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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mechanical switch keyboard?
Which switch do I choose ! ?
Do you ship internationally?
What shipping methods/carriers do you use?
Do your keyboards work on Apple/Mac?
What is key chattering/bouncing?

Warranty and Purchase Terms (US & Canada)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mechanical switch keyboard?

Most keyboards that either come with a computer for free these days or are purchased for next to nothing at the local computer mart use inexpensive "rubber dome" or "membrane" contacts under the keys that have a mushy feel, lack tactile feedback, and must be fully depressed in order to be detected. The result can be an uncomfortable and tiring typing experience. Mechanical keyboards on the other hand utilize an individual mechanical switch underneath each key that provides consistent actuation. Such switches are usually only used for industrial applications due to their price. The benefit of these mechanical switches is comfort, increased typing speeds, and lifetime. Mechanical switches are rated for millions of key presses. In its lifetime a high quality mechanical switch based keyboard will provide a reliable and pleasurable typing experience for a long time to come, outliving several cheaper keyboards.

Back to topWhich switch do I choose ! ?

Our FILCO Majestouch keyboards are currently available with three varieties of Cherry MX switches, all of which are mechanically compatible in size and shape, but differ in their internal workings; as such they are suited for different applications. Cherry MX switches are made by Cherry Corp (Germany) and detailed technical specifications can be found on their website here.

Commonly, Cherry MX key switches are known by the color of their plastic keystem which can be seen when the keycap is removed. Aside from color, these switches differ in three important ways.

1. Change in force required over the keystroke

Pressing a keyswitch requires FORCE! Each switch defines itself by the amount of resistance to this force that it provides over the travel of a keystroke.

As you can see in the Travel vs. Force diagrams for each Cherry switch (below), they all react with differing amounts of resistance as your finger presses down and up. Note the unit of force in these diagrams is cN or centi-Newtons, 10 cN is equivalent, for practical purpose, to 10.2grams on planet earth; so approximately 10 grams for the sake of discussion.


Both the "Brown" switches, found in all Tactile Touch FILCO keyboards and the "Blue" switches, found in all Tactile Click FILCO keyboards, are essentially defined by their tactile "bump," or rapidly increasing point or resistance, which occurs about 1mm to 2mm into the keystroke. The "Blue" differs from the "Brown" primarily in that it creates an audible click. The benefit of these tactile switches is that the physical sensation they provide at the tactile bump indicates to your finger that the key has been actuated and you can now move your finger onto its next destination; this tactility makes these switches well suited for fast touch typists.

The "Black" switches, found in all Linear Force FILCO keyboards, are unique in that their resistance increases at the same rate over the keystroke. This linear characteristic provides a smooth uninhibited keystroke that affords the user with more control and quicker key reset, hence it is well suited for fast paced gaming where repetitive keypresses are the norm. The addition of higher resistance in the "Black" switches also help to prevent errant keypresses.

It's important to note that it isn't necessary to press the switch completely down to actuate the key, which sets these switches apart from a common non-mechanical keyboard.

2. Maximum force required to actuate the switch

The force required to press one of the Tactile switches varies from 45 to 60cN. The Linear Force switches require from 60 to 80cN. Switch resistance is lowest at the top of the keystroke and highest at the bottom. The resistance is important to consider, since a higher resistance means more work for you!

3. Sound

Volume-wise: Tactile Click > Tactile Touch > Linear Force

"Blue" switches have an audible click that occurs right before the point of actuation; this aural registration is a pleasure for some typists, but isn't recommended for quieter settings. On the other hand, "Brown" and "Black" switches are designed to be quiet; though Black switches tend to be the quietest of the bunch since their higher resistance helps to slow your finger down before you fully depress the key, which would normally result in a clack/clapping sound as the switch bottoms out and the keycap comes in contact with the switch housing.

Keep in mind that all of these switches have springs inside, so some small vibrations are normal. Additionally, the plastic keycaps and metal backplates of FILCO keyboards have their own tune and natural resonance as they are played:)

Audio samples coming soon...

Back to topDo you ship internationally?

Our target markets are the USA and Canada but we are more than happy to ship to customers in other countries that do not currently have distributors for the products we offer.

International buyers who receive a shipping cost of $0.00 should e-mail sales@elitekeyboards.com for a shipping quotation before placing an order. Sorry, but our cart system does not automatically calculate shipping to all countries.

We will not falsify the value of international shipments so PLEASE do not ask!

Please note that currently our Terms of Warranty Service do not apply for customers outside of the USA and Canada. Shipping internationally is done as a courtesy only. However, no warranty is available for international shipments. All products are tested before they are shipped and any issues related to DOA (Dead On Arrival) products will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Currently our shopping cart is limited in it's ability to calculate shipping costs, but here is a table showing the most common rates for 1 or 2 keyboards plus accessories. Be aware that the weights stated in our product descriptions do not include boxes or packing. If you're ordering more than 2 keyboards, please e-mail us for shipping pricing.

International Shipping Weight/Cost Matrix

Weight lbs(kg) Canada USD Europe USD Australia USD
less than 1 (0.5) 4.50 e-mail e-mail
1 (0.5) 24.00 e-mail e-mail
2 (0.9) 24.00 e-mail e-mail
3 (1.4) 29.00 43.00 48.00
4 (1.8) 31.00 48.00 52.00
5 (2.3) 33.00 56.00 62.00
6-8 (2.7-3.6) 33.00 62.00 67.00
more e-mail e-mail e-mail

The prices quoted above are for USPS EMS shipping with the exception of Canada for which we only use USPS Priority service. Typical delivery times for EMS range from 4 to 8 days while Priority service can take 6-10. Hoever, these are minimum transit times, since your country's customs made add a number of days for clearance. Accompanying all shipments are shipping invoices that are available by e-mail upon request.

