Mechanical Keyboard with Trackpoint! - TEX Shinobi

Giveaway (TEX Shinobi DIY kit): CLOSED
Shinobi (built) : tex.com.tw/pro...
Shinobi DIY Kit : tex.com.tw/pro...
Bluetooth upgrade kit : tex.com.tw/pro...
TEX Facebook : bit.ly/35YaFVv
Instagram : / taekeyboards
Official website :
Facebook : / taekeyboards

[@TaeKeyboards]

Winner was : Keiser, with Gateron Yellows as their choice of switch! Thank you all for the comments. It was really interesting to see the sort of switches you guys are keen on. There's definitely a lot of hype around whatever variation of Holy Panda's. A lot of Gateron Yellows. And Boba U4 silent tactiles came up quite a bit which I guess kind of mimics an actual laptop. Unfortunately not everyone can win, but don't worry, there will be more giveaways to come!

[@Manu-ur6ze]

Me nether:’(

[@VaatiVidya]

It would be so good if there was a low profile clicky switch to put in for the "mouse" buttons..it would replicate the feeling of clicking a mouse better, and I like finding excuses like that to use clicky switches. As for the others..I'd use a tactile switch like a holy panda, to contrast with the mouse buttons :) Love your vids.

[@TaeKeyboards]

yeh for sure, unfortunately Cherry haven't made clickies :( Kailh low profile switches would have been perfect, but I suspect they wouldn't mix the two brands lol.

[@OmnipotentO]

Don't mind me just watching 2 legendary KZbinrs having a nice chat 😯

[@Lealicious]

the Outemu LPs are also decent for clicky low profile switches

[@chrom4ful]

wait.... TELL ME THE LORE OF THIS KEYBOARD

[@sunnysfu]

Vaati, good to see you're one of us as well! Praise the thocc.

[@Glarses]

can I just say I am loving the quality and volume of content you've been putting out recently that is all, thank you for reading my comment

[@nolanschultheis6664]

One of my fav keyboard enthusiasts. Reviews and content are extremely funny.

[@queerprose]

Glarses agree. But please stop watching and give us more!!!!! Haha. No pressure but please.

[@Dedjkeorrn42]

Definitely not as funny as your content but, he is definitely pumping great content out.

[@nate2604]

Just wanna say that I love your channel

[@Chrisknot94]

It's like you and Tae are two opposite sides to the same... wait I can do this... Like up and downstroke on the same switch 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@HipyoTech]

If your keyboard doesn't have a nipple what does it even have

[@seba.4926]

a keyboard

[@donaldli4755]

@@seba.4926 Your keyboard has a keyboard? Sounds like your keyboard has a uterus.

[@Lucas_van_Hout]

2,4G USB receiver functionality?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Ahhh, forgot to sound test the mouse keys. Just imagine typical linear switches 🙏🙏🙏 At least I finally did a keyboard that's readily available 🥰

[@Manu-ur6ze]

That’s all good my Dude

[@Manu-ur6ze]

Just wondering when will you be picking the winner of the giveaway

[@TaeKeyboards]

@@Manu-ur6ze See description, 1 week :)

[@Manu-ur6ze]

O

[@bvance01002]

he loves it so much he wants to give it away immediately

[@Myerko1]

"I don't have an x220" Me, watching on an x220: "Im 10 parallel universes ahead of you."

[@ryanjay6241]

Watching on a heavily modded T430. A few minutes with a dremel and the T420 classic keyboard can be installed in a T430 - with the T430 being the last model that supported this classic keyboard layout (lets ignore T25). With a BIOS hack and a display mod you can install WiFi AC and a FHD IPS display, and it will take a 3840QM quad core and 16 GB ram. It puts it in the competitive area against modern mid-range laptops (excluding graphics), but there's no question it can't compete with a modern high end workstation laptop. That being said, very interested in this product.

[@SCP--dt2hf]

My wallets telling me no.... BUT MY BODY,MY BODY IS TELLING ME YES

[@baimfatan]

Telling yes papa

[@johnkessenich]

Really awesome showcase of a very unique board! I'm glad to see something so different. I think that keeping it true to the laptop theme tactiles would be best. Zilents would probably go really nice with this board and would fit the noise of a laptop better while still having great tactility. If I wanted to go linear, I'd probably go with Gateron Ink Red or Blacks just because of the smoothness and the look of the board to the switches.

