Compared with the previously reviewed Filco Majestouch N-key rollover Brown Switch Keyboard, which was mostly suited for office (mostly typing applications), the Filco Majestouch Linear R Limited Edition version is Tenkeyless, which means that it is missing the numeric pad, and also features Cherry MX Red switches.

The MX Red switches have about the same construction as the MX Blacks, but require less force (when compared to the Browns, there is very little difference). Because of this, the Red switches keyboard is very good in both typing and gaming activities; with the Blacks I did not have any problems in games, but when typing, after a while, my fingers started to hurt a little. I have tried this activity also with the recently launched Majestouch Linear R Limited Edition keyboard and it seems the problem is gone.

Like it wasn’t enough, the keyboard PCB is now double layered; each switch hole has been firmly soldered, so it will release the excess load.

Filcoswitch

Like the other Diatec Filco keyboard, this one comes with the N-key rollover feature, which allows multiple simultaneous key presses to be recognized by our computer. Each key is scanned completely independently by the hardware of the keyboard, so each key press is correctly detected, regardless of how many other keys are being pressed or held down at a time.

True N-key Rollover, as used by Filco works only with the included PS/2 adapter. Using the USB connection will limit the N-key Rollover function to 6 keys, plus 4 modifiers (Ctrl, Alt, Pgup, etc.), at a time. NKRO is similar to but not the same as what some 'gaming keyboards' incorrectly market as "anti-ghosting". You might also hear the term where n is replaced with a number (i.e., 6-key rollover), which means that up to that number of keys can be pressed simultaneously.

Filco use isolation diodes in their keyboard matrix to implement full N-key rollover (sometimes abbreviated NKRO), making them immune to both anti ghosting and key jamming. This sets them apart from most keyboards which, to reduce cost and design complexity, do not isolate all keys in this way. Instead, they use a matrix of key switches, without any isolation diodes, that assumes that only a limited number of keys will be held down at any given time.

To test the NKRO capabilities, we can do the test located at this website: http://rollover.geekhack.org/

Not a lot of people use in their day-to-day activities the numeric pad (gamers, people that do not do a lot of calculation with numbers, but type large documents); for these, the Tenkeyless version is perfect, because it is lighter and takes up less space on the table (leaving us to use that remaining space for accommodating a larger mouse pad for example).

The inclusion of the Filco Key puller is appreciated, because with it we can remove the key caps with ease, without damaging them. The WASD key caps are also a nice addition, having the same colors as the switches and can be identified when gaming in low light conditions much easier.

It would have been nice to see with this keyboard a braided cord, for extra durability. For added comfort, we can buy a Wristrest from The Keyboard Company, in this case the "Compact Keyboards Model". The keyboard can be bought online for about £130.00.

Filco Majestouch Linear R Limited Edition Keyboard is Recommended For:

I would like to thank again to The Keyboard Company and Diatec for letting us test their latest products.