REVIEW – Since changing into all in favour of mechanical keyboards, I’ve reviewed nicely over a dozen. Possibly two dozen. However who’s counting? 😉 After reviewing so many keyboards, I don’t get as excited to overview new ones until they provide options not seen earlier than. Right this moment I’ve such a keyboard for you. It’s the Tmice X modular mechanical keyboard that’s at present in search of funding on Kickstarter. Let’s take a more in-depth look.
What’s it?
The Tmice X is a mechanical keyboard that has a modular design with quite a lot of modules that connect to the primary keyboard with magnetic connectors.
What’s included?
- Fundamental Tmice X keyboard
- Numeric keypad
- Customizable macro keyboard with knob
- Customizable macro keyboard with knob
- Energy supervisor bar
- 4 riser bars
- Cables
Design and options
The Tmice X keyboard has a fundamental look with a silver aluminum case and white keycaps. You’ll discover that the keyboard doesn’t have a devoted perform key row. Usually this is able to be a deal breaker for me, however that’s not the case with the Tmice X as a result of you possibly can create your individual perform keys with the add-on modules.
If we have a look at the underside of the keyboard, we’ll see two rubber ft and two slots.
The slots are for the included riser, which is hooked up to the underside with magnets.
As soon as hooked up, the chromed riser bar will elevate the again of the keyboard for higher ergonomics.
The Tmice X has magnetic connections on the left, proper, and again edges. These connectors are for the modules. Let’s check out each.
Energy Supervisor module
The Energy Supervisor module is designed to connect to the again fringe of the keyboard. It provides 4 USB-C connectors and a pair of USB-A connectors.
The magnets used to connect the Energy Supervisor to the again of the keyboard are actually sturdy, so make sure that your fingers don’t get in the way in which. I pinched my fingers greater than as soon as whereas testing this keyboard. Ouch!
In addition to the Energy Supervisor module, Tmice additionally despatched me two totally different macro pads and a numpad.
The macro pads solely connect to the left facet of the keyboard.
And the numpad solely attaches to the appropriate facet.
If you’re additional, you should utilize each macro pads by plugging it into one of many Energy Supervisor bar’s USB-A ports utilizing the included proprietary energy cable.
Three smaller magnetic riser bars have been included with my samples. They connect to the underside of the modules.
Programming the macro pads
There are two macro pad modules you can buy. I actually just like the one which jogs my memory of my Elgato Stream Deck. The Tmice macro pad affords a big dial with a cool LED ring and 6 buttons under it. As you possibly can see within the picture above, the buttons have little shows with icons.
To program both macro pad, you must use the Tmice app. Fortunately, they’ve a macOS model. The app is fairly fundamental, but it surely does do some cool issues like mechanically including a web site’s favicon if you happen to program the buttons to launch web sites.
Different choices embody customising the icons for the buttons. On the time of this writing, the choices to program the buttons aren’t practically as complete because the Elgato Stream Deck, but it surely’s nonetheless cool.
However what’s it wish to kind on the Tmice X modular mechanical keyboard?
The Tmice X‘s keyboard structure and XDA profile keys are good (for me), besides that there’s no macOS mode. I had no points contact typing on it. However I’ve to be trustworthy and let you know that this keyboard doesn’t deliver the thock. In any respect. Typing feels tremendous, however the sound is fairly clacky.
The keycaps are PBT and the switches used are Akko Cream Yellow switches, and they’re hot-swappable. However the keyboard itself doesn’t seem like moddable. I don’t see easy methods to open it with out damaging it. That’s a bit disappointing, as just a little foam or tape may actually enhance the sound. You’ll be able to watch the brief video under to get an thought of what it seems like.
See and listen to it in motion
What I like concerning the Tmice X modular mechanical keyboard
- Potential to combine and match quite a lot of add-on modules
- Macro pads are programmable
- Hotswappable switches
What must be improved?
- Keyboard isn’t moddable to enhance the thock
- No Bluetooth or wi-fi connectivity is likely to be a deal breaker for some
Last ideas
I loved testing the Tmice X modular mechanical keyboard. The modular design with the flexibility to broaden the capabilities with macro pads, numpads, additional USB ports makes this keyboard distinctive in a sea of mechanical keyboards which have flooded the market. So long as you don’t thoughts that it’s not very thocky, it’s value testing.
Value: $109.99 (value will increase with non-obligatory modules – $589.99 as reviewed right here)
The place to purchase: Kickstarter (rewards estimated to ship in December 2024)
Supply: The pattern for this overview was supplied by TMICE. TMICE didn’t have a last say on the overview and didn’t preview the overview earlier than it was printed.
