard.

Does this keyboard support custom switches?

Absolutely! The Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches and their clones, allowing you to choose the perfect switch type for your typing or gaming needs.

Can I program the Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u using QMK or VIA?

Yes, the keyboard is programmable via QMK, VIA, and Vial, giving you the flexibility to customize key functions and layouts to your preference.

What type of connectivity does the keyboard use?

The Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u uses a wired USB-C connection, ensuring a reliable and fast connection for all your typing and gaming needs.

Is the keyboard backlighting customizable?

Yes, the keyboard features south-facing RGB LEDs that are fully customizable using VIA/Vial software, allowing you to personalize the lighting to match your setup.

Does the Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u include keycaps or switches?

No, as a barebones kit, the keyboard does not include switches, keycaps, stabilizers, or a cable. This allows you to select components that best suit your personal style and preferences.

What is included in the Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u kit?

The kit includes an aluminum Vortex logo badge, top and bottom cases, an FR-4 mounting plate, a hotswap 7u spacebar PCB, a USB daughter board, various foams for sound dampening, a gasket set, a screw set, and rubber feet, all packaged in a carrying case.

How many keys does the Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u have?

The keyboard features a tenkeyless design with a total of 85 keys, offering a compact layout without sacrificing essential functionality.

What is the typing angle of the Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u?

The keyboard is designed with a 6-degree typing angle, which helps provide a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience.

Is the Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u compatible with Windows?

Yes, the keyboard is fully compatible with Windows, making it an excellent choice for users who want a customizable and high-performing mechanical keyboard.

Vortex Model M SSK Starting at $163.99

Name: Vortex Model M SSK
Brand: Vortex
SKU: vortex-model-m-ssk-wkl-barebones-7u

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
Vortex Model M SSK
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u Aluminum Barebones TKL Hotswap RGB DIY Keyboard Kit
	Based in US	-		$164 Out of stock	Visit Shop

Vendor

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In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

Vortex Model M SSK

Global

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Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u Aluminum Barebones TKL Hotswap RGB DIY Keyboard Kit

Based in US

$164

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Compare Vortex Model M SSK vs Keychron Lemokey P3 HE vs MCHOSE GX87 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	Vortex Model M SSK	Keychron Lemokey P3 HE	MCHOSE GX87
	85	89	84
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (2 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Provides dedicated media keys Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2026 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic switch options Comes with a knob Utilizes Hall effect sensors Enables rapid trigger functionality Includes screw-in stabilizers Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1910 g Sized at 33 x 362 x 138 mm Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting	Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 2800 g Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 80.4 Build Quality: 84 Productivity: 77.3 Customizability: 92 Portability: 58.8	Scores Performance: 93.4 Build Quality: 86.3 Productivity: 97.6 Customizability: 91.3 Portability: 76.4	Scores Performance: 79.8 Build Quality: 81.2 Productivity: 88.6 Customizability: 85.8 Portability: 87.1
Name	Name Vortex Model M SSK	Name Keychron Lemokey P3 HE	Name MCHOSE GX87
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2026	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky, Magnetic	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 33 x 362 x 138 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1910g	Weight 2800g

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Product Description

The Vortex Model M SSK WKL 7u is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard kit designed for users who want a compact layout with a 7u spacebar and Windows keys. It suits hobbyists comfortable with assembling their own keyboard and customizing switches and keycaps. Its gasket mount and south-facing switch design offer a flexible typing experience with RGB lighting customization. This board is a good choice if you want a programmable, hotswappable keyboard with a unique layout but are prepared to source and install switches, stabilizers, and keycaps separately.

Key Features

Hotswap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-compatible switches, allowing easy switch replacement without soldering.
South-facing switches reduce interference with larger keycap profiles and improve RGB lighting visibility.
Fully programmable via QMK, VIA, and Vial firmware, enabling extensive key remapping and lighting control.
Customizable RGB lighting enhances visual feedback and personalization options.
Includes a 7u spacebar, which is less common and may suit users preferring a longer spacebar key.

Build Quality

Gasket mount structure provides a softer, more flexible typing feel by isolating the plate from the case.
FR-4 plate material balances durability and sound dampening but is less rigid than metal plates.
Aluminum badge adds a subtle design element but does not affect structural integrity.
Includes sound-dampening foam layers to reduce typing noise and improve acoustics.

Compatibility and Layout

ANSI physical layout with US QWERTY logical layout, suitable for standard keycap sets.
Tenkeyless size with Windows keys retained, fitting users who want a smaller footprint without losing common modifiers.
USB-C wired connection ensures broad compatibility with Windows and other USB-capable systems.
NKRO support allows multiple simultaneous key presses, beneficial for fast typists and gamers.

Trade-offs

Barebones kit requires user to provide switches, stabilizers, keycaps, and cable, which adds complexity and cost.
No built-in multimedia keys, which may limit convenience for some users.
Lacks wireless connectivity, restricting use to wired setups only.
Assembly is required, which may not suit users seeking a ready-to-use keyboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)