REVIEW – Since changing into involved in mechanical keyboards, I’ve reviewed properly over a dozen. Possibly two dozen. However who’s counting? 😉 After reviewing so many keyboards, I don’t get as excited to evaluation new ones until they provide options not seen earlier than. Immediately I’ve such a keyboard for you. It’s the Tmice X modular mechanical keyboard that’s at present looking for 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 principle 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 primary look with a silver aluminum case and white keycaps. You’ll discover that the keyboard doesn’t have a devoted operate key row. Usually this may be a deal breaker for me, however that’s not the case with the Tmice X as a result of you’ll be able to create your personal operate keys with the add-on modules.
If we take a look at the underside of the keyboard, we’ll see two rubber toes 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 be certain 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 completely 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 precise facet.
If you’re further, you should use 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 had been included with my samples. They connect to the underside of the modules.
Programming the macro pads
There are two macro pad modules that you may buy. I actually just like the one which jogs my memory of my Elgato Stream Deck. The Tmice macro pad presents a big dial with a cool LED ring and 6 buttons under it. As you’ll be able to see within the picture above, the buttons have little shows with icons.
To program both macro pad, it’s a must to use the Tmice app. Fortunately, they’ve a macOS model. The app is fairly primary, nevertheless it does do some cool issues like mechanically including an internet site’s favicon in the event you program the buttons to launch web sites.
Different choices embrace 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, nevertheless it’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 excellent (for me), besides that there’s no macOS mode. I had no points contact typing on it. However I’ve to be sincere and inform you that this keyboard doesn’t carry the thock. In any respect. Typing feels high quality, 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 open it with out damaging it. That’s a bit disappointing, as just a little foam or tape would possibly actually enhance the sound. You’ll be able to watch the quick video under to get an concept of what it feels like.
See and listen to it in motion
What I like in regards to the Tmice X modular mechanical keyboard
- Capability 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
Remaining ideas
I loved testing the Tmice X modular mechanical keyboard. The modular design with the power to increase the capabilities with macro pads, numpads, further 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 price trying out.
Worth: $109.99 (worth 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 evaluation was offered by TMICE. TMICE didn’t have a closing say on the evaluation and didn’t preview the evaluation earlier than it was revealed.
