TEX Yoda, mini keyboard with trackpoint

[sdiearly]

This product name is coming from Master Yoda


TEX, this small studio showed us a new design that mechanical keyboard can work with trackpoint.
And held a demonstration in Taiwan on 2014 Jan.

In the bottom of picture, there is a hand-made poker /w trackpoint by a DIY expert "Aries"
Here is his blog http://aries.armake.com/ (of course it is in Chinese)

Now, check out my TEX Yoda

1. Unboxing
Yoda has the same size as Beetle, TEX guys didn't make new box to pack Yoda


What do we have: TEX Yoda / TEX USB cable / replaceable keycaps / 3 different trackpoint cap




This Yoda is grey color, since GREEN is the original tone but not popular,
TEX add grey choice to back up.


This grey color is darker than previous 60% alumni case.

re upload picture due to the key word in the address[f-a-G]


2. Structure
The output in Yoda is an USB-HUB, and the mini-USB port is different from common design.


Connect with TEX cable which is design as 90 degree angle.


Straight cable also have enough space to go round a corner.
Here is Lindy cromo mini USB


Layout
Basic 60% in 61 keys, trackpoint, and 3 mouse keys in the bottom


These threes keys are remachine, to give space for trakpoint.


Three mouse keys(cherry profile, POM materiel)

From Aries' experience, if mouse keys on the front side,
the pressing force make keyboard move and finger be tired easily.
TEX follows IBM style, put on the bottom side.

Basic layer
I don't like the FN layer, hope TEX can provide user customized feature later.


dip switches table









Disassembly


Must take off the basis of trackpoint cap first.


Trackpoint module, mouse keys pcb


USB hub, this board can handle keyboard and PS2 mouse signals then output to USB.


Electronic parts
the wires color represent Taiwan, you can also find this tone in the KBT Pure replica


Alumni CNC case and feets

[sdiearly]

f-a-G is banned word......

[daerid]

I'll buy it. Closest thing to the miniguru yet, and I've been waiting for that for years.

[SpAmRaY]

I'll buy it. Closest thing to the miniguru yet, and I've been waiting for that for years.

There was a group buy/sale already but the thread got disappeared.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57909.0 for reference

[daerid]

I'll buy it. Closest thing to the miniguru yet, and I've been waiting for that for years.

There was a group buy/sale already but the thread got disappeared.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57909.0 for reference

Soooooo how do I get my hands on one? N/m, found the order page.

[sdiearly]

Soooooo how do I get my hands on one? N/m, found the order page.

This gb's orders are shipped last week, and I was the first receiving due to local guy.

[Razor Lotus]

wow that's really nice. Yeah I saw the other thread too.

Unfortunately the keycaps for the GHB keys need to be different. Can they be fixed with a drill?

[mashby]

Thank you for posting all the photos and for breaking it down the way you did. Awesome overview. 

Also very sorry I missed out on getting one of these boards. 

[blackbox]

Thank you for posting all the photos and for breaking it down the way you did. Awesome overview. 

Also very sorry I missed out on getting one of these boards. 

Seems like its you can still buy it if I am not mistaken. Very nice board. Wished there was an 75% version.

[Razor Lotus]

The price is really steep though...

[daerid]

> $250

[intelli78]

Seems like its you can still buy it if I am not mistaken.

I don't think there's a way to buy it at this moment, but it will go on sale. The other thread was a pre-order, not a one-time GB.

[vivalarevolución]

Glad to see we have another thread on here, after the other one got deleted.

Only thing that held me back from purchasing this is the lack of programmability to create a more logical second layer.  I think this keyboard could really be improved if the navigation keys could be accessed and used with only one hand, similar to the HHKB navigation keys.

[pr0ximity]

*drool*

Do want.

[dorkvader]

aha! thank you for providing a takeapart!

Now that I've seen the internals (and I approve) I can finally buy one!

There's not enough takeapart reviews around, so I greatly appreciate them when I see.

again, many thanks.

[brhfl]

Soooo how's it working out? Been intrigued by this one since the announcement... Figure it's pretty straightforward, but I am curious about how the trackpoint works out, and particularly how the MX-as-mouse-buttons works. Really looking forward to a programmable version of this, but at least the way the fn layer is clustered together, I can remap hjkl to arrow keys in software. Nice that the fn key can be moved to the left, as I only ever use control from the caps-lock location. Hoping another run of these comes soon, and look forward to hearing impressions on the trackpoint operation itself.

[sdiearly]

Soooo how's it working out?

I don't know how to describe, this is just mouse moving with finger press...
more smooth than IBM's, that's only I can tell you clearly.

[nrd]

This looks like something I need. It's way too expensive, but damn.

I'm just a little confused by the information on the homepage - on the one hand it says that world wide shipping is included in the price, on the other hand it says to use an "english address"?

[brhfl]

I don't know how to describe, this is just mouse moving with finger press...
more smooth than IBM's, that's only I can tell you clearly.

Thanks, I guess I just wanted to make sure things sort of fell into place right since I don't think the trackpoint was ever intended to be used with big ol' honkin' mech switches. Do the keys-as-mouse-buttons feel right?

[Vitaly]

Only thing that held me back from purchasing this is the lack of programmability

Yes. Hope in next version will add.

[spiceBar]

Only thing that held me back from purchasing this is the lack of programmability

Yes. Hope in next version will add.

For a modern 60% keyboard, not providing a way to program your own layout is a clear NO-NO. Especially knowing that they are using a very powerful microcontroller that could EASILY support programmability.

Worse, the Fn layout they provide doesn't make sense. It's unusable.

So they won't get my money.

[sdiearly]

For a modern 60% keyboard, not providing a way to program your own layout is a clear NO-NO. Especially knowing that they are using a very powerful microcontroller that could EASILY support programmability.
Worse, the Fn layout they provide doesn't make sense. It's unusable.
So they won't get my money.

I didn't find any modern 60% in commercial with user programmable feature, even the next new product -  ducky mini will be the same.
Currently I only know that poker/pure-pro can re-assign the key map.
But they all can't be programmable like GH60, or other user DIY modules.
Hope those companies can improve this.

[spiceBar]

For a modern 60% keyboard, not providing a way to program your own layout is a clear NO-NO. Especially knowing that they are using a very powerful microcontroller that could EASILY support programmability.
Worse, the Fn layout they provide doesn't make sense. It's unusable.
So they won't get my money.

I didn't find any modern 60% in commercial with user programmable feature, even the next new product -  ducky mini will be the same.
Currently I only know that poker/pure-pro can re-assign the key map.
But they all can't be programmable like GH60, or other user DIY modules.
Hope those companies can improve this.

Being programmable is a requirement for a 60% keyboard. I have not found it is required for a TKL or a full size.

All my 60% keyboards are programmable, either fully or at least enough that I can remap the Fn layer: Poker X (modded, and connected to Hasu's PS/2 converter), HHKB Pro 2 (with Hasu's dedicated controller board), GH60, Poker 2, KBT Pure Pro.

If I didn't have some way to program their Fn layer, I would spend my time switching to different layouts all the time. It's simply impossible.

So I want to make it clear that I call programmability a requirement because it really is, not because I have some kind of agenda in favor of this feature. The lack of standard for the Fn layouts, which most importantly tells you where you find the arrow keys, is what makes programmability mandatory.

Tex cannot get away with an expensive keyboard that is not programmable. It's a serious design flaw, almost inexcusable for a keyboard that already has a powerful microcontroller, made only worse by the fact that great programmable firmwares like Hasu's or Soarer's are available as open source.

[sdiearly]

Tex cannot get away with an expensive keyboard that is not programmable. It's a serious design flaw, almost inexcusable for a keyboard that already has a powerful microcontroller, made only worse by the fact that great programmable firmwares like Hasu's or Soarer's are available as open source.

I agree that. This toy is just my collection, not utility now. 
It's pity that point of geeker's view not equal to business'.

Except via DIY to make a track-point keyboard.
Maybe you have to wait TEX add programmable feature, or to wait another great design release.
You should feel happy that wallet won't be empty.

[daerid]

I'd still take the MiniGuru over this, but since this seems like it will actually make it to market, I'll snap one up as soon as it's programmable.

