So I got my Filco Majestouch Tenkeyless 2 w/ Cherry Browns in the mail today. This is my first experience with Browns, I've only used Buckling Springs and Cherry Blues before this.
The keyboard itself looks and feels fantastic. Very sturdy, feels built like a rock.
Also, my last Filco had the otaku key set, so I never got to see what the actual keycaps look like. I can say that they look very nice. Although, it is a little bland, and I would like to buy a set of custom keycaps. I was planning on getting in on that group buy of blue on grey keycaps, but that was cancelled, so I'm still on the hunt for a new, neat-looking set for now. I may just settle on getting a few, like a set of yellow WASD keys or something like that. If anyone knows of any neat group buys or sets of custom keycaps for sale, please let me know. Also, I was disappointed that this one did not come with a red ESC key, as my old Majestouch (1) did. This came with just the keyboard and PS/2 adapter. Not a big deal, but a little disappointing.
Now, the switches. To provide some context, my keyboard history went a little like this:
Buckling Springs (On my PS/1, PS/2, when I was young and didn't know the difference) -> Various rubber dome keyboards -> Cherry Blues -> Buckling Springs -> Cherry Browns.
When I first got the Cherry Blues, I absolutely fell in love. I sold that keyboard now, but I will always love Cherry Blues. There is something so satisfying about that click that I don't think I can ever find anywhere else. Then I sold that when I was a little short on cash, and found an old Buckling Spring Model M. After getting accustomed to that, I moved on to this.
So the biggest difference coming from a Model M is.. well, how easy it is. My fingers are flying through the keys like a hot knife through butter. Though I haven't put it through any extensive testing yet, I know that with this keyboard, I will be able to last much longer without my fingers getting fatigued. I do like the feel of the keys. It is not quite like the Blues. Maybe it is just the lack of the click, but it makes a large difference. They feel very soothing to type on, very gentle.
The tactile point is definitely there, as there is a clear point of pressure change when depressing the keys. The key registers slightly below that tactile point (you can hold the key just below the tactile point without the key appearing - pushing it down slightly more will register the key), but significantly above the bottom, which makes typing without bottoming out quite easy and fun.
Overall, I can't quite say yet whether I like these more or less than the Blues. I can definitely say that the Blues are more fun and exciting to type on, and definitely better for showing off to friends. And of course, the Browns are better in a sound-sensitive environment. If you don't bottom out, they don't make too much noise. I mean, they're not silent, but they are not nearly as loud as the Blues are. These make more of a "thuk" sound, while the Blues make a much more distinct "CLICK".
I will continue playing around with it over the next few days, and see how I feel. As of now, I plan on keeping it indefinitely, and can say that I am happy with my purchase. =)
