What makes the Tex Shinobi keyboard unique?

The Tex Shinobi keyboard is a DIY kit that combines classic design with modern customization. It includes keycaps, stabilizers, and a TrackPoint, and features hotswap sockets that allow for easy switch customization. This makes it a versatile choice for keyboard enthusiasts who want to tailor their typing experience.

Do I need to assemble the Tex Shinobi myself?

Yes, the Tex Shinobi is a DIY kit, which means assembly is required. It's a great opportunity to learn more about keyboard mechanics and customize your setup from the ground up.

Are the switches included with the Tex Shinobi kit?

No, the Tex Shinobi kit does not include switches. You'll need to purchase 92 switches separately. This allows you to choose the type that best suits your typing preference.

Is the Tex Shinobi compatible with different operating systems?

Yes, the Tex Shinobi is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, making it a versatile choice for users across different platforms.

Can I customize the Tex Shinobi keyboard easily?

Absolutely! The Tex Shinobi features hotswap sockets, which allow you to change out switches without soldering. This makes customization straightforward and accessible, even for beginners.

Does the Tex Shinobi come with any extra accessories?

Yes, the kit includes bonuses such as O-rings for mouse buttons, a keycap puller, and extra keycaps, providing you with additional customization options right out of the box.

What layout does the Tex Shinobi use?

The Tex Shinobi uses a US QWERTY logical layout and an ANSI physical layout, offering a familiar setup for most users.

What materials are used in the construction of the Tex Shinobi?

The Tex Shinobi is crafted with ABS material for both the keycaps and the body. The keycaps are laser etched, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance.

Does the Tex Shinobi support multimedia keys?

Yes, the Tex Shinobi includes full multimedia key support, allowing you to easily control media playback and other functions directly from the keyboard.

Tex Shinobi Starting at $138.99

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
Tex Shinobi
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
Tex Shinobi Hotswap DIY Keyboard Kit
	Based in US	-		$139 Out of stock	Visit Shop
Tex Shinobi Mechanical Keyboard
	Based in US	-		$165 Out of stock	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

Tex Shinobi

Global

Check vendor

Visit shop

Tex Shinobi Hotswap DIY Keyboard Kit

Based in US

$139

Out of stock

Visit Shop

Tex Shinobi Mechanical Keyboard

Based in US

$165

Out of stock

Visit Shop

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Compare Tex Shinobi vs Azio Retro Classic vs Keychron J14 HE Specification

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

Model	Tex Shinobi	Azio Retro Classic	Keychron J14 HE
			74
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options Provides dedicated media keys Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Supports , Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a ABS case Features ABS keycaps	Released in 2018 Has Clicky switch options Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery Weighs about 1587 g Sized at 40 x 147 x 455 mm Made with a Aluminum, Wood, Plastic case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, White RGB lighting	Released in 2026 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 96% layout Comes with a knob Utilizes Hall effect sensors Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Features PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 54.4 Build Quality: 51.5 Productivity: 60.1 Customizability: 57.7 Portability: 46.2	Scores Performance: 61.3 Build Quality: 65 Productivity: 59.4 Customizability: 57.2 Portability: 57	Scores Performance: 67.9 Build Quality: 75.4 Productivity: 73.2 Customizability: 80.8 Portability: 49.9
Name	Name Tex Shinobi	Name Azio Retro Classic	Name Keychron J14 HE
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2018	Release year 2026
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent	Switch Options Clicky	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Unknown	Layout Size Unknown	Layout Size 96%
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, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 5000 mAh	Battery capacity -
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 Plate Mount	Mount Style -	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	Backlight White	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Aluminum, Wood, Plastic	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 40 x 147 x 455 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1587g	Weight -

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Product Description

The Tex Shinobi is a DIY mechanical keyboard kit suited for hobbyists who want full control over assembly and switch choice. It requires soldering but offers hotswap sockets for easy switch customization later. This board fits users comfortable with building keyboards and looking for a compact, non-standard ANSI layout with multimedia keys and a TrackPoint for cursor control.

Key Features

DIY kit requiring assembly, allowing users to customize components and layout.
Includes keycaps, stabilizers, and TrackPoint, reducing the need to source parts separately.
Hotswap sockets enable easy switch replacement without desoldering, supporting experimentation.
Caps Lock LED and mouse key switches come pre-soldered, simplifying some assembly steps.
Bonus accessories include O-rings for mouse buttons, which reduce noise and impact feel, plus a keycap puller and extra keycaps.
Optional TEX BLE upgrade kits available for wireless functionality, though base kit is wired only.

Build Quality

Case and keycaps are made from ABS plastic, which is lightweight but less durable than PBT.
Plate mount switch design provides stable switch positioning and consistent typing feel.
Laser-etched legends on keycaps ensure durability of key labels over time.

Typing Experience

Supports 92 switches, allowing extensive customization of typing feel and sound.
TrackPoint offers an integrated pointing device, useful for users who prefer not to move hands away from the keyboard.
O-rings included for mouse buttons help dampen noise and reduce finger fatigue.

Compatibility

ANSI physical layout with US QWERTY logical layout suits standard key arrangements for most users.
Fully compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Full USB rollover supports simultaneous key presses without input loss.

Trade-offs

Assembly requires soldering skills, which may deter beginners or those seeking plug-and-play solutions.
Switches are not included, so users must purchase and install 92 switches separately.
ABS plastic construction may show wear faster than more durable materials.
No built-in audio or microphone ports, limiting integrated multimedia connectivity.
Non-standard size may reduce compatibility with some aftermarket cases or accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)