geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Findecanor on Fri, 24 April 2026, 14:13:31
-
https://www.diatec.co.jp/index.html (https://www.diatec.co.jp/index.html)
Translation through Google Translate:
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.
The Filco keyboards, and especially Filco Majestouch (https://wiki.themk.org/index.php/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.
-
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.
-
Dang! Still got a NIB Gen 1 from around 2010 sitting in the basement.
Also still own the "ALPSulator". Memories...
-
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.
-
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.
-
Thanks for sharing.
Great keyboards for sure. I own 4 of them and I'm still scoping out low priced ones on ebay. The Majestouch is a solid classic, and well built TKL. I own two wireless (bluetooth) and two wired. The wireless work flawlessly with my current tech and keep a good battery for ages. Plus, I don't have to worry about them swelling up and catching fire in storage.
-
Huh. The Taiwanese branch of Diatec is apparently still alive and has taken control.
Translated from: http://www.filco.com.tw/index.php/news_view/index/36
Although Diatec Japan can no longer operate, Taiwan's Kyōei (FILCO), which has been responsible for production behind the scenes, has taken on the responsibility of caring for FILCO users.
In the future, we will continue to assist with repairs and sales, doing our best to protect every FILCO keyboard in your hands.
We sincerely ask all FILCO users to continue to offer their guidance and support in the future.
-
Filco keyboards were one of the first in our community, right with boards like Cooler Master, GH60 etc
Quite of a history.
I have few of them and will probably buy one more to mod it:)
-
Truly the end of an era, always sad to see names that have some history in the hobby leave for whatever reason. Glad to see the taiwanese branch is still running? I'm not familiar with their more recent product offerings though so it will be interesting to see if they can still compete on the market. I'm rooting for them!
-
Oh no, that's sad news about Diatec Co. closing. It makes me think about how important good visuals are for businesses, especially when things change. For quick image touch-ups, I've found <a href="https://photoeditai.net">photoeditai</a> really helpful.
-
I am typing this on my 12~ yr old FILCO MT2 TKL ... which works as good today as it did the day I got it, hmmm maybe that was part of their problem it was just a solid not flashy reliable keyboard for people that wanted such a board and who are unlikely to replace it unless something breaks... problem is it doesn't break?
Over the years I had wondered if Diatec / FILCO was going to try to make something that was more in line with changing market for keyboards? but they never really seemed to.
Oh well I am still more than happy using my own FILCO and likely will use this keyboard for many years to come? No need to reinvent the wheel here just a nice professional mechanical keyboard that draws no attention to itself while competently doing the job it was made to do reliably for decade(s).