★ ★ ★ ★
36 reviews


Sep 19, 2009

My Tactile Pro 2 is still my favourite keyboard

Ian Piper (UK) in mackb.com forums

I noticed today that the Matias Tactile Pro 2.0 (much loved by some here) has been discontinued with a new model promised this Autumn.

I'll stick to this Extended II for now but it's nice to know there may be an alternative.

My Tactile Pro 2 is still my favourite keyboard. For writing work [1] when I may be pounding the keyboard for 12 hours a day or more it's perfect. If Matias do make another model I really hope they make it easier to buy them in the UK - I eventually bought mine direct from Matias in Canada and had to pay for shipping.

Ian.

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Sep 19, 2009

Compared to the TactilePro, all other keyboards feel like they're made of blancmange

Peter Ceresole (UK) in mackb.com forums

My Tactile Pro 2 is still my favourite keyboard.

Damn right. Mine too- and I have a Nimitz that I tried recently on the same iG5. The Matias was crisper, more definite, generally superior all round. Compared to the TactilePro, all other keyboards feel like they're made of blancmange.

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Mar 31, 2009

Probably the best keyboard your money can buy

Jaewoo Kim (Santa Monica, CA) on Amazon.com

I have bought 3 keyboards recently to match the premium IBM PS\2 keyboards of 20 years ago and only this keyboard met my expectations.

If you want the best tactile feeling keyboard with spring coils (not rubber dampers) in each keys, then look no further. This keyboard is a gem.

The OEM manufacturers,IBM and Apple in particular, have stopped producing premium keyboards during the 1990s when the PC prices fell below $1000. Those who have used Mac and IBM PS\2 keyboards in the late 80s and early 90s know what a premium keyboard with high quality components feels like.

This keyboard feels and looks very similar to Mac keyboards in the late 80s, which was very similar in quality, but slightly lighter in feel, to the IBM PS\2 keyboards. You will definitely hear the "click" sound, which is louder than the inferior quality keyboards, similar to the old Mac keyboards.

I can't say these keyboards are good value for the money since you can easily purchase a usable keyboard for $20. These cost more than 6 times as much. Certainly, these keyboards are not 6 times as good, but they are certainly better in tactile feel and component quality.

The USB cable is a generous 5 feet long. There is only a single USB input port, which I use for a mouse. Strangely, the USB output requires two USB connections to the computer (one for keyboard and the other for USB 2.0). So if your PC or laptop has only one free USB port, you may need to get a USB hub and an extra cable.

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Nov 24, 2008

The perfect keyboard for mac old ADB keyboard users

R. E. Britell "jazz fan" (Upstate NY) on Amazon.com

Having cut my typing teeth on a selectric typewriter, this keyboard felt like "coming home."

I pondered a great deal about buying a keyboard and not being able to try it out first. Since I make my living doing medical transcription, I need speed, accuracy, and I depend on the keyboard being able to keep up with my fingers (roughly 120 WPM).

I checked out every review I could find on the web, even one that gave a sound bite of how loud it would be. I needed to be able to type over the sound. I already knew about the double USB 2.0 connection on the keyboard, but what a plus that is when you need to insert a quick data stick or an iPod charge, the connection is right there at your fingertips. So you lose one connection out of the back of your computer, but Matias brings it right out front, where it is far more useful.

If you are a macintosh person, do not hesitate for one second. You can choose the optimizer function or turn it off if you want, so that it works just like the old ADB's. Your F keys will work with your QuickKey assignments, or you can use the ones that mac gives you, take your choice. One great bonus was that it has a little light on the F13 key that tells you if the caps lock is on or off. I can do a quick glance to know that. If the caps lock is on, the light will be on. What a bonus.

I've been so happy with my keyboard, and it is in use all day every day.

