Sho Labs SRX Pre-Order

A Legacy in EC and Topre Design

For many enthusiasts in the EC and Topre community, Sho needs little introduction. Through Sho Labs, he has spent years quietly producing some of the most thoughtful and functional aftermarket designs for Topre and Realforce keyboards, earning a reputation for quality and accessible pricing.

What makes Sho’s work special is that it has always been driven by enthusiasts rather than mass production. His projects appear in small numbers and are refined meticulously to meet hobbyist needs. The past year of collaboration, I have developed great respect for Sho's attention to detail and endless energy to bring about great outcomes for his customers. Sho loves design, and that much is clear from his work.

Earlier this year Sho had considered retiring from keyboards. While preparing for that possibility I worked closely with him to secure the remaining inventory of his existing projects. Thankfully, Sho ultimately decided that the journey wasn’t finished, and we’re proud to now support him as his exclusive partner as he continues developing new EC designs and brings them to market.

The SRX is part of that next chapter.

The SRX

Alongside the SR1, also in Group Buy - the SRX is a premium replacement chassis designed for the Realforce R1 series, offering a refined aluminium case that elevates both the appearance and acoustics of the platform. If you enjoy typing on a Realforce R1, this is the endgame chassis. The SR1 delivers a more classic straight edged aesthetic while the SRX boasts round curves.

But fear not, if you don't own a Realforce R1, you can buy everything needed to complete your build from us at discounted bundle pricing below. Be aware these items will ship with the keyboard in Q3.

If not working with a donor Realforce keyboard then, to complete a build you will need:

• 1x Cipulot PCB (one option)
• 1x Plate (3 options)
• 1 pack of Domes (many options, Metakeebs & Topre)
• 90 1u sliders (Metapulse)
• 2 x 2u Housings & Wires (Metapulse)
• ThX EC Springs
• EC Spacebar Wire (3 size options depending on plate choice)
• ThX Silencing Rings & Gaskets (if silencing the build)
  

To our knowledge this is the first time ever a single source has been able to supply all components required for an EC build (including chassis and components) in a single place. Something we plan to continue doing in future. 

Machined from aluminium and finished in anodised coatings, the SRX maintains a clean, balanced aesthetic while introducing a substantial internal weight for improved stability and typing feel.

As with the SR1, two colour options are available:

• Silver Anodised
• Dark Grey Anodised

Layouts include both:

• WK (Winkey)
• WKL (Winkeyless)

At the heart of the design is Sho’s signature attention to proportion and balance. The case integrates a gunmetal-gold anodised aluminium weight, giving the board a grounded feel while adding subtle visual contrast. 

Each kit includes:

• Top Case
• Bottom Case
• Aluminium weight 
• Screw standoffs
• Type-C daughterboard
• Protective carrying case

Group Buy Details

The SRX will be produced as a limited group buy in collaboration with Sho Labs.  

During the group buy window, orders will be collected through Thocc Exchange before production begins. Once manufacturing is completed, units will be shipped from Sho’s workshop to our warehouse before final dispatch to customers.

Estimated timeline:

• Group Buy Window: to be extended into an ongoing pre-order until cap is reached or stock runs out.
• Production: Completed units expected June 2026
• Shipping to Customers: Same day as they arrive at ThX HQ est. early September

As always with enthusiast projects, timelines may adjust slightly depending on manufacturing progress. We will keep customers updated throughout the process. Reach out anytime if concerns or questions. 

Extras will be available but priced at a premium over GB pricing.