Driver

There is no dedicated software driver support for the Mistel MD650L Barocco keyboard—all functionality is hardware based. As such, I have chosen to combine the Driver and Performance pages into one. You may want to keep an eye on the firmware updater page for newer firmware, although at this time, there is none, which makes sense given the product is still new to the market.

Performance

There is full N-key rollover USB here out of the box, as Aqua's test confirms. Similarly, no key chatter was detected on all the keys using Switch Hitter.


You will need the manual, at least the first few times, to better understand the layered system here. As with any other smaller-than-TKL keyboard, functions that do not get a dedicated key are accessed via layers similar to how Shift + 1, say, gives an exclamation point. There are four layers in the MD659L Barocco, with the default layer identified by the legends on top of the stock keycaps as seen above. This default layer cannot be re-programmed, and for the better too, with the subsequent layers 1, 2, and 3 all available for customization. Fn + <, > and ? toggles through the other three layers, and the third LED at the bottom right of the keyboard's right half will light up red/green/blue respectively to indicate which of the three programmable layers you are on. Fn + M gets you back to the default layer, and there are already some pre-programmed functions for the default layer to access more options if you are not inclined to program anything.

The manual also goes over the programming procedure to re-assign keys or add macros to specific keys in these layers, and I do encourage spending some time here to get the keyboard to your liking. There is a good reason to program the keyboard as well since it is possible to use the left side of the keyboard by itself. Indeed, assuming you have programmed the keys available to your desire, you can use it as a dedicated game pad that makes good use of the split design. If you are handy enough, you could also have the required functions from the right side on the layers of the left side. Note that the right side is the master side, however, and the PCB is designed as such. In order to access programming, you have to connect both sides and plug the right side into your PC. There are a few other limitations when it comes to programming specific functions and keys, which are again explained in the manual, and I can definitely see where this can be potentially overwhelming to a few people. In return, you do get a better ergonomic typing experience in terms of being able to position the two sides of the keyboard to match your shoulder's width, which would ensure that both arms are in a natural, straight position. The smaller form factor also generally means your fingers have to travel less, which reduces fatigue over the long run. Oh, and there are even more options provided by the set of four dip switches we saw before; turning each switch on (default is off) swaps over the functionality of specific keys if you prefer a different layout. MacOS users, and even those who prefer the position of the default Caps Lock key but want it to be something else, will find the manual useful here too.


This is my first time using a keyboard with Cherry ML switches, so I have little to go by to test Mistel's claims on providing a better user experience with these switches than before. These switches were not very popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts even before lower profile switches as well as full profile switches with shorter travel distances were marketed to gamers. Indeed, the lack of keycap compatibility remains an issue here. These switches being PCB mount only, as well as coming in a single light tactile option, means you have an extremely small niche of a user base. Then there are the complaints about the keys "sticking" when hit off-center, especially with the larger keycaps. Mistel has attempted to get around this by using different stabilizers, and the use of a split keyboard also helps by not having a large space bar. As it is, typing on the MD650L Barocco is satisfying if you are remotely used to switches with an actuation force of ~45 gf, a tactile bump, and a 3 mm travel distance. Think of a truncated Cherry MX Brown, if you will, and realize that the form factor will pose a bigger challenge than the switches themselves, which I personally found to be more than adequate in this specific implementation.

As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the Mistel MD650L Barocco sample at ~80 WPM. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile switches. I had a mix of both bottoming out and not when typing slower and more deliberately, and the lack of an internal metal plate does mean you mostly hear the switch mechanism and keycaps hitting the PCB in this case.