One sad thing was that my husband also uses this keyboard but does not touch type. He pounds the keys kind of, in a two finger manner. As a result, one of our keys happened to break a spring (It's the old IBM bent-spring technology that is why it's loud). I called the company and to my delight it was the best customer service ever. And they're out of Toronto also. I gave my husband a stern warning about not pounding on it, because the keyboard is so responsive it's not necessary.

Overall, if you are a mac person, this is the keyboard for you. For you PC users, if you like the touch of the old selectrics go for it. Otherwise you have many other options available.

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★ ★ ★ Aug 29, 2008

Built like a tank, noisy like a tank

A. Shiekh (Tsaile, AZ United States) on Amazon.com

Would give it 5 stars if it didn't disconnect spontaneously now and again on a Mac; built like a keyboard should be, but not good if the noise is going to disturb someone.

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Jan 31, 2008

I didn't care much for the MTP 2.0

Jake in Mac|Life comments

I wrote an unfavorable review of the MTP 2.0, saying it "combined a fat price ($150) with poor build quality (loose keys, a malformed edge, and a continuing shadow key problem)."

I consider the clicky sound a benefit; it's the rest of the package that is bothersome.

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★ ★ Jan 22, 2008

Good feel, but several annoyances

Paul Burney "Dad of two" (Athol, MA United States) on Amazon.com

I've always been a big fan of the old Apple Extended II Keyboard and I've been using an Kensington Studioboard at home for several years. I decided to try this keyboard for work and I've been disappointed.

If you like the old-school, noisy keyboards, this one won't disappoint you in that regard. The keys feel nice, have a great tactile response, good travel, etc. It's really a pleasure to type on. The white Mac version has the alternate characters printed on the keycaps which is helpful.

Here are the problems I've found:

1) There are "ghosting" issues when you type too quickly. For example, if I type "ice" too quickly, it adds an extra , onto the end. Typing slowly, this isn't a problem, but it affects me all the time.

(I also verified something I read elsewhere: if you hold the right shift key and type "OP", instead of the P you get odd control characters)

Evidently this is because some keys share the same electrical paths and you only notice it when you type too quickly. People on the net say it was worse on the previous version of this keyboard.

2) The USB connection takes two cables and seems to be "stuffed into" the back. Basically, it seems too large to fit where it is placed. Also, there is only one available USB port on the keyboard so you lose ports rather than gain them.

3) There isn't a Caps Lock light so it's hard to tell if you are TYPING or just typing.

If I had purchased this keyboard on my own dime, I would have returned it. It's really too overpriced for all the flaws it has.

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Jan 15, 2008

Extremely pleased with your service and of course the wonderful keyboards

Don Brenneman by email

I just wanted to drop you a note to say how extremely pleased we are with your service and of course the wonderful keyboards.

I think my wife mentioned to you that we actually have purchased three Tactile Pro keyboard's for our two iMacs and one for my son's Mac Book Pro (this is an irony by the way since he works for Microsoft ). Also, sometime in the middle of last year, I purchased the black tactile pro keyboard for a Windows-based Dell at my work place which is operating just fine.

I just love the Tactile Pro 2.0 and will surely buy another one in the future just for another spare.

I would highly recommend the purchase of the Matias Tactile Pro 2.0 keyboard to anyone who owns an iMac if they long to the look and feel of the good old days and want a superior product---it is well worth the purchase price.

And to make things even better, Matias service is extraordinary. I will look for opportunities to purchase additional products from Matias in the future.

Many, many thanks,

Don Brenneman

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Jan 13, 2008

Matias Tactile Pro USB Review

cmcken1 (Los Angeles) on Amazon.com

I have all but worn out the letters on this board and it still works flawless. I recently upgraded to the later, version II. THe latter one has improved keyswitches over the first rev. The first rev required just a tad more force to down the key.

The key feel is very smooth on mine and sometimes, I can't feel home position. Other than these minor issues, this is the best keyboard for accuracy and speed that I have used. Both versions are very good although, I do like the USB II as the keys do not have as much side to side play and are a tad less springy feeling.