[@lucky_setiawan]

In my opinion combination of gateron yellow and tealio is the most suitable for me. I think I'll go with those two.

[@byb4028]

My dad would love this keyboard! His favourite layout is the thinkpad one and he loves cherry mx blues. He has wanted a mechanical keyboard for a while now and this would be a great opportunity to give a gift to him.

[@Big-Chungus21]

Their kodachi keyboard was very similar to the shinobi, but you could easily swap them out with other keycaps. I have however seen someone swap the keycaps on a shinobi with the GMK thinkcaps, and it looks very nice (but expensive!). They had to cut the corners on the G and H keys though. Edit: A couple months back I did the same thing with PBTFans dolch keycaps. Itd be nice if TEX offered their own PBT non laser printed keycaps though. The soldered on mouse keys are annoying, but I like that they chose a solid steel plate.

[@isakpetersen8121]

I was already sold on your channel, but then you play Knights of Cydonia and now I KNOW that you are trustworthy. You, sir, is probably the biggest reason I will be both broke and the owner of some sweet keyboards! Thanks!

[@valerianmp]

As someone who have a Thinkpad, this really looks like someone cut a Thinkpad in half lol

[@0015v]

Original lenovo thinkpad lineup has separate Trackpoint Keyboard for PC. The only difference with the Trackpoint lineup is Tex Shinobi has replaceable switches

[@arif0o0]

I'll chuck in my mix of 62g and 67g Zilents v2 for starters. Wanna go linears, haven't decided on which yet, probably ink blacks.

[@DANGERZOMED]

I would definitely put some lubed zeal zilents in, tactile and quiet just like the real Thinkpad

[@jadenngl]

the boba silent tactiles are very good aswell but for around 33 cents cheaper per switch

[@DANGERZOMED]

@@jadenngl ohhh yeah that would also be really nice

[@stoked71]

I use a ThinkPad daily as well and have always wondered how the Tex boards stack up. Love the video!

[@Williamkuan-j9b]

I would like to have blue switches on it...... aside from that, the track point control could work really well with the AR headsets that about to come out in the next couple of years. the oculus has already teased with the infinity office, but they were using a Logitec keyboard with a trackpad on the right side, and that is not as stable as the Trackpoint if you are considering using it on your lap. it is a pity that the track point has not gone mainstream over the years.

[@Static_Age]

I have almost purchased this board a few times now, this video has sold me on it even more. If I had the DIY version, I would chuck in some NovelKeys silk blacks to keep it simple.

[@pl4nty]

I've got some U4/Outemu switches that need a home, was going to build them into my old ThinkPad but this board would be even better!

[@I3eAsTzWorldGlobal]

I think Kailh burnt orange would be amazing for this keyboard, that soft click is the best between both worlds if you can't decide between linear and tactile. I absolutely love your videos and am in the process of building my own keyboard. I'm thinking of doing a 96% with miami night keycaps and kailh burnt orange switches

[@Fluffy2404]

that IRENE & SEULGI sticker tho, respect

[@enialeeee]

Right? Just 👌🏻

[@prntm926]

Wheree??

[@bard539]

Blue ALPS switches by drilling/cutting/gluing then soldering a wire from each pad to each pin of each individual switch? then modding stem/cap mounts.

[@SlimsyPickins]

Love your vids. You inspired me to build my first keyboard which was a kbd75. I would put Kailh Box Royals on this. Would love to go clicky with something like Jades but this would totally be an office board and I would like to not get fired. lol

[@XX-121]

Well i would probably go w/ zealios v2's because I recently bought a board w/ cherry browns and realized they were NOT what i was expecting. they have hardly any tactility and i feel like i wasted my money. either that or kaihl box whites having trouble making up my mind on clicky or not. actually i guess it depends on how they're mounted... still learning the in's and out's of custom keyboards.

[@Saintvallen]

haven't had this easy with buying a keyboard in a long time. If they remade the yoda II at this price, i would get that too.

[@alik250]

You upload this right after I receive mine! Almost no attention for this keyboard in the english speaking world. It's such a great deal, especially the DIY version. Pairing this with my classic keyboard modded thinkpad t430 is a dream come true! If only the Bluetooth on that thing could be better of course

[@adabujiki]

The Shinobi looks amazing.

