Matias Matias Quiet Pro Keyboard For Mac
After dealing with keystrokes that didn't register and one REPLACEMENT of my wired Apple keyboard, I ordered this Matias Tactile Pro. I had been wishing for an IBM Selectric Typewriter-like keyboard and now I have one! The Matias is SOLID. The Apple wired keyboard needed something under it to level it and keep it from moving on me. With its weight, I think the Matias might need a crowbar to move!:-) As to SOLID, I have never had any keyboard in the past 40 years that was this solidly built. Even the folding feet under the keyboard are clearly very sturdy! Solid, deep, yes NOISY, keystrokes - just like I was used to on old mainframe hardwired monitor keyboards and on ball electric typewriters!
I think I'm going to get much more finger exercise on this keyboard! BUT, more than anything, my TYPING is FASTER and MORE ACCURATE and continues to improve!
It's WHITE, like the Apple keyboard and I'd already installed an LED light strip under my desk to light my keyboard, so the setup for my 27' iMac is perfect. Happy for now. Perhaps more later.
all I need now is the final rewrite of Karabiner to get my key assignments right again!!! (Since macOS Sierra BROKE Karabiner!). EDIT: UPDATED This is a hard one to actually choose a rating for. As suggested by other reviewers, the quality is a bit hit-or-miss.
My first one had multiple keys that bounced, one key that activated unreliably, and one key that initially activated unreliably and then totally stopped working unless hammered on. Obviously that's unacceptable, as it made it nearly impossible to type on (for a couple days, every time I needed a dollar sign I had to copy and paste one.). Instead of requesting a return through Amazon, I contacted Matias directly, as I wanted to speak to someone about the obvious quality control issue and find out whether I was likely to get another lemon. The person I spoke to offered a replacement under warranty, but didn't say much about the issue itself (other than recommending a few 'fixes' that didn't work), and shipped the replacement to me as soon as it was available. The replacement is competing hard with my old IBM Model M for the nicest keyboard I've ever typed on. Not only do all the keys work this time, they feel and sound better than the ones on the original keyboard, which were already really, really nice.
There is a positive 'click' feel when the keys activate, reminiscent of standard non-quiet 'clicky' keyboards, and definitely the quietest mechanical keyboard I've ever used. The build quality seems to be very nice, with the exception of the lemon keyswitches, though a slight variation in keycap color between the two keyboards hints that there may be a good bit of variation in their process in places outside the switches as well. I'm even starting to like the shiny plastic case, or at least I'm a bit less tempted to take sandpaper to it :) Overall, highly recommended if you're willing to muck around with Matias trying to get a good one. Not recommended in the slightest if you're not willing to spend time doing that. UPDATE: Matias acknowledge the problem, they had a bad batch of switches.
As they say 'The new stock will be here in April or May', I don't recommend buying one until after then. You may get lucky, clearly a few here have, but they have actually acknowledged that the problem is real, so. They have offered to replace my keyboard again when the new switches come in. EDIT: UPDATED This is a hard one to actually choose a rating for. As suggested by other reviewers, the quality is a bit hit-or-miss. My first one had multiple keys that bounced, one key that activated unreliably, and one key that initially activated unreliably and then totally stopped working unless hammered on.
Obviously that's unacceptable, as it made it nearly impossible to type on (for a couple days, every time I needed a dollar sign I had to copy and paste one.). Instead of requesting a return through Amazon, I contacted Matias directly, as I wanted to speak to someone about the obvious quality control issue and find out whether I was likely to get another lemon.
The person I spoke to offered a replacement under warranty, but didn't say much about the issue itself (other than recommending a few 'fixes' that didn't work), and shipped the replacement to me as soon as it was available. The replacement is competing hard with my old IBM Model M for the nicest keyboard I've ever typed on. Not only do all the keys work this time, they feel and sound better than the ones on the original keyboard, which were already really, really nice. There is a positive 'click' feel when the keys activate, reminiscent of standard non-quiet 'clicky' keyboards, and definitely the quietest mechanical keyboard I've ever used. The build quality seems to be very nice, with the exception of the lemon keyswitches, though a slight variation in keycap color between the two keyboards hints that there may be a good bit of variation in their process in places outside the switches as well.
I'm even starting to like the shiny plastic case, or at least I'm a bit less tempted to take sandpaper to it :) Overall, highly recommended if you're willing to muck around with Matias trying to get a good one. Not recommended in the slightest if you're not willing to spend time doing that.
UPDATE: Matias acknowledge the problem, they had a bad batch of switches. As they say 'The new stock will be here in April or May', I don't recommend buying one until after then. You may get lucky, clearly a few here have, but they have actually acknowledged that the problem is real, so. They have offered to replace my keyboard again when the new switches come in. I wish I could give this keyboard a higher score.
When you get it, the keyboard works wonderfully. The typing experience is unparalleled and it works flawlessly with the Mac, including Sierra. It's just as good as an Apple keyboard, but a much better typing experience.
Unfortunately, for me, after a year some of the keys stopped working reliably. (A number of other commenters have also mentioned this.