[gcb]

This is the only thread here... but lots of people say they received it, and still not review

Can i still order those? I agree it is too much money, but that would be awesome base for modding later with a custom board.... as is, i can't see myself using too much the right modifier keys for everything with a full sized space bar. i'm thinking a lot about it while i consider buying a pokerII and unless the spacebar ends under the middle of M at least, i can't see myself using it much since i'd need my pink free for control/shift, while activating the Fn with the thumb to input things like ctrl+home/end, shift+ins, shift+page up/down... which i use a lot. tho in the poker i can at least program those even that being extra stuff to think about when changing boards and i hate that.

Also, all those trackpad keyboards really need a dedicated scroll whell under the spacebar. i used a thinkpad for a long time, and having everything on the tip of the index finger really gets tiring after a while. having a scroll that you can use with the thumb would make wonders to fatigue.

...anyway, the order page says ordering ended 3 months ago...

[Vibex]

This is the only thread here... but lots of people say they received it, and still not review

I still haven't received mine, but when I do I will do a review!

[sdiearly]

Can i still order those?

Taiwan will make a gb inner later.

[Vitaly]

Can i still order those?

http://www.tex-design.com.tw/US_order.html
http://www.tex-design.com.tw/EU_order.html

I did order about two days ago.

Even with lack of programmability and scroll it's interesting keyboard. At first I thought to take poker or tex beetle, but trackpoint and full aluminium case tip the scale (poker + alum case ~$200+).

Unfortunately now too few reviews and the price is quite high, but i hope keyboard worth the money.

[GenKaan]

Wow, not that into 60% anymore but wow that is one sick keyboard.

[panrc]

I received my Yoda today in the UK. But the tops of all my (black) keys are blank, only the fronts (media keys, arrows, etc) are printed on. And I received no spare keys for other layouts. I don't even think it was an option to buy it with blank keys was it? little confused and disappointed right now.

I expected this, https://imgur.com/a/UOOFC#sOKUeJm, but got no spare keys and the tops of all my keys are blank.

[Vitaly]

And I received no spare keys for other layouts.

Did you ask tex about that? I also expect keys for other layouts. What about keyboard? I think blank keycaps with media print it's no bad, if there was an option I probably would have chosen it.

[sdiearly]

I received my Yoda today in the UK. But the tops of all my (black) keys are blank, only the fronts (media keys, arrows, etc) are printed on. And I received no spare keys for other layouts. I don't even think it was an option to buy it with blank keys was it? little confused and disappointed right now.

I expected this, https://imgur.com/a/UOOFC#sOKUeJm, but got no spare keys and the tops of all my keys are blank.

I can help you to inform TEX here geekhack guy met this case.
But still need your detail information.
You'd better to give Justin@tex-design.com.tw a mail with a picture, to show what you received and what shortage.

[panrc]

huh, on closer inspection it looks like that's how the EU version was supposed to come, kinda strange though.

[sdiearly]

huh, on closer inspection it looks like that's how the EU version was supposed to come, kinda strange though.

Justin told me yours is EU design, with non printed on top side.
Due to too many kinds of languages.

[ideus]

It was already stated that at this price the thing should be programmable, and they should add high quality keycaps, maybe PBT with sublimated legends. This is just a no way, for display only board. Shame on the designers.

[bahamot]

No review yet on this beauty?

[Vitaly]

Are this leds holes on the pcb photo? Maybe leds ambilight possible?

[vivalarevolución]

huh, on closer inspection it looks like that's how the EU version was supposed to come, kinda strange though.

Justin told me yours is EU design, with non printed on top side.
Due to too many kinds of languages.

If there are too many language layouts, I think the proper way to do an EU design is state that it will come blank keycaps, or the buyer can get a discount for a keyboard that comes without keycaps, except it includes the custom key caps that go around the trackpoint nub and for the mouse buttons.

[JunkFace]

t=10s

Third picture reminded me of this.

[ideus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWfQD72nNB8#t=10s

Third picture reminded me of this.

Good one. 

[Vitaly]

who knows the purpose of this button?

[jinq-sea]

That 'arrow' button is probably the same as the V60 Mini - it lets you do an arrow lock (Fn & Enter) making the bottom three function keys and the right shift an arrow block

[hoggy]

 I can confirm that Fn+arrow will make the right hand corner into navigation key. Just make sure to use the dip switches to move the fn key otherwise you won't be able to unset the navigation layer...

[hoggy]

Having had a bit of play with board, I think it would be better to have the fn layer printed on the top of the keys and the qwerty legends on the front. I'd guess that most owners would be able to touch type, but would struggle to get used to the fn layer - at least at first.

Oh, if you get one with a grey case, it looks great with a burgundy trackpoint cover...

[Vitaly]

Thanks!

Yes, grey case with burgundy trackpoint looks nice. Red 'Esc' would be cool and bumps on 4 and 7 like on f j for perfect workflow.

scrlk / pause works on mac as brightness controls. Lack of X axis scrolling disappointing.

[vivalarevolución]

Having had a bit of play with board, I think it would be better to have the fn layer printed on the top of the keys and the qwerty legends on the front. I'd guess that most owners would be able to touch type, but would struggle to get used to the fn layer - at least at first.

Oh, if you get one with a grey case, it looks great with a burgundy trackpoint cover...

The aesthetics might be an important part of any board, so printing the FN layer on top could scare some customers away.

[Quardah]

Just make sure to use the dip switches to move the fn key otherwise you won't be able to unset the navigation layer...

This is ****ing retarded.

Whoever the hell designed this crap is a total idiot. Remapping FN key by an FN function and requiring an FN function to remap the key to FN is plain retarded, bad design lol

[Vitaly]

Today install o-rings and try to replace esc and enter. With 'Esc' no problem, but with 'Enter'. White hooks(?) glued. Where i can get this thing and how they named?
Thanks

[hoggy]

Name is the tip of my tongue, but check WASD keyboards.

[Vitaly]

Name is the tip of my tongue, but check WASD keyboards.

Thanks. Find on wasd. This is "Keycap Stabilizer Insert".

[microsoft windows]

I like the idea of having the trackpoint in that keyboard. I always felt that trackpoints were the best space-saving pointing devices.

[Quardah]

I like the idea of having the trackpoint in that keyboard. I always felt that trackpoints were the best space-saving pointing devices.

Defenetly. Except for gaming and heavily mouse-related apps, trackpoint is a super nice space saving option.

Passing every input by a single cable is optimal and genius imo.

[Vitaly]

Defenetly. Except for gaming and heavily mouse-related apps, trackpoint is a super nice space saving option.

Passing every input by a single cable is optimal and genius imo.

Trackpoint very good addition for keyboard. Now I'm using mouse only when work in photo editor or when needed precision movement. But one big disadvantage in this keyboard is lack of horizontal scrolling with trackpoint! It seems keyboard not send signals left/right after pressing middle button, only scrldn/scrlup. Why not add this ability, many apps use X scrolling (browsers, editors, players etc.). Hope developers will hear this!

[Quardah]

Defenetly. Except for gaming and heavily mouse-related apps, trackpoint is a super nice space saving option.

Passing every input by a single cable is optimal and genius imo.

Trackpoint very good addition for keyboard. Now I'm using mouse only when work in photo editor or when needed precision movement. But one big disadvantage in this keyboard is lack of horizontal scrolling with trackpoint! It seems keyboard not send signals left/right after pressing middle button, only scrldn/scrlup. Why not add this ability, many apps use X scrolling (browsers, editors, players etc.). Hope developers will hear this!

Maybe one day. Every good technology has its flaws. Gotta deal with them flaws.

[reddeth]

http://www.tex-design.com.tw/US_order.html
http://www.tex-design.com.tw/EU_order.html

I did order about two days ago.

Even with lack of programmability and scroll it's interesting keyboard. At first I thought to take poker or tex beetle, but trackpoint and full aluminium case tip the scale (poker + alum case ~$200+).

Unfortunately now too few reviews and the price is quite high, but i hope keyboard worth the money.

Are we still able to order these boards from this link? I'm sorry if I'm being dense, but I see an order page and talk of a group buy that ended over a month ago. Just don't want to transfer money into someone's PayPal account because of an old HTML page that was never updated

[joneslee85]

Hi TEX

Been using YODA for a month now and I love it. I wish that TEX could provide a scroll wheel for the middle mouse button.

[sdiearly]

http://www.tex-design.com.tw/US_order.html
http://www.tex-design.com.tw/EU_order.html

I did order about two days ago.

Even with lack of programmability and scroll it's interesting keyboard. At first I thought to take poker or tex beetle, but trackpoint and full aluminium case tip the scale (poker + alum case ~$200+).

Unfortunately now too few reviews and the price is quite high, but i hope keyboard worth the money.