[@soul6858]

the IS & sticker.... the 슬기 board... this is a man of culture right here. Beautiful trackpoint, youre totally getting me into these!! id love linears on that, some silent reds... maybe even nk creams! this board be lookin like a dream.

[@ikickss]

I would fix in cherry mx blue. Seulgi = orange?

[@TheClutchPro]

love it, I would put some silent alpacas in it for work or swap the stems out for PE stems

[@marcusgreco]

5:30 “It isssss what it issssss”

[@thealandude9146]

Sssss

[@christopherwong8500]

I have a bunch of Outemu silent greys that I'd love to have in a board like this, for the office! Used to use a thinkpad as well years ago. This brings back memories for sure.

[@LightPink]

I'd probably use lubed gateron yellows with this board

[@dave777zwei]

Thanks for TEX Shinobi review :) Currently Thinkpad user, and miss the track point on mechanical keyboard, and finally this keyboard exists :) Durock T1 (change spring to 62g) / Durock Koala 62g - tactile - ALPHA, NUMBER, F-ROW Durock T1 67g - tactile - ESC, ENTER, DEL, BACKSPACE Durock Dolphin Silent 62g / Durock Black 62g - linear - SHIFT, CTRL, ALT, SPACE,, and other keys of course, lubed and filmed :)

[@bindingofisaacchannel3054]

Always thought these looked cool. I’d go for box navies in this!

[@Malus234]

Nice keyboard, i would take the brown cherry because i really love tactile switches. Bluetooth loose any keystroke?

[@VandyRandy]

I noticed the Monster sticker on your Thinkpad RV fam😍! I'd take any switch honestly in fact I'll let you choose. Big fan of Thinkpad as well. In fact, I'm writing this from one right now!

[@TaeKeyboards]

hehehe

[@lordmoleiv]

I love the look of this. I've never had a thinkpad, but my dad has been using one for YEARS. The track pointer is so neat. I love the idea of using it on just a keyboard, I could use it when watching shows on my TV from my PC. Also as weird as this sounds I kinda wanna use the track point to play an FPS like you did XD I wanna see how well I can do in a Rainbow Six Match. Right now I've been in love with C3 equals switches. So either Tangies or Kiwis would go into this bad boy. I think I'd end up using the Kiwis because the Shinobi looks like it should be a keyboard with tactiles! Love your vids, keep up the great keeb content!

[@StanleyZheng]

My dream would be box Royals in this... It'd be glorious

[@Celus00]

Nice to have an option to get a keyboard with old style ThinkPad layout. I'd put in some gateron yellows to feel the smoothness with this nice keyboard. I really like your videos, they are so clean, well editted and just nice to listen to ☺️

[@justinnote3264]

I would love to put in c3 kiwis to keep the original tactile feel.

[@geremachek]

Of the possible ones, MX clears. If I had a choice of any, Kailh coppers or creams

[@dumplingbum9959]

honestly mad respect for them making something that is extremely different also id take blues in the keyboard

[@alanc6564]

definitely tactile switch! in fact. might be cool to have MX silent black? i recall my IBM days the typing experience felt quite soft

[@inkyfellow]

I'd put Kailh Box Navy switches in it.

[@gagiga18]

Not too familiar with switches, but I'm absolutely IN LOVE with both the cherry reds and browns

[@butterchoco4538]

Playing FPS with mouse : Nope Playing FPS with track pad : Oh Yeahh

[@bagoston325]

I think I'd probably go with either Alpacas or Gat yellows. Perhaps lube them and/or change the spring to a progressive type for that bit of variety.

[@cream9292]

id throw in some novel keys sherbert's because i love me my clicks :)

[@puthenveetilnoel]

I would probably run lubed gateron yellows. Linear switches are my jam, and the yellow actuation force makes it gaming viable but still typeable when it needs (not to mention the price)

[@hank9th]

This would probably be an office coding keyboard, so I'd go with a lubed silent tactile like the Zilents or more likely Gateron Aliaz since I already have some of those lying around.

[@RoMeeHang]

The DIY kit is very interesting. Along with the Bluetooth module, it's perfect for someone who has a computer as a media hub in their living room.

[@gurpremsingh]

It is ironic that older laptops had better keyboards then most of the current generation laptops.

[@jjim160]

The average consumer don't care unfortunately :(

[@AroTheCat]

That's a price paid for larger internal space, which used for either compact design or squeeze more juice into the system.

