What makes the Shinobi keyboard kit unique compared to other 75% keyboards?

The Shinobi stands out with its UK-ISO layout, which includes a wide Enter key and an extra key on the left side, catering specifically to users accustomed to the British keyboard standard. Additionally, it features an integrated TrackPoint, allowing precise cursor control without needing a mouse, which is a rare and valuable addition in compact keyboards.

Can I customize the switches on this keyboard without soldering?

Yes, the Shinobi offers a hot-swap version that lets you easily install or swap mechanical switches without any soldering. This flexibility is perfect for enthusiasts who like to experiment with different switch types or want to upgrade their typing experience without technical hassle.

Does the keyboard support firmware customization?

Absolutely. The Shinobi supports open-source firmware options like QMK and VIA, enabling you to remap keys, create macros, and customize lighting effects if applicable. This makes it highly adaptable to your personal workflow and preferences.

What kind of keycaps can I use with this keyboard kit?

Since the keyboard is delivered as a barebone kit without switches or keycaps, you can choose any compatible keycaps that fit the UK-ISO layout and standard MX-style stems. This allows you to personalize the look and feel of your keyboard to suit your style and typing comfort.

How compact is the Shinobi in terms of layout and size?

The Shinobi features an approximately 75% layout, which is a compact form factor that retains essential keys including function row and arrow keys, while saving desk space compared to a full-size keyboard. It strikes a good balance between functionality and a smaller footprint.

Is the integrated TrackPoint easy to use for cursor control?

Yes, the built-in TrackPoint is modeled after those found on classic notebooks, providing intuitive and precise cursor control directly from the keyboard. This feature enhances productivity by reducing the need to move your hands away from the typing position.

What materials are used in the construction of the Shinobi keyboard case?

The case is made from durable plastic for both the top and bottom parts, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy build. This choice helps keep the keyboard portable while maintaining a solid feel during typing.

How many switches do I need to complete the build?

Depending on the exact layout variant, you'll need approximately 92 mechanical switches to fully populate the keyboard. This count includes all alphanumeric keys, function keys, and any additional keys specific to the UK-ISO layout.

TEX Keyboards Shinobi Starting at $124.99

Name: TEX Keyboards Shinobi
Brand: TEX Keyboards
SKU: tex-shinobi-diy-kit-us-layout

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
TEX Keyboards Shinobi
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
TEX Shinobi DIY Kit (ISO-UK Layout)
	Shipping to US	-		$125 Out of stock	Visit Shop
TEX Shinobi DIY Kit (US Layout)
	Shipping to US	-		$125 Out of stock	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

TEX Keyboards Shinobi

Global

Check vendor

Visit shop

TEX Shinobi DIY Kit (ISO-UK Layout)

Shipping to US

$125

Out of stock

Visit Shop

TEX Shinobi DIY Kit (US Layout)

Shipping to US

$125

Out of stock

Visit Shop

Compare TEX Keyboards Shinobi vs Keychron K2 HE vs Keychron Q5 Specification

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

Model	TEX Keyboards Shinobi	Keychron K2 HE	Keychron Q5
	75 $TEX Shinobi DIY Kit (ISO-UK Layout)$	99	95
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	4.6 stars (71 reviews)	4.8 stars (49 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Available in a Unknown layout Built with the ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Weighs about 1200 g Sized at 33 x 313 x 235 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features ABS keycaps Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Has Linear, Magnetic switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS layout standard Utilizes Hall effect sensors Features N-key rollover Enables rapid trigger functionality Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1743 g Sized at 30 x 127 x 41 mm Made with a Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin case Features PBT, ABS, PC keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 96% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK layout standard Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Weighs about 2310 g Sized at 20 x 145 x 390 mm Made with a Aluminum case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 50.2 Build Quality: 72.7 Productivity: 73.4 Customizability: 87.3 Portability: 46.2	Scores Performance: 93.3 Build Quality: 90.7 Productivity: 96.9 Customizability: 99.5 Portability: 81	Scores Performance: 72.6 Build Quality: 89.2 Productivity: 97.2 Customizability: 99.7 Portability: 45.8
Name	Name TEX Keyboards Shinobi	Name Keychron K2 HE	Name Keychron Q5
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Magnetic	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 75%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK
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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 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 Tray Mount	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 Rgb, North-face, White	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS, PC	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 33 x 313 x 235 mm	Dimensions 30 x 127 x 41 mm	Dimensions 20 x 145 x 390 mm
Weight	Weight 1200g	Weight 1743g	Weight 2310g

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Product Description

The TEX Keyboards Shinobi is a compact 75% mechanical keyboard kit designed for users who want to build and customize their own keyboard. It suits hobbyists and enthusiasts comfortable with assembling components and selecting their own switches and keycaps. The UK-ISO layout caters specifically to users needing the British keyboard format, including a wide Enter key and an additional key. Its integrated TrackPoint offers cursor control without a mouse, appealing to those who prefer keyboard-centric navigation.

Key Features

Compact 75% layout saves desk space while retaining essential keys.
UK-ISO layout supports the British keyboard standard, including a wide Enter key and extra key on the left.
Integrated TrackPoint allows precise cursor movement without leaving the keyboard.
Available in hot-swap or soldered versions, enabling easy switch replacement or permanent assembly.
Supports firmware customization via QMK or VIA, allowing remapping and macro programming.

Build Quality and Assembly

Plastic top and bottom case provides a lightweight but less rigid frame compared to metal cases.
Comes as a barebone kit without switches or keycaps, requiring user-supplied components and assembly.
Includes mounting hardware and accessories such as screws and O-rings, which can reduce key noise and soften typing feel.

Typing Experience and Customization

Switch choice is fully user-determined, enabling tailored typing feel and sound.
Hot-swap option allows trying different switches without soldering, useful for experimentation.
TrackPoint integration supports cursor control without moving hands from the keyboard, enhancing workflow efficiency.

Connectivity

Wired USB-C connection ensures stable and low-latency input, suitable for all environments.
No wireless options available, limiting flexibility in some setups.

Trade-offs

Requires assembly and sourcing of switches and keycaps, which may not suit users seeking a ready-to-use keyboard.
Plastic case may feel less durable or premium compared to metal alternatives.
Lack of wireless connectivity restricts use to wired setups only.
UK-ISO layout limits suitability for users needing ANSI or other layouts.

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