I've now heard matias two places

[AKmalamute]

So, my recent revival interest in good keyboards (started, of all things, by AnAndTech reviewing the Ergodox) sees me researching Cherry MX, during which time I hear of 7-bit at DT, who's also selling Alps ... and, didn't I hear him mention Matias ? Is that a variant / competitor / maker of Alps switches? No?

Anyway

Trying to guess at a URL, I find that I have an old, forgotten bookmark from the last time I had a strong interest in good keyboards. Behold, a hardwired dvorak keyboard.

Does anybody know anything about this one? As the readers of the dvorak thread know, I'm a proponent of hard-wiring but I'll probably (probably) wait for the next ergodox run.

But that's a nice $100 keyboard, from the pictures on the screen. Except now I'm in love with the 60% keyboards, like the FC660 mini that I ALSO have as a soon to be forgotten link. Except that, for 60% (or fully programmable) I really want the Ctrl to be where the caps lock is ... and caps lock can just go away, like my HHKB-lite2 that I use at work. Also I need dedicated arrow keys ... the HHKB-pro might have "better" components but I'm not at all in love with the layout.

 But I started this to ask about Matias. Thoughts on my ramblings about old bookmarks?

[tp4tissue]

So, my recent revival interest in good keyboards (started, of all things, by AnAndTech reviewing the Ergodox) sees me researching Cherry MX, during which time I hear of 7-bit at DT, who's also selling Alps ... and, didn't I hear him mention Matias ? Is that a variant / competitor / maker of Alps switches? No?

Anyway

Trying to guess at a URL, I find that I have an old, forgotten bookmark from the last time I had a strong interest in good keyboards. Behold, a hardwired dvorak keyboard.

Does anybody know anything about this one? As the readers of the dvorak thread know, I'm a proponent of hard-wiring but I'll probably (probably) wait for the next ergodox run.

But that's a nice $100 keyboard, from the pictures on the screen. Except now I'm in love with the 60% keyboards, like the FC660 mini that I ALSO have as a soon to be forgotten link. Except that, for 60% (or fully programmable) I really want the Ctrl to be where the caps lock is ... and caps lock can just go away, like my HHKB-lite2 that I use at work. Also I need dedicated arrow keys ... the HHKB-pro might have "better" components but I'm not at all in love with the layout.

 But I started this to ask about Matias. Thoughts on my ramblings about old bookmarks?

if you're using windows, you can change the keycode assignment so that the keys are remapped at a "low level" which is as good as being "hard-wired"

But yea, Ergodox is currently the best keyboard on the planet.

[AKmalamute]

if you're using windows

That presupposition, is exactly why I'm in favor of hard-wired keyboards.

Also, as a professional in the computer industry, I find myself using other people's computers frequently. It'd be nice if I had a 60% to carry around when I knew a project required a lot of typing on their system.

Of course, if I'm going to complain about ergonomics, I probably shouldn't let this cat sleeping on my lap dictate my posture like she's doing currently. My back will be complaining in another few sentences, so I'll end with "hmm .... "

[rowdy]

I've heard some good things about Matias, although I have never tried their keyboards.

The Dvorak one you linked is still shown on their products page, so presumably you can still order it.

[Burz]

Matias' mechanical keyboards are great, but that Dvorak model is rubber dome.

[Hazel]

Is that a variant / competitor / maker of Alps switches? No?
...
 But I started this to ask about Matias. Thoughts on my ramblings about old bookmarks?

"True" Alps switches are no longer manufactured.  Matias has developed their own Alps clone.

You might look as the new WASD v2 from wasdkeyboards.com.  It's available in a 87-key TKL, has hardware Dvorak and Colemak support, and can swap capslock with control.  You can create your own custom keycap set.  The price is a bit steep, but perhaps worth it if you need the hardware support for alternate layouts.

[esoomenona]

I saw an ad in United's Hemispheres magazine for Matias yesterday.

[Binge]

I own 3 matias keyboards.  Each one gets significant use and everyone who borrows them throughout the day loves the feeling and sound (silent)