Intech Studio Grid Series 3 BU16 Mechanical is a third-generation modular USB MIDI controller from the Grid line, built around 16 Gateron Hall effect switches with MX-style stems arranged in a 4x4 grid. The GRID3-BU16-M is the Mechanical variant – full-travel Hall effect switches rather than the shorter-stroke Tactile version – suited to sample triggering, clip launching, finger drumming, and HID macro control.
Hall Effect in a 4x4 Grid – Velocity and Pressure on Every Button
Gateron Hall effect switches have no physical contact point – magnetic position is read across the entire key travel, registering both strike velocity and continuous pressure after actuation. In practice, each of the 16 buttons can simultaneously function as a velocity-sensitive drum pad with aftertouch, a multi-state mode toggle, or an HID macro key. Button operating modes – momentary, 2-step toggle, and 3-step toggle – are assigned individually per button in Grid Editor, making it straightforward to mix functions across a single grid. Keycaps are hot-swappable without tools by removing the front panel; the default caps feature cutouts that keep the RGB LED indicators fully visible.
Pad, Macro Pad, and Module in a Larger Setup
The BU16 operates as either a MIDI controller or an HID device – keyboard shortcuts, mouse, or game controller – depending on the Grid Editor assignment. All 16 RGB LEDs are independently configurable: colours, brightness, and pulsing animations aid navigation in dark environments. The textured fibreglass front panel resists scratches and improves grip. Magnetic side connectors with gold-plated pins support expansion to up to eight Grid modules powered over a single USB-C cable.
KEY FEATURES
- 16x Gateron Hall effect switches (MX-style stems) in a 4x4 grid – velocity and pressure sensitive
- Button modes: momentary, 2-step toggle, 3-step toggle – configurable per button
- Hot-swappable keycaps without tools by removing the front panel
- Individual RGB LED per button – colour, brightness, and animation configurable
- Textured fibreglass front panel – improved durability and grip
- Operates as MIDI controller or HID device (keyboard, mouse, gamepad)
- Magnetic side connectors with gold-plated pins – expandable to 8 Grid modules
- Programmable via Grid Editor (Lua API); compatible with macOS, Windows, Linux, and mobile platforms
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- SKU: GRID3-BU16-M
- Buttons: 16x Gateron Hall effect, MX-style stems, hot-swappable
- Layout: 4x4 grid
- Modes: momentary / 2-step toggle / 3-step toggle
- Backlighting: individual RGB LED per button
- Front panel: textured fibreglass
- Connector: high-speed USB-C
- Power consumption: 250 mA
- Weight: approx. 200 g
- Programming: Grid Editor (Lua API)