geekhack

geekhack Community => Reviews => Topic started by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 05 February 2013, 20:12:11

Title: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 05 February 2013, 20:12:11: (http://i.imgur.com/rvr1uej.jpg)

I’m new to mechanical keyboards and I just bought my first TKL a few days ago. I really like the full 104 boards for the number-pad and I really need it at work. As I’ve surfed the threads and seen some of the super-hot TKL and 60% boards, I’ve wanted to get one more and more. But I wasn’t ready to get rid of my number-pad. So I bought this security blanket to solve my issue. Now I can get a smaller board and have a number-pad.

So here are some of my thoughts on this lil pad.

Switches
The keypad has Cherry MX Brown switches. Right now, I own two boards with Cherry MX blues so that’s the baseline I’m going to be using. Blues have a wonderful tactile bump, with a CLICK when the spring presses down. When I press down on the Browns, they feel almost linear. The tactile bump is really light and so is pressing down. They’re not as light as reds but they’re slightly too light for me. But what I do like is that they’re pretty quiet and they have a delightful rebound.

Aesthetics
I really like Filcos. The first two mechanical keyboards I ever touched were 104 Filcos: one with blues and one with browns. And when I decided to upgrade from my BlackWidow, I picked up a Filco Ninja Majestouch2. Filco has a thin bezel, simple logo/branding, nice blue LEDs, and no extra gimmicks. And that carried over to the tenkeypad. Again, simple logo, thin bezel, and blue LED.

Feel
The pad feels about half the weight of my Leopold (Which the box says 1kg). I mean it’s probably less but it FEELS hefty, which is always a good thing. The keys feel like they have the same wobble as my Leopold and the Ninja. And when I press down, it feels solid. There’s no flex and no bounce. My BlackWidow feels almost bouncy sometimes.

Overall, I’m really happy with the pad. My only complaint is that I found out I don’t really like brown switches. But that’s ok, I’m going to be modding it to have black keys and I’ll post up pictures of that little project when I get around to it.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: reaper on Tue, 05 February 2013, 21:49:45: Thanks for the review. I had one of these before and then sold it after I got a NIB Cherry G80-3700. :)
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Sifo on Tue, 05 February 2013, 21:54:02: ^ Thanks again reaper :D I'll post a review on it too after I get it back from repairs.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: reaper on Tue, 05 February 2013, 21:58:35: Oh you're welcome and can't wait for the review. :)
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Sifo on Tue, 05 February 2013, 22:22:55: I did some very interesting modifications to it, one of which caused MiMiC to have to source a part from Japan to get it fixed which took forever to get here.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 06 February 2013, 10:27:20: Quote from: Sifo on Tue, 05 February 2013, 22:22:55
I did some very interesting modifications to it, one of which caused MiMiC to have to source a part from Japan to get it fixed which took forever to get here.

What did you modify?
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Sifo on Thu, 07 February 2013, 00:52:45: It has ergo-white switches, I put in a cable from MiMiC which was wired differently than regular Filco keyboards so it ended up frying the thing and I had to get a new resistor for it and fix the LED. There's also a Valentine's set on it and I'm thinking about painting it white.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Vintage on Thu, 07 February 2013, 11:15:43: Are these plate-mounted or PCB?
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Sifo on Thu, 07 February 2013, 11:18:22: They're actually very interesting, stock they come plate mounted and soldered on. But the pcb has the holes for the mount and thus can support pcb mounted switches. but it has a plate.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Vintage on Thu, 07 February 2013, 11:30:46: Hmmm. So you would still have to desolder the switches to mod them?
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: boost on Thu, 07 February 2013, 11:39:07: Nice review, thanks for doing this!
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 07 February 2013, 11:44:12: Quote from: Sifo on Thu, 07 February 2013, 00:52:45
It has ergo-white switches, I put in a cable from MiMiC which was wired differently than regular Filco keyboards so it ended up frying the thing and I had to get a new resistor for it and fix the LED. There's also a Valentine's set on it and I'm thinking about painting it white.

Pictures please? :D

Quote from: boost on Thu, 07 February 2013, 11:39:07
Nice review, thanks for doing this!

Thank you boost. I plan on doing more ^_^
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Sifo on Thu, 07 February 2013, 11:57:12: Quote from: Vintage on Thu, 07 February 2013, 11:30:46
Hmmm. So you would still have to desolder the switches to mod them?

Yeah, unfortunately.

