Majestouch NKRO or Das Silent Professional?

[Luxavius]

I'd been looking recently for high quality keyboards that maximize typing speed/quality while minimizing sound, and came upon the Majestouch NKRO ($134) and Das Silent Professional ($135). Both versions use brown cherries and seem to be identical, although:

• The Das has multimedia functions (volume control) and the Majestouch doesn't

• The dimensions of the Majestouch are (17.3 x 5.4 x 1.5in) while the Das is (18in x 6.5in x 1in), making the Das larger

• The Majestouch has a standard layout, while the Das replaced the Windows key with a Fn key on the left side

• Das seems to have somewhat of a history of corrupt products, although this is negated since they've just released a new version to correct such problems

They're literally one dollar apart, and none of the above is enough for me to decide one over the other. Am I missing anything big? Anything I left out?

My main concern is which one will give the better typing experience. I'm also having trouble imagining how much bigger the Das is than the Majestouch.

[alpslover]

They're literally one dollar apart, and none of the above is enough for me to decide one over the other. Am I missing anything big?

yes, metadot's recall of the das s.

the majestouch is the better keyboard.

[Luxavius]

See my Das vs Filco 1:1  review here.   Also shows pic with relative size.

The Das S hasn't really changed all that much except for that FCN key.  Not sure how well it'll work and kinda screws up the Mac users.  Will know more when it actually ships.  The Filco is a known quantity.

I'm not sure about the size comparison in that topic since the Majestouch used there was the "Tenkeyless" version. But a very informative article, thanks.

yes, metadot's recall of the das s.

the majestouch is the better keyboard.

Where's that at exactly?

[alpslover]

Where's that at exactly?

recall

[Luxavius]

recall

You said I missed that, but I stated in my list "Das seems to have somewhat of a history of corrupt products, although this is negated since they've just released a new version to correct such problems". I guess it wasn't direct though.

So, I'm thinking since they've just corrected the problem listed in that blog, it shouldn't be enough of an issue to decide one over the other.

[alpslover]

You said I missed that, but I stated in my list "Das seems to have somewhat of a history of corrupt products, although this is negated since they've just released a new version to correct such problems".

no, the 'fixed' version of the s has not been released yet.

you can buy a majestouch (with brown cherries) now, and it works the way it's supposed to.

[Luxavius]

no, the 'fixed' version of the s has not been released yet.

you can buy a majestouch (with brown cherries) now, and it works the way it's supposed to.

Yeah, mid december delay for the Das. Another thing I like better about the Majestouch is the matte finish instead of the glossy (less cleanup). I'm still not completely sure what one to purchase though.

[alpslover]

I'm still not completely sure what one to purchase though.

i'm not completely sure why there's even any uncertainty on your part.

the majestouch is the better typing experience because it works correctly, and you can buy it now.


p.s. there is a small price difference, in that the das's price includes shipping.

[Luxavius]

i'm not completely sure why there's even any uncertainty on your part.

the majestouch is the better typing experience because it works correctly, and you can buy it now.


p.s. there is a small price difference, in that the das's price includes shipping.

Since Das has a fixed version soon, the Majestouch working correctly is a moot point (hopefully). The Das also has volume control, which I find really convenient (kind of like having the advantages of an old and new keyboard, which I haven't noticed in many others)

[wellington1869]

ya, I like that das is addressing the issue directly.  One of our biggest complaints on this forum is when manufacturers ignore problems (in build or controller board or service). SO here's a situation where the Das on their blog is keeping folks up to date on how the fix is going. I say more power to them. Its everything we've always wanted to see in a vendor/manufacturer: honesty, keeping us up to date, and actually working to address the issues.

Even more than asking for "perfect" keyboards (which will always be hit or miss), I'd rather ask for "responsive" makers/sellers. If they're responsive, the actual issues matter less because they will get addressed and because they are clearly listening and responding to user feedback, and thats the important thing.  Das is clearly trying to become one of those makers/vendors, and I like it.

