Tex Shinobi vs Shura
Choose the Shinobi for a full layout with dedicated media keys, or the Shura for a more portable 65% form factor.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Tex Shinobi
Media keys
- Includes dedicated multimedia keys for media playback control.
- Comes with a TrackPoint module, keycaps, stabilizers, and O-rings.
- Features a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch customization.
- Has a non-standard layout size, which may complicate finding replacement keycap sets.
- Is a wired-only keyboard unless the optional BLE kit is purchased separately.
- Requires assembly as a DIY kit and does not include switches.
Get the
Tex Shura
- Has a standard 65% compact form factor, saving desk space.
- Retains arrow keys in its compact layout, according to the vendor.
- Includes a TrackPoint, keycaps, stabilizers, and O-rings in the kit.
- Lacks dedicated multimedia keys mentioned for the Shinobi.
- Requires assembly as a DIY kit and does not include switches.
- Case is listed as plastic, whereas the Shinobi's case is listed as ABS.
Select the Tex Shinobi if you value dedicated media controls and a larger, non-standard layout for office or creative work. Opt for the Tex Shura if a smaller, portable 65% form factor is your priority, and you are willing to forgo dedicated media keys. Both are excellent DIY platforms for building a unique TrackPoint-equipped mechanical keyboard.
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.
Tex Shinobi
Tex Shura
Case material
ABS
ABS, Plastic
Media keys
Yes
No
USB-C
Yes
No
- Tex Shinobi
- Tex Shura
- Performance
- 5550
- Build quality
- 5258
- Productivity
- 6046
- Customizability
- 5863
- Portability
- 4671
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Plate material: Plastic
- Keycaps: ABS
What will you mostly use it for?
The Shinobi is the more versatile choice for office work, gaming, and content creation due to its inclusion of multimedia keys and a larger layout. The Shura is the clear winner for portability with its defined 65% size. For programming and modding, both keyboards are equally capable, sharing hot-swap sockets, programmability, and a TrackPoint. Your primary need for desk space versus dedicated media controls will dictate the best choice.
Pick the Tex Shinobi
- The Shinobi's listing includes multimedia keys, which can be useful for in-game controls.
- Its non-standard layout may provide more dedicated key options for macros.
- The vendor description notes it has full N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
Tex Shinobi vs Shura specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 17 specs differ
Tex Shinobi
Tex Shura
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Tex Shinobi vs Shura: your questions
No, both the Tex Shinobi and Tex Shura are sold as DIY kits that do not include mechanical switches. The Shinobi's listing states 92 switches are needed, while the number for the Shura is not specified. You must purchase switches separately.
Yes, but not out of the box. The vendor description for the Tex Shinobi mentions that a TEX BLE upgrade kit is available for purchase separately. The base Shinobi kit is a wired-only keyboard.
The Tex Shura has a defined 65% compact form factor. The Tex Shinobi has a non-standard layout size, which is larger than the Shura but does not correspond to a common percentage size like TKL or full-size.
Yes. Both the Tex Shinobi and Tex Shura feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change mechanical switches without any soldering, using only a switch puller tool.
Yes. Both the Tex Shinobi and Tex Shura kits include a TrackPoint module, which is the red pointing stick located among the keys, similar to those found on Lenovo ThinkPad laptops.
The Tex Shura is better for a small desk. Its 65% form factor is explicitly designed to reduce the keyboard's footprint while keeping essential keys like the arrow keys, making it more space-efficient than the non-standard, larger Shinobi.
Both keyboards come with ABS keycaps included in their kits. The vendor description for the Shinobi specifies the keycaps are laser-etched with top-printed legends.
Yes. The vendor description for the Shura states it is programmable. The Shinobi's programmability is implied through its inclusion of programmable dip switches for the TrackPoint's middle click, as mentioned in a customer review.
Both kits include keycaps, stabilizers, O-rings, and a keycap puller. The Shinobi's listing also specifies that the Caps Lock LED and switches for the mouse keys are pre-soldered, and it includes extra keycaps.
The Tex Shinobi includes multimedia keys. This is confirmed in its vendor description under 'Characteristics.' The Tex Shura's description does not mention dedicated multimedia keys.
The Tex Shinobi uses a USB-C connection. The connection type for the Tex Shura is not specified in the provided information, though customer reviews mention it uses USB Type-C.
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