The IBM PCjr was undoubtedly a failure in the mid-80s, but with almost four decades behind it, it has become a very attractive system for collectors and retro hardware enthusiasts. In fact, the people at Vortex were inspired by the PCjr's keyboard to create a mechanical variant called Vortex PC66, which eliminates all the problems of the original from the root.
The plan for the IBM PCjr was simple: Take the main features of the IBM PC and launch a low-cost edition for the home environment. Unfortunately, IBM never managed to solve that equation, and the public received a much more expensive platform than expected, with unacceptable cuts. Without going too far, the keyboard that accompanied the PCjr still causes nightmares, and even its revised version couldn't reverse the situation.
But that second keyboard has a very interesting format, in line with the 60% keyboards we can get today. The best part? A company called Vortex is offering modern reproductions, with a completely mechanical design, and wireless support. Clint from the LGR channel received one of these units and decided to test it on his channel LGR Blerbs:
Vortex PC66: A Mechanical Keyboard Inspired by the IBM PCjr
The keyboard includes almost everything we can expect from a recent model, such as Cherry MX or Gateron G Pro switches, N-key rollover, hot-swap support to replace them without soldering, triple connectivity mode (wired and two Bluetooth frequencies), USB-C, stabilizers and silicone dampening, ANSI or ISO formats, PBT keycaps, and the ability to program its layout.
In the video, Clint takes the trouble to compare it with the original keyboards, and the differences are certainly abysmal. The Vortex PC66 operates on a very different technical scale, but the final decision to make it a daily driver always depends on the user, and that is where points of tension arise.
For example, Clint is very used to having Ctrl in the bottom left corner of the keyboard, and the PC66 leaves that space for the logo (IBM did the same). Fortunately, Vortex offers a PC68 version that adds Windows keys and moves Ctrl to the left, eliminating the empty space.
The price of the Vortex PC66 is $149 on its official page (without shipping and taxes), and the PC68 has the same price. You can choose the classic IBM beige or a black keyboard, and if you have your own switches, the barebones version is cheaper. If the PC66 doesn't catch your attention, don't worry. Vortex is working on a mechanical edition of the IBM Model M SSK...
Official site: Click here
