The Matias Quiet
Pro keyboard answers the need for a real mechanical keyboard that won’t drive
you or your colleagues mad by a noisy clickety-click key action.
The keyboard is not always high on the list
of considerations for those buying a new computer or looking to upgrade their old
one. Some may prefer to spend money on a high-end monitor, or cram in as much
RAM as possible. However, for this writer, the keyboard is one of the most important
components of a computer, or even the most important one. For over 10 years,
which meant a split-design ergonomic keyboard in the vein of Microsoft’s
Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 - at least when not using a laptop. Of course,
that style takes time to get used to, but it has some obvious benefits for comfort
(still not mention that it is good for your wrist) over the long term.
Matias
Quiet Pro keyboard
However, recently, that old standby has
given way to a mechanical keyboard with a traditional design – specifically the
Matias Tactile Pro 3. A split-design mechanical keyboard would be perfect, but
unfortunately, those are quite rare. While a keyboard like Natural Ergonomic
Keyboard 4000 has advantages over normal keyboard in terms of general comfort,
it still feels like a normal keyboard. This means, it's quite mushy and generally
less tactile given its use of a rubber membrane for the keys instead of the individual
switches found in a mechanical model like the Tactile Pro.
The
Matias Tactile Pro 3 with traditional design
Anyone who has used both can authenticate
the noticeable difference immediately. With a good mechanical keyboard, you do
not have to worry about a key press not registering; the keys have more spring
to them for a crisper feel and (here is the contentious part for some) they
make more noise. It is not a typewriter-style racket, but there’s a good chance
you will be frowned upon if you’re sharing a desk with someone, or are trying
to take notes while on a conference call. The potential problems that led Matias
to try something different with its newest keyboard – one that the company
claims is world’s quietest mechanical keyboard. Did it deliver? Keep on reading
to find out.
Hardware
There aren’t many surprises to be found
with the appearance of the Quiet Pro. The Windows-specific model is all black
with a shiny surface, while the Mac version is silver and black color scheme
(and a matte surface) that keeps everything on par with the current state of Apple
- although with less of a luxurious feel in terms of construction. Matias has
kept the overall design the same as the Tactile Pro in both cases: the same
design as the old Pro keyboard of Apple with no decorations beyond three USB
2.0 ports, only the basics in terms of additional keys, two legs underneath to build
it up and a 6-foot-long USB cable (no wireless option here). The PC model also
adds a tab key at the top of the keypad to help people who are typing data.
The
Matias quiet Pro is all black with a shiny surface
However, the real selling point here is the
keys, and in that respect, Matias has largely delivered. While it is slightly louder
than the membrane-based normal keyboard, the Quiet Pro is very quiet by mechanical
keyboard standards. There is just enough of sound to provide that assurance
that each key is being hit, but if anyone nearby is bothered by you, it is not
the keyboard’s fault.
The feel of the keys is a slightly more complicated
problem. Matias say they spent more than two years working on a new type of key
switch - a modified ALPS switch that they named Quiet Click - and indeed, they
has released something unique. There’s no mistaking the keys for those on a
traditional mechanical keyboard, but they are not sure or definitely feel like
a traditional mechanical keyboard as the Tactile Pro. Of course, that is to be
expected, considering that we are dealing with many plastic and moving parts,
and the fact they feel as good as they do while also dampening the noise is quite
an achievement. It’s also worth saying that the keys themselves have beveled, or
sculpted, keytops, another once-standard feature that’s sadly becoming far less
commonplace.
The
keyboard’s design helps to reduce noise
Indeed, the key switches are so unique that
Matias is even planning to sell them to other companies and those who prefer
going the DIY route. The company tells us those will first be available in
approximately a month in batches of 800 for $100, and it says it’s also looking
at selling packs of 200 for about $50- $60. There’s no confirmation yet from
any other companies planning to use them in their keyboards, but at least some
have expressed an interest.
Wrap-up
Matias
Quiet Pro is considered the world’s quietest mechanical keyboard
Obviously, $150 is a lot of money to spend
on a keyboard. However, if you intend to write more, that’s at least worth
considering - whether you plan to spend it on this particular keyboard or another.
Considering that it will probably outlast your current computer, and possibly
another one after that, it can be seen as something more akin to an investment
in a decent chair than your regular computer upgrade.
About the Quiet Pro, it is a great
participation in the world of mechanical keyboards for those who fear that the
clickety-clack of a traditional model will be too much for you (or your
colleagues) to take. However, if you are a purist, we would suggest that you
try one out before you buy it, if possible - or at least, keep your
expectations in check after ordering. Maybe you will find a compromise between
feelings / noise is worthy, but there is a bit of a trade-off. However, overall,
a keyboard can easily justify price tag.
Technical
specs
General
·
Type: Standard
·
Ergonomic design: Standard / straight
Keys
·
Simultaneous key presses: Yes
·
Key mechanism: Integrated
Connection
·
Connection type: Wired (USB)
·
Integrated USB hub: Yes
·
USB: 2.0 (2 ports)
Size & weight
·
Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.38 x 18.13 x 6.5
inches
·
Weight: 2.75 pounds
Pricing and availability
·
Released: September 21, 2012
·
Original price: $149
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