[@James-2606]

I would definitely put 67g Tangerines in this. Super smooth to go with that buttery trackpoint!

[@MrTylersVlog]

New to the scene, but from the memes on r/MK, I'd smack on some jades to annoy my family.

[@taylorpollier4794]

I think I'd go with box navies or jades to maintain the tactile feel. I always loved the click when using an IBM Thinkpad back in the day.

[@Awk737]

I feel like lubed gateron yellows would be heavenly in that keyboard

[@mkonji8522]

Thats what I have in mine. It is heavenly.

[@NFM1337]

Very tempting. Wondering if I should get this or just buy an x220. Really miss my old one.

[@thomasbui2612]

I'd want lubed zealios v2s in the board.

[@MK-lc9fp]

U should buy one and mod it. Really looking forward if you gonna do it tho 😃

[@oscarbarrios]

Gotta love how that wrist rest is integrated. really niche but really cool product

[@nextdoormat8554]

I'm a simple man, I would actually put the blue switches on it !

[@caseymzr]

I would most likely put in some linear, light weight switches. Something like the Kailh speed silvers. Something to make it feel more like the thinkpad keyboard, I use one everyday and it's the best laptop I've ever used!

[@mkonji8522]

I love this board. Typing this on my modded shinobi with foam, car wheel weights and lubed yellow inks. The trackpoint is amazing.

[@nicolaspinto2927]

It's about time someone started making TP keyboards, trackpoints are great. Strong consideration for use with a tablet instead of the thousands of cheap boards with touchpads. I'm too used to the BS switches in my Unicomp so I'd load them with Greens or similar heavy switch. Even better would be finding some progressive springs to emulate the response of a BS switch, but I'm not too familiar with customising keyswitches.

[@ytfakemail]

I'd put in Kailh Box White, and as for the low-profile switches I'm not completely sure yet, maybe even the reds TEX uses, I feel like linears are probably the best choice for the mouse buttons, while I like it very clicky on the normal keys.

[@fireanddarkness]

I’d probably choose Alpacas or just 55g Durock Linears. Would be super interesting to try out this board!

[@yanglu2749]

Definitely Pandas! New switch meets old tech. Would make a dope board.

[@TheMasonkerr]

use your thumbs for the trackpoint buttons and space bar!

[@rdp8545]

I'd put cherry brown or silver. I love the profile and overall design. Something I would definitely use for coding to be honest!

[@tombl]

I pop in some box navies. I love the trackpoint for text navigation, it's really great.

[@tofu.delivery.]

I think you should swap in Aliaz switches, or some other silent tactile, since the lenovo keys are pretty soft and quiet.

[@belabedo]

Wow. This looks amazing. I actually have been using thinkpads and still do. Looks really well made. I love red switches, would definitely go for those.

[@kege]

Currently using Gateron Ink Blacks, but as a former Thinkpad user myself, gotta go with tactiles. Perhaps I will slap on Glorious Pandas as I have been meaning to find a board to try those on!

[@jamesswoger9251]

I’d say some gat yellows. Thinkpads have always said value to me, probably because I’ve only ever bought them used. I use an x240 all the time. I really need to fix up my larger workstation one.

[@johnquant9924]

I love my Thinkpads. They are the only keyboards I've had other than the IBM model M (1988) that served all my keyboarding needs from middle school to graduate school. I need to watch more videos before I finalize what switches I want to put in my first board-build. Something tactile, I imagine, though I still have a lot to research.

[@jorgemartinez-martin7855]

I’m very new to the switch market and therefore have no clue but definitely tactile or clicky. I’ve heard great things about the pandas and zealios, which would you recomend? As for clicky’s I don’t know much but I currently use roamer-g’s and gateron blues.

[@matthewphan1]

If I was to choose a certain keyswitch for this keyboard, I would choose silent pink switches or everybody's hype of switch, the kiwi switches. Keeping it fruity and a major throwback to the trackpoint, no cap

[@maxfangmeyer9318]

This would be perfect with zilents or another silent tactile for the office. Amazing product and idea.

[@ComradePenguin13]

Despite all the compromises really nice to see something this intresting at a reasonable price. In terms of switches defiinitely something tactile, perhaps Burnt Oranges with nice clicky modifiers like Box Jades

[@dhoffnun]

Lapdesk life. I do it for shoulder reasons... I might have to get one of these bad boys... and hey! Porco Rosso! One of my faves.

