meteorite40 review｜An amazing all-in-one keyboard with 30% QAZ layout and trackball.

This is one form of a complete small all-in-one device.

The meretorite40 is a 36-40 key mechanical keyboard with integrated trackball and linear layout.

Two types are available: a normal profile version (MX compatible keyswitch specification) and a low profile version (Kailh choc v2 specification).

In addition to its ultra-compact design with a width of only 24 cm, the mouse can be operated without taking your hands off the keys, making it the ultimate all-in-one keyboard in minimalism.

The gasket mount and dedicated sound-absorbing material, despite being a home-built keyboard, make the feel of typing not at all inferior to that of commercial keyboards, and with wireless support and ZMK Studio keymap modification, there are few complaints.

This article reviews the meteorite40.

meteorite40 was provided by Hajire Engineers for promotional purposes.
GreenEchoes Studio, which operates Greenkeys, may receive compensation if a contract is signed from a link in this article.

This page contains advertisements. Products and links provided by manufacturers may be included, but will be fairly verified and clearly disclosed in accordance with our editorial policy.

meteorite40 Overview

As for the low-profile version, it is a fixed layout.

Quick Comparison of Specifications

(data) item	Normal profile (BOOTH: 7205675)	Low Profile (BOOTH: 7241088)
Number of Switches Required	MX compatible (socket x 45)	Choc v2 (3-pin) compatible (socket x 45)
Trackball Diameter	25mm / 34mm	25mm
mouse button	2 physical buttons (under trackball)	Physical button (under trackball)
connection	Wired/Wireless	Wired/Wireless
firmware	ZMK (change keymap in browser)	ZMK (change keymap in browser)
Layout Features	Bottom row + left/right unit selection for a total of 20 patterns (normal side)	fixed pattern
Size/Weight (Reference)	238mm × 87mm × 25mm (approx. 450g)	238mm × 87mm × 22mm (approx. 360g)
battery	950mAh size supported (prepared separately)	950mAh size supported (prepared separately)
Price (including tax)	Kit 24,000 yen	Kit 24,000 yen

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Separately required before assembly

classification	normal	low-pro (e.g. cellphone)
switch	MX compatible: 36-40 pieces	Choc v2 compatible: 40 pcs.
keycap	MX Compatible Keycaps	Keycap (Low-pro premise)
trackball	25mm or 34mm available separately	25mm separately available
battery	Lithium polymer (not included, self-discipline required)	same as on the left
option	Additional stabilizers/rotary encoders, etc. depending on configuration	long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)

Review Environment

The review environment is as follows

• Connection environment: macOS
• Use switch:
  • MX-Chosfox x PMD Ragna Linear
  • Choc v2-Kailh Taro Liniar
• Layout: 30% orthogonal (QAZ)
• Primary use: content writing (typing Japanese)

[Photos] meteorite40 review

Let’s take a quick look at meteorite40.

In this case, we were provided with a low-production kit and a regular kit.

The soldering option has been requested and is ready to be assembled.

Contents include bottom case, top case, bottom case parts (board material to fill cavities), circuit board, and trackball case, as well as three pieces of bottom foam, middle foam, and switch foam.

In addition, screws and rubber feet to secure the bottom case to the top case are included. (See product page for details.)

Forms are stacked in this manner.

Finally, the keyswitch is engaged to fix everything in place.

Let’s look at cases.

The bottom case is a simple tray type with depressions according to the parts mounting points on the board.

The following are specially included as “parts to fill in if the battery is not installed.

There is a terminal cutout for wired connection on the side part, and a cover made of 3DP on the slide switch above it.

Let’s take a look at the substrate.

The normal version is a much more complex pattern, as the style allows for rotary encoders in addition to multi-layout support.

On the other hand, as for the low-pro version, it does not support multiple layouts and is not equipped with a rotary encoder, so it looks quite simple.

The trackball mounting part is a separate part (breakout board).

Let’s look at the trackball implementation part.

As for the trackball cover, it is magnetic and easy to attach and detach.

The support mechanism is a bearing, and the feel of the pitch is quite good.

In addition, only the normal version is available with an optional switch plate.

This time, we were kindly provided with brass plates.

It is sandblasted with a matte surface pattern.

When the key switch is installed, it has a very strong presence.

The switch plate has four “ears” where Poron foam is applied on both sides and sandwiched between the top and bottom cases to provide a gasket mount.

The top and bottom cases are designed to overlap perfectly, with very little rattling.

Finally, to prevent the case from coming off, three screws are attached at the front and three at the back to complete the case.

Now let’s look at the finished product.

Let’s start with the regular version.

• Keycaps:Drop MT3 Extended2048 Dark
• Switch:Chosfox x PMD Ragna Linear
• Plate:Brass(Option)
• Tackball:Perixx Black(36mm)

The keycap color was chosen to match the color of the case: black Hypro.

Purple keycaps are placed as accents.

Only the mouse click portion uses the low-headed, short-stroke Tecsee Midium.

As for the orthogonal layout, it is common in the homebrew keyboard community, but the lack of left and right keys on the Bottom Row is very well thought out.

