Hexgears and Kono Store teamed up to launch the X-1, a wireless low profile keyboard with Kaihua Choc (PG1350) switches. We’re directing Kickstarter backers here so they can chat with the KeebTalk community.
Key Features (so you know what everyone is talking about):
• Compact, low profile form factor (35.5 x 13 x 1.5 cm, 0.5 kg)
• Hard-sided carrying case
• Kaihua “Choc” low profile mechanical switches (Brown, Red, White)
• RGB lighting with multiple backlight modes
• CNC machined aircraft grade aluminum case
• Wireless: 4 device Bluetooth memory, 6KRO
• Wired: USB Type-C, NKRO
• 3 month estimated battery life with lights off (4 - 20 hours with RGB lighting — varies with brightness levels and use case)
As far as I can tell it’s not programmable as there’s hardly any flash space on the chip. And uses 8051 (instead of AVR or ARM) so it’s a pain to program for.
It’s not programmable by default, nor is it programmable via KLE. The MCU is an 8051.
Hexgears has a separate engineering team, so they tend to select their own features and design elements. We’re planning to help them expand their capabilities over time.
Choc switches feel pretty darn good in comparison. You can compare the Choc force curves on Kickstarter to graphs from the Comparative Switch Guide.
As things stand, you won’t be able to order a black keyboard with white caps or vice versa. We are looking into making Mac / Novelty / complete sets in other colorways available.
The carrying case is included — it’s already factored into the price.
No one else manufactures keycaps that will fit this keyboard properly.
Is there a timeline on the new caps? As much as I love mechanical keyboards I love customized mechanical keyboards even more.
With regards to the carrying case: sweet! With regards to no one else making keycaps that fit this keyboard: bummer. Are these switches just not as popular / pervasive as hi-pro switches?
No timelines right now. If they happen, they’ll have some cool themed color schemes though.
The PG1350 / Choc switches are just hitting the US market, as they’re a fairly new product. There’s not enough demand for most manufacturers to produce diverse keycaps — at least not yet.
The key sizes (e.g. numpad keys narrower than 1u) and spacing between blocks (numpad, groups of F keys) are pretty much the same as on Y720’s keyboard. Looks like X-1 has a slightly larger spacebar, though, and some of the numpad functions are rearranged.
Was looking forward to this one and was a bit shocked to see that it’s not programmable. I’m going to have to pass as it’s a basic feature at this point that I can’t go without.
I’m fairly new to keyboards, I was wondering if anyone could help me determine which keys to pick (white/brown/red). Right now I primarily use a laptop so am used to those keys, and my docking station uses a Logitech Slim K740 which I have no idea what kind of keys it has. I like them both, and I like getting a response when I press a key, thats how I respond to my typing. So thinking: not red. I do quite a bit of mmorpg gaming but not fps. Thoughts?