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Nov 23, 2007

Great keyboard

Kardnal (Toronto) on Amazon.com

I've had mine for over 4 years now, and its been fantastic keyboard. My only complaint is that it's not the easiest to clean, and that debris gets under the clear case.

Otherwise, I wish every keyboard I typed on was one of these.

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★ ★ ★ Nov 14, 2007

Fatal flaw

Michael Kosarin (New York, NY USA) on Amazon.com

Well, I don't look down a lot while I'm typing, but, my, is that an ugly keyboard with all those characters all over the place. Other than that -- feels quite sturdy, but definitely much louder clicking than other recent keyboards. One fatal flaw, and the reason it's going back -- no equals sign on the numpad! Not sure how they can call it a Mac keyboard and leave that out. The reason it's so important to me is that I use Finale for music notation, and it requires easy access to the equals sign. Back it goes.

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Oct 21, 2007

My review --

Anonymous in Mac|Life comments

Contrary to this reviewer, I didn't like the TTP 2, particularly compared to the TTP 1.

Was the review unit provided by Matias? I ask because many of the keyboards described in the wild seem to have problems like the ones I describe.

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Sep 17, 2007

Not so good

Anonymous in Mac|Life comments

I anxiously waited for this keyboard to arrive, after having pre-ordered it. I had borrowed a friend's Tactile Pro (first version) and loved the mechanical keys. Unfortunately, this keyboard has way too many "ghost" or "shadow" letters when I type. What happens is that you get an extra letter in your word if you type to fast.

It's too bad b/c this is one of the better feeling keyboards out there.

Hopefully version 3.0 will solve this.

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Jul 31, 2007

Caps Lock on - or not?

Rik in Mac|Life comments

I love my Tactile Pro 2.0 (and its easily accessible USB 2.0 port), except for one pain in the proverbial glutes that you didn't mention: Its lack of any indication - light or otherwise - that the Caps Lock key is engaged or not.

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Jun 17, 2007

Not what I expected

Christopher Hendrick "slackpacker" (Greenlawn, NY United States) on Amazon.com

I purchased the MTP Keyboard recently on the impression that I would be getting a Quality Keyboard worth $149. My purchase was based on that it was going to have a "New" Optimize Key on the keyboard that would allow you to assign certain functions to the keyboard like cut and paste to half the keyboard... it was a cool option. But after my order without emailing or telling its pre-orders Matias decided to scrap this option. It was still being advertised on its website... plus the keys were a new design and not the Alps Keys. To Top this off the Website also pictured the F13,F14,F15 Keys as having Lights on them.... they were mysteriously missing from the keyboard I had received.

Also The MTP HAS 2 (Two) USB CABLES hardwired to the left side of keyboard?! One of the reasons I Purchased it was I thought it was a USB 2 Hub.... (Matias still advertises this as a 2 port hub I only saw one port. Matias should change its description to it proper function - USB 2 Extender)... its 1 (ONE) usb 2 port has to be plugged into a second USB port... on a powerbook or MacBook pro this takes up every port and being a mobile user I cant see myself plugging in both every time... so a hub is still a must for the laptop user.

My Review before returning it.

The overall feel of the keyboard is cheap (the plastic just not quality I would expect) and the keyboard risers would probably break if any weight was put on the keyboard. Each Key wiggles slightly before you depress it. It does not have the tight feel of a quality keyboard. The angle of the Keyboard is also weird as well... it sits too high and you can't rest your wrists on your work surface and type without bending your hands up until its very uncomfortable.

I was hoping for more and at $149 you should expect it. The misrepresentations of the MTP on Matias's website were unforgivable. (Note as of this writing it looks as if Matias has updated the website to show the current model's picture)

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Jun 7, 2007

The best keyboard I've ever used

Chad W. Armstrong on Amazon.com

In the July of 2006, my Apple Pro keyboard finally gave up the ghost after 5 years of faithful service. I needed a new keyboard. The current-line of Apple keyboards are decent, but I'm not a big fan of the little "trays" on the keyboard on either side of the arrow keys which seem to just collect dirt and junk.

