60% Keyboard - TEX mini Keyboard

[justin.wu]

Hi , All

I'm come from Taiwan , now I just want introduce a new 60% keyboard for you guys !!



feature :

1. Aluminum top case design (with hairline , color can be change , CNC machining )
2. USB interface (USB upgrade firmware)
3. N-Key rollover
4. QWERTY Layout (Mutli-Lingual Layout)
5. Cherry switch(black/blue/brown/red..etc)

Keyboard sample picture link : www.flickr.com/photos/jewu8210/sets/72157632574538186/with/8400932182/

If you want see datasheet & layout , please check this link : https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B7TuRf3KQe7GNTE0RmQ2SDEzeEU/edit

If any question , just ask me !! or mail to me , justin@tex-design.com.tw

now we have already test function , compatibility , and habits .

this keyboard will announce in April ,

[stonejoint]

Looks nice, but need more photo.

[tp4tissue]

Pretty cool.. Is the bottom plastic?

I think the whole point of having an aluminum keyboard is to have as much 'aluminum" as possible..

It's out of vanity that we buy these things...

Why would anyone go "half way"....

[imadeanaccounttoseepics]

Looks nice, but need more photo.

Click the link, there's a bunch there.

[laffindude]

Hey Justin.
1. "color can be change" Do you mean there will be different colors available?
2. Upgradable firmware. Is it possible to program the layout ourselves?
3. USB NKRO. Are you using USB fullspeed controller? or are you using multiple input devices hack? Or it is really a 6KRO keyboard with diodes on the matrix?

PS: Can you discuss the rationale behind the Function layer layout? It does not seem optimally laid out.

Thanks.

[tp4tissue]

Hey Justin.
1. "color can be change" Do you mean there will be different colors available?
2. Upgradable firmware. Is it possible to program the layout ourselves?
3. USB NKRO. Are you using USB fullspeed controller? or are you using multiple input devices hack? Or it is really a 6KRO keyboard with diodes on the matrix?

PS: Can you discuss the rationale behind the Function layer layout? It does not seem optimally laid out.

Thanks.

all moot.. autohotkey.. firmware programming is silly because keyboards so rarely travel... I'm not saying the feature is not nice, it's just not terribly important when we already have the solution "now"

[laffindude]

Not everyone has the luxury of running AHK.
Edit: also AHK can't rebind function layer, which is the important part.

[tp4tissue]

Not everyone has the luxury of running AHK.
Edit: also AHK can't rebind function layer, which is the important part.

YES IT CAN

AHK can rebind whatever the f you want.. You just have to know the correct scan code the function layer is putting out.

[crazeco]

There's something about the looks of this keyboard that I really dig...

[laffindude]

And you don't see how retarded it is to give up 2 keys + the one you use for FN on a keyboard that is already hurting for more keys?

[tp4tissue]

There's something about the looks of this keyboard that I really dig...

LOL the edges match the macbook edges maybe?

[justin.wu]

Hi, laffindude

first , thanks your question and advise

about your question ,
1. "color can be change" Do you mean there will be different colors available?
ANS : yes, first mass production , just for sliver color (but we will change maybe water-blue , metal-red ...etc)

2. Upgradable firmware. Is it possible to program the layout ourselves?
ANS : F/W upgrade have 2 function
1. fix problem , user don't return keyboard to shop , just like hotfix
2. we will release some layout , user can download and upgrade by themself

3. USB NKRO. Are you using USB fullspeed controller? or are you using multiple input devices hack? Or it is really a 6KRO keyboard with diodes on the matrix?

Yes, USB 2.0 Cortex M3 , 32bit MCU with ARM
but it's not full N-key , it's only 6 key , but this is different only 6KRO , keyboard still can key in when you press 6key


and about your advise ,
PS: Can you discuss the rationale behind the Function layer layout? It does not seem optimally laid out.

about the best layout , that is a tough problem, so I still try .


anyway , very thanks your advise !!!

Hey Justin.
1. "color can be change" Do you mean there will be different colors available?
2. Upgradable firmware. Is it possible to program the layout ourselves?
3. USB NKRO. Are you using USB fullspeed controller? or are you using multiple input devices hack? Or it is really a 6KRO keyboard with diodes on the matrix?

