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Tex Shinobi Hotswap DIY Keyboard Kit

Tex Shinobi

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.</p... Read more
Compare prices from $139.00 to $165
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Compare Tex Shinobi vs Azio Retro Classic vs Feker Galaxy100 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
Tex ShinobiAzio Retro ClassicFeker Galaxy100
Tex Shinobi Hotswap DIY Keyboard Kit
62
Retro Classic USB
FEKER VTER Galaxy100 Aluminum Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • 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
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • 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 2024
  • Has Clicky, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 98% layout
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 55
  • Build Quality: 52.3
  • Productivity: 60.3
  • Customizability: 58.2
  • Portability: 46.5
Scores
  • Performance: 61.6
  • Build Quality: 65.7
  • Productivity: 59.6
  • Customizability: 57.5
  • Portability: 57.5
Scores
  • Performance: 60.8
  • Build Quality: 57.8
  • Productivity: 53.5
  • Customizability: 56.1
  • Portability: 62.9
Name
Tex Shinobi
Name
Azio Retro Classic
Name
Feker Galaxy100
Release year
2023
Release year
2018
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Size
98%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
, Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
5000 mAh
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Mount Style
-
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
White
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Aluminum, Wood, Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
40 x 147 x 455 mm
Dimensions
-
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)

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