Remembering my fond memories of pounding on those high-key keyboards that the Macs had during my high school days, I began my search for a new keyboard. I ended up getting a Macally iKeySlim keyboard. The description and price looked good, but the feel of this keyboard was HORRIBLE. I was often missing letters while typing, which caused many typos and forced me to type even harder, even though the key action was relatively low. This was intolerable. And to top it all off, even though the iKeySlim has a power key on it, it couldn't start up older Macs. But the typing quality and feel of this keyboard just was not up to snuff, so I was off to find another keyboard.

After reading about the Matias Tactile Pro, it appeared to have everything I was looking for. It had two USB ports. It had a power button (which does start up older Macs). It has the volume and eject keys, in the same place as the Apple Pro keyboards. It looks great. And even by just looking at screen shots, the quality of the keyboard looked wonderful and solid. I didn't just want one. I NEEDED one.

After much searching for several months, I was finally able to secure a refurbished Tactile Pro keyboard.

I've had the Tactile Pro keyboard for several months, and I am immensely pleased with this keyboard. Everything I hoped for is there. The quality and feel are excellent. I have not experienced any technical glitches with this keyboard at all. This is very likely the best keyboard I've ever used. The power button even starts up my old PowerMac G4.

As other people have mentioned, this keyboard is pretty noisy in comparison to most other keyboards. It's not real loud, but it's loud enough to be annoying to people nearby. When I tried it out at work one day, someone asked if I had a speaker on my keyboard. No, the keys just click and echo fairly loudly. But that is likely the price to pay for such a wonderful feel.

As long as the Tactile 2 has the same quality as my keyboard, I would highly recommend getting one. Yes, it is pricey to pay $150 USD, but I would say it is entirely worth it, especially if you do a lot of typing. I would just recommend having your own office if you have one at work.

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Jun 10, 2006

Pricey, but a Great Keyboard

Mac guy "EMACS junkie" (Earth) on Amazon.com

After 1 second of use this became my favorite keyboard of all time. The keys have just the right amount of travel and tension. If you do a lot of text processing (e.g. programming) it is perfect. The CONTROL, and OPTION keys are IMO perfectly placed for use with such as EMACS.

It did arrive with 2 stuck keys but I was able to fix them. If this happens to you, go to the Matias website, there is a procedure there to fix it.

Only 1 warning: you better believe everybody who tells you this keyboard is loud. It is L-O-U-D. It is hilariously loud. You will not be able to use it in the same room with other entertainment devices such as televisions or CD players. Well, you can, obviously, but you will not be the most popular person in the room if you do.

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★ ★ ★ ★ Apr 28, 2006

Great keyboard, but lettering wears out too quickly!!!

D. Fleming "ozyr" on Amazon.com

The Tactile Pro keyboard is a great keyboard. I just love the feel of it and it's durability. I also like the simple fact that it has all the mac special keys, such as the volume controls keys and the CD eject.

On the minus side, which I noticed in another review, there is one big downside to this keyboard. I've had mine two years now, and just realized that the letters and symbols are wearing off on the left side of my keyboard. I have about 12 keys now that have partial or no symbols on them anymore, and a few were the letters are starting to come off too.

The symbols on the keyboard is one of the main reasons I bought this thing. I was going to replace this keyboard (I lost my receipt, thus no warranty), but am steering away from this, as I don't want another keyboard that the lettering comes off after time. I have 'never' seen a keyboard that has done this in over 20+ years!!! :(

05/05/06 update: Matias replaced my keyboard with a brand new one - no questions asked (besides proof of purchase). I would rate this a 'four' now because of the great online support, but still will not give this thing a '5' due to the 'rubbing off' issue.