PS: Can you discuss the rationale behind the Function layer layout? It does not seem optimally laid out.

Thanks.

[tp4tissue]

And you don't see how retarded it is to give up 2 keys + the one you use for FN on a keyboard that is already hurting for more keys?

What? no, you're not giving up any keys with Autohotkey...

Autohotkey can intercept whatever you press, and turn that into whatever you want... So you can maintain however many "layers" you want.

Using autohotkey would be the same amount of work as programming your own firmware, because ultimately you only have to do it once..

Put it on a thumb drive. and run the exe, IF and when the Keyboard actually travels somewhere...

WHICH is pretty unlikely because keyboards stay put.. more often then not...


It's like how lots of people think they need a laptop, when the laptop end up in front of their desk 99.999 percent of the time.

[laffindude]

TP4.
FN keys doesn't generate key codes. They only generate a keycode when you hit another key.
Run the .exe on a corporate computer. See how well that works.


Justin:
1: Gun metal. Must do gun metal
2.2: I like that. Although, I think users will appreciate being able to make their own layout. Perhaps you could look into a software solution for modifying the layout.
3. NKRO matrix, but interface limited to 6KRO. Gotcha.

[tp4tissue]

TP4.
FN keys doesn't generate key codes. They only generate a keycode when you hit another key.
Run the .exe on a corporate computer. See how well that works.


Justin:
1: Gun metal. Must do gun metal
2.2: I like that. Although, I think users will appreciate being able to make their own layout. Perhaps you could look into a software solution for modifying the layout.
3. NKRO matrix, but interface limited to 6KRO. Gotcha.

Oh, you mean losing the 2 buttons that are FN keys?

OMG dude, how many buttons do you need.....

There's 14 keys on the second layer excluding Function row and media keys..

that's more than enough to remap into the Missing things you're looking for.

But honestly, you could just map ctrl+shift+ any key for your own layer exclusive of the function layer.

[laffindude]

It isn't so much I want to bind more keys, but moving some stuff around "for efficiency" as oneproduct would say. Even with physical arrow keys, I would want arrows on the FN layer so I don't have to move my hands when I am editing a lot of text. For example IJKL for arrows, HN for page up/dn, M, or YU for home/end. Basically, trying to keep the hands in the typical typing position while still able to access the edit cluster.

[tp4tissue]

It isn't so much I want to bind more keys, but moving some stuff around "for efficiency" as oneproduct would say. Even with physical arrow keys, I would want arrows on the FN layer so I don't have to move my hands when I am editing a lot of text. For example IJKL for arrows, HN for page up/dn, M, or YU for home/end. Basically, trying to keep the hands in the typical typing position while still able to access the edit cluster.

well, ok if moving your hands is what you want to minimize, then the bottom row function keys won't do anything for you..

You can ONLY be saved by AUTOHOT KEY..

with AHK, you can hold down say left-shift a, now instead of typing capital A, this will be a modifier for all your right hand keys, and you can setup layers for ijkl..

this is much easier to hit, then say move your hand down and hit a function button next to the space bar..


For example, I use " : " key as my Right-shift, this way, I don't have to turn my wrist for Capitalized left hand letters.


The function layer using Left-shift A is the same principal..

No matter how the company chooses to layer their stuff, they're all going to encounter this fatal flaw, if their function key is in the bottom row next to the space bar because that area is FAR and Hard to hit from base typing position.

below is my current layout, it prevents all wrist turning.. and maintains easy to find modifiers.

[TheSoulhunter]

Looks very interesting! Two things perhaps...
- The edges look a bit too "sharp", perhaps consider a small radius (1mm) instead of a 90° angle?
- It really should be programmable by the user (this would also make this board even more unique)

[laffindude]

@TP4: You can hit those FN keys on the TEX board (Ginkyo is the name?) with your thumb. It is much more ideal than constantly using your pinky to access the function layer.
PS you don't need to constantly push AHK on me. I've written all kind of utilities with AHK

[justin.wu]

about the sharp edges , we have already process , so just look like sharp , but it won't let your finger feel fell hurt !

and another question , without programmable , because we want find a friendly UI to customization that you want function (most is fn layer)
but without any software , only hardware , so you can use in any system !!