Don't have pics with me atm, it's still in the mail :X give it a few days.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Kyouhou on Fri, 15 March 2013, 21:30:24: BUMP for updates~
How hard would it be to modify the LEDs on these with zero soldering exp? Probably not recommended? =x
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 15 March 2013, 22:23:04: I've been swamped at work lately so I haven't had a chance to mod my tenkeypad. And soldering isn't too hard. I think LEDs need certain diodes/resistors though; depending on the color.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 16 March 2013, 21:01:40: Is it plate mounted, and does it use the same stand off system as the normal filco boards?
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Kyouhou on Sat, 16 March 2013, 21:23:55: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Fri, 15 March 2013, 22:23:04
I've been swamped at work lately so I haven't had a chance to mod my tenkeypad. And soldering isn't too hard. I think LEDs need certain diodes/resistors though; depending on the color.
Understandable.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: deazncy on Fri, 22 March 2013, 01:03:47: What kind of stabs do these have.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Sifo on Fri, 22 March 2013, 01:07:04: Quote from: deazncy on Fri, 22 March 2013, 01:03:47
What kind of stabs do these have.

Cherry
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: deazncy on Fri, 22 March 2013, 01:12:36: Aww, bummer. I hated the Cherry stabs on the Ducky. I can't stand them on something like a number pad...
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Sifo on Fri, 22 March 2013, 01:22:45: Weird because Filcos use Costar. I guess it's a different OEM
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: deazncy on Fri, 22 March 2013, 01:25:52: Yeah, I was actually surprised when you said Cherry's because I remembered reading around that Filcos come with Costars.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: eth0s on Fri, 22 March 2013, 14:33:23: Here's my Filco numpad with MX browns (and Cherry double-shots):

(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o580/eth0sz/FilcoNumPad2.jpg)

I got this numpad approx. two years ago, with the intention of upgrading to a Topre numpad eventually. But this little guy has been so great, that I never bought another numpad.

@CPTBadAss: Don't judge all MX Browns by this numpad though, because for some reason the MX browns on this guy feel a bit "lighter" than on a regular keyboard. It may be psychological, or maybe there is some scientific reason based upon the overall mass of the object, or momentum, or force, or gravity, or something. But I don't know what it is. I just know my numpad browns feel lighter than my keyboard browns.

A couple of observation that I would like to add to your excellent review:

1. The top row of keycaps is the old "Row 5" height from Signature Plastics (which they don't seem to make anymore). Row 5 keycaps are even taller than Row 4 keycaps (i.e., the F-keys). I wish they would have stuck to all row 4 height keycaps.

2. I dunno why Filco felt the need to give us 1x keycaps for "0" and "00". I would have preferred the giant horizontal "0".

3. Despite the two quibbles above, this is an excellent numpad. If you need a numpad, this is a great option. And IIRC, the price is around $65 (USD), or half the price of a Topre numpad.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: mushupork on Fri, 22 March 2013, 14:58:37: I just got a Goldtouch that has the same 1x keycaps for "0" and "00". I have been wondering if there is a single key I could put on the 0 but would cover both positions. Basically hiding the 00. I know there will be no stabilizer.

Alternately I could replace the 00 with a flat cap from SP but I am not sure how I would like that.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Sifo on Fri, 22 March 2013, 20:03:22: Well guys I'm sorry to inform you that ANOTHER Filco of mine seems to have been lost in the mail. At least this time it was the tenkey. Sorry Reaper :(
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: mushupork on Sat, 23 March 2013, 18:57:45: Could I use Key Lock-outs from Signature Plastics to disable the 00 key? Not really sure what these are used for.

(http://keycapsdirect.com/images/marketplace/lockoutrollover.jpg)
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: flizz on Mon, 25 March 2013, 20:31:02: having this out looks awkward imo, i like the tkl idea though
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: aggiejy on Mon, 25 March 2013, 20:34:09: Just ordered one of these from Amazon! I don't use a tenkey much, but I sent my Goldtouch away as a secret santa gift and I've been missing having one. I'll probably do some switch mod work as well.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 25 March 2013, 20:48:06: Quote from: mushupork on Sat, 23 March 2013, 18:57:45
Could I use Key Lock-outs from Signature Plastics to disable the 00 key? Not really sure what these are used for.

