In my never-ending quest to find the perfect keyboard, I settled on the Cherry G80-3000LSCGB-2 keyboard in 2011. This is a really good keyboard but my cramped desktop meant that this full-size keyboard was probably too large for me. I hardly ever used the number-pad and, from an ergonomics point of view, I wanted the Logitech mouse and Wacom digitiser physically closer to me; I’m right-handed so it seemed getting a keyboard without the number-pad (i.e. a “tenkeyless” keyboard) would suit me fine.
Whilst I liked the Cherry MX Blue switches I was open to trying the Cherry MX Brown switches or something similar. The Cherry MX Blue switches have a very loud and crisp click which provides positive audible feedback in addition to the tactile feedback when a key is pressed. The Cherry MX Brown switches are quieter than the MX Blue and require a little less pressure to activate but still have a reassuringly solid and mechanical tactile feel to them. Here are some resources on keyboard switches:
- http://techreport.com/review/23405/rosewill-rk-9000-series-mechanical-keyboards-reviewed/3
- http://www.daskeyboard.com/blog/?page_id=1458#keyswitches
- http://williamjudd.com/2011/06/10/mechanical-keyboard-guide/
- http://www.keyboardco.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/an-introduction-to-cherry-mx-mechanical-switches/
My requirements for a new keyboard were clear:
- PS/2 port
- Tenkeyless
- Cherry MX Blue or Cherry MX Brown switches
- Quality construction
There were a number of keyboards that looked suitable but, finally, in August 2012 I opted for the Filco Majestouch-2 tenkeyless model FKBN88M/UKB2 which uses Cherry MX Brown switches and has a UK layout with all the keys labelled on top:
http://www.diatec.co.jp/en/FKBN88MUKB/
More details can be found here:
The Ten-Keyless version of the Majestouch-2
This is the 88 key version of Majestouch (the Majestouch without the number pad). With this compact keyboard, you can save space while having the same layout, and the same tactile feel as the existing Majestouch series.
You can customize your saved space by placing the ‘Ten Key Keypad’ (sold separately, see below) on your left side or right side, when you feel the need.
True N-key rollover
The functionality by which all the typed keys are recognized on the PC, even when many keys are typed simultaneously. All the keys typed simultaneously are recognized on the PS/2 port (limited to 6 keys typed simultaneously for the USB due to the specifications of USB). Completely dedicated electronic circuitry, a diode is soldered on the PCB for every key switch to prevent ‘counter currency’.
Solid and stylish
The rigid case construction gives a sure and comfortable typing experience with a specially designed font, for better visibility and a stylish and long lasting appearance.
An excellent feel with the ‘brown’ MX tactile feel key switch
The Cherry MX ‘brown’ key switch, gives a tactile feel without the audible click of the ‘blue’ switch, it has a long key stroke of 4mm with the actuation point (key press) at 2mm. Easy, fast and stress-free typing, the famous features of Cherry MX tactile feel.
When the keyboard arrived I was surprised that it was even more robust than my Cherry G80-3000LSCGB-2 keyboard. The Majestouch-2 is heavy and solid, a quality piece of kit.
It’s now February 2013 and I can report that I have really enjoyed typing on this keyboard, even more so than on the Cherry G80-3000LSCGB-2 keyboard. I did gamble on the Cherry MX Brown switches but they have exceeded my expectations and I prefer these over the Cherry MX Blue switches; a big thumbs-up there. And I definitely do not miss the number-pad. This is now my ultimate keyboard.
Other reviews of the Filco Majestouch-2 tenkeyless:
Article by Kulvinder Singh Matharu – 2013