Back to topWhat shipping methods/carriers do you use?

For domestic US shipments the default shipment method is FedEx. USPS can be used at the customer's request, but please contact us before placing your order.

For shipments to Canada we use USPS Priority service. EMS (Express Mail Service) through USPS is used for all other destinations outside of the USA.

Very small items, such as individual keycaps may be shipped with First class mail.

Back to topDo your keyboards work on Apple/Mac?

With the exception of the Happy Hacking Keyboards, which have their own Mac drivers, all of our keyboards will work on a Mac natively. Please note that most of our boards use a common ANSI PC layout which does not have keys that a normal Mac keyboard would have. When used on a Mac, keyboard keys on a PC layout keyboard will automatically be mapped as shown in the following table:


PC Key Mac Key
Print Screen F13
Scroll Lock F14
Pause F15
Windows Command
Alt Option
F12 Eject


Back to topWhat is key chattering/bouncing?

Key "chattering" or "contact bouncing" is a natural occurance in mechanical switches that can cause one switch press to be detected as multiple presses. Under normal switch operation the digital electronics in a keyboard will filter out a small amount of natural chatter/bounce, however, in the case that an individual switch is damaged or defective, the amount of chatter/bounce can become too large to be filtered. The result is a repetition of key input seen on your computer screen for only one intended key press. This is a problem that affects only the broken switch and is a problem that is covered by your EliteKeyboards warranty.

How to test for chattering:

Severe chattering is actually very rare, but it can be very frustrating if you think the problem is you when it is actually the keyswitch.

1. Start by opening up a text editor like Notepad in MS Windows.

2. Repeatedly press and depress the suspect key and alternate each keypress with a space. It's a good idea to vary the force and keystroke depth of the key in question while performing this test; as chattering sometimes can show up in light key presses, but not in hard and visa versa.

A good switch will have output like this on your screen:

d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d

A chattering switch will output:

d d d d dd d d d dd d d d d ddd d d d d d dd ddd d d

3. Repeat step #2 for several lines and also test a few keys you do not suspect as a control case in order to eliminate your brain and fingers from the equation.

If you find you are experiencing a problem with one or more switches, please contact support@elitekeyboards.com.

Back to top
Warranty and Purchase Terms (US & Canada)
EliteKeyboards provides a limited warranty to customers that covers free repair or product exchange under the following conditions:

1. Limited Warranty Coverage: This limited warranty covers only the product hardware purchased from EliteKeyboards. This warranty shall not cover damages resultant of loss of data or software or equipment that EliteKeyboards warranted hardware is attached to. Warranty service will be provided only for customers with a valid dated 'Proof of Purchase' document that is shipped with the product.

2. Outside of Warranty Coverage: This warranty shall not cover damages caused by inappropriate use, acts of nature, or failure due to connecting the warranted hardware to inappropriate devices. EliteKeyboards reserves the right to assess all warranty claims and to refuse warranty coverage.

3. Period of Limited Warranty: From 1 year of product release by the shipping courier, all products are warranted, for the cost of parts and labor up to, but not exceeding the original purchase price.

4. Void of Warranty: Modifying the product, removing the serial number or any warranty decal will void the product warranty. Use outside of a home or office environment will void the warranty. Reselling the product without authorization of warranty transfer explicitly supplied by EliteKeyboards

5. Returns and Exchanges: For FILCO products returns for EXCHANGE ONLY will be accepted for DOA products for a period of 30 days from date of purchase. Free shipping will be provided for DOA products only if the problem is verified by EliteKeyboards. After the DOA period, returns may be made for repair, wherein, one-way shipping will be provided by EliteKeyboards if the problem is verified. For PFU Happy Hacking and Topre Realforce keyboards returns for REPAIR ONLY will be accepted and, while under warranty, free round-trip shipping will be provided if the problem is verified by EliteKeyboards; otherwise shipping must be covered by the customer. No returns will be accepted without prior e-mail approval and RMA number. EliteKeyboards will not be responsible for shipping or other costs the customer may incur that are NOT explicitly covered. Any loss or damage to the product during shipment is the responsibility of the shipper.

6. Liability: This limited warranty is a promise of repair or exchange due to defective products. EliteKeyboards will not be responsible for any costs exceeding the original purchase price incurred by the customer due to any use or misuse of the product or due to any latent failures in the product.

7. Release of Responsibility: The limited warranty and terms stated here are provided to EliteKeyboards customers by EliteKeyboards only. DIATEC Corporation Japan, Fujitsu PFU, and Topre are not liable for products sold through EliteKeyboards.

8. Region of Validity: This warranty is valid only in the USA and Canada. Any legal claims must be processed under laws of the United States of America. EliteKeyboards is not responsible for compliance with Canadian law in the case that purchased items do not comply with local laws. EliteKeyboards products that are shipped outside of the USA and Canada are not covered by this warranty.

В дополнение к предыдущему комменту: Цена на Filco _101023
Filco Majestouch Profi Tastatur
Artikelnr.: 5405
Black Switches 149,00 €
Brown Switches 149,00 €
Blue Switches 149,00 €
inkl. 19% MwSt. und zzgl. Versandkosten

Причем, страна поставки Russland в списке есть, но способов оплаты я не_нашла. ;)
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