Are we still able to order these boards from this link? I'm sorry if I'm being dense, but I see an order page and talk of a group buy that ended over a month ago. Just don't want to transfer money into someone's PayPal account because of an old HTML page that was never updated

Just mail to Justin, I think they'd like to accept your payment if they have stocks.

[dustinhxc]

Wowww this thing looks sick reminds me of an old IBM Thinkpad but 60%!

[Aidenknives]

Are those macro keys? Also how do you like that kbp v60?

[rsantos97]

This is listed on Massdrop as a kit.  The price seems decent too.

[cooldiscretion]

This is listed on Massdrop as a kit.  The price seems decent too.

It's hard not to pull the trigger on that. Such a good deal and you get to assemble + pick your own switches.

[sdiearly]

This is listed on Massdrop as a kit.  The price seems decent too.

Hahaha, I told Justin don't assemble keyboard hand by hand.
But I can't imagine they sold yoda in this way.

[daerid]

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

just committed to the MD buy... I've been lusting after a mech board with trackpoint for easily 12 years or more, no way I can pass this up.

[Vitaly]

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

just committed to the MD buy... I've been lusting after a mech board with trackpoint for easily 12 years or more, no way I can pass this up.

you won't be disappointed 

[dorkvader]

i notice the right shift you can split.

can someone bridge the pads and tell me if it outputs anything?

[daerid]

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

just committed to the MD buy... I've been lusting after a mech board with trackpoint for easily 12 years or more, no way I can pass this up.

you won't be disappointed 

Oh I know I won't be... the fiance? That's a different story (spending > $200 when we have a wedding to plan for)

[dustinhxc]

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

just committed to the MD buy... I've been lusting after a mech board with trackpoint for easily 12 years or more, no way I can pass this up.

you won't be disappointed 

Oh I know I won't be... the fiance? That's a different story (spending > $200 when we have a wedding to plan for)

Yeah I wouldve bought this if not saving for our anniversary. 

[Grendel]

i notice the right shift you can split.

can someone bridge the pads and tell me if it outputs anything?

Looks like an alternative switch location to me (plus an extra ESC):

[Vanilla]

Can anyone speak for the feel and quality of the trackpointer mechanicals on this? Especially from somebody who uses a thinkpad please.

[dorkvader]

i notice the right shift you can split.

can someone bridge the pads and tell me if it outputs anything?

Looks like an alternative switch location to me (plus an extra ESC):

Show Image

yeah, it's an extra switch location, I just wanted to know if it's enabled in the firmware and if so: for what key? I'll bring a paperclip to keycon and see what it does.

Can anyone speak for the feel and quality of the trackpointer mechanicals on this? Especially from somebody who uses a thinkpad please.

Everyone I've talked to raves about the sprintek trackpoint module. Most people specifically mention how it's better than the ones IBM / Lenovo have used.

Massdrop says they'll bring it to keycon, so I'm sure lots of people will try it there.

[Vanilla]

i notice the right shift you can split.

can someone bridge the pads and tell me if it outputs anything?

Looks like an alternative switch location to me (plus an extra ESC):

Show Image

yeah, it's an extra switch location, I just wanted to know if it's enabled in the firmware and if so: for what key? I'll bring a paperclip to keycon and see what it does.

Can anyone speak for the feel and quality of the trackpointer mechanicals on this? Especially from somebody who uses a thinkpad please.

Everyone I've talked to raves about the sprintek trackpoint module. Most people specifically mention how it's better than the ones IBM / Lenovo have used.

Massdrop says they'll bring it to keycon, so I'm sure lots of people will try it there.

Oh wow, it must be quite something then haha!  :)

[Grendel]

i notice the right shift you can split.

can someone bridge the pads and tell me if it outputs anything?

Looks like an alternative switch location to me (plus an extra ESC):

Show Image

yeah, it's an extra switch location, I just wanted to know if it's enabled in the firmware and if so: for what key? I'll bring a paperclip to keycon and see what it does.

AFAICT it's just an alternative shift location, both are on the same traces. The one to the left (in the pic, the right-most on that row) is labeled ESC, that one could be a separate switch.

Edit: ah, you did mean the ESC switch. My bad.

[jacobolus]

Trying this out at KeyCon.

I like it! It’s a nice size & weight (maybe a bit more than I'd want to carry in my bag all day, but nice and sturdy for a desk), it looks great, and it has a pretty nice trackpoint, about as nice as the ones on recentish thinkpads, I’d say (but take that with a grain of salt: I’m not a heavy trackpoint user). Typing on it now, and it types pretty well, even if MX brown isn’t my favorite switch ever. The trackpad is just the right height to be easy to reach but not in the way of typing. The left and right mouse keys are actually in a great spot to hit with the thumbs.. they’d be very convenient to use for backspace or shift or another modifier key.

[dustinhxc]

Trying this out at KeyCon.

I like it! It’s a nice size & weight (maybe a bit more than I'd want to carry in my bag all day, but nice and sturdy for a desk), it looks great, and it has a pretty nice trackpoint, about as nice as the ones on recentish thinkpads, I’d say (but take that with a grain of salt: I’m not a heavy trackpoint user). Typing on it now, and it types pretty well, even if MX brown isn’t my favorite switch ever. The trackpad is just the right height to be easy to reach but not in the way of typing. The left and right mouse keys are actually in a great spot to hit with the thumbs.. they’d be very convenient to use for backspace or shift or another modifier key.

Cool! Id love one but built, any options pre built or only kits?

[daerid]

All I want to know is: can I swap Caps for Control with this thing?

[sdiearly]

All I want to know is: can I swap Caps for Control with this thing?

Yes, you can. Actually I need to swap these two keys for one hand typing.

[vivalarevolución]

Has anyone been able to upload their own custom firmware or replace the controller on this keyboard?  It would be great to give this keyboard programmable capabilities.

[Hazel]

Has anyone been able to upload their own custom firmware or replace the controller on this keyboard?  It would be great to give this keyboard programmable capabilities.

Massdrop claims "Firmware Upgrade-able over USB," but has not explained what exactly that means.

Does anyone here know?

[gcb]

This is listed on Massdrop as a kit.  The price seems decent too.

note that it does not include switches on that price.

it is ~$220 shipped.

plus $33 for switches ($50 for clears)

[paicrai]

looks pretty cute

[sdiearly]

Has anyone been able to upload their own custom firmware or replace the controller on this keyboard?  It would be great to give this keyboard programmable capabilities.

Massdrop claims "Firmware Upgrade-able over USB," but has not explained what exactly that means.

Does anyone here know?

Just like what TEX Beetle/ iKBC Poker2 did.
The ASIC bootloader supports firmware updating via USB.

But source code is not open.
Means we download a package of application, connect keyboard via USB and execute this app in Windows or some else,
then updating is finished.

[Flamingchook]

If only it was programmable! I'd be allllll over this!

[vivalarevolución]

If only it was programmable! I'd be allllll over this!

Same here.  I think every 60% should be programmable, at least on the function layer.

[sdiearly]

Yes, every geeker wants keyboard support programmable feature,
Sadly till now, there is no company show us such ideal 60% keyboard in mass production.
I can only find customize PCB can have this feature. 

[daerid]

Well maybe swapping out the keyboard PCB (as opposed to the trackpoint or USB PBCs) will be an option.

[Lain1911]

This is a keyboard I want to try :|

[vivalarevolución]

Yes, every geeker wants keyboard support programmable feature,
Sadly till now, there is no company show us such ideal 60% keyboard in mass production.
I can only find customize PCB can have this feature. 

For a 60%, I think programmability is important because the best way to use all the keys on the function layer varies so much between each user.  In my opinion, the only 60% keyboard to nail the function layer is the HHKB.  And then there are ideas like putting the arrow keys on the right modifiers and question mark key that I saw post on Geekhack somewhere.  Because of its size limitations, a 60% NEEDS flexiblity in the layout.

[gcb]

Ok so everyone agrees. this is a flop. not programmable and insane defaults.

is everyone buying the MD kit so they can try to replace the brains? or just going to use the case and throw the rest away?

Looking at the 1st page pics we have 4 boards:

• USB Hub board
• keyboard with its own brains and a 6-pin connector to hub board
• nipple mouse board, 8-pin connector to hub board
• mouse button matrix board, 5-pin connector to hub board

i can't read the main chip labels. and can't imagine what the empy/test pads next to ALT_L are.