Show Image
(http://keycapsdirect.com/images/marketplace/lockoutrollover.jpg)

Yes you could. The Key Lock outs are physical stops for the switches instead of having software do it.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: mushupork on Mon, 25 March 2013, 21:36:57: It looks like the stem still moves so the lockout snaps in and keeps the switch from activating somehow?
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 26 March 2013, 08:30:04: Quote from: mushupork on Mon, 25 March 2013, 21:36:57
It looks like the stem still moves so the lockout snaps in and keeps the switch from activating somehow?

I was under the impression that the lockout ate up all the actuation distance so you couldn't press down on the cap. I don't think the stem moves at all.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: mushupork on Tue, 26 March 2013, 08:56:36: Doesn't the brown stem look raised in the picture?
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Dgsbllx on Tue, 26 March 2013, 08:57:45: Doesn't look raised to me :confused:
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 26 March 2013, 09:06:10: I think it will work fine. If you want more info, you can contact the SP people at their website or BLJ Consulting on the forums here.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: aesthetics1 on Thu, 28 March 2013, 22:10:31: I think I would have a hard time adjusting to the layout with the double-zero button. I've thought about picking one of these up, though.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Sifo on Thu, 28 March 2013, 22:11:45: I had trouble at first but it wasn't too difficult to adjust.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: aesthetics1 on Fri, 29 March 2013, 13:38:50: Good to know! :)
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: drdoooom on Sun, 31 March 2013, 12:39:56: nice write up, i've been contemplating one of these since the rf ones are too pricey.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: islisis on Tue, 23 April 2013, 08:31:38: a pair of these would make for a nice split keyboard :)
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: ComradeSniper on Tue, 23 April 2013, 18:11:00: I've been seriously considering trading my full size Filco for a TKL and getting one of these, but the Cherry stabilizers and the lack of one available with MX Blues puts me off a bit. What other numpad options are there? I'd really like to have the benefit of a TKL when I don't need a numpad but still have one there if I ever wanted one.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Surnia on Tue, 23 April 2013, 19:18:31: Quote from: ComradeSniper on Tue, 23 April 2013, 18:11:00
I've been seriously considering trading my full size Filco for a TKL and getting one of these, but the Cherry stabilizers and the lack of one available with MX Blues puts me off a bit. What other numpad options are there? I'd really like to have the benefit of a TKL when I don't need a numpad but still have one there if I ever wanted one.
you have your keycool 22 option for the same layout down to the cherry stabilizers (= becomes Fn for media keys. I'm not too happy about switch consistency though, mine's on blues) or the recently released fc210tp from Leopold available on Korean distribution only right now with a single 0 key. Adesso also makes one, but i hear mixed things.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 23 April 2013, 22:05:59: ComradeSniper, you could always swap Blues into the Pad. You can also get Adesso Tenkeypads and Cherry ones. The Adesso ones are cheap and the Cherry ones not but they are options.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: ComradeSniper on Tue, 23 April 2013, 23:50:39: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Tue, 23 April 2013, 22:05:59
ComradeSniper, you could always swap Blues into the Pad. You can also get Adesso Tenkeypads and Cherry ones. The Adesso ones are cheap and the Cherry ones not but they are options.

Yeah, I might just put blues in the Filco numpad and deal with the Cherry stabilizers, I don't hate them that much. I don't suppose it'd be possible to switch them to Costar? The switches are plate mounted IIRC.
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 24 April 2013, 06:07:05: Yes the switches in the TenKeyPad are plate mounted. Not sure if you can swap the stabs though
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Carefoot on Wed, 01 May 2013, 23:40:38: Can you take a picture of this beside an HHKB2 please. XD
Title: Re: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 02 May 2013, 06:01:34: Quote from: Carefoot on Wed, 01 May 2013, 23:40:38
Can you take a picture of this beside an HHKB2 please. XD

I don't have an HHKB2, would you like to take a pic of one/send me one to take pics of?
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: Dgsbllx on Thu, 02 May 2013, 06:09:25: Quote from: Carefoot on Wed, 01 May 2013, 23:40:38
Can you take a picture of this beside an HHKB2 please. XD

How is this for you;

(http://s13.postimg.org/g5d7br8p3/IMG_2686.jpg)
Title: Re: Filco Majestouch TenKeyPad
Post by: ImperfectLink on Wed, 26 June 2013, 09:59:19: Thanks for the great review. I'm torn between this and Leopold's 210TP (for the traditional layout)

That said, if anyone wants to part with theirs... :-)