Review submitted by Richard Grainger, ClanCarnage

Today I’ll be having a look at the Majestouch2 Tenkeyless keyboard, this is an 87 key version of the full-size Majestouch 2 series. This means it is perfect if you have very limited space on your desk or you don’t use the number pad and want to have the keyboard and mouse a bit closer together.

The Majestouch2 Tenkeyless keyboard is a mechanical board which offers a much better feeling than cheaper membrane dome counterparts. This particular model is equipped with Cherry MX Brown switches, which makes sure you hit the sweet spot between a pure gaming board and a pure typist’s board.

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.

This particular 'board has the melodious product code of "FKBN87M/EB2", which apparently decodes to reduced-size, 87key, black, N-Key rollover, series 2, with Brown Cherry switches. Like the full-size boards, Filco only released these last month as the successor to the series 1, and apparently the differences are that these 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 US reduced-footprint 87-key layout without numberpad

• Tactile feel, Cherry MX Brown Switch, there is a very soft click as you reach the contact point

• Data transmission rate has been increased to maximum

• Solid rigid construction and weight, switches are now pushed through board and additionally soldered for a better feel

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

• 6 keys typed simultaneously will be recognised via USB

• 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

What you get in the box:

• Filco Majestouch2 Tenkeyless Keyboard w/ cable tie (attached)

• USB to PS/2 adapter

• Dust cover and User manual

The Majestouch2 Tenkeyless keyboard comes in a black box which displays the various features of the board located on the bottom and side. Upon inspection you find a user manual, a USB to PS/2 adapter and the keyboard shielded in a plastic dust cover, which is great to keep on the keyboard when it’s not in use so nothing gets stuck in between the keys.

A cable tie is already included, and attached to the 1.5M USB cable to allow it to be neatly tied up for any transportation or storage.

Here's an unboxing video from Youtube:

Look and feel:

The Majestouch2 Tenkeyless keyboard is very similar to its big brother, the Majestouch 2. It has a matte black finish, the key layout is very similar and there aren’t any additional media control keys or special function keys. The main difference in the layout is obviously the much smaller dimensions of the board with the removal of the number pad keys. Due to the normal location for a brand logo being removed, the Filco logo has been relocated to the front of the keyboard.

The bottom of the keyboard has four rubber mats to prevent the keyboard from slipping whilst in use and there are two height adjustment clips which also have rubber feet for that extra grip.

The board’s weight comes in at 980 grams and you can tell from feeling the board that the overall build quality is excellent.

The Majestouch2 Tenkeyless keyboard uses the Cherry MX Brown switches which are considered to be a meeting point for people who want to have the fast responsiveness for gaming, but also want to be able to type a large amount without your hands getting fatigued. The switches are very tactile and give you nice audible click as the button is depressed.

Filco also offer a range of accessories for these, including different coloured WASD and ESC keys, and a completely-blank keyset for people who want to touch-type in privacy.

The US-English key labels are printed on the top of the keys, like pretty much any other keyboard. Filco also make another series of 'boards, called Ninja, which has the keylabels hidden from above by placing them only on the very front of the keys - AusPC sent me a Ninja this week, and I'll cover it in a later review.

Turning the keyboard over we can see two adjustable height flips allowing you to increase the sitting height of the keyboard, as well as 4 rubber mats located at each corner to prevent the keyboard from unintentional movement.

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.

Conclusion:

The Majestouch2 Tenkeyless keyboard is a great little board. It will be particularly useful for people who want to have the benefits of a mechanical keyboard and don’t have enough room on their desk for a full size one, or simply don’t use the number pad!

The Cherry MX Brown switches are also a great addition, providing you with the comfort and support for long typing sessions for writing reports as well as responsiveness for gaming whilst giving you a nice audible clicking sound.

Like its big brother the full size Majestouch 2, there aren't any specialised function keys or media keys included on the keyboard. But, if you are after a well built, solid keyboard that should last you years and the lack of a number pad ticks all the boxes for you, then the Majestouch2 Tenkeyless keyboard is worth the price.