Anyway, the only way this is "hackable" is if the chip on the keyboard is just a multiplexer and the actual keyboard brain is on the hub board and the keyboard board is just a dumb matrix. that way we can program it with a intermediate chip on that white cable!

[vivalarevolución]

Ok so everyone agrees. this is a flop. not programmable and insane defaults.

is everyone buying the MD kit so they can try to replace the brains? or just going to use the case and throw the rest away?

Looking at the 1st page pics we have 4 boards:

• USB Hub board
• keyboard with its own brains and a 6-pin connector to hub board
• nipple mouse board, 8-pin connector to hub board
• mouse button matrix board, 5-pin connector to hub board

i can't read the main chip labels. and can't imagine what the empy/test pads next to ALT_L are.

Anyway, the only way this is "hackable" is if the chip on the keyboard is just a multiplexer and the actual keyboard brain is on the hub board and the keyboard board is just a dumb matrix. that way we can program it with a intermediate chip on that white cable!

I think people are buying the Massdrop kit because they are genuinely interested in the whole product, flaws and all.  It is the only small mechanical keyboard with a trackpoint that we can buy.  Nothing else exists.  It is just the picky people here making their voices heard.  And I doubt most people are as picky about the function layer as I am.  I believe the placement of function layer keys should be well thought out, rather than haphazardly placed around the board, which is what appears on most keyboards.

And I am saving my pennies for the Matias 60%, anyways.

[jacobolus]

Ok so everyone agrees. this is a flop. not programmable and insane defaults.

I don’t think people agree with that at all. I think this is a great product, which would be even better if it were programmable. The defaults seem fine to me. If possible, I would really want to use those mouse buttons for something else, since they’re in a super convenient spot. But that’s hardly a killer flaw.

[mashby]

I agree with Jacobolus. For a 1.0 release, I would hardly call this a flop. For a first edition board, I think they did a great job.

Even knowing it's limitations, I still want one and wish I had the budget to jump in on the MassDrop buy going on right now.

[Hazel]

I don't think there's anything specifically wrong with this board, it's an amazing concept and I'll certainly be buying one. 

However, I do find it maddening that the controller is upgradeable (read: programmable) via USB - and they tout that as a feature! - but they won't let end-users program it.  The capability is there, we're just not allowed to use it!

[Vitaly]

Found this post on massdrop:

mrvdb:
I got an answer directly from TeX design (through their web form), 3 statements were made:

Slightly reworded quote:
- firmware is not open source
- a new version of the firmware will be made
- the next version will be open source.

[gcb]

Found this post on massdrop:

mrvdb:
I got an answer directly from TeX design (through their web form), 3 statements were made:

Slightly reworded quote:
- firmware is not open source
- a new version of the firmware will be made
- the next version will be open source.

i'm reading that again and i think it is very misleading... and i'm a sucker...

what i read initially: the firmware is upgradable, and next update we provide of it, will be open source, hence the community will make it programmable in hours.

what it probably really means: this model will  be upgrade with our useless, never programmable closed source firmware. but next keyboard models will have open source firmware.

[Vitaly]

Found this post on massdrop:

mrvdb:
I got an answer directly from TeX design (through their web form), 3 statements were made:

Slightly reworded quote:
- firmware is not open source
- a new version of the firmware will be made
- the next version will be open source.

i'm reading that again and i think it is very misleading... and i'm a sucker...

what i read initially: the firmware is upgradable, and next update we provide of it, will be open source, hence the community will make it programmable in hours.

what it probably really means: this model will  be upgrade with our useless, never programmable closed source firmware. but next keyboard models will have open source firmware.

Who knows, this question in massdrop group buy for this keyboard and question in context of current Tex Yoda model. Anyway, if controller not locked and we have access to it why not reprogram it. Yoda quite new product, maybe lately we will see some solutions by DIY community for customising key layout .

[microsoft windows]

This looks like a neat keyboard. I wonder how the keys that are used as the mouse buttons feel.

[Vitaly]

This looks like a neat keyboard. I wonder how the keys that are used as the mouse buttons feel.

They have same switches as main keyboard, in my case it's brown switches, I installed double o-rings on mouse keycaps for better feelings, but install black/red switches for mouse buttons should be even better.

[kinghajj]

I've been having a strange issue with my Yoda for the past couple days: the keys in the lower-right corner (right shift, control, function, windows) are now registering as arrow keys instead. I haven't changed the DIP switch settings since I first received it, and it seemed to happen suddenly (I was typing, tried to use right shift and found that I was moving up a line!) Anyone have any idea what may be the cause of this?

[jacobolus]

I've been having a strange issue with my Yoda for the past couple days: the keys in the lower-right corner (right shift, control, function, windows) are now registering as arrow keys instead. I haven't changed the DIP switch settings since I first received it, and it seemed to happen suddenly (I was typing, tried to use right shift and found that I was moving up a line!) Anyone have any idea what may be the cause of this?

You should try fiddling with the DIP switches, as there’s one which does this. (The Yoda that was brought to KeyCon was configured the same way, and I definitely wasn’t a fan.)

[Vitaly]

I've been having a strange issue with my Yoda for the past couple days: the keys in the lower-right corner (right shift, control, function, windows) are now registering as arrow keys instead. I haven't changed the DIP switch settings since I first received it, and it seemed to happen suddenly (I was typing, tried to use right shift and found that I was moving up a line!) Anyone have any idea what may be the cause of this?

You should try fiddling with the DIP switches, as there’s one which does this. (The Yoda that was brought to KeyCon was configured the same way, and I definitely wasn’t a fan.)

It's not DIP switch option, you turned on Arrow mode. You need to press FN+Enter (depending on DIP switch your second FN is tab, caps or the leftmost 1.25, anyway all DIP positions on the first page)

[sdiearly]

Update two pics, my special edition in RED






These keyboards are wet due to I join the ICE bucket challenge, and I forgot to move them away. -_-

[Vitaly]

Update two pics, my special edition in RED

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

These keyboards are wet due to I join the ICE bucket challenge, and I forgot to move them away. -_-

Looks nice.

After few month of usage, I would say that the right part of fn layer completely useless for work in MacOs and Linux (IMHO) (prtsc  / srlk / second arows / ins / menu), hope we will see open firmware or possibility to reprogram second layer. I still love my yoda but it may be more powerful in everyday work.

[mashby]

Update two pics, my special edition in RED

Show Image

Show Image

Show Image

These keyboards are wet due to I join the ICE bucket challenge, and I forgot to move them away. -_-

sdiearly -- what case is that on the far right on the last photo?

[sdiearly]

sdiearly -- what case is that on the far right on the last photo?

That's for KBtalKing Race, or Race II
The signature is from KBT BOSS.
I have pics in my gallery. 

[zmurf]

Is anyone aware if there will be possible to buy this kit again? I really really really want one. Unfortunately I didn't know about the last Massdrop.

[justin.wu]

Is anyone aware if there will be possible to buy this kit again? I really really really want one. Unfortunately I didn't know about the last Massdrop.

Don't mind !! If you have any question , that you can ask me

[sdiearly]

Is anyone aware if there will be possible to buy this kit again? I really really really want one. Unfortunately I didn't know about the last Massdrop.

Justin Wu is the TEX guy, you can contact with him 

[zmurf]

Great! Will do!
 

[Vitaly]

Is anyone aware if there will be possible to buy this kit again? I really really really want one. Unfortunately I didn't know about the last Massdrop.

Don't mind !! If you have any question , that you can ask me

Hi, Justin
why horizontal scrolling not working with pressed middle button? Is it possible to add horizontal scrolling in next firmware update (if it will be)?

[justin.wu]

Is anyone aware if there will be possible to buy this kit again? I really really really want one. Unfortunately I didn't know about the last Massdrop.

Don't mind !! If you have any question , that you can ask me

Hi, Justin
why horizontal scrolling not working with pressed middle button? Is it possible to add horizontal scrolling in next firmware update (if it will be)?

Sorry , this firmware only vertical scrolling , maybe next firmware

[mkawa]

i have tried this unit, and frankly, i really dislike the trackpoint, which is the major and only novel feature of the board. the trackpoint unit is hacked together from what looks like a joystick controller with a very loose mechanical pillar. the response of the unit felt completely wrong to me, and, oddly, the pillar and nub are not tightly mechanically tied to the sensor. i don't see this being a viable product at all at the moment.

