Tex Designs is pleased to announce their most beautiful and interesting mechanical keyboard yet: The Tex Yoda. An elegant 60% mechanical keyboard with one game changing innovation, the keyboard comes with a TrackPoint right in the center, letting you navigate and type through the same mechanical interface. Combined with the integrated USB hub on the back of the keyboard, the Yoda is the optimal keyboard for the enthusiast in search of a streamlined desk.
Note: At checkout, you can choose between an assembled keyboard or an unassembled kit. The unassembled kit requires a soldering iron to complete construction. Please consult this build guide for instructions on how to make your keyboard.
To put it simply, the aluminum case on this keyboard is a work of art. An incredibly intricate construction, the TrackPoint, Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and USB hub are all mounted to the back of the case, leaving only a single screw on the front. As with all other TEX aluminum cases, it is extremely solid and constructed with maximum precision. The mounting plate and PCB are also incredibly sophisticated, as they are designed to be modular and work with multiple layouts. If you want to have shorter shift or enter keys, the PCB has several spots to place your switches.
For you serious enthusiasts looking for the real nitty gritty, there are a couple of features that truly stand out. This PCB is designed to work with US and EU (ANSI or ISO) layouts but this listing has a plate for the EU (ISO) layout. In addition to that bit of cleverness with the multi region PCB layout, there are holes for the truly motivated to add LEDs to every switch. Bolstering that primary PCB, there are three additional PCBs that support the Mouse Buttons, the USB Hub and the TrackPoint.
The second PCB is for the mouse buttons, which all use Cherry MX switches. Located at the bottom of the keyboard, the three buttons have some interesting abilities. If you hold down the middle button and touch the TrackPoint, you can scroll through pages with ease. There are dip switches for these 3 keys that can swap the middle key to be a function key or swap left and right for people that like inverted controls. Also of note: the three mouse buttons have their own steel mini-mounting plate.
The third PCB is the USB Hub, the central board that the rest of the keyboard is routed through. This addition to the keyboard removes the need for one more object to be on your desk, which in turn allows for the ultimate minimalist setup.
The fourth and final circuit board takes care of the TrackPoint. Mounted below the main PCB and poking up a bit through the plate, the TrackPoint is highly sensitive and highly functional. Arriving with three different tips to get your preferred tactile sensation, this TrackPoint is the smoothest and most delightful pointing stick that we’ve ever handled. An effective mouse replacement integrated right into your keyboard, the Yoda will transform how you communicate with your computer.
Estimated ship date is June 18, 2015 PT.
Payment will be collected at checkout. After this product run ends, orders will be submitted to the vendor up front, making all orders final.