My new Matias keycaps arrived (blank black ABS modifiers), and I installed them on my Keyboard Paradise (KBP) V60 Matias-switch keyboards along with dye-sublimated PBT alpha and number keycaps from IBM 5140 keyboards. I have two V60s, one with Matias Click switches and one with Matias Quiet Click switches. I have fitted both of them with the IBM and Matias keycaps.
Here is a view of the result:
As expected, the Matias keycaps fit perfectly on the Matias switches. Everything works, including the stabilizers, even on the spacebar. The Matias keycaps are ABS, but they have a slightly textured surface giving them a good feel. In any event, one doesn't notice the feel of keycaps on modifiers very much compared to the feel of keycaps on alpha keys. The window on the CapsLock key works when viewed from a low angle to the right, but the LED on the V60 is under the upper left portion of the key, so that most of the light leaks from under the keycap on the upper left.
The dye-sublimated PBT keycaps from Alps-mount 5140 keyboards also fit the Matias switches perfectly with no binding whatsoever.
Both V60s are remapped in Karabiner software for the Mac to a HHKB Pro 2 layout with no dead keys. The newly mapped Fn key is on the far right of the bottom row.
Now that keycaps (including spacebars!) are available from Matias that fit the KBP V60 Matias switch keyboards, it is far easier than before to set up keycap combinations to one's liking. They are available with or without legends and in black or white. Thus far, the caps are ABS only, but depending on the success of the Matias 60 group buy, PBT keycaps might be available from Matias in the future. In the meantime, it is possible to harvest keycaps from vintage Alps-mount keyboards, including those with double-shot ABS or dye-sub PBT.
These keyboards are delightful to use. Both the Click and Quiet Click Matias switches provide excellent tactile feedback. True to its name, the Quiet Click switches are indeed quiet, with dampening of both the downstroke and return stroke. I haven't done quantitative sound level measurements or recordings, but my impression is that the V60MTS-Q keyboard is quieter than my HHKB Pro 2 Type-S.
The Click switches do indeed click, adding definitive aural feedback to the pronounced tactile feedback. The Click switches are quite loud -- the typing experience on the V60MTS-C reminds me of typing on my IBM XT keyboard.
Now I have two new favorites to add to my upper tier of keyboards. I like both the V60MTS-C and V60MTS-Q, and it is difficult to choose between them. I think I might give the edge to the Click version, but it is good to have the Quiet version when I am typing within earshot of others who might be disturbed by the joyful noise of a full-feedback mechanical keyboard.