[alpslover]

Since Das has a fixed version soon, the Majestouch working correctly is a moot point (hopefully).

it is not a moot point, because the das s was supposed to 'fix' the issues with the das iii.  technically, it did fix the issue (slow key scan rate), but introduced some new issues of its own.

the 'fixed' version of the das s isn't out yet, so we have no clue as to whether it will actually be fixed or not, as metadot's track record on 'fixing' keyboards isn't exactly stellar.

on the other hand, we know that the majestouch's work as they should.  quite a number of us have them.

The Das also has volume control, which I find really convenient (kind of like having the advantages of an old and new keyboard, which I haven't noticed in many others)

in your first post, you mentioned this as part of your list, but then said 'none of the above is enough for me to decide one over the other'.  so which is it?

[wordfool]

I was just grappling with which "quiet" keyboard to complement my Model M and quickly ruled out the Das for several reasons -- the biggest being the company's history of product problems, which suggests that even the "fixed" version has a risk of not actually be properly fixed. I also find the shiny black case and USB hump of the Das kinda ugly (YMMV) and prefer the smaller, minimalist footprint of the Filco (again, YMMV). And finally, the praise heaped on the Das by clueless bloggers and reviewers drove me away -- but then I tend to run the other way when the mass media recommends anything so gushingly. That's just the contrarian in me.

However, if you like the volume controls and trust that Das will actually fix its controller issue there's no reason not to get it. The keyswitches are the same, and the Das will probably be slightly quieter if the blue-switch version comparison is anything to go by.

Ultimately I didn't buy either, but that's a whole other thread that dragged on for 100+ posts.

[alpslover]

Its everything we've always wanted to see in a vendor/manufacturer: honesty, keeping us up to date, and actually working to address the issues.

i think you missed one: actually fixing the issue.

[Luxavius]

The Das also has volume control, which I find really convenient (kind of like having the advantages of an old and new keyboard, which I haven't noticed in many others)

in your first post, you mentioned this as part of your list, but then said 'none of the above is enough for me to decide one over the other'.  so which is it?

I never said the volume control was enough to decide one over the other, I was simply replying to your "i'm not completely sure why there's even any uncertainty on your part." The Das seems to be a more complete package (modern), though with setbacks.

[alpslover]

I never said the volume control was enough to decide one over the other, I was simply replying to your "i'm not completely sure why there's even any uncertainty on your part."

fair enough.

The Das seems to be a more complete package (modern), though with setbacks.

minor setbacks like keys intermittently not registering, and key blocking despite it supposedly being an n-key rollover keyboard....

you said your main concern was which one was the better typing experience.  i don't know what your criteria for a good typing experience are, but for me, first and foremost, the keyboard needs to work correctly.  that means, registering the keys i type, in the order that i type them, every time.  if a keyboard fails this fundamental criteria, it is not a good typing experience for me.  things like 'modern looks' and media keys are just fluff and cannot make up for a keyboard that doesn't register keys correctly.  period.  end of story.

but, that's just me.  i will take function over form every time.

[Luxavius]

yeah, I don't want to wait a month for the Das and then another month for the reviews, so I may go with the Majestouch.

[majestouch]

I have multimedia keys on my Majestouch and my left Windows key still acts like a windows key.

#NumpadAdd::SoundSet +5         ;Master volume up 5%
#NumpadSub::SoundSet -5         ;Master volume down 5%
#NumpadMult::SoundSet,+1,,mute   ;Toggle master mute

http://www.autohotkey.com

(The "#" in the script is the Windows key. So Windows + NumberpadPlus raises the volume)

Then again, I'm a totally biased salesman:)

[Luxavius]

I have multimedia keys on my Majestouch and my left Windows key still acts like a windows key.

#NumpadAdd::SoundSet +5         ;Master volume up 5%
#NumpadSub::SoundSet -5         ;Master volume down 5%
#NumpadMult::SoundSet,+1,,mute   ;Toggle master mute

http://www.autohotkey.com

(The "#" in the script is the Windows key. So Windows + NumberpadPlus raises the volume)

Then again, I'm a totally biased salesman:)

Awesome, I'll definitely use that!