Apparently I'm not alone.) This happened with BOTH of the two keyboards I purchased, one which I used much more extensively than the other. It's like a timer hit, and suddenly the keyboards stopped working right. My room is not a crazy place for a keyboard.
It's usually a low-humidity, relatively cool room. I didn't abuse these keyboards, aside from typing a lot on one of them. But my feeling is a keyboard should work for several years (at least) with no issues. And what about the one I didn't type on much?
They just both stopped working at about the same time. So I contacted Matias support for help. Here was a bright area.
After a few questions, they agreed to send two replacement keyboards. No special begging or pleading - they just offered. Even free shipping. This kind of customer service certainly deserves a gold star, and it's another reason I'm unhappy to give this only three stars. However, I got the new keyboards, and after a few months - sure enough - the problem came back with both of the new keyboards. I couldn't believe it. And I didn't feel good about calling Matias again and asking for another batch of keyboards.
At some point, it's too much. Having said that, I've tried a few other keyboards since then, and they are good, but not nearly as good as Matias' product. Matias has apparently acknowledged a problem and said they got a batch of bad switches.
Maybe that was the issue. Since the typing experience and the customer service were so great, I think I'll get another one and see if the quality control issue is resolved. If it is, I will increase my rating of this otherwise fine product, which would easily get five stars if not for this problem. After dealing with keystrokes that didn't register and one REPLACEMENT of my wired Apple keyboard, I ordered this Matias Tactile Pro. I had been wishing for an IBM Selectric Typewriter-like keyboard and now I have one! The Matias is SOLID.
Matias Matias Quiet Pro Keyboard For Mac Free
The Apple wired keyboard needed something under it to level it and keep it from moving on me. With its weight, I think the Matias might need a crowbar to move!:-) As to SOLID, I have never had any keyboard in the past 40 years that was this solidly built. Even the folding feet under the keyboard are clearly very sturdy! Solid, deep, yes NOISY, keystrokes - just like I was used to on old mainframe hardwired monitor keyboards and on ball electric typewriters!
I think I'm going to get much more finger exercise on this keyboard! BUT, more than anything, my TYPING is FASTER and MORE ACCURATE and continues to improve! It's WHITE, like the Apple keyboard and I'd already installed an LED light strip under my desk to light my keyboard, so the setup for my 27' iMac is perfect. Happy for now. Perhaps more later. all I need now is the final rewrite of Karabiner to get my key assignments right again!!! (Since macOS Sierra BROKE Karabiner!).
I'm writing this review using this keyboard. I have an IBM Model M that sits on my desk at home (that I used for many years), and a Corsair K70 that I use now as my main keyboard.
I bought the Matias Quiet Pro keyboard to replace the one I have issued at work, which is the second worst keyboard I've ever used in my life. Other than the fact that it's so worn out, it's a membrane keyboard, and I'm a mechanical keyboard kinda guy. PACKAGING/AESTHETICS The keyboard comes with nothing else than itself. My K70 came with replacement keycaps for the WASD and 1-6 keys for gaming. This keyboard was designed for work, so it came with nothing else. My version's layout is different from the one on the product image; it's missing the play/pause, rewind and fast forward function keys.
It also comes with an instruction card that is completely irrelevant, because the instructions are for another configuration that includes an 'Fn' key that my version doesn't even have. This does not affect my rating because those are features I do not need for a keyboard I use for work. QUIET I can say that all the videos on YouTube regarding the noise on this keyboard are completely inaccurate.
I believe it may have to do with the fact that the recording itself (and the recording equipment) is altering the actual sound of the keyboard. The ALPS switches make this keyboard feel almost like a membrane keyboard, except that it isn't. The keys are quite a bit softer than the Cherry MX Blues that came on my K70, and definitely softer than the Model M's buckling spring keys. There are some reviews here that say it's actually quieter than many membrane keyboards, and I'd agree, yeah, it's pretty competitive in that department! It's a lot quieter than the videos on YouTube. You'd have to try one to hear what it sounds like.
FEEL The keyboard is pretty thick, and as such, requires the use of a wristpad, in my opinion. The K70 comes with a built-in wristpad, and I've gotten so used to that. I think a wristpad is a requirement for keyboards that sit this high up off the desk. The spacing of the keys is great, though, they are just the right size, so my keystrokes are very accurate.
Having the feedback from the ALPS switches also helps accuracy, much like any other mechanical keyboard I've ever used. The keys are about 50% looser than my K70 keys are, and about close to 100% looser than the Model M. It's amazing how well that IBM is made. There are some reviews here that state that the keys aren't loose; I disagree. However, this isn't a dealbreaker, and doesn't really affect my rating, because the accuracy of my typing isn't affected by this parameter. BOTTOM LINE Yes, this keyboard is expensive.
I used points off my CC to bring the price down close to $100. It's also hard to find for less than $150 these days, at least as of the date of this review.