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★ ★ ★ Apr 20, 2006

great keyboard, but it is LOUD

Ivan Cat (Redondo Beach, Ca USA) on Amazon.com

High quality. Nice feel to the keys. I like the feel alot. It's like an old school keyboard.

On the downside, this keyboard is loud, loud, loud. The keys aren't really the bad part. What is annoying is that there is a 'ringing echo' after each key is hit, and I personally find that really annoying.

Also on the downside, the plastic elevator feet at the back of the board feel cheap. The keyboard is rock solid laying flat, but feels plasticy when the feet are used to raise the angle.

6 MONTH UPDATE:

I have grown to LOVE this keyboard. I don't notice the noise anymore. The only competitive keyboard that comes close in feel is the Das Keyboard, and while i like its Darth Vader look, the keys are blank, no lettering or numbers and I can't get over that. Occasionally, I am forced to use another keyboard and I find myself longing for my beloved Tactile Pro. I would buy a second for backup, but there are none available at the time I'm writing this.

I still think the angled feet are bit cheap feeling, but honestly, I don't notice that when using the keyboard. My biggest complaint at this moment is that there is no 'Print Screen' button (I use the Tactile Pro with my PC) and that is annoying. And, no, just pressing the F14 button does NOT do the same thing, for some reason.

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Feb 6, 2006

Quickest and most comfortable keyboard I've used in many years

Sarvis on forums.macrumors.com

I've been using the Tactile Pro keyboard for the mac. It's quite loud, but otherwise it's the quickest and most comfortable keyboard I've used in many years.

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Feb 3, 2006

Awesome keyboard; just like the good ol' days

A. Drew "adrew" (Fort Worth, TX) on Amazon.com

I've wanted one of these since they were released. I got one for Christmas and have been very pleased with it. The keyboard that came with my 6-year-old G4 was starting to feel mushy and worn out. This one is anything but! It's the best keyboard I've used since the original, upgraded, heavy-duty Apple one from the 80's. I can type much faster than on a standard Apple keyboard, with improved accuracy to boot.

The only drawback is that it IS really noisy when you're typing quickly, so late-night typing is probably out of the question unless you have a dedicated office. Also, it'd probably annoy your co-workers if you brought one into the office.

It has the dedicated volume and media eject keys of all current Apple keyboards. And a power button. On the keyboard! On older Macs the button can be used to start up and shut down the computer, but recent ones lack the circuitry to power up from a keyboard signal. Still, you can summon the sleep/shut down dialog with the power button.

Another bonus is that -- apparently -- it's easy to take apart and clean out random crud that gets in there, unlike the Apple keyboards.

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★ ★ ★ ★ Jan 30, 2006

最後の?カチャカチャキーボード

ばんぺい on Amazon.co.jp

ただでさえ、Mac用のサードパーティ製キーボードはありません。しかも英語配列とくればなおさら。(まあ、そういう意味でも外国産になってしまうのですが。)そのうえこれは、キーを打つたびに”カチャカチャ”とかなり大きい音がします。古い時代からコンピュータを使っている人にはこたえられないキーボードです。時代にはマッチしないのかもしれませんが、私には「ヘコヘコ」キーボードよりもこれです!

しかし、一番人に近いインターフェースであるキーボードが、コスト低減でも先頭になっているのは納得いきませんね。アルプス製のメカニカルスイッチとしても最後と思います。

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★ ★ ★ ★ Sep 24, 2005

Good Keyboard, what's with the glitch

NS on Amazon.com

This is a great keyboard, the keys click like the old style computer keyboards. My girlfriend and I made a lot of typos on our standard apple keyboard because it was mushy and you never knew if you hit a key.

However, everytime I log out the keyboard assisstant comes up. I emailed tech support for matias, they responded it will appear once and you'll be done, I emailed back a month ago no, it comes up everytime, they have never responded. I can't find any info to help me on this online. It's annoying, but I'm keeping the keyboard because I can't type on the apple and this thing was expensive. I'm just hoping this problem doesn't last forever.

