Hello GH!
Today, I just purchased a new Filco Majestouch Convertible 2 from the local distributor in Vietnam. So I'm going to review it. I hope my review can highlight the pros and cons of the keyboard from my point of view.
Un-boxing:
- The keyboard
- User manual
- Keyboard cover in plastic
- a keycap puller
- a set of 3 keycaps for replacement when changing DIP positions
- 2 AA battery (Sony made)
- Mini usb cable
- Filco cleaning tool
* The Filco cleaning tool is an extra gift from Filco Vietnam to me since I'm a regular customer (worth 5$, I guess)
PriceI need to buy this keyboard at 3,960,000 VND (~185.88 USD)
This price is quite expensive so I hope its values can justify on the price.
Building QualityLike Filco Majestouch 2, Filco Majestouch Convertible 2 has a solid and reliable build quality. It weights about 1.2kg (~ 2.65 pound) without cable. In this keyboard, interestingly, they use 3 Torx bolts (T10) to assemble the keyboard. The keyboard is Made in Taiwan, probably Costar manufacturer because it has the Costar stabilizers.
Switch typeFilco Majestouch Convertible 2 uses authentic Cherry MX switch. This keyboard has Cherry MX Black. The switch is quite smooth. It is smoother than one of my Ducky Shine 3 TKL using Cherry Red. However it still has a bit of sandy feeling and requires to have lubing or breaking-in. I already concern the level of scratchiness from Cherry MX is different between batches but I never know the reason behind.
LedN/A
Rubber feetThis version has a big rubber feet. It should be able to protect the keyboard slippery during heavy typing.
StabilizersFilco Majestouch Convertible 2 has Costar stabilizers. The stabilizers were lubed by default.
CableThis keyboard has removable mini usb cable as an option for users to choose when they don't want to use the bluetooth connection.
Multimedia controlThe keyboard came with several media keys to control the applications on the OS. I tested several keys on Windows, it works correctly.
Bluetooth vs USB connectionThe Bluetooth connection is only ready for device has built-in Bluetooth adapter. Otherwise, we may need to buy the optional Bluetooth dongle in order to connect with the keyboard. I tested with the Belkin Bluetooth dongle successfully without any problem. It just works out of the box. Pairing Bluetooth is very fast on Linux environment. I did not test it on Windows but it should work similarly.
When this comes to the connectivity, this keyboard was designed to deliver a very convenient usage to the users.
Basically, we can use 1 keyboard to control 5 devices at the same time. We can plug the mini USB cable to the desktop and pair the bluetooth 1 with the laptop, Bluetooth 2 with the tablet, etc. In my case, I tested with one desktop and one laptop successfully. I only need to press Ctrl_ALT_Fn and plus either 1-5 to choose Bluetooth or the cable connection.
Notes: There are 2 subtle buttons on the keyboard
Bluetooth enable / disable button
Bluetooth pairing clear button
Battery consumptionRequired to test more in order to come up with the conclusion.
PCB and internal buildThe PCB is well-designed and assembled. It is a dual-layer PCB. The power supply for the Bluetooth is nicely put in place via a bridge with a small button. The main controller is small, neat and installed into a separated module.
PCB Tear down in pictures*Warning: Warranty void ! But who needs it anyway on GH
Typing experienceThe combination of solid keyboard building, Cherry MX and Costar stabilizers deliver a nice typing experience. Plus, the keyboard has no more cable around so the feeling is even more interesting. Users now can use the keyboard with other Bluetooth-ready devices like tablet, phone, laptop etc.
KeycapThe keycap is thin, ABS plastic. The Windows key has Windows 8 logo. According to the Filco sales rep, the keycap on Filco MC2 should have better quality. I cannot justify on that because I never use Filco keycap until it gets old and shinny. One thing I can be sure is that it looks slightly different comparing to the ones on Filco Majestouch 2.
(*Filco MC2 keycap is on the right)
(*Filco MC2 keycap is on the left - Windows 8 logo)
DIP switch featureThis feature is similar like what Topre Realforce TKL has.
The DIP switches allows us to swap the Ctrl and Caps Lock keys, disable the Windows key.
Full albumhttp://imgur.com/a/iA2gZFinal words and verdictAfter a few hours typing and playing around, I think this keyboard is interesting for those who prefer to work with mechanical keyboard on multiple devices at the same time in a confined space. Definitely, this keyboard is not an option for those who looking for keyboard with fancy illumination/led options. However, the keyboard is solid and robust on typing. The Cherry MX Black is great on typing, even the original and brand new ones. The responsiveness is great on Bluetooth connection. The price is quite expensive (~185.88 USD) but it should be justified for people who are looking for wireless keyboards.
Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience as a normal user. It does not represent anything related to commercial aspect, marketing or PR.