[zmurf]

i have tried this unit, and frankly, i really dislike the trackpoint, which is the major and only novel feature of the board. the trackpoint unit is hacked together from what looks like a joystick controller with a very loose mechanical pillar. the response of the unit felt completely wrong to me, and, oddly, the pillar and nub are not tightly mechanically tied to the sensor. i don't see this being a viable product at all at the moment.

So you're saying it's not like an IBM trackpoint? Is it like the Unicomp trackpoint which moves when you use it?

[dorkvader]

i have tried this unit, and frankly, i really dislike the trackpoint, which is the major and only novel feature of the board. the trackpoint unit is hacked together from what looks like a joystick controller with a very loose mechanical pillar. the response of the unit felt completely wrong to me, and, oddly, the pillar and nub are not tightly mechanically tied to the sensor. i don't see this being a viable product at all at the moment.

If you tried massdrop's at keycon, it probaby felt bad because they broke it. I repaired that unit with superglue but it broke again (didnt bond right to ceramic substrate)

I compared it to the other one (vibex's I think?) and his is quite different.

So you're saying it's not like an IBM trackpoint? Is it like the Unicomp trackpoint which moves when you use it?

way better than IBM trackpoint, in my opinion.

[mkawa]

yah, i tried massdrop's. in that case, other than potential durability issues, disregard my impressions

[Vitaly]

yah, i tried massdrop's. in that case, other than potential durability issues, disregard my impressions

This trackpoint very good for all day working and really sturdy, maybe you tried broken joystick. After some manipulation with sensitivity on mac os and linux trackpoint works very good and smooth. On my keyboard joystick rather tight than loose and much better(!) than on modern lenovo thinkpads. I found vendor of this modules and want to try with next custom board.
But anyway after trackpads and magic mouse lack of X axis very annoying, I don't say about graphical apps, but simple navigation in MySQL workbench or wide web site or excel table is hard because you need to use bottom scrollbar or map.
Keyboard will be much better with programmable second layer and x-scroll. This is two features that I hope to see in next firmware.

[rgomes]

I've just created an emulation for Miniguru and Tex Yoda on X11.
I can now pretend my EnduraPro is a TEX Yoda ;-)

https://github.com/frgomes/carpalx

You can also mixin Colemak, Dvorak or other custom layouts as you wish.

[Vitaly]

I've just created an emulation for Miniguru and Tex Yoda on X11.
I can now pretend my EnduraPro is a TEX Yoda ;-)

https://github.com/frgomes/carpalx

You can also mixin Colemak, Dvorak or other custom layouts as you wish.

What is difference between this app and autohotkey? With autohotkey is possible to make much better layout than on this keyboards.

[dorkvader]

I've just created an emulation for Miniguru and Tex Yoda on X11.
I can now pretend my EnduraPro is a TEX Yoda ;-)

https://github.com/frgomes/carpalx

You can also mixin Colemak, Dvorak or other custom layouts as you wish.

What is difference between this app and autohotkey? With autohotkey is possible to make much better layout than on this keyboards.

does autohotkey run on linux?
http://ahkscript.org/download/ (looks like no).

rgomes's stuff does. If you notice it helps you navigate the complicated commands for setxkbmap. I like it.

[Vitaly]

I've just created an emulation for Miniguru and Tex Yoda on X11.
I can now pretend my EnduraPro is a TEX Yoda ;-)

https://github.com/frgomes/carpalx

You can also mixin Colemak, Dvorak or other custom layouts as you wish.

What is difference between this app and autohotkey? With autohotkey is possible to make much better layout than on this keyboards.

does autohotkey run on linux?
http://ahkscript.org/download/ (looks like no).

rgomes's stuff does. If you notice it helps you navigate the complicated commands for setxkbmap. I like it.

IronAHK and AutoKey. Anyway, choice is good and hope this app works well, so good luck rgomes with your app.

[rgomes]

( I don't know how to delete this! Sorry for my stupidity )

[rgomes]

I've just created an emulation for Miniguru and Tex Yoda on X11.
I can now pretend my EnduraPro is a TEX Yoda ;-)

https://github.com/frgomes/carpalx

You can also mixin Colemak, Dvorak or other custom layouts as you wish.

What is difference between this app and autohotkey? With autohotkey is possible to make much better layout than on this keyboards.

does autohotkey run on linux?
http://ahkscript.org/download/ (looks like no).

rgomes's stuff does. If you notice it helps you navigate the complicated commands for setxkbmap. I like it.

IronAHK and AutoKey. Anyway, choice is good and hope this app works well, so good luck rgomes with your app.

This is not technically an "app". It is basically a set of configuration files for X11.
The point is: X11 was designed to handle any kind of keyboard without external assistence (device drivers). It can even emulate a mouse with the keyboard. You just need to configure X11 properly, which is not always trivial.

You don't need AutoKey on Linux, IMHO. I suppose there's no AutoKey for Linux since it is not needed, really.
X11 allows you to redefine Win-F, Win-R and Win-E for example, among others. In Linux you can do whatever you wish in regards to keyboard configuration. You just need to know the scan code associated to a key and that's all.

I guess this configuration (provided by this package) works well with FreeBSD too (which is not technically Linux) since package 'xkb' was initially written for FreeBSD. If it works in FreeBSD, it will possibly work just fine on MacOS too, since MacOS is based on FreeBSD. But I haven't tested any of these things

Chances are that working for any flavor of linux, FreeBSD and MacOS is a matter of just adjusting the path where the configuration files are installed. The installation script was tested on Debian and Ubuntu; and it will send an email to me when it find troublerunning on a different distribution. I will contact people trying to install in other distributions so that I will get some help adjusting the script for other distributions. It must be a matter of adding one line for a given distribution and that's it!

I hope it helps. Cheers

[Vitaly]

I hope it helps. Cheers

Thanks for explanation. Will try in near feature.

[nuclearsandwich]

I guess this configuration (provided by this package) works well with FreeBSD too (which is not technically Linux) since package 'xkb' was initially written for FreeBSD. If it works in FreeBSD, it will possibly work just fine on MacOS too, since MacOS is based on FreeBSD. But I haven't tested any of these things

Mac OS X doesn't use the X windowing system so this definitely won't work on OS X directly.

[daerid]

I missed the last one because I was getting married, but I still really, really want one of these

[nuclearsandwich]

I finally got my Yoda kit from Massdrop's run. I a little regret not putting schmancy switches in it, I just went with stock blues but I'm already digging the Surface + Yoda combo as a laptop replacement. The setup and takedown time is reduced drastically from surface + 60% + mouse although it's still seconds instead of the one second it takes to shut a clamshell laptop. Looking forward to putting trackpoints in an Atreus or similar ergonomic portable keyboard.

[rgomes]

I guess this configuration (provided by this package) works well with FreeBSD too (which is not technically Linux) since package 'xkb' was initially written for FreeBSD. If it works in FreeBSD, it will possibly work just fine on MacOS too, since MacOS is based on FreeBSD. But I haven't tested any of these things

Mac OS X doesn't use the X windowing system so this definitely won't work on OS X directly.

Thanks for letting me know.

[spiceBar]

I've just created an emulation for Miniguru and Tex Yoda on X11.
I can now pretend my EnduraPro is a TEX Yoda ;-)

https://github.com/frgomes/carpalx

You can also mixin Colemak, Dvorak or other custom layouts as you wish.

What is difference between this app and autohotkey? With autohotkey is possible to make much better layout than on this keyboards.

does autohotkey run on linux?
http://ahkscript.org/download/ (looks like no).

rgomes's stuff does. If you notice it helps you navigate the complicated commands for setxkbmap. I like it.

IronAHK and AutoKey. Anyway, choice is good and hope this app works well, so good luck rgomes with your app.

This is not technically an "app". It is basically a set of configuration files for X11.
The point is: X11 was designed to handle any kind of keyboard without external assistence (device drivers). It can even emulate a mouse with the keyboard. You just need to configure X11 properly, which is not always trivial.

You don't need AutoKey on Linux, IMHO. I suppose there's no AutoKey for Linux since it is not needed, really.
X11 allows you to redefine Win-F, Win-R and Win-E for example, among others. In Linux you can do whatever you wish in regards to keyboard configuration. You just need to know the scan code associated to a key and that's all.

I guess this configuration (provided by this package) works well with FreeBSD too (which is not technically Linux) since package 'xkb' was initially written for FreeBSD. If it works in FreeBSD, it will possibly work just fine on MacOS too, since MacOS is based on FreeBSD. But I haven't tested any of these things

Chances are that working for any flavor of linux, FreeBSD and MacOS is a matter of just adjusting the path where the configuration files are installed. The installation script was tested on Debian and Ubuntu; and it will send an email to me when it find troublerunning on a different distribution. I will contact people trying to install in other distributions so that I will get some help adjusting the script for other distributions. It must be a matter of adding one line for a given distribution and that's it!

