Author Topic: Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold  (Read 14491 times)

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Offline keyboardlover

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So I was able to get Carl to do a mini-interview for us, as I thought it would be insightful. Carl currently works at Archisite in Tokyo. Unfortunately he couldn't answer all my questions, but below are the ones he was able to answer:

1. What sparked your interest in designing keyboards?

"When I touch(ed) a bad touch feeling keyboard…"

2. What keyboard did you first design? If it was simply a prototype, was it a throwaway and what did you learn from building it?

"Majestouch is first time.
At first, StrongMan(Taiwan factory) made FILCO keyboard and Diatec had purchased.
( StrongMan went bankrupt before 3-4 years)"

http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=11
http://www.diatec.co.jp/products/det.php?prod_c=6

"But, I thought I had to make ourselves design keyboard and Diatec cooperated closely with Costar on Majestoch project."

3. Was the Filco Majestouch the first major consumer product that you worked on? If not, which product was?

"No, it (was an) AC/DC adapter."


4. From whom did the requirements come for the Filco Majestouch? What market were you trying to target?

"Only in Japan market,
I had no target-market.

For example, gaming keyboard market in Japan  is small,
But Japanese people like luxury product, Realforce  is good sales.
So, I made Majestouch as FILCO."

5. What prompted some of your design decisions? (Choice of controller, PCB, other build materials, etc.)

"Total balance, I think the balance is important."

6. Do you feel that the Leopold is better designed than the Filco? Why or why not?

"Yes, of course!
I cannot tell you. Because I cannot tell the FILCO weak point."

7. What keyboard design have you seen that you find to be the most impressive?

"Apple Ajustable keyboard"
http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~kazzysvg/newfiles/keyboard6.html

8. Do you believe that the future market for mechanical keyboards will be strong? Why or why not?

"Yes, it will be strong, because I think the keyboard forum geekhack.org will be."
« Last Edit: Tue, 10 May 2011, 05:25:34 by keyboardlover »

Offline noodles256

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 09 May 2011, 17:55:18 »
freaking cool.

Unknown error in Filco? o.0
AF | Ducky YOTD |

Offline RiGS

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 09 May 2011, 17:58:20 »
Thanks for the interview!
However it made me curious about that weak point.
Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 09 May 2011, 18:09:47 »
Glad you guys enjoyed it!

Offline BaconKnight

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 09 May 2011, 18:13:28 »
"If it bleeds, we can kill it."
Leopold FC200RC/AB
Noppoo Choc Mini
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IBM Model M 1391401
SIIG Minitouch 1903
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Offline RAICHU

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 10 May 2011, 04:56:05 »
Thanks keyboardlover, that was cool to read. I wish the interview was longer but I'll take whatever I can get.
Rosewill RK-9000RE (Daily Driver) Filco Majestouch 1 Fullsize    [strike]Noppoo Choc Mini[/strike]     [strike]Leopold Tenkeyless[/strike]     [strike]Noppoo Choc Mini[/strike] [/B]

Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #6 on: Tue, 10 May 2011, 05:23:22 »
You're welcome! It would have been longer, but he couldn't answer some of my more "probing" questions :D
« Last Edit: Tue, 10 May 2011, 05:28:33 by keyboardlover »

Offline slueth

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #7 on: Tue, 10 May 2011, 10:11:53 »
The creator has spoken!  The weak-point is the key-caps on the filo vs the Leopold?  We could find the weak-point by comparing the two changes in the design.  Detachable usb, cherry stabilizer, and what else....
When the hell are they going to offer fullsized leopolds, I want in on those reds!

Offline kaiserreich

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #8 on: Tue, 10 May 2011, 10:19:36 »
Somehow I think Full sized FILCOs looked better than the Full sized Leopolds.

Offline speakeasy

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #9 on: Tue, 10 May 2011, 11:03:15 »
Too bad Carl, I already know the weak point in the Filco. It's a small thermal exhaust port, right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the reactor system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which should destroy the station. Only a precise hit will set off a chain reaction.
[sigpic][/sigpic]
PiaNoppoo Choc Mini 茶轴

PUNCH THE KEYS FOR GOD\'S SAKE!

Offline slueth

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #10 on: Tue, 10 May 2011, 11:13:34 »
Its funny how they didn't patch  that hole leading to the reactor and instead placed turrets and a narrow passage way to it...  Sure the heat has to go somewhere but don't make it so obvious.

harrison

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #11 on: Tue, 10 May 2011, 11:18:42 »
that's pretty awsome \kl.  thanks for taking the time to not only ask the questions, but share them.