After all, the mouse click keys are easier to use with short strokes.

Lamination marks are visible on the sides of the case made by 3DP, but not enough to be of much concern.

As for the rotary encoder, a taller one was implemented to match the attached knob.

I think this area is a matter of preference.

The brass plates visible through the gaps are very cool.

Then let’s look at the low-pro version.

• Keycaps:Chosfox Mahjong Keycaps
• Switch:Kailh x Lofree Surfer Linear
• Plate:PC
• Tackball:Elecom Silver(25mm)

To match the white case, the keycap is also white.

Key switches are also white for a clean look.

As for 25mm trackballs, the only two colors generally available on the market are Perixx’s red and Elecom’s silver, but the silver one hooked me up beautifully.

After all, the low-pro version is much less stressful on the wrist.

If you want to carry it with you and use it on the go, the low-pro version is a better choice.

Evaluation of keystroke feel and keystroke sound

Attractiveness of meteorite40

The following is what I have found attractive about meteorite40 in actual use.

All-in-one, everything can be operated with a keyboard.

After all, the most significant advantage of this keyboard is that all operations can be performed based on the home position.

The QAZ layout is compact in width and allows access to the trackball in the center of the screen with little hand movement.

The fact that there are independent buttons for clicking, rather than AML-prerequisite mouse-clicking operations, is also highly operable and easy to use.

Moreover, the trackball is bearing-supported, so you can enjoy a smooth feel of control.

AML = Auto Mouse Layer. Move mouse clicks to a different layer set only while the trackball is moved.

Good keystroke feel

The meteorite40 has a very good typing feel.

Home-built keyboards are often simple and not equipped with sound-absorbing materials, but this keyboard has Poron foam in three locations on the top, PCB, and bottom, making it extremely comfortable to type on.

The gasket-mounted structure also makes this keyboard a keyboard with a smooth and responsive feel.

Even the plates can be customized.

What’s more, the meteorite40 can even be customized down to the switch plate.

◆PC (translucent, sandblasted) / POM (white, sandblasted)

Both have a soft keystroke feel and a popping kotokotsu sound. We recommend using POM for white keyboards and PC for black keyboards.

◆Sand-blasted brass

The heavy specific weight suppresses the reverberation of the entire keyboard, resulting in a tight keystroke feel and sound, and a subdued “kotokotoko” sound.

https://ontherock16.booth.pm/items/7512103

MX (normal profile version) only.

Since the material of the switch plate is one of the factors that greatly affects the key feel, the ability to customize it is a very big advantage.

It can be enjoyed as if it were a custom keyboard from a commercial product.

Supports wired and wireless connections

The XIAO nRF52840 (module with technical approval) is used, so it can be used with a wired connection as well as a wireless connection.

For wireless connection, a separate battery is required

Even with a wireless connection, the installed version of ZMK Studio allows keymap changes, making it very convenient.

Ultra compact size and portable

Small is righteous.

Its ultra-compact design, measuring approximately 24 cm in width and 9 cm in height, makes it completely unobtrusive when carried in a bag.

Disadvantages of meteorite40

As a self-made keyboard user, I found almost no disadvantages that seemed to be disadvantages, but I will summarize the disadvantages from the perspective of an ordinary user.

Due to the special arrangement, switching costs are high for general users.

After all, the standard is definitely the row staggered layout (horizontal shift), and it will take a lot of practice to master the grid (orthogonal layout) of this machine.

It also has a so-called “QAZ layout,” which makes it difficult to place modifier keys on the pinky finger, so it requires practice to use it for normal work.

The high switching costs are generally shared by the “homebrew keyboard challenge”.

Assembly and parts preparation required for self-made keyboard.

Because the meteorite40 is a self-made keyboard kit, assembly and parts preparation using a soldering iron is required.

(Assembly services also available)

Although the product pages are bought in detail, the hurdle for use is slightly higher for those who do not know where and what parts to buy.

Difficult to implement all settings in ZMK Studio

The keymap changes for meteorite40 can be made in ZMK Studio.

Basic keymap settings can be done intuitively on the GUI (on-screen UI), but the trackball speed, “reference layer” setting, which is scroll mode while the layer key is pressed, trackball pointer DPI setting, MOD-TAP/Layer- TAPING TERM settings such as MOD-TAP/Layer- TAP, etc. must be modified and compiled on the command line by yourself.

The disadvantage may be that some areas are out of reach for non-engineers and others with only general computer knowledge.

Price, sales format, and availability

• Availability: ★★★☆☆☆☆ (stock sales are being made, but restocking dates have not yet been determined due to private sales)
• Price range: 20,000 – 30,000 yen
• Form of sales: Normal sales
• Scheduled for resale: Stock sales
• Where to get it: Official Site

summary

These have been the reviews of the METEORITE40.

There is no doubt that this is a fairly niche keyboard, with a 30% orthogonal trackball, but that is why it has a one-and-only appeal.

If you can master this keyboard, you will experience the excitement that only it can provide.

If you are interested, why not step into this swamp?