I hope it helps. Cheers

No it does not help.

Linux user here. I have been using linux as my main OS since 2003.

Your point about linux or X11 having been designed to handle any kind of keyboard is true, but only in theory.

In practice, it is very difficult or even impossible to do on linux things that are easily done on the Mac or on Windows.

On a Mac, you use Karabiner (formerly known as KeyRemap4MacBook) to write relatively simple scripts that allow you not only to change key assignments, but also to change the behavior of key combinations, and much more.

On Windows, you have AHK (AutoHotKey). It does the same thing. You write scripts to change the keyboard's behavior. And you can do pretty much anything.

On linux you have... NOTHING.

True, you can change xmodmap and use xkb and fiddle with various system-wide configuration files.

But it's a horrible mess. Most of the time you have to close and re-open your session to test your changes, or even reboot.

Some of your changes will affect X sessions (graphical sessions), other changes will affect the console (outside of the GUI).

Some things are extremely difficult or maybe impossible to do. Doing something simple may require changing several system files.

Just an example: I want Ctrl-Up to do PageUp and Ctrl-Down to do PageDown. The behavior of Up and Down when they are pressed alone must not be changed.

How do you do that in linux?

I have been able to do it with a program called AutoKey. Unfortunately AutoKey is very buggy, and hangs when you press and hold a key for which you have defined a new behavior. So it's not an option.

I have tried to write a C program to do just that, using X11's Xrecord extension, just to discover that you can intercept key presses, but not remove key presses from X11's input queue. Doing so would actually require messing with DBus or patching some system drivers.

Long story short: please don't hype linux or FreeBSD's ability to remap the keyboard, because it's 20 years behind Mac and Windows in this regard.

It is actually easier to hook a microcontroller to your keyboard to remap it than to do it inside the OS (that's how I do it, with Hasu's TMK firmware).

And it's coming from someone who would otherwise advocate in favor of linux.

[spiceBar]

(double post - please ignore)

[nuclearsandwich]

I've just created an emulation for Miniguru and Tex Yoda on X11.
I can now pretend my EnduraPro is a TEX Yoda ;-)

https://github.com/frgomes/carpalx

You can also mixin Colemak, Dvorak or other custom layouts as you wish.

What is difference between this app and autohotkey? With autohotkey is possible to make much better layout than on this keyboards.

does autohotkey run on linux?
http://ahkscript.org/download/ (looks like no).

rgomes's stuff does. If you notice it helps you navigate the complicated commands for setxkbmap. I like it.

IronAHK and AutoKey. Anyway, choice is good and hope this app works well, so good luck rgomes with your app.

This is not technically an "app". It is basically a set of configuration files for X11.
The point is: X11 was designed to handle any kind of keyboard without external assistence (device drivers). It can even emulate a mouse with the keyboard. You just need to configure X11 properly, which is not always trivial.

You don't need AutoKey on Linux, IMHO. I suppose there's no AutoKey for Linux since it is not needed, really.
X11 allows you to redefine Win-F, Win-R and Win-E for example, among others. In Linux you can do whatever you wish in regards to keyboard configuration. You just need to know the scan code associated to a key and that's all.

I guess this configuration (provided by this package) works well with FreeBSD too (which is not technically Linux) since package 'xkb' was initially written for FreeBSD. If it works in FreeBSD, it will possibly work just fine on MacOS too, since MacOS is based on FreeBSD. But I haven't tested any of these things

Chances are that working for any flavor of linux, FreeBSD and MacOS is a matter of just adjusting the path where the configuration files are installed. The installation script was tested on Debian and Ubuntu; and it will send an email to me when it find troublerunning on a different distribution. I will contact people trying to install in other distributions so that I will get some help adjusting the script for other distributions. It must be a matter of adding one line for a given distribution and that's it!

I hope it helps. Cheers

No it does not help.

Linux user here. I have been using linux as my main OS since 2003.

Your point about linux or X11 having been designed to handle any kind of keyboard is true, but only in theory.

In practice, it is very difficult or even impossible to do on linux things that are easily done on the Mac or on Windows.

On a Mac, you use Karabiner (formerly known as KeyRemap4MacBook) to write relatively simple scripts that allow you not only to change key assignments, but also to change the behavior of key combinations, and much more.

On Windows, you have AHK (AutoHotKey). It does the same thing. You write scripts to change the keyboard's behavior. And you can do pretty much anything.

On linux you have... NOTHING.

True, you can change xmodmap and use xkb and fiddle with various system-wide configuration files.

But it's a horrible mess. Most of the time you have to close and re-open your session to test your changes, or even reboot.

Some of your changes will affect X sessions (graphical sessions), other changes will affect the console (outside of the GUI).

Some things are extremely difficult or maybe impossible to do. Doing something simple may require changing several system files.

Just an example: I want Ctrl-Up to do PageUp and Ctrl-Down to do PageDown. The behavior of Up and Down when they are pressed alone must not be changed.

How do you do that in linux?

I have been able to do it with a program called AutoKey. Unfortunately AutoKey is very buggy, and hangs when you press and hold a key for which you have defined a new behavior. So it's not an option.

I have tried to write a C program to do just that, using X11's Xrecord extension, just to discover that you can intercept key presses, but not remove key presses from X11's input queue. Doing so would actually require messing with DBus or patching some system drivers.

Long story short: please don't hype linux or FreeBSD's ability to remap the keyboard, because it's 20 years behind Mac and Windows in this regard.

It is actually easier to hook a microcontroller to your keyboard to remap it than to do it inside the OS (that's how I do it, with Hasu's TMK firmware).

And it's coming from someone who would otherwise advocate in favor of linux.

Depending on what you're trying to do, xbindkeys or sxhkd is much nicer to work with than straight up xmodmap.

[spiceBar]

I've just created an emulation for Miniguru and Tex Yoda on X11.
I can now pretend my EnduraPro is a TEX Yoda ;-)

https://github.com/frgomes/carpalx

You can also mixin Colemak, Dvorak or other custom layouts as you wish.

What is difference between this app and autohotkey? With autohotkey is possible to make much better layout than on this keyboards.

does autohotkey run on linux?
http://ahkscript.org/download/ (looks like no).

rgomes's stuff does. If you notice it helps you navigate the complicated commands for setxkbmap. I like it.

IronAHK and AutoKey. Anyway, choice is good and hope this app works well, so good luck rgomes with your app.

This is not technically an "app". It is basically a set of configuration files for X11.
The point is: X11 was designed to handle any kind of keyboard without external assistence (device drivers). It can even emulate a mouse with the keyboard. You just need to configure X11 properly, which is not always trivial.

You don't need AutoKey on Linux, IMHO. I suppose there's no AutoKey for Linux since it is not needed, really.
X11 allows you to redefine Win-F, Win-R and Win-E for example, among others. In Linux you can do whatever you wish in regards to keyboard configuration. You just need to know the scan code associated to a key and that's all.

I guess this configuration (provided by this package) works well with FreeBSD too (which is not technically Linux) since package 'xkb' was initially written for FreeBSD. If it works in FreeBSD, it will possibly work just fine on MacOS too, since MacOS is based on FreeBSD. But I haven't tested any of these things

Chances are that working for any flavor of linux, FreeBSD and MacOS is a matter of just adjusting the path where the configuration files are installed. The installation script was tested on Debian and Ubuntu; and it will send an email to me when it find troublerunning on a different distribution. I will contact people trying to install in other distributions so that I will get some help adjusting the script for other distributions. It must be a matter of adding one line for a given distribution and that's it!

I hope it helps. Cheers

No it does not help.

Linux user here. I have been using linux as my main OS since 2003.

Your point about linux or X11 having been designed to handle any kind of keyboard is true, but only in theory.

In practice, it is very difficult or even impossible to do on linux things that are easily done on the Mac or on Windows.

On a Mac, you use Karabiner (formerly known as KeyRemap4MacBook) to write relatively simple scripts that allow you not only to change key assignments, but also to change the behavior of key combinations, and much more.

On Windows, you have AHK (AutoHotKey). It does the same thing. You write scripts to change the keyboard's behavior. And you can do pretty much anything.

On linux you have... NOTHING.

True, you can change xmodmap and use xkb and fiddle with various system-wide configuration files.