[Update] OSX update or something took away the keyboard assistant, no thanks to matias who never responded to me. However, I went to take off the top to clean, because underneath the strange clear plastic on top, dirt accumulates. Well, the cheap plastic tabs broke off, and the USB ports won't go back in place. 100 dollar matias now sitting on floor as I type on my apple OEM keyboard. Would change to 2 stars because you can't take care of it.

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★ ★ ★ ★ Sep 9, 2005

Great keyboard but key lettering wears off too quickly

T. Tom (SF Bay Area, CA United States) on Amazon.com

This is a great keyboard and is actually fun to type on. It's quite clicky, just how I like my keyboards. Be aware that it's a bit noisy to type on so if you are in an office or home situation, you could possibly annoy those around you with the sounds of your typing on this keyboard.

Also, I am dissappointed that the lettering on the keys seems not very sturdy. After just about a year, my Tactile Pro lettering is wearing off a little on certain often used keys. While this is a minor issue, it's an issue nevertheless. I've not had lettering on any other keyboards wear off to this extent.

The Tactile Pro has a great feel and after typing on it, there's no going back to a regular keyboard. But I wish it was a bit sturdier in terms of the lastibility of the lettering on the keys.

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Apr 1, 2005

The Matias is excellent

Dale on SmallDog.com

Wow. I've finally found a keyboard that can keep up.

Perhaps because I learned on typewriters or because I use a keyboard up to 12-14 hours a day, I've never been happy with newer, "membrane" keyboards. Even on my otherwise gorgeous Powerbooks, I get a lot of "double" letters unless I slow my typing to a crawl. Of perhaps a dozen keyboards around my home office, I can really only use one unknown third-party model that has "heavy" keys but at least the right travel to eliminate this problem.

I bought the Matias Tactile after examining it and another "mechanical" keyboard. I opted for the Matias because the other has a non-standard delete key. I'd be curious how it compares but for about $80 a pop, I'll wait.

Anyway, the Matias is excellent. I can probably clip along at 140 wpm with ease and have very few typos from the keyboard. The "touch" is almost perfect. The only drawback is it is noisy compared to membrane keyboards. On those mornings when I start work at 3 a.m. I may have to use a "newer" keyboard to keep from waking my wife!

Otherwise, this is great.

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★ ★ ★ ★ Mar 23, 2005

An excellent keyboard - for mac users and others.

S. Russell on Amazon.com

As a programmer, I bought this keyboard to use with a debian linux workstation running on an x86 PC. After remapping caps lock to be an additional control and learning that the alt key is slighty shifted, I am as fast and accurate with this keyboard as any other. The satisfying feel and light contact of the keys lets me type longer, and it is almost the perfect size. Having two USB ports on my desk is also a nice addition.

There is at least one "dead key" issue: I use control-alt-right (which works fine) and control-alt-left (which is dead on this keyboard) to switch desktops, so I had to reconfigure, and the "clover" keys are not mappable as modifiers - only as individual keys.

It would get one more star if there were no keypad, or if the keypad were seperate and I could free up the desk space to get my trackball a little closer to the action.

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★ ★ ★ ★ Oct 14, 2004

The Nimitz Sails again

RussWhite on SmallDog.com

The Nimitz Sails again I have a question for all of you old-school Tech Tails readers, do you remember the old Apple Nimitz keyboard? The name may not be familiar to you, as it was Apple's code-name for the Apple Extended Keyboard II, but you probably remember the keyboard, a huge slab keyboard with the best-feeling "clicky" keys I ever had the pleasure to type on.