Amazon does not sell this keybard; you'll have to go 3rd party. If you're looking for a flashy gaming keyboard, LOOK ELSEWHERE. If you're looking for a keyboard that has a noticeable CLICK/CLACK sound whenever you press a key, LOOK ELSEWHERE. If you're serious about typing, and have noise issues, GET THIS KEYBOARD. If you have a love affair with mechanical keyboards, and need one that's quiet, GET THIS KEYBOARD. I think keyboards are very personal things, like underwear, or a bicycle seat, or a mattress; if you feel this way, and need something quiet, GET THIS KEYBOARD. This was exactly what i wanted, though its appeal is limited because of thr loudness of the tactile feedback.
Ever since my early kaypro with that tactile touch keyboard i've been hooked. I can see why some people dislike the sound. As the years have passed (i'm now nearly 75) my hearing faded and i found that i liked the feel more than the sound of the keyboard, but i'm typing now with hearing aids and it IS a bit loud, but i can adjust the hearing with an iphone app. It's an acquired taste. Neither of my daughters like it at all and my wife with sensitive hearing is annoyed by the clickedy-clacking clatter.
But you probably wouldn't even be reading the reviews if you were already a fan of tactile feedback keyboards. My 70's kaypro used the IBm style keyboard and once i started with macs i yearned for a comparable keyboard and this is it.i'm on my second one. The first one lasted 15 years, and this one is about that old, too. I think you only need to type for a couple minutes to tell if you like it, so try it before you buy it.
Great replacement for original, stout, Mac Keyboard when it finally quits. I used my original Mac G-4 keyboard for roughly 15 years, until the keys finally began to stick or go flat. When the space bar went out, that was it. I loathed the newer, flat, soft Mac keyboards- too soft, & couldn't tell half the time whether my fingers had truly made contact. Research brought me to 'Mechanical' and 'Gaming' Keyboards, some of which were ridiculously overpriced. My needs simply for WP'ing and Spreadsheets. I wanted a good tactile experience as well as being cued to the sound of the 'click'.
Since purchasing, I have been able to renew my touch-typing, looking only at the screen, not down at my fingers, thus improving my WPM once again. A neat feature: keyboard is illuminated so that I can type at night.
One bad feature: the clicks are LOUD and WILL be picked up by a telephone headset or open mike. I have to apologize sometimes to my listeners.
I wish they could design the keyboard with multiple levels of click sounds, or a dulling/mute option for typing during phone conversations. That would make this perfect. As someone who made writing a career for decades, I'm a fan of big, clunky keyboards with mechanical switches. I like the feel of them and the clack-clack these keys make. I tend to pound rather than tickle the keys, probably because I started out with manual typewriters eons ago. Matias is one of the top makers of mech keyboards and this model is one of its best. If you use a Mac, the Tactile Pro is as good as it gets in the aftermarket.
If you're familiar with the legendary extended keyboard Apple sold with its desktops of a few generations ago, this one will feel instantly familiar and satisfying to use. My only quibble is that all the possible permutations of key functions that are used with option, control, function and other keys are labeled on each key giving the keyboard a busy, busy look. If you're a heavy user of these various key combinations, you might like having every key combo literally spelled out for you. I don't but I don't think it merits losing a star.
I also own the equivalent Matias keyboard for my PC. I'm a fan of the Das brand mechanical keyboard, by the way. They use a different type of key switch that requires less finger pressure to actuate (to put it another way, it feels softer and maybe a hair less noisy than the Matias).
Although my personal preference leans toward the Matias, you should give the Das a look for you're shopping for a mech keyboard. Neither is cheap as far as keyboards go, but if you spending your days pounding a keyboard, you need one of these. Tactile, but not too loud, feels more like the original hardware that was better quality -2 decades ago. My typing is faster, more accurate, and surprisingly I feel more confident In my writing with this keyboard. Just by fingertips, I can feel which key I am touching because of the curvature of each key.
I compared this one to the das Professional 4 keyboard for Mac and this one was less money and more compatible layout with MacBook Pro. I also choose this one because ALL the keystroke combinations are etched on the keys. So if you use some of the more obscure key functions, you don't have to look them up anymore. I was concerned about the shape and height of the keyboard.
I don't want my wrists bent when typing. This is not a problem, but I do suggest putting a wrist gel pad in front of this keyboard. If I could own 2 of them, I would!!! I would love to have one at my office too. But for now- I carry it back and forth.
I have owned this expensive keyboard for fewer than 6 months, and it is already defective. Several keys are not working already.
The space key (essential) has gone bad. The enter key has problems.
There are also letters (e.g. The letter 'e' which one uses a lot) which are now defective.
In the course of writing this review, I have suffered from more than 20 key problems and have had to retype. Please stay away from this pathetic piece of equipment. I have never had a keyboard that failed so quickly.
Once you add the public printer queue, you might want to change your printing settings; see the links following the instructions for additional configuration options. Note: These instructions are for adding the public print queue. For instructions on adding the print queue for a departmental printer on your mac, click here. Map the Public Printer Queue on Your Mac. Proceed to a Print Release Station associated with your printer selection. (After 24 hours have elapsed your print job will be erased from the system.) Log into the Print Release Station on or near the printer using your Middlebury username and password. Release your print job by selecting “Print”. 