Looks very interesting! Two things perhaps...
- The edges look a bit too "sharp", perhaps consider a small radius (1mm) instead of a 90° angle?
- It really should be programmable by the user (this would also make this board even more unique)

[Polymer]

Programmable is better if you can do it...Autohotkey is great...but it isn't convenient in every situation.  If I can have a keyboard the way I want it without needing to run something, all the better...

I do think the aluminum on top is a bit weird..it is like a facade...It actually doesn't look like it serves a purpose other than the top cover...

[vun]

That looks really good, although I won't be getting one as the lower right corner kills it for me. The physical arrow keys ruin everything, I don't use arrows enough for it to be worth it.

[OrpheusX]

below is my current layout, it prevents all wrist turning.. and maintains easy to find modifiers.

  that is the most messed up layout I've ever seen. Cool if it works for you but I can't imagine trying to get my fingers to remember all that.

[sordna]

Not everyone has the luxury of running AHK.
Edit: also AHK can't rebind function layer, which is the important part.

YES IT CAN

AHK can rebind whatever the f you want.. You just have to know the correct scan code the function layer is putting out.

The FN key by itself does not generate a key code. Also, the FN layer on keyboards doesn't have all keys assigned. So in my Poker for example, FN+E or FN+L does not generate any distinct keycode, so AHK cannot remap it. But on a programmable keyboard you can assign any function to any key in the FN layer.

Besides, many of us use different operating systems, AHK is windows only.

@justin.wu: I use a Kinesis Advantage which is programmable from the keyboard itself. The interface to do that is straightforward: You hit a key combination to go into programming mode, and an LED flashes. Then you hit source key, and then you hit destination key. For example, to make Caps Lock work as Control, I push and release Control, then i push and release Caps Lock. You can do as many keys as you want, and then exit programming mode.

But even a software to do it on the computer and upload the layout to the keyboard would be great as well.

[Binge]

If this was programmable I would certainly consider it, but so far the only 60% that has suited 99.9% of my typing is the KBT pure layout.  I literally do home/end commands with my thumb (FN+, and FN+.).

[mashby]

If this was programmable I would certainly consider it, but so far the only 60% that has suited 99.9% of my typing is the KBT pure layout.  I literally do home/end commands with my thumb (FN+, and FN+.).

I like the look of this new keyboard, but the bottom right modifiers simply aren't' a good fit for me. Love the case though.

Pure has been the closest configuration to be ideal for me as well. There are a couple of small things I'd like to change, so my hope is that the programmable GH60 will give me my goldilocks keyboard. :-)

[Hyde]

I think this looks pretty good, but yeah changing keycaps would probably be a pain but overall I like the look of it.  Dedicated arrow key is kind of a love and hate thing, I sorta like it it's there but at the same time it won't be "standard" spacing on keys 

Also it will be "announced" in April.  So realistically when will it be release?  Sounds like it might be a while...

[cobraj]

Good idea.
But I personally am not a fan of the case though

[tp4tissue]

below is my current layout, it prevents all wrist turning.. and maintains easy to find modifiers.

  that is the most messed up layout I've ever seen. Cool if it works for you but I can't imagine trying to get my fingers to remember all that.

It's very straight forward..

The right hand side "letters" are shifted to the right by 1 key

The "y" key is put high up for the middle finger, becuase reaching for it is time consuming because left hand typing is slanted.

The enterkey on top, is so I don't have to turn my wrist to hit enter..

The 2 close nit backspace is so I could rock them and delete things twice as fast if necessary..

The "right-ctrl" replace where caplock normally is, so that I can quickly do  Ctrl-A with one hand motion.

The very center column is intuitive because it's plus minus and tilda,  I use the R2 key from my number pad, which i'm not using the set of right in the center, so I can touch type that whole area.

[rootwyrm]

2. Upgradable firmware. Is it possible to program the layout ourselves?
ANS : F/W upgrade have 2 function
1. fix problem , user don't return keyboard to shop , just like hotfix
2. we will release some layout , user can download and upgrade by themself

Yes, USB 2.0 Cortex M3 , 32bit MCU with ARM
but it's not full N-key , it's only 6 key , but this is different only 6KRO , keyboard still can key in when you press 6key

Iiiiiiiinteresting. Which programming method are using with the Cortex - I2C? Is it with MPU or will all NVRAM be user accessible?

