7 ms·

Daskeyboard 4 Professional

36 points by kyledreger 12y ago

0x420 12y ago
I own the previous version and it's lovely, but the multimedia keys and volume wheel on this one might just be enough to convince me to update. Shame about the price tag.
bhhaskin 12y ago
Nice! I think I will have to check it out.
taternuts 12y ago
I don't really seeing 'thick' keyboards as being a pain-point for anyone buying mechanical keyboards, but the size of the actual board is. A lot of people start with a full board like this, then transition to a tenkey-less board or an even more reduced layout. The Das boards don't offer TKL/Reduced layouts, and even dwarfs most other full-sized boards as well because of that stupid bezel around the board. Das makes good quality boards, but they are just too big and clunky for me; I don't think being thin is going to help that at all.
- _random_ 12y ago
  The shorter is a keyboard the closer is the mouse to it. Your respective shoulder will be healthier long-term.
  - lomnakkus 12y ago
    This may sound trite, but: Use shortcuts instead of the mouse. (This is one reason that Emacs and Vim are incredible editors and tiling window managers absolutely rock. There's basically never a need to touch the mouse unless your stupid window manager has decided to defocus the window.)
    - _random_ 12y ago
      I use VS + R# so tend to use them already :). I still find the mouse useful.
      - lomnakkus 12y ago
        Sort of an off-the-wall question: Is (VS + R#) usage correlated with increased use of shortcuts? ;) Btw, I don't think the mouse is altogether useless, but I tend to regard it as a last resort. If only we could actually mandate UIs which required that all functionality could be accessed via the keyboard (and have it actually work). One can dream...
- JohnTHaller 12y ago
  I'm not sure that folks looking for reduced layouts are a target market for mechanical keyboards.
  - dlