Flix S 08/03/2023
The Filco MiniLa-R is the perfect device for someone looking for a compact, well-built and reliable 60% keyboard that excels where it matters the most: typing. It offers a compelling set of features that drew me to it:
- Wireless support with Bluetooth 5,1 (and quick-switch with up to 4 devices)
- Runs on AAdisposable batteries (internal batteries lose charge capacity over time)
- Excellent battery life (estimated eight months; even five would be impressive)
- 60% layout with thumb-operated Fn keys on both sides
- Backspace and Delete keys available on alpha keys
- Made in Taiwan by a respected manufacturer with excellent quality control
- Excellent build quality
I was specifically looking for a mechanical keyboard that felt and sounded good but above all was reliable. The MiniLa-R's build quality, materials and heft mean that it sounds and feels good out of the box, and will stay firmly put on your desk as you type. I got mine with Cherry MX Silent Red switches since I tend to write at night and need the keyboard to be somewhat quiet.
The two thumb-operated Fn keys take time to get used to, especially if you are used to using arrow keys along with the OptCmd and Shift modifiers (to move around and select text one-word or line at a time). But this is quickly done and one starts appreciating having Fn on both sides. For example, I am able to manipulate the mouse with my right hand and use the arrow keys with just the left hand.
If you touch type, the MiniLa's offering backspace and delete on alpha keys (; and m, respectively) mean that you can stay in your home position a lot more without having to reach.
I use the MiniLa with my MacBook Pro and my iPhone, and switching between the two is very easy and takes just a second or two with a single button press.
There are of course some limitations of which you should be aware:
- No RGB lights
- Limited modding potential (no hot-swappable PCB, non-standard keycap sizes on R4)
- Not programmable (and not compatible with QMKVIA),
- The patch keycap is useful only to adapt the keycaps to layout changes via DIP switch settings
- Arrow keys really only accessible via Fn keys (the alternative would mean relegating the ? to the Fn layer instead)
These things were not a concern to me as I got the MiniLa as a practical tool I could use out of the box.
Overall, I am thoroughly satisfied with the MIniLa-R and would recommend the keyboard if you're looking for a practical, reliable and well-built 60% keyboard that is a joy to type. I have no doubt it will last a very long time indeed, and easily longer than the computers I connect it to.