[LollyWater]

Love it! That tiny spacebar is a turn off though. It would be a nice case.

[kurplop]

The "self rimming" case design looks like it could be dropped into a recess cut into a desktop or keyboard tray making it a very low profile design.

[Strelok]

60%'s are my favorite.

I wish there was a picture of the top straight on see we could see the layout better.

EXC appears to be in the Fn layer though, so I don't think I'll be tempted to buy this one.

[laffindude]

I wish there was a picture of the top straight on see we could see the layout better.

If you want see datasheet & layout, please check this link : https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B7TuRf3KQe7GNTE0RmQ2SDEzeEU/edit

[deltr]

I'd like to see something aside from the deep depth of field shots.. can we get a picture of it from the view of someone who would be using it?

[eosgreen]

cool mini but its got extra length imo it doesnt need on the sides. kinda the point of a mini dont ya think? i only mention it because recently i bought a poker for this space saving reason and any more length on the sides and i may as well got a noppoo choc mini

[Strelok]

I wish there was a picture of the top straight on see we could see the layout better.

If you want see datasheet & layout, please check this link : https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B7TuRf3KQe7GNTE0RmQ2SDEzeEU/edit

Thanks.

Redundant tilde/esc key on such a small board? Waste of space in my opinion.

[inteli722]

US layout looks fine, except for the spacebar. It's fine for people like me who hit the spacebar with the right hand, but for people who it it with their left hand would be a bit difficult.

[justin.wu]

upload some new picture , I think that will be announce end of April (hope !!!)

a

[laffindude]

Looks good ;o

[Glenn315]

Looks pretty fresh.

[sordna]

It has 2 controls, 2 alts, and a big backspace, I LOVE all that! The escape is where it should be... I don't think a tilde is needed in the Fn layer of the escape key, since it has a dedicated tilde next to the arrows.

[mashby]

A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to make a trip out to MechanicalKeyboards.com and much to my surprise, they had one of the Tex Mini Keyboards on display! I immediately hooked it up to my laptop to give her a spin. I didn't spend that much time with the board, but I did type on it enough to at least provide a "First Impressions" review.

Construction
Plate mounted switches, aluminium top with a really nice design. We've all seen the pictures from this thread and there's no denying that it's a beautiful keyboard and after putting my hands on it, I can tell you that the pictures don't lie.

The aluminium top is a bit of a departure, but it does make for a very nice presentation and it does add a good deal of weight to it as well. There are some really nice touches, like the company branding on the feet. Overall the keyboard has a very fit and finish. The plastic case bottom is smoother and more rounded that those of Vortex.

Given that it was a display board, I wasn't comfortable taking it apart to look at the construction, so there's not too much that I can add here. I would say this is a step up from what we've seen recently from Tex's competitor -- Vortex. I didn't see any of the usual QA issues that Vortex has become somewhat known for.

The Layout
I'm a huge fan of compact keyboards. I use a KBC Poker with MX-Blacks and a KBT Pure with MX-Blues on a daily basis, so I'm used to the look and feel of small keyboards like this and I felt very comfortable.

There are two factors to take into consideration when choosing a compact keyboard. 1) The right side modifers and 2) the function or fn layer. Given the limited layout, a manufactuer makes certian choices for you and you either like them, or you don't. It's a matter of personal preference, so I can't really critique the choices that they've made on these two fronts other than to state my personal opinion.

I'm not a big fan of the right shift being any smaller than a 1.75 and the Tex Mini is 1.0. This compromise is made so that they can offer dedicated arrow keys. This keyboard takes a page from the Race and from the Pure and gives a nice hybrid, if that is what you're looking for. I don't know of any other 60% with dedicated arrow keys, so it's definitely unique.

Nothing in the fn layer jumped out at me as being out-of-place, but you'll have to look at the docs to see if it works for you. Again, a totally subjective and personal thing.

The Feel
The key caps are standard OEM profile caps, which I happen to like. In fact, I currently use these profiles on my own boards. Since this keyboard was not backlit, it features centered legends.