[@foureight84]

I like how this launched around the same time as the ThinkPad TrackPoint II. The DIY is a definite better buy. Solder some mill-max sockets and you have a hot-swappable keyboard. I would pair it with Durock T1 or one of the HP variants. Even modded Gateron Browns with heavier progressive springs with 205g0 lube and filmed would be amazing. That case sounds like it needs some foam dampening

[@TaeKeyboards]

some millmax in here would be sweet. nice that it supports 5 pin, and yeh defs some foam would be nice with lubed switches and everything!

[@_fryng_pan_7778]

I would put in maybe some zealios v2 switches, or even some kailh box jades would be nice as well. This keyboard would be amazing to replace with my crappy corsair membrane keyboard.

[@JareDeZane]

I would put in either Kiwis or SP Star Purples. A tactile switch for this board is a must!👍

[@kingreid1994]

I would probably go with some Gateron Silent browns. I really loved my Matias Quiet Clicks but they were unreliable and the stem is not common. I haven't been able to find a good match and hope that Silent Browns fill that void.

[@guysmily43]

I'd put some kailh box jades in for home use, but I like what I've read about the zealios or outemu sky switch families if I ever get one of these for work. This is such an amazing keyboard! I didn't know these existed. One of my favorite details is how they even angled the middle click keycap differently, just like the real thing. I'm a long time ThinkPad user, and I even use Lenovo's ThinkPad USB Keyboards for work and for my ps4 (it literally looks like a keyboard out of a x220/w520/etc in the bottom half of a laptop shell). This would be such an awesome upgrade! I love that they even have the wrist rest like the original usb keyboard. (The xx30 USB keyboards lost the integrated wrist rest). Thanks for the video!

[@ashrafazlan89]

I still use the T60! I can’t think of a lovelier pairing than well worn Cherry Blacks and Clears for the function row

[@topiary4669]

I'd probably put in my arguably bastardized cream stem sky top razer bottom linears that I actually really like. I love your shots, absolutely beautiful. I'd love to get up to a meetup when everything gets sorted out!

[@tomozbot]

I’d put in some kailh box noble yellows with the sprigs from box pinks. Gives the nice, thick clicking sound of a box jade, the lightweight actuation of a box white, the heavy bottom out of a box pale blue, and a nice, medium click. Perfection.

[@mugsy8]

brown or silent for sure, doesnt bother me 'too' much which brand. if its not blue.clicky I can probably get used to it.

[@ydin9]

I hope they someday put in proper chargeablebattery with the blue tooth, seems like the perfect companion for a living room setup

[@lloritoovidexequield.8609]

Hi, I saw this video for the first time. How are the legends on your keycaps, are they still there, or have they faded? Also, is this keyboard hotswappable with other switches?

[@walkergoldy1794]

Never got to own a Thinkpad, only gotten to try them a few times. But I love this board, and if I did by some chance get one I think I'd go for some cherry browns, since the laptops are tactile.

[@XinyeLi]

It's a simple gateron red for me, cheap and cheerfully smooth!

[@izashuu1113]

I do enjoy trackpoints but only used them occasionally on work laptops. If I were to get one, probably throw something simple like T1's since I prefer tactiles. I do wish there was a clicky option for low profile switches for the click buttons.

[@indiviiduall]

I would love this keyboard in Cherry Silver. I really love the aesthetic of this keyboard! Keep up the great content, I enjoy watching your videos its so relaxing.

[@alphaassaulter6776]

I'd probably put lubed gateron yellows since its quite affordable here and its also quite nice to type on for me.

[@chloelisa666]

It will be my first build so I will surely stick with gateron silent brown with a touch of lube to reduce noise. Plus it will remind me of the laptop my father used to work with (when IBM used to build thinkpad)

[@paulstrong2210]

A light, tactile silences switch seem to be consistent with the notion of it being a laptop board, but I would probably use silent inks because I have them already lubed and ready to go.

[@airtiger360]

I love Gateron yellows, but I just got a set of Holy Pandas that I've been trying to find just the right board to put them in, and I think I just found it! Thanks!

[@ItsKlau]

I currently have an orange alps board, but I really want to try out some of the new linears on the market that are getting so much attention, so I would put in either alpacas or tangies