[o2dazone]

I would imagine now that they've released a "fixed" version of their keyboard, if you do come across any problems, they'd be more reluctant to accept it like they've recently been doing with their crumbier model.

With that said, if possible, I'd get the kb from Elitekeyboards, only because they great customer service, especially when it comes to issues with the keyboard itself

[microsoft windows]

I've heard good and bad things about Das keyboards.

[ch_123]

There's good things about the Das keyboard?

[AndrewZorn]

There's good things about the Das keyboard?

blank keys?
clicky switches?
german?
did i mention blank keys?
media buttons?
blank keys make you type faster?
glossy?
THE BEST KEYBOARD IN THE WORLD. PERIOD.

[ch_123]

Little Germany in downtown Taipei. =P

[wordfool]

if they were made in Germany (which apparently they're not) then it sounds like they're on a par with your average VW in terms of reliability.

[microsoft windows]

blank keys?
clicky switches?
german?
did i mention blank keys?
media buttons?
blank keys make you type faster?
glossy?
THE BEST KEYBOARD IN THE WORLD. PERIOD.

Blank keys aren't a good feature. Neither is the glossy surface which attracts dust and finger prints like no other. Media buttons are a pain and require drivers. And American keyboards are better.

[AndrewZorn]

sarcasm

[microsoft windows]

sarcasm

That's the truth. The Germans didn't invent the Model M.

[patrickgeekhack]

Luxavius

The impression you gave with your comments was that you really wanted the Das S silent over the Majestouch. At least this was the impression I got. It seemed taht the volume button was very important and was the one feature that was standing out more. I can understand the want for a volume button. I never used the other buttons except the volume button when I had a multimedia and they are the buttons I wish I had on my keyboards.

That being said, I think the general consensus is that people have experienced problems with their Das and the fact that the Das S which was supposed to correct the situation introduced new problems does not help Metadot a lot. To someone looking for a reliable keyboard, this should raise a red flag. The general consensus is also that Filco has a way higher rate of reliability. Like Alpslover said, multimedia buttons become useless if the keyboard is fulfill its primary function.

When it comes to after sales service, I cannot speak for Metadot as I have never bought anything from them and therefore never had to call them. However, I have bought two keyboards from Elitekeyboards. I had an intermittent problem with my a key and Elitekeyboards took care of the problem.

Now, if you want to buy a Das S, it's up to you. Seriously, wanting one product and buying another is not a recipe for happiness because you will always wonder what it would have been like had you stuck with your initial decision.

Good luck in your decision making.

[AndrewZorn]

really do wish my HHKB volume buttons worked, damned mac ****
i dont want to have to get some program that runs in the background just to change volume when im in a game or something.  headphones, so dont get on me about speaker control.  what does the rest of the world do?

[ch_123]

That's the truth. The Germans didn't invent the Model M.

But you Yanks didn't make the Beam Spring...

headphones, so dont get on me about speaker control. what does the rest of the world do?

Im able to plug my headphones into my speakers, and let it's volume dial control it.

[patrickgeekhack]

But you Yanks didn't make the Beam Spring...

Show Image

Im able to plug my headphones into my speakers, and let it's volume dial control it.

Thank you for posting that Canadian flag :-)

Some people may not be using speakers. I don't have a set of speakers attached to my laptop because I never use them. Instead I just plug my headphones directly into the computer.

[microsoft windows]

I'd have to agree with you about that ball. I haven't seen too many with the Symbol font.

[ricercar]

Media buttons are a pain and require drivers.

Not on any modern OS, such as Windows, MacOSX, or Linux, Oh, that's right; you're still using Windows 2000. We forgive you. :biggrin:

(Must be "poke microsoft windows" week.)

[patrickgeekhack]

Not on any modern OS, such as Windows, MacOSX, or Linux, Oh, that's right; you're still using Windows 2000. We forgive you. :biggrin:

(Must be "poke microsoft windows" week.)

Give the guy a break LOL

[alpslover]

Media buttons are a pain and require drivers.

the media buttons on the das s don't require drivers for windows.  they just work.  but they're a bit of a pain because they're not dedicated buttons and you have to hit fn first...