The Apple codename "Nimitz" referred to the aircraft carrier of the same name, probably due to the massive footprint of the "flight deck" of this keyboard, in fact, early Nimitz prototypes were adorned with tiny plastic airplanes ;) gotta love Apple's sense of humor. :)

The thing was built like a tank. I actually spilled one of those 64-oz "Big Gulp" cups of water on it, not just once, but 2 different times, and thanks to a conveniently located wall switch for the power outlet, there was no damage to the 'board, as I was able to cut power to the machine in time. Admittedly, I shouldn't have had any liquids near my machine, but still, all I did was unplug the keyboard, clean up the spill, plug in my "backup" Nimitz (I have 3 of them) and it was good to go. I let the "bathed" keyboard dry for about a week or so and no problems since, works fine.

Unfortunately, such a nice keyboard is ADB only, and will not work directly with the USB based Macs, not without an adapter. When I got my Sawtooth G4, I even bought a USB to ADB adapter so I could use my Nimitz and Kensington Turbo Mouse 5.0 with it, as there was no way I was going to use the little "crampy" keyboard and "Hockey Puck" mouse with it.

The Apple Pro keyboard was a step in the right direction, but the problem with the Pro was that it was too "flat" and the keys had a soft, mushy feel, compared to the crisp action of the Nimitz. One of the problems in adjusting to Apple's USB keyboards was that since the keys had a soft feel and were low profile, it was easy to miss letters and spaces. My spelling error rate went up dramatically with the USB keyboards, but I adjusted to it, it just never felt as "natural" as the Nimitz.

The other thing I missed on the Pro keyboard was the power switch on the keyboard itself. I got so used to it on the Nimitz, and it was hard to let go. Using the Griffin PowerMate was a usable workaround (and it had those cool blue LED's ;) ), but it was nowhere near as elegant as having the power switch incorporated into the keyboard.

Thankfully, someone has heard the Nimitz users cries of "we want a real keyboard with a good typing feel, a power key on the keyboard itself (where it belongs) and a decent typing angle".

The Matais Tactile Pro is basically the same hardware as the Nimitz with a USB hookup. It looks remarkably similar to the white Apple Pro, just a little chunkier. The key caps themselves are taller and have a more positive action and a distinct tactile "click". The typing action is very similar to the Nimitz (I have one here beside the Tactile Pro to compare them side-by-side), the Nimitz still is better. It has the perfect balance between the clicky feel of the Tactile, and the soft feel of the Apple Pro. However since the Nimitz is ADB, the only way to use it on a modern Mac is thru an ADB to USB adapter like the Griffin iMate.

The other drawback to the Nimitz on a USB Mac is that you have no media control keys, no volume up/down/mute, although F12 can be used as the Eject CD key.

The Tactile has all the advantages of the Nimitz, the crisp typing feel, good ergonomics, a power button on the keyboard (where it belongs), as well as the media control keys, all in all, a worthy successor to the Nimitz.

Tactile Pro Advantages:

* crisp typing feel
* power button on the keyboard
* media control keys
* heavy, durable feel

Tactile Pro disadvantages:

* keys may be "too" clicky / loud for some people, it's not a "quiet" keyboard, you'll know when someone is typing from the key clicks

* Power button functionality varies according to what Mac it's used on. On my store Gigabit the power button does not power up the machine, it only pulls up the "do you want to shut down" dialog box. I have yet to try it on an older Sawtooth to see if it works to power up the machine or if it's simply a "shutdown only" power button.

* Matias driver software must be installed to take advantage of the media control keys. It's annoying to have to install a 3rd party driver to take advantage of the media keys, but once installed, the driver is invisible and unobtrusive.

Overall, the advantages of the Tactile Pro outweigh it's disadvantages, at least to me.

Rating; 8.5 (out of 10)

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Sep 25, 2004

A great keyboard - a great company - buy one!

