MiniVan Keyboard
📧 MiniVan Updates email list →
Your favorite 40% keyboard. Released on Friday, June 11 at 3pm ET. Limit one per customer.
Note: This is a build kit. It does not include keycaps, switches, or stabilizers, which you'll have to buy separately to build a complete keyboard.
What's Included
- Case – your choice of color
- PCB – your choice of MiniVan or JetVan layout
- Plate – compatible with either MiniVan or JetVan layout
- Cable
- Hardware (screws, bumpons)
Not included: Keycaps, switches, or stabilizers.
Buy separately:
- MiniVan Keycaps – designed specifically to fit a MiniVan
- C³Equalz X TKC Dragon Fruit Switches – tactile 63.5g switch
- Additional MiniVan Case
Specifications
Case
- Case material: ABS
- Colors: White, Black, Clear, Smoke
- Typing angle: 0 degrees
- Dimensions: 10in x 3.5in, weighs about 1lb when built
You can also buy an additional MiniVan case separately.
PCB
We'll have two PCB options:
- MiniVan PCB – Hotswap (no soldering required), featuring split spacebars and a couple of bottom row layout options. Switches are north-facing. There are three RGB lights in the top left.
-
JetVan PCB – Solder-only PCB, featuring a fixed layout with a single spacebar and underglow RGB. Switches are south-facing.
- Both have a USB-C connection and 1 year warranty
- These work with QMK. To use them with VIA, see flashing instructions below.
Plate
- Material: Black anodized CNC aluminum plate
- Mounting style: tray mount
- Compatible with MX switches
- Note: MiniVan and JetVan plates are different.
Layout
QMK and VIA
Both MiniVan and JetVan PCBs use QMK. They can both be used with VIA by flashing new firmware.
You will need: QMK Toolbox, and either the MiniVan HEX file or JetVan HEX file, depending on your PCB.
- Plug in your MiniVan.
- Enter flash mode.
- For MiniVan PCB: hit the reset switch on the back
- For JetVan PCB: short the two pads (image below) by connecting them with a paperclip.
- Open QMK Toolbox and you should see a message about an Atmel DFU device connected.
- Click Clear EEPROM.
- Then click Open → select the HEX file you downloaded (linked above). Once you do, click Flash.
FAQ
What is the Minivan?
The MiniVan is synonymous with 40% keyboards! It's an ultra compact design that mimics the look of a 60% board, except with less keys and a smaller footprint. The small size makes it extremely popular as a portable keyboard.
Did TKC buy The Van Keyboards?
TKC did not buy The Van Keyboards. We entered into a licensing agreement with The Van Keyboards to manufacture and distribute their products under our retail outlet. The designs are maintained and owned by The Van Keyboards.
Why did it take so long to bring these to market?
We originally ordered the production run of MiniVan cases right before COVID hit in early 2020. The production took much longer than anticipated due to factory closures, which impacted our original target release date in Q3/Q4 2020. With no clear timeline, the project was placed on a temporary hold until we knew when we would have inventory to put up for sale.
Why is this run so limited?
We originally only ordered a small amount of PCBs for TKC's initial launch of MiniVan. If the demand is there, we will place another order soon and restock.
Why has the design not changed since TKC picked up the project?
TKC is licensing the IP, so the design is still owned by The Van Keyboards, LLC.
Will north facing switches cause issues?
North-facing switches, or switches where the LED mount is orientated towards the top of the keyboard, can sometimes cause audible feedback upon bottoming out, especially on Row 3 or Home row keycaps, and especially if there are LEDs installed in the switch. This will not in any way affect the performance of your keyboard.
Will sideways facing switches damage my keycaps?
They should not, but it is impossible to guarantee compatibility across the myriad of switches and keycaps available in the market today. We recommend test-fitting your switches and keycaps outside of the keyboard to ensure proper fit prior to installation.
