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Add to SafariWhen comparing Filco Majestouch-2 vs Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, the Slant community recommends Filco Majestouch-2 for most people. In the question“What are the best keyboards for programming?” Filco Majestouch-2 is ranked 5th while Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is ranked 37th. The most important reason people chose Filco Majestouch-2 is:
Filco keyboards are renowned for their fantastic build quality. The keyboard weighs nearly 3 pounds and is built like a tank with virtually no flex in the backplate.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Great build quality
Filco keyboards are renowned for their fantastic build quality. The keyboard weighs nearly 3 pounds and is built like a tank with virtually no flex in the backplate.
Pro Compact and simple design
The overall aesthetics of this keyboard are very clean and simple. The finish is not prone to fingerprints and the printing of the key labels on the side of the keycaps (on the ninja version) makes the keyboard look minimalistic while still being easy to see which keys are where.
Pro Uses Costar stabilizers
Filcos use Costar stabilizers, which are generally preferable for people who prefer a "snappy" feel to their keyboards.
Pro Key labels don't fade out
The ninja version has the key labels printed on the front of the keys to avoid them fading out over time.
Pro Highly moddable
There are a lot of mods available for this keyboard, including rounded keycaps or colored cases.
Pro RGB model available under $100 as well
While the RGB model costs $80, it provides full per-key RGB lighting complete with different effects. While this doesn't offer any extra functionality, it adds some flashiness to your build.
Pro White backlight has adjustable brightness levels
The base model of the keyboard offers a white backlight (no RGB), and the brightness of the backlight can be adjusted to suit the ambient lighting.
Pro Choice of brown or blue switches
There are two switches to choose from: Kailh blue or Kailh brown. The blue switches offer a bump at the activation point as well as a click, while the brown switches offer a bump without the click. These switches are slightly heavier than the corresponding Cherry MX switches, but are similar in the way they act.
Pro Minimal, sleek looking design
The bezels of the keyboard are small, and the design of the board is minimal instead of gaudy gamer-focused designs. It has a volume roller in the top right accompanied by the mute button which makes the board feel more premium than it's price point would suggest.
The keys also appear to be floating - while most keyboards have their keys recessed behind the casing, these ones aren't. this leaves their side exposed, and makes for a more unique design than other boards.
Cons
Con Not backlit
The Filco does not come with key backlighting. This makes it harder to use in the dark (especially when hunting for special characters) and also isn't as flashy as RGB models.
Con ABS keycaps aren't as durable as other materials
Some alternative keyboards have keycaps made from PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) which are more durable, have a nicer texture and generally are of better quality. Many Filco keyboard users switch out the default ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) keycaps for PBT caps, but this is going to cost you an extra ~$60.
Con Has no number pad
Some users require a number pad as it makes number crunching in spreadsheets much quicker, easier, as well as more accurate.
Con No calculator button
Unlike some other keyboards, the Majestouch-2 doesn't have a calculator shortcut button.
Con Uses knockoff switches
This keyboard uses the Kailh switches instead of the more common Cherry MX switches. Kailh switches are made in China instead of Germany where the Cherry MX switches are made. The Kailh switches don't last as long, and the quality testing isn't as vigorous as Cherry's. The switch naming scheme is very similar, however Kailh switches are typically heavier than the comparable Cherry switches.
Con Not adjustable/programmable, and no macro support
Other than brightness levels (and lighting modes for the RGB model), this is a basic board. It doesn't support macros, and there are no profiles you can adjust. This will be fine for most users, however heavy users will miss these features.