Offline kaiserreich

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #12 on: Tue, 10 May 2011, 12:47:36 »
Quote from: ripster;344430
Feel the force luke!

Actually I think Carl Matsu IS Filco's Father.

I read this in Darth Vader's voice

Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 10 May 2011, 12:52:34 »
Quote from: harrison;344443
that's pretty awsome \kl.  thanks for taking the time to not only ask the questions, but share them.

You're welcome!

Offline RickyJ

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #14 on: Wed, 11 May 2011, 00:03:27 »
Thanks for sharing!  I didn't know that the same guy designed the Majestouch series and the new Leopolds!
Currently GMMK Pro: lubed 68g U4T, FR4 plate, extra gaskets, etc

Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 11 May 2011, 10:30:04 »
You're welcome!

Offline BucklingSpring

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #16 on: Wed, 11 May 2011, 14:19:01 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;344946
You're welcome!

 
Awsome!

So the Leopold is indeed a very good deal. Very cool interview.
In memory of smallfry 1996-2013
Boards I own, click ->
More
Ducky x2 (9008G2 Pro PBT/MX Green and Mini MX Red), Matias x2 (QP and Mini QP Dampened ALPS), Topre RealForce x4 (87U 55g/Digilog case, 103U-UW & 104UG High-Profile x2), Filco Majestouch x2 (TKL MX Blue & V2 AI 104 MX Blue), IBM-M x2 (BS & RD), Unicomp-M x5 (BS black on black x2, BS Ivory x2, QT Ultra-Classic), Deck x4 (Legend MX Black & MX Clear, Hassium & Francium w/ MX Brown), DAS III (MX Blue), KBT Pure Pro 60% (MX Red), NMB-RT8256CW+ x2 (black space invader), XArmor U9BL-S (MX Brown) given for free to someone I hate, CM X2 (Trigger/MX Green + Storm TKL/NovaTouch), TVS GOLD (MX Blue) and a many many more (NMB, DELL, MS, ATT, KeyTronic, Etc...)

Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #17 on: Wed, 11 May 2011, 15:06:39 »
I'll check with him and see what he says!

Offline wanabe

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #18 on: Wed, 11 May 2011, 16:36:51 »
-I'd like to know what exactly what he designed - was it just the physical design? or was he involved with the electrical/firmware development also.
-Also, if his role is more than just "keyboard designer", what other notable products/designs is he proud of being involved with.
-Favorite switch?
« Last Edit: Wed, 11 May 2011, 16:39:07 by wanabe »

Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #19 on: Thu, 12 May 2011, 11:27:12 »
Quote from: ripster;345032
Shoulda asked him how he did 18KRO in Windows AND OSX.

Like I keep saying JapaneseEngineering>ChineseEngineering.

His response:

"I thank to Topre , because I made a study of their technology."

Offline nolo

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #20 on: Sat, 21 May 2011, 15:55:50 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;344049

...

6. Do you feel that the Leopold is better designed than the Filco? Why or why not?

"Yes, of course!
I cannot tell you. Because I cannot tell the FILCO weak point."

...

 
Thanks for sharing!

Btw ... it would be nice to know whether the majestouch-2 is still affected by this design flaw/weak point (???).

Offline bionicroach

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #21 on: Sat, 21 May 2011, 16:09:50 »
Quote from: nolo;349561
Thanks for sharing!

Btw ... it would be nice to know whether the majestouch-2 is still affected by this design flaw/weak point (???).


I dunno...I'm reading that "weak point" comment as "I can't tell you why the Leopold is better because I can't think of anything wrong with the Filco."

If that's not what he meant though, I'm curious as well.

Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #22 on: Sat, 21 May 2011, 16:19:51 »
Quote from: ripster
It's like asking John McCain if Obama has any weak points.

 
Not worth stating since it's too easy?

Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #23 on: Sat, 21 May 2011, 16:51:20 »
I'll take old and experienced vs. young and inexperienced any day.

Offline nolo

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #24 on: Sat, 21 May 2011, 17:19:34 »
Quote from: bionicroach;349562
I dunno...I'm reading that "weak point" comment as "I can't tell you why the Leopold is better because I can't think of anything wrong with the Filco."

If that's not what he meant though, I'm curious as well.