The Tex Mini Keyboard that was on display had Cherry-MX Blues. I'm a big fan of blues, so I was already quite familar with the switch and what to expect from them. However, this was the first keyboard that I've typed on that had a plate. Given all the traffic on the forums here regarding plate mounted switches, I was really expecting a noticeable difference from my Poker, Pure and Race -- I didn't.

I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that the bottom of the case is plastic. There was a noticeable hollow sound to the keys as I typed and it didn't feel as solid as I would have expected. I use a KBT Pure CNC with an aluminum case and it feels more solid and doesn't have a plate.

Then again, I think it could be the sound that was throwing me off. I don't know that I felt flex per se, just that it didn't sound solid. There was a hollow "thock" that gave the impression that it wasn't as ridgid as what I'm used to, but only having more time with the keyboard would let me know for sure.

The Cost
There wasn't a price listed and it's not on the MK.com web site, so I don't know what the retail price of the keyboard is.

Conclusions
If you like the idea of a 60% board, but require dedicated arrow keys, then this could be the board for you. You'll need to decide if the small right-shift, or fn layer presents any issues for you. If it doesn't, then I think you have a winner.

The only other things to consider are key caps and replacement cases. If you're not planning on customizing your keyboard, then this won't have a bearing, but if you are... the key caps will definitely be a challenge given the modifers on the right side of the board. Even with a Tsangan kit from a Group Buy, you won't find a 1.0 right shift.

I wish I had this as a sample keyboard to really put it through it's paces and give it a proper review. Spending time with the fn layer would really help and I'd love to take it apart to get a good look at the construction. Alas, I only had a scant few minutes. So it's unclear what 3rd party options are available for replacement cases.


Photos & Video

Tex Mechanical Keyboard by Michael Ashby, on Flickr


Tex 60% Mechanical Keyboard by Michael Ashby, on Flickr


Tex 60% - Bottom by Michael Ashby, on Flickr


Tex Close Up by Michael Ashby, on Flickr


Tex 60% - Feet by Michael Ashby, on Flickr


Tex 60% - Back by Michael Ashby, on Flickr


Tex - Function Layer by Michael Ashby, on Flickr


Tex 60% - Switch Detail by Michael Ashby, on Flickr

[DavinDidIt]

Awesome review and video, mashby.  Thank you.  For me, I can also see myself having problems with that right shift key. 

[sordna]

I wonder if there will be a version without the aluminum. I just realized that with this aluminum bezel being so big, the keyboard becomes as big as a RACE or Choc mini (which have an extra row of keys).
However I really like the layout of the TEX so I wish it also comes out in a more compact case version.

[Hyde]

I think the right shift won't be an issue for me, I realize I type really close to the edge when hitting shift anyway.

Also I do think this is probably my favourite layout out of all the 60% keyboard so far.  I'm not big on 1x1 backspace so having proper size backspace on this is a big win for me.

If I were to get a 60% keyboard in the future it will either be this or the poker with classic layout (easier to fit keycaps).

[noons]

Wow awesome keyboard! About time there was another mass produced 60% keyboard on the market! Love the aluminum as well..

[samwisekoi]

I've been designing 60 +/- layouts lately, and this keyboard raised a question for me:

Q.  How does it fit three 1x keys in place of the 2.75x shift_R key?

A.  By shrinking shift_L from 2.25x down to 2x.

So in addition to the non-standard shift_R, there is also a non-standard shift_L. And that then changes the stagger and moves that tiny shift_R slightly closer, which may make the feel worse for some. And adds another unobtainable keycap to the mix.

Personally, I like the design, but I wouldn't want to find after-market keycaps for it.

I hope the OEM keycaps are really nice!

Thanks, mashby!


 - Ron I samwisekoi

[mashby]

So in addition to the non-standard shift_R, there is also a non-standard shift_L. And that then changes the stagger and moves that tiny shift_R slightly closer, which may make the feel worse for some. And adds another unobtainable keycap to the mix.

Nice catch Samwisekoi!

I did not notice that for the brief time that I played with it, but knowing that now, I would love to take it for another spin.

[Binge]

Mashby, thanks so much for your time in producing all of this info.