25-year+ computer user on Amazon.com

I used an Apple Extended keyboard for years, and never thought I'd see anything like it again - and then I bought this keyboard. It's really wonderful - my typing is more accurate with it, and the inclusion of optional characters on the key caps is so helpful that I'm amazed no one's done it before. The company is also terrific. The first one I bought had two malfunctioning switches (which is rare based on all I've read), and they bent over backwards to make sure my replacement one worked. I'm strongly considering buying a second one so I can have one both at the office and at home - I'm completely sold on this. If you do a great deal of typing, do yourself a favor and get this keyboard!

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Jul 19, 2004

Great product!

Art Hendrikson, Warehouse Manager on SmallDog.com

People just rave about the "feedback" from this keyboard as they type. The "click-clacking" of the keys gives an aural confirmation that a key has been typed. You can even begin to sense when a keying error has been made because you can hear it occur. Great product!

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Jun 8, 2004

This keyboard (and the Kensington Expert Mouse Pro) should come standard with every Mac.

DavidSattler on SmallDog.com

It took two days to get used to this keyboard, which has a much different feel from Apple's mushy standard offering. Now typos are down and speed is up. Best of all, the "didn't hit the shift key at exactly the right time so the letter wasn't capitalized" problem has disappeared. (Other folks I know have complained about that as well.)

Curiously, on OS 9.2.2 the power key works but the volume and eject keys don't. On OS X 10.3.4 the opposite is true. And, yes, it is too loud to type while on the phone. (Bad for boring, long winded clients!)

Nice heavy keyboard, solid feel, the option and shift option characters are printed on the keys, which saves me time every day. This keyboard (and the Kensington Expert Mouse Pro) should come standard with every Mac.

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May 21, 2004

Buy this keyboard!

StephenFleming on SmallDog.com

My father owned a typewriter store. I could type before I could write. In high school, I routinely clocked myself at 110 words per minute on an IBM Selectric. (Remember those?) Given that background, I am very picky about computer keyboards. Almost all of them suck.

This one Doesn't Suck. (With apologies to Bare Bones Software, who has trademarked that phrase.)

I get the audible feedback that 99% of computer keyboards lack. I type faster and more accurately. I can find those fiddling little option characters, since they're printed on the keycaps. Basically, Matias got everything right.

The ONLY drawback is that I can't compose emails while on a boring conference call, since the keys are loud enough that the person on the other end of the speakerphone can hear me type. That's a pretty minor drawback.

Buy this keyboard!

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Apr 3, 2004

This keyboard has actually made me better!

Michael John Peters - RMUG on SmallDog.com

I bought the Matias Tactile Pro Keyboard, and I am very happy with my purchase. I am not a very good typist. In fact I am rather poor. This keyboard has actually made me better! I am not faster but when I hit a key it is hit and only one letter per touch appears so I am not constantly going back and correcting myself.

The reason for the firm feel of the keys is the mechanical key switches. Mac users who crave the feel of Apple's quality keyboards of old will love this keyboard. The Tactile Pro Keyboard uses high-quality Alps mechanical keyswitches, with enhanced tactile feedback for greater comfort and faster typing speeds.

I also like the special characters and symbols on each key. There is no need to launch another application to find that special symbol. For quick and easy reference, the Tactile Pro's key caps are clearly labeled with the international characters, accents, punctuation, and currency symbols that are available by holding down the Option or Shift+Option keys.

The Tactile Pro Keyboard has a 2-port USB hub. This can be used for quickly attaching USB peripherals, nothing beats the convenience of an in-keyboard USB hub. No more reaching through the tangle of wires behind your computer to download photos from your digital camera. Just plug it into the keyboard and you're ready to go. Works great with MP3 players, flash hard drives, joysticks, and mice too.

This keyboard also has standard Eject and Volume control keys. I really like the power button to turn my computer on and off "if needed" The Tactile Pro keyboard has the look and features of Apple's Pro Keyboard. It will look as good on your desk as your Mac does.

So... if you are tired of "mushy" keys do not mind a little clicking noise when typing I can recommend this keyboard for all computing/typing needs. The Tactile Pro Keyboard is built to last, and comes with a 5 year warranty.

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