There are really three things that I always tell people to invest money in when buying and setting up a new computer system. The first one is the display, since this part of the system will typically outlast the computer unit several times over. The second device is the mouse. Finally, the keyboard.
While there are loads of choices out there when it comes to keyboards, very few are made well. Most of the keyboards you find on the market today are terrible. Keys fade easily, keys become sticky/stuck, poor materials, and sometimes functions break down after extended use. Because your computing experience is so deeply tied into the keyboard, it’s important to know what you’re getting. Let’s see if the Das Keyboard can take the test.
Provided By: Das Keyboard
Price: $129.00
Closer Look:
The Das Keyboard is packaged in a white and red box; the front of the box features a large clear photo of the keyboard itself.
The rear of the keyboard’s packing has a specification list along with another clear picture of the keyboard itself.
The keyboard is wrapped in a foam bag.
Once removed from the packaging we find that the upper section of the keyboard body is a reflective glossy black. The glossy finish contrasts well with the micro-textured, laser etched keys which use top quality German engineered Cherry MX blue mechanical switches with gold contacts rated at 50 million keystrokes.
The underside of the keyboard has four rubber feet, insuring non slip operation and two retractable feet raise the rear up 0.5”.
Located at the right rear corner is a fully functional two port USB 2.0 hub, extended from the computer for convenient connection of peripherals; both the keyboard and the hub use 6.6 foot (2m) cables with the former being KVM compatible. Interestingly, the keyboard literature that both ports will function at the same time however if a high power device is connected to one the other will shut down to provide stability.
Features & Specification:
German-engineered mechanical key switches:
Das Keyboard compares to the legendary IBM Model M. Its best-in-class mechanical gold-plated key switches provide a tactile and audio click that makes typing a pure joy.
USB 2.0 hub:
The high-speed USB hub allows you to sync and charge your iPhone, iPod or any USB compatible devices.
Extra-long USB cable:
Das Keyboard sports a 2-meter (6.6ft) cable that goes through your desk grommet to keep your workspace neat and tidy.
N-key rollover:
Model S allows full n-key rollover with a PS2 adapter, and 6 keys with USB. Great for fast typists and gamers alike.
Key Information
- Cherry MX blue mechanical key switches with gold contacts (clicky tactile)
- Laser-etched key cap inscriptions to prevent fading
- Full n-key rollover with a PS2 adapter, and 6 keys with USB
- Enhanced 104-key layout
- Two Windows keys
Force-displacement diagram,
Cherry MX blue key switch: click tactile feel
Technical Information
- Glossy black upper enclosure with matching black USB cable – Darth Vader approved
- Two-port USB hub 1.1 and 2.0 compatible
- Blue LEDs
- Extra long two-meter (6.6-foot) USB cable
Even More Information
- Dimensions: 18in x 6.5in x 1in (thickest portion, feet not extended, 1.5in w/ extended feet)
- Weight: 1.36 kg (3 lbs)
- Compatible with PS/2 and USB KVM switches.
System Requirements
- PC or Mac, Windows, Linux, or Mac OS X
- 2 USB ports or 1 USB port + 1 PS/2 port
– USB to PS/2 adapter (included) - No driver required
- Mac users can swap the command/control
/options keys to match the Mac keyboard
layout using the Mac OS X keyboard control
panel
Conclusion:
The Das Keyboard S Professional fast typing experience is great, it’s great for typing long reviews such as this one. The weight of the unit, together with the large rubber feet, form a platform for input especially well-suited to production typists and energetic gamers. Occupying the space of a standard office keyboard, placement within a keyboard tray or upon modern computer desks or carts should not bring issues with regard to size. Additionally, thanks to the overall build quality it would not be surprising to hear, many years from now, that the unit had lasted for someone’s lifetime.
The Model S is a great keyboard and is definitely worth a look at if you’re a serious writer, programmer, gamer or just type a lot. It’s a quite pricey and will run you about $129. It’s a lot for a keyboard, but it’s a quality product and you’ll only appreciate it once you use it.
The Das Keyboard Model S Professional receives the Xtreme Tech Junkie’s Xtreme award.
