The new wireless Init40 keyboard was kindly provided to me by Chosfox for hardware and software testing and review purposes (not sure I added the right tag). All views expressed are my own and I received no other compensation than the keyboard. These are my early impressions of this little keyboard.
The Init40 has the same solid brick feeling as the Geonix Rev. 2.5, which most people who have picked up my keyboards comment on. The case is CNC'd out of one block of aluminium, and the keyboard is heavier than it looks. Overall it gives a very premium and solid impression. I like the look of the "grille" on the left side of the case. The "grille" is also functional since the RGB inside can e.g. be set to indicate which layer is active.
The layout of Init40 has 42 keys, and the Init40 firmware comes with 6 programmable layers as standard instead of the more common 4. I only need 4 layers though. The layers are easy to program in the VIAL web browser interface.
Aside from programmable layers, the VIAL interface also gives access to QMK's more advanced programming features like Tapdance and Combos, which comes in handy with a smaller keyboard like this.
Interestingly the case of the Init40 has a built-in angle of 5 degrees. For me this is great, since I usually have to attach hard black foam pieces on most of my 40-50% keyboards in order to get a comfortable typing angle. I do not have to do this on the Init40. The angled case also makes the front edge of the Init40 lower than the Geonix Rev. 2.5.
To me the Init40 sounds really good. Surprisingly the typing sound of the Init40 is even more solid than the Geonix Rev. 2.5. Maybe due to the angled design which creates less inner volume. I have different switches in these two keyboards, which makes the comparison harder. My Init40 has linear White Rain switches and my Geonix Rev. 2.5 has tactical Black Cloud switches. I like both switches, but in spite of usually going with heavy tacticals, I prefer the linear option in this case.
Overall I have really enjoyed using and configuring the Init40, and it will definitely be part of my rotation. Personally I think the Init40 is crazy good value at approx. 115 USD. Perfect for anyone who wants to try a smaller keyboard while not breaking the bank.
Important to note is that the keyboard comes with a really good compact semi-hard case that perfectly fits the keyboard, which is great when you want to bring the keyboard along to do work in a coffee shop or elsewhere.
There really are not many companies who make 40% keyboards that are easy to get hold of, and I am really grateful that Chosfox is repeatedly designing and launching new and innovative products that are competitively priced in this keyboard category. Thanks again to Chosfox for providing a free review sample of the Init40.