But it's a horrible mess. Most of the time you have to close and re-open your session to test your changes, or even reboot.

Some of your changes will affect X sessions (graphical sessions), other changes will affect the console (outside of the GUI).

Some things are extremely difficult or maybe impossible to do. Doing something simple may require changing several system files.

Just an example: I want Ctrl-Up to do PageUp and Ctrl-Down to do PageDown. The behavior of Up and Down when they are pressed alone must not be changed.

How do you do that in linux?

I have been able to do it with a program called AutoKey. Unfortunately AutoKey is very buggy, and hangs when you press and hold a key for which you have defined a new behavior. So it's not an option.

I have tried to write a C program to do just that, using X11's Xrecord extension, just to discover that you can intercept key presses, but not remove key presses from X11's input queue. Doing so would actually require messing with DBus or patching some system drivers.

Long story short: please don't hype linux or FreeBSD's ability to remap the keyboard, because it's 20 years behind Mac and Windows in this regard.

It is actually easier to hook a microcontroller to your keyboard to remap it than to do it inside the OS (that's how I do it, with Hasu's TMK firmware).

And it's coming from someone who would otherwise advocate in favor of linux.

Depending on what you're trying to do, xbindkeys or sxhkd is much nicer to work with than straight up xmodmap.

The programs you have mentioned allow to bind some key or key chord/sequence to the execution of a program.

We are not looking for that. We are looking for a way to convert some input sequence into another one. For example we would like to remap the Control key to the CapsLock key, or remap Ctrl-Up to PageUp without changing the behavior of the Up key when it is pressed alone.

While it is possible to launch a command that would, in return, simulate some key presses, it would be a very awkward way of binding some key to another one. Also, very often it does not work because when you launch another program, your current window loses the focus. The simulated key presses are not received by your window because it has lost the focus. It's a problem I have experienced when trying to use xbindkeys for example.

[kyb]

So I got a Unicomp with a track nipple - and while it looks great on paper (yay no mouse!) in practice it sucks because there's no scroll wheel. So unless the keyboard has some kind of a scroll wheel in the vicinity of the track nipple it's just a gimmick and you won't use it at all.

[Vitaly]

So I got a Unicomp with a track nipple - and while it looks great on paper (yay no mouse!) in practice it sucks because there's no scroll wheel. So unless the keyboard has some kind of a scroll wheel in the vicinity of the track nipple it's just a gimmick and you won't use it at all.

On yoda we have middle button, no problem with scroll. I planned to buy unicomp for office, but after your comment I look at keyboard picture more carefully and don't see middle button...

[gcb]

can i get the three indicator leds on this?

i'm assembling mine and i could only find the caps lock led pads.

[gcb]

Is anyone aware if there will be possible to buy this kit again? I really really really want one. Unfortunately I didn't know about the last Massdrop.

Don't mind !! If you have any question , that you can ask me

Hi, Justin
why horizontal scrolling not working with pressed middle button? Is it possible to add horizontal scrolling in next firmware update (if it will be)?

Sorry , this firmware only vertical scrolling , maybe next firmware

please keep it that way. a mouse only have button 4 and 5, which in software it is meant as vertical scrolling. anything else requires hacks.

also most apps that use horizontal scrolling support Shift+mouse4,5. you can try that, Vitaly.

Wu, any word on that keyboard being programmable? or releasing the source? I confess i bought it only on that expectation

[gcb]

You don't need AutoKey on Linux, IMHO. I suppose there's no AutoKey for Linux since it is not needed, really.

true. but i had to implement one thing i do with autoHH easily on a keyboard driver. and that was the PS/2 one... sigh... i still miss that when i use linux:

caps lock down = nothing. set flag.
any other key down = trigger control down, trigger ctrl+key down.
caps lock up = trigger control up.
caps lock up, without any other key press between capslock down = trigger ESC down, delay, ESC up.

so basically it turns caps lock into ESC if pressed and released. or control if pressed with any other key.

is there anyway to do that easily on modern distros?

[spiceBar]

You don't need AutoKey on Linux, IMHO. I suppose there's no AutoKey for Linux since it is not needed, really.

true. but i had to implement one thing i do with autoHH easily on a keyboard driver. and that was the PS/2 one... sigh... i still miss that when i use linux:

caps lock down = nothing. set flag.
any other key down = trigger control down, trigger ctrl+key down.
caps lock up = trigger control up.
caps lock up, without any other key press between capslock down = trigger ESC down, delay, ESC up.

so basically it turns caps lock into ESC if pressed and released. or control if pressed with any other key.

is there anyway to do that easily on modern distros?

"You don't need AutoKey on Linux, IMHO. I suppose there's no AutoKey for Linux since it is not needed, really."

So what you want to do must be a piece cake, right?

It turns out you need to write a daemon in C to do that. Or use one that has already been written.

It's called Xcape and you can find the sources on github. You will need to modify it or start it with a command line option, because by default it does not use the CapsLock key.

Who needs AutoHotKeys when we can do that so easily with a daemon written in C? After all we are the command line machos, right?

Disclaimer: I have been using linux since 2003. Don't trust the linux fanboys. Most of the time they do a disservice to the OS.

[Ascaii]

hmm, I missed this entirely. Looks like I may have finally found a board to use my trackpoint doubleshots on
Anyone else interested? I've got spare sets.

[justin.wu]

hmm, I missed this entirely. Looks like I may have finally found a board to use my trackpoint doubleshots on
Anyone else interested? I've got spare sets.

WOW !! so nice keycap , but I think maybe trackpoint stick will be a little higher than keycap

[dorkvader]

I guess this configuration (provided by this package) works well with FreeBSD too (which is not technically Linux) since package 'xkb' was initially written for FreeBSD. If it works in FreeBSD, it will possibly work just fine on MacOS too, since MacOS is based on FreeBSD. But I haven't tested any of these things

Mac OS X doesn't use the X windowing system so this definitely won't work on OS X directly.

It's not used for native apps of course but I believe they had support for it at least until OSX 10.6

Is anyone aware if there will be possible to buy this kit again? I really really really want one. Unfortunately I didn't know about the last Massdrop.

Don't mind !! If you have any question , that you can ask me

Hi, Justin
why horizontal scrolling not working with pressed middle button? Is it possible to add horizontal scrolling in next firmware update (if it will be)?

Sorry , this firmware only vertical scrolling , maybe next firmware

please keep it that way. a mouse only have button 4 and 5, which in software it is meant as vertical scrolling. anything else requires hacks.

also most apps that use horizontal scrolling support Shift+mouse4,5. you can try that, Vitaly.

Wu, any word on that keyboard being programmable? or releasing the source? I confess i bought it only on that expectation

Middle click is very useful in linux as the second paste buffer. I use it much more than click-to-scroll. I think having the option of either is good because for windows I'd much rather have a center scroll button than a middle click, but for linux I'd rather have middle click. It's not too big a deal either way, because linux can be configured to accept both buttons as middle click, and many windows apps can scroll many pages with a middle click, so it's good either way.

hmm, I missed this entirely. Looks like I may have finally found a board to use my trackpoint doubleshots on
Anyone else interested? I've got spare sets.

Are they from a desko?

[Ascaii]

Yeah. A few months back i bought 200 desko boards and spent several nights pulling the caps. Ive still got 25 boards in my cellar I never got around to pulling the caps from. Most of them were without trackpoints, but a decent amount had them. Looks like I am sending nuclearsandwich a set, so we should know if they fit as soon as he gets them.

[gcb]

selling mine, http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=64908.0

[sdiearly]

TEX Design published red case for X'mas edition:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/TEX-Electronics-Co-Ltd/472792412756463?hc_location=timeline

[blackbox]

TEX Design published red case for X'mas edition:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/TEX-Electronics-Co-Ltd/472792412756463?hc_location=timeline

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sweet!

[Steveenn]

If I got one of these and used a different plate, such as GON's Universal 60% Plate, would I be able reprogram the board with my own layout?

[nuclearsandwich]

If I got one of these and used a different plate, such as GON's Universal 60% Plate, would I be able reprogram the board with my own layout?

Not without some reverse engineering. The controller isn't open. I think most folks who've got one and want a custom layout are doing it in software through their OS.

[Steveenn]

uthor=nuclearsandwich link=topic=58458.msg1566707#msg1566707 date=1418962130]

If I got one of these and used a different plate, such as GON's Universal 60% Plate, would I be able reprogram the board with my own layout?

