Tex Shinobi vs Vortex Multix 104DIY TrackPoint vs Wireless Full-Size
Choose the Tex Shinobi for its unique TrackPoint and DIY nature, or the Vortex Multix 104 for a pre-built, wireless, and highly programmable full-size experience.
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from$139at MK
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Tex Shinobi
DIY TrackPoint
- Includes a unique TrackPoint mouse nub for integrated cursor control.
- Sold as a DIY kit with keycaps, stabilizers, and the TrackPoint included for a custom build experience.
- Hot-swappable sockets allow for easy switch customization.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Vortex Multix 104
Wireless Full-Size
Build quality in the top 20% of 100% boards under $150.
- Offers tri-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Highly programmable with support for both QMK and VIA software.
- Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile for better durability.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
The Vortex Multix 104 is the recommended choice for users seeking a ready-to-use, highly customizable wireless keyboard for general productivity and gaming. Opt for the Tex Shinobi if your workflow specifically benefits from an integrated TrackPoint and you enjoy the process of building a keyboard from a kit. The decision ultimately rests on prioritizing a unique input method versus out-of-the-box versatility and connectivity.
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
Vortex Multix 104
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Backspace
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Sound dampening
No
Yes
- Tex Shinobi
- Vortex Multix 104
- Performance
- 5573
- Build quality
- 5271
- Productivity
- 6089
- Customizability
- 5886
- Portability
- 4653
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: ABS
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The Vortex Multix 104 is the more versatile choice for most standard computing tasks, winning in Gaming, Office, Programming, and Travel due to its wireless connectivity, full-size layout, and advanced programmability. The Tex Shinobi carves out a niche for Content Creation with its unique TrackPoint, and ties in Modding due to its DIY kit nature. Your primary workflow determines the winner: efficiency and wireless freedom favor the Vortex, while integrated cursor control favors the Tex.
Pick the Vortex Multix 104
- The Vortex Multix 104 offers wireless connectivity via 2.4 GHz for reduced cable clutter.
- It features north-facing RGB lighting, which is listed in its specifications.
- The Tex Shinobi is wired-only, though a separate BLE upgrade kit is available for purchase.
Tex Shinobi vs Vortex Multix 104 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 20 specs differ
Tex Shinobi
Vortex Multix 104
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Tex Shinobi
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Vortex Multix 104
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.
Tex Shinobi vs Vortex Multix 104: your questions
No, the Tex Shinobi is a DIY kit that does not include switches. The vendor listing states you will need 92 switches to complete the build. The kit does include keycaps, stabilizers, and the TrackPoint module.
Yes, the Vortex Multix 104 is fully programmable with VIA software. Its product listing also confirms QMK compatibility, allowing for deep customization of key mappings and layers directly through a graphical interface.
The standard Tex Shinobi kit is wired-only. However, the manufacturer, TEX, offers a separate BLE upgrade kit for purchase to add Bluetooth functionality, as mentioned in the vendor description.
The Vortex Multix 104 comes with Cherry profile, double-shot PBT keycaps. Double-shot molding means the legends are durable and won't wear off, and PBT plastic is more resistant to shine and oil absorption compared to ABS.
The Vortex Multix 104 has more built-in sound dampening features. According to its description, it includes latex plate foam, IXPE switch pads, a PET pad, and a silicone absorbing pad to enhance acoustics. The Tex Shinobi's listing does not mention any pre-installed dampening materials.
Yes, the Vortex Multix 104 is a full-size (100%) keyboard, which includes a dedicated numpad. This makes it suitable for data entry, accounting, or any task that frequently uses number input.
The TrackPoint is a small, red pointing stick integrated into the keyboard, similar to those found on Lenovo ThinkPad laptops. It allows you to control the mouse cursor without moving your hands away from the home row, which is included in the Shinobi kit.
In wireless mode, the Vortex Multix 104 is powered by 2 AA batteries. It does not have a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, which means you must replace the AA batteries when they are depleted.
The Vortex Multix 104 is a pre-built keyboard that comes with switches installed, making it ready to use out of the box. The Tex Shinobi is a DIY kit that requires you to source and install 92 switches yourself before it can be used.
The Vortex Multix 104 explicitly states its hot-swap sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The Tex Shinobi listing confirms it is hot-swappable but does not specify pin compatibility, so it's advisable to check with the manufacturer for details.
Yes, both the Tex Shinobi and the Vortex Multix 104 are listed as compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. The Vortex listing also confirms Linux compatibility.
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