Hi, probably you're right ?! I'm not sure. (???)

Quote from: ripster;349568
John McCain is sure a grumpy old man.



Decent fellow  ;)

Offline RiGS

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #25 on: Sat, 21 May 2011, 18:52:20 »
Quote from: keyboardlover;349575
I'll take old and experienced vs. young and inexperienced any day.

 
It sounds like you are a milflover.
Last edited by RiGS; Jan 2011

Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #26 on: Sat, 21 May 2011, 21:44:01 »
That is an astute observation, RiGS.

Offline mrsone

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #27 on: Wed, 17 August 2011, 04:51:52 »
I am now itching to know what the FILCO weak point is...not that it matters as I love my FILCOs dearly. I guess I'll be getting a tenkeyless Leopold soon, though.
Keyboards currently in my possession:
Filco Majestouch Cherry MX Brown 104 key, Unicomp Spacesaver 104, Rosewill RK-9000RE (Cherry MX Red), Leopold 660C Mini Capacitive keyboard, HHKB Type S, Logitech Illuminated Keyboard

Keypads:
Leopold 210TP Mechanical Keypad (Cherry MX Red), Leopold FC210TP/NB Mechanical Keypad (Cherry MX Brown)

Other Keyboards I have tried:
Filco Majestouch Cherry MX Red, Leopold  FC500RR/AB Linear Touch Cherry MX Red, Razer Blackwidow Ultimate, Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth Edition, Realforce 103U/UB, Realforce 103U Black All 55g, Noppoo Choc Mini 84 Mechanical Cherry MX Black keyboard, Noppoo Choc Mini 84 Mechanical Cherry MX Red keyboard (white and black color versions), PLU G3000 NKRO keyboard (white w/ Cherry MX Red switches), Dell 101AT (black Alps switches), Mattias Mini Quiet Pro (modified white Alps switches), KBT Pure Pro, (2)Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2, Leopold FC210TP/CB Tactile Click Cherry MX Blue Tenkey pad

Offline iMav

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #28 on: Mon, 22 August 2011, 13:52:58 »
Quote from: ripster;400458
Let me ask you this.  If you left one company under "unusual circumstances" and went to a competitor would you ever spread FUD about your former company?
That's standard procedure in my world.

Offline itlnstln

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #29 on: Mon, 22 August 2011, 13:57:01 »
I didn't know I was nominated 3 times in the troll poll.  I'm disappointed in myself.  Time to troll harder and no time better than the present.

Ahem.

Quote from: ripster
I think KeyboardLover has a bad memory.

Let me recap.
  • He had a Filco that pinged.
  • Then he sold it to some poor schmuck.
  • He saw Redpill start trolling Filco Quality and as a Filco hater jumped right on the Trollololo Wagon.

So, in other words, KL is just another Welly.  Well, except that Welly was original and started Filco hating/trolling about 2 years ago.

Good times... good times.


Offline itlnstln

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #30 on: Mon, 22 August 2011, 14:07:15 »
Quote from: ripster;403382
In the Security World former employees probably hack their old managers Facebook accounts.  I've been to a Security Conference and met some scary people.

KL is the new Welly.  I think he's losing it.  At least I've been consistent here and at all other forums.  ItlnStln can attest to that.

Consistent?  Absolutely.  Winner of popularity contests?  Probably not.


Offline itlnstln

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #31 on: Mon, 22 August 2011, 14:15:18 »
Interesting article.  Maybe if I can swing my **** around a little more, I can get another raise.


Offline keyboardlover

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Interview with Carl Matsu, designer of Filco Majestouch and Leopold
« Reply #32 on: Mon, 22 August 2011, 21:13:33 »
Quote from: itlnstln
So, in other words, KL is just another Welly.  Well, except that Welly was original and started Filco hating/trolling about 2 years ago.


Except that I'm not a Filco hater at all. I own one, and it's one of my favorite boards. And I wasn't jumping on any wagon, I simply brought up the fact that I had experienced a bad ringing issue on my Filco before (but thought that was just a "Filco" thing at the time), so I sold it. The person I sold it to never complained. Ripster seems to go ballistic when anyone mentions any kind of issue with a Filco keyboard. Figure that one out.

In light of all misinformation spread by someone who claims to be an "expert", I can't think of anyone on this forum who acts more like Welly than Ripster.

I'm closing this thread due to all the trolling. If anyone has any questions about the topic at hand, feel free to email or PM me.