Not without some reverse engineering. The controller isn't open. I think most folks who've got one and want a custom layout are doing it in software through their OS.
[/quote]

I also just noticed that the screw's holding the thing together go through the case and PCB into the original plate, so I wouldn't be able to do anything without some fairly heavy modifications.

[sdiearly]

My present: sissy Yoda

[nuclearsandwich]

I'm really enjoying the Yoda, in spite of the difficulties I've had with it, but I'm curious if anyone else is starting to feel the weight of the aluminum case. I carry the thing around all the time and it weighs as much as the rest of my backpack some days.

[Joey Quinn]

My present: sissy Yoda

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Did you re anodize that case or does Tex do a pink case? That thing is gorgeous!

[sdiearly]

My present: sissy Yoda

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Did you re anodize that case or does Tex do a pink case? That thing is gorgeous!

Not re-anodized, this one is produced by TEX.
Consider this one is special theme for memorial edition.
I ask they do me a favor base on our friendship :)

[tototo]

So badly want a Yoda but it will not be until the new firmware is available and I can select/edit layout myself. Will want a Poker2 based layout as that's what I have at home and work.

[KeyZero]

Not sure if I should make a new thread or just zombie this one but Massdrop has this keyboard kit on sale. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-yoda?mode=guest_open

I've crossing my fingers that the firmware is editable given the
Firmware Upgrade-able over USB
and
Customer Defined Memory Functions
in the description.

[Kira]

Not sure if I should make a new thread or just zombie this one but Massdrop has this keyboard kit on sale. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tex-yoda?mode=guest_open

I've crossing my fingers that the firmware is editable given the
Firmware Upgrade-able over USB
and
Customer Defined Memory Functions
in the description.

Am I the only one worried that typing on this will cause me to accidentally press the left mouse button??

[Valen]

I am waiting for the Matias switch version.

[hasu]

I don't know if TEX provided firmware update ever.

If my memory is correct Yoda has pervasive Cortex MCU as well as PokerII does. Sooner or later someone will hack them eventually. It will be more fun to customize behaviour of the keyboard using combination of trackpoint and keys, not just keys.

[daerid]

Can't do a non-programmable 60%, no matter how good it looks

[muness]

i have tried this unit, and frankly, i really dislike the trackpoint, which is the major and only novel feature of the board. the trackpoint unit is hacked together from what looks like a joystick controller with a very loose mechanical pillar. the response of the unit felt completely wrong to me, and, oddly, the pillar and nub are not tightly mechanically tied to the sensor. i don't see this being a viable product at all at the moment.

For what it's worth, I tried the Yoda back when it first came out (it was just called Tex 60% with TP) and I sent it back after two weeks because of this issue with trackpoint. It had terrible drift as often as every few minutes. Also back then, the middle button was just for scrolling, not middle clicking.

Justin Wu reimbursed me and even paid for return shipping which was great.

Shame because I loved the brown MX switches.

[Folio]

I'm looking at the GB on MD and contemplating if I should get the Greens or Clears.... Is this even a good buy even at lowest drop price ($200) what with the non programmable layers and the trackpoint issues???!?!?!?!!?!

[Vitaly]

I'm looking at the GB on MD and contemplating if I should get the Greens or Clears.... Is this even a good buy even at lowest drop price ($200) what with the non programmable layers and the trackpoint issues???!?!?!?!!?!

No issues with trackpoint after 7 months. Layers not superb, but for me it's not big deal (hope in future to see programmable layout anyway) , vim & IDE's + custom shorcuts do the job. I carry this board at work and home. This kb really worth money (especially with good keycaps).

[Folio]

I'm looking at the GB on MD and contemplating if I should get the Greens or Clears.... Is this even a good buy even at lowest drop price ($200) what with the non programmable layers and the trackpoint issues???!?!?!?!!?!

No issues with trackpoint after 7 months. Layers not superb, but for me it's not big deal (hope in future to see programmable layout anyway) , vim & IDE's + custom shorcuts do the job. I carry this board at work and home. This kb really worth money (especially with good keycaps).

How does the trackpoint for the most current version of the kb compare to say a Lenovo Laptop trackpoint? And I heard from the MD discussions that someone contacted TEX and they said they are releasing a new version of the Yoda with upgraded firmware and programmability later this year (don't quote me on that) as well as functionality for x-axis scrolling for the middle button, maybe even clickable for new tabs too.

I might just wait for that. I'm not too fond of the keyboard right now for that price. Although, I don't really use horizontal scrolling anyways, and the Lenovos don't allow middle button clicking either so I can just use the ctrl key for that. But now I'm torn between choosing greens which I've never had before or clears which is my main switch right now. I don't wanna get greens and eventually despise clears for how light they are in comparison (happened with blues and topres after getting clears).

[gcb]

I heard from the MD discussions that someone contacted TEX and they said they are releasing a new version of the Yoda with upgraded firmware and programmability later this year

probably LIES and more LIES.

they said that last drop as well.

 my ergo dox fried recently (damn design using that 3.5mm without protection...sigh) and i'm using my yoda tex for over three months or so i think.

It is ****.

first of all, you need a external mouse because there is no middle mouse button. it is a dedicated scroll modifier. so gaming, linux usage, opening links in another tab/closing tab with middle button... all gone. I'm using an external mouse just because of that. because like hell i'm going to copy and paste in linux like a ctrl+c/v peasant.

then the layout, which is still not programmable is incredible dumb. All the useful fn keys are on the left side. cramming the space. so for things like home, end, pgup, pgdown... you have to reach from Fn (bottom left) all the way to TYGH keys (in qwert)...  the prime modified keys on the right hand have such pearls as print screen, scroll lock, pause, menu, insert... ok insert i use a lot. but that is the only modifier key on the right side with any use. pressing pgup/down/home/end is painful. guess what is on the easiest combinations (e.g. fn+z,x,c...)? audio control! track back, play/pause,track forward...
This point wouldn't be so bad if i could use the trackpad... but since when i'm moving the cursor and need those keys, i'm also selecting and pasting with the mouse, which required the middle button, so my right hand is not on the keyboard.

and yea, the only reason i bought it, was because tex and MD people said in the very vague wording that it would be programmable soon. And i fell for that. don't be a sucker like me.

what i like: dip for control to caps. fn+wasd (but on the right hand it is ijkl instead of vim hjkl). the trackpad. is actually as good as any high end lenovo i used. better than HP and low end lenovos (or newer high end lenovos, which are crap)

[sdiearly]

All the useful fn keys are on the left side

Right side is also with Fn key design.
Dip switch 5 and 6 are used to change Fn key location.

[Vitaly]

i'm using my yoda tex for over three months or so i think.

It is ****.

Absolutely disagree, all depends on your style of work, I'm not computer gamer and open links with Vimium (by pressing keys) or with left kb mouse button. For work with graphic or CAD I use mouse, trackpad or wacom, but 70% of the time I work with kb. For me the best FN position is CAPS LOCK, because wasd with arrows in one little movement from home position (and you can turn on caps lock by pressing fn tab).

But on MD Tex really said about programming feature and as we see - no news, it's sad. Hope to see any news or better new programmable firmware for keyboard.

[Folio]

i'm using my yoda tex for over three months or so i think.

It is ****.

Absolutely disagree, all depends on your style of work

I agree with Vitaly. It really does depend on how you use a kb. I use a Lenovo laptop all day errday and the middle mouse button does not click for new tabs or closes tabs either. I use CTRL+click for that. And I use CTRL+w to close tabs. Simple enough. I don't usually horizontal scroll either. But I decided not to buy it and wait for a new version (whenever that's gonna happen) which they say will have compatibility for those little things.

[Paeka]

this looks really cool

[gcb]

i'm using my yoda tex for over three months or so i think.

It is ****.

Absolutely disagree, all depends on your style of work

I agree with Vitaly. It really does depend on how you use a kb. I use a Lenovo laptop all day errday and the middle mouse button does not click for new tabs or closes tabs either. I use CTRL+click for that. And I use CTRL+w to close tabs. Simple enough. I don't usually horizontal scroll either. But I decided not to buy it and wait for a new version (whenever that's gonna happen) which they say will have compatibility for those little things.

But on the lenovo it is your option. you can open the driver settings under control panel > mouse and then you will see a trackpoint or something tab in the mouse settings windows.

there you can enable that to be a real middle mouse button.

with the tex yoda it is not like that. it is handled entirely on the hardware. the OS never even see that button.

[LeTrollMazter]

It's really nice, but quite pricey...