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Diatec, known for FILCO keyboards has ceased operations

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Findecanor:
https://www.diatec.co.jp/index.html

Translation through Google Translate:

--- Quote ---Notice
Thank you for your continued patronage of Diatec Co., Ltd. and our products.
We apologise for this sudden announcement, but as of April 22, 2026, our company has ceased operations (closed down).

We express our sincere gratitude for your kindness and support over the years.

Diatec Co., Ltd.

--- End quote ---

The Filco keyboards, and especially Filco Majestouch and Majestouch TKL had a role in kickstarting the mechanical keyboard hobby.
Back in 2010 when I registered here, it was one of the few widely available contemporary mechanical keyboards you could buy.
It was only available with black, brown or blue Cherry MX switches back then, in a cheap plastic build like most office keyboards of the time. But most other keyboards discussed here back then were vintage models.

Not long after, the keyboard market exploded with many competitors offering less expensive keyboards.
A lot of evolution has happened in the commercial keyboard market since then.
FILCO never kept pace or reduced their price that much, although, in 2023, they did release a split 60%.

Earlier, they have also rebranded keyboards from Strong Man and Ortek. One notable keyboard was a Alps keyboard with colourful keys shaped like a dinosaur: the Filco SMK-8851 Dino Kaijū.

User Bpiphany (previously known as "PrinceValium") had designad replacement innards with programmable controller for the Majestouch TKL: the Phantom. When designing the plates, he also invented cutouts for opening Cherry MX switches from the top without desoldering.
He also made replacement controllers for the Majestouch and a few other keyboards.
I never had a FIlco myself, but I bought a Phantom set that I built a beige retro-case around, and it has stayed my daily driver at home for 10+ years, and also built a 70% from a cut-down Phantom plate.

fohat.digs:
Sorry to hear it.

I never used one myself, but bought a Filco TKL with red Cherry switches for my daughter about 15 years ago when gaming became "a thing" for the tween. We added the thinnest, softest O-rings we could find along with decorative metal WASD keys. That keyboard still works fine although gaming has fallen off the schedule now that she is a working professional.

TheSoulhunter:
Dang! Still got a NIB Gen 1 from around 2010 sitting in the basement.
Also still own the "ALPSulator". Memories...

phinix:
Oh no... :(
My second mechanical keyboard was Filco TKL.
I recently modded one and resoldered switches to Oil Kings, pcb taped, cable USB-C big tale. Fantastic keyboard.

keekeen:
Damn :(

Owned one of the Filco Majestouch before, loved how thick the plastic case was, and overall just felt like a good quality keyboard. Sad to see another fantastic brand ceasing operation.

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