Author Topic: Diatec, known for FILCO keyboards has ceased operations  (Read 737 times)

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Offline Findecanor

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Diatec, known for FILCO keyboards has ceased operations
« on: Fri, 24 April 2026, 14:13:31 »
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.

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.
« Last Edit: Sat, 25 April 2026, 09:32:44 by Findecanor »
🍉 "Ceterum censeo Microslop esse delendam" 🍉

Offline fohat.digs

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Re: Diatec, known for FILCO keyboards has ceased operations
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 25 April 2026, 08:28:15 »
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.
"A whole civilization will die tonight."
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Offline TheSoulhunter

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Re: Diatec, known for FILCO keyboards has ceased operations
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 25 April 2026, 18:39:15 »
Dang! Still got a NIB Gen 1 from around 2010 sitting in the basement.
Also still own the "ALPSulator". Memories...


Offline phinix

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Re: Diatec, known for FILCO keyboards has ceased operations
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 25 April 2026, 18:59:56 »
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.
12100 | 9070XT | 2TB SSD | ROG STRIX B760-I ITX | 32GB RAM | SFX 850W | NR200p | Ruark Audio MR1 Mark II | LG OLED 42C4
Realforce 87u55 | CM QuickFire Rapid MX Blacks | Filco TKL 85g Gateron Oil Kings | Tiger Lite 85g Oil Kings | Logitech Pro Superlight
SA: Retro Petscii, 7bit Round6 'Symbiosis', Filco, Carbon Bone  CHERRY: GMK Laser, GMK OG double shot, CRP APL
GSA: Retro High-light  HSA: Hyperfuse  XDA: Canvas  PBS: MV Classic

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Offline keekeen

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Re: Diatec, known for FILCO keyboards has ceased operations
« Reply #4 on: Sun, 26 April 2026, 10:29:48 »
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.

Offline pixelpusher

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Re: Diatec, known for FILCO keyboards has ceased operations
« Reply #5 on: Sun, 26 April 2026, 11:11:22 »
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.