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Tex Shinobi Hotswap DIY Keyboard Kit

Tex Shinobi Mechanical Keyboard

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
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Compare Tex Shinobi vs Keychron Q1 HE vs Nuphy Gem80 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
Tex ShinobiKeychron Q1 HENuphy Gem80
Tex Shinobi Hotswap DIY Keyboard Kit
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
96
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
0.0 (0)
4.0 (34)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Available in a Unknown layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports , Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Mechanical switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO layout standard
  • Weighs about 1120 g
  • Sized at 37 x 358 x 141 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 55
  • Build Quality: 51.8
  • Productivity: 59.9
  • Customizability: 57.6
  • Portability: 45.9
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.1
Scores
  • Performance: 79.8
  • Build Quality: 87.1
  • Productivity: 93.8
  • Customizability: 97.2
  • Portability: 75.9
Name
Tex Shinobi
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Name
Nuphy Gem80
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Mechanical
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Dimensions
37 x 358 x 141 mm
Weight
-
Weight
4000g
Weight
1120g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
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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.

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