Review submitted by Richard Grainger, ClanCarnage

Today, I’ll be having a look at the Filco Majestouch Ninja full-size keyboard. This is a mechanical keyboard, similar to the boards I've reviewed earlier, that uses Cherry MX black switches. It's designed in Japan and made in Taiwan, like the rest of the Filco range.

However, what makes it stand-out from the crowd is the stealthy look of it's keys (blank on top, lettered in front). Like the Majestouch 2 this is a mechanical keyboard that is aimed at gamers and hard-core typists.

Before I continue, if you aren’t too familiar with mechanical keyboards (how they work, and what’s the difference between the switch colour definitions), I would definitely recommend having a look at this great article over at overclock.net which covers mechanical keyboards in great detail.

The one I am reviewing here is the full-size 104-key type, and there is also a 87-key "Tenkeyless" version. Both sizes are available in Blue, Black, and Brown Cherry switches, making for a total of 6 models of Ninja.

This particular 'board has the melodious product code of "FKBN104ML-EFB2", which apparently decodes to full-size, 104key, black, N-Key rollover, series 2, front-labelled keys, with Black Cherry switches. They only released these last month as the along with the other series 2 boards, and apparently the differences between the series-1 mechanicals, and these, are that the Ninja/Majestouch2 have revised software and a more substantial key anchoring method.

Let’s have a quick look at the full list of features:

• High-quality mechanical keyboard has full-size US-104 key layout with numberpad

• Letters are printed on the front of the keys for a stealthy appearance!

• The printing won't wear off due to being touched either, so your keyboard will last longer

• Two additional Windows keys with front-printing, and a keypuller, are included

• Linear feel Black Cherry key switches, no click action when you press down

• Solid rigid construction and weight, N-Key rollover, up to 6 keys typed simultaneously will be recognised via USB

• All the keys typed simultaneously are recognized when connected via PS/2.

• A long key stroke of 4mm and the contact point at 2mm between the key stroke.

• Easy, fast and stress-free typing for the famous features of Cherry MX tactile feel

• Key pitch/Key stroke: 19mm/4+/-0.5mm

• Dimensions: W440xD138xH35.8mm(49.5mm raised up by stand)/1.2kg

• Designed-in-Japan, made in Taiwan, rigid structure

What you get in the box:

• Filco Ninja Keyboard w/cable tie on cord

• USB to PS/2 adapter

• Filco Keypuller and two front-facing-labelled Windows keys

• Dust cover and User manual

The Filco Majestouch Ninja full-size keyboard in a black box with that highlights the features and specifications on the back and the side.

Upon inspection, on the inside we find the user manual, the PS/2 converter, 2 front facing Windows keys and a Filco branded key puller. The keyboard itself is covered in the plastic dust cover which is particularly handy at keeping the keyboard protected from dust and spills when it isn’t in use.

As with all other Filco boards, there is an already-attached USB cable tie to keep the cable nice and secure when you transport the keyboard or store it away.

Here's an unboxing video from Youtube:

Look and feel:

As you can see, the Filco Majestouch Ninja full-size keyboard's main difference compared to other keyboards is obviously the front facing key prints, as opposed to the traditional top facing labels. This gives it a nice sleek and stealthy look when you view the keyboard from above. When you look at it from a normal sitting position, you can clearly make out the appropriate key print for each key (they are not blocking each other).

On the bottom of the keyboard, we have Filco sticker showing the model numbers, the usual four thick rubber mats which prevent the keyboard from being accidently moved when it is in use, as well as two height adjustment stops, which also have rubberised feet.

The Filco Majestouch Ninja full-size keyboard is a hefty 1.2KG and has a really solid, sturdy feel to it, and you can instantly tell that there hasn’t been any cheap and flimsy material used in its production.

Like other Filco boards, there aren’t any additional specialised media or function keys located on the board. There is a stealthy black Filco sign, that blends in with the backing located at the top right hand corner right above the three red LED lights that indicate when NUM, CAPS and SCROLL locks are enabled/disabled.

The overall build quality is similar to the Majestouch 2, so in other words, fantastic. There isn’t any creaking or movement when you try to flex the board, overall it feels extremely solid.

This particular model of the Filco Majestouch Ninja has Cherry MX black switches, the key strokes require to be pushed 4mm to be fully depressed; however the keyboard recognises the push halfway at 2mm. This makes it ideal for gaming, allowing quick double tapping and recognition between key presses.

As mentioned before, the Filco Majestouch Ninja comes with a Filco branded key puller, and two front printed Windows keys to replace the top facing ones that come with the board. The swapping process is extremely easy and allows you to replace keys without damaging them, allowing you to easily swap keys around or take them out for cleaning.

There is no palm rest included. AusPC sell Filco black leather palm rests for people who like to rest their palms nearby. There are also other accessories available from Filco, such as coloured WASD and ESC keys, which allows you to customise your keyboard.

What is N-Key rollover?

N-Key rollover is where you are able to push multiple buttons at the same time, and the computer recognises each individual key press.

Through USB you are limited to six different buttons which in normal situations is enough, however through the PS/2 adapter there is no limit.

This means you can strafe, jump, spot, switch weapon – whatever you need to do all at the same time without having to worry about a certain keystroke not being picked up.

Detailed usage Youtube Video

Conclusion:

Overall, I’m pretty impressed with the Filco Majestouch Ninja. It inherits the great qualities of the Majestouch 2 series but with a new stealthy look.

Depending on how you sit, it could also be useful for those who want to develop their touch typing skills, as you may not be readily able to see the key prints. For those expert touch typists out there, you can purchase a set of blank keys which would go nicely with the overall minimalist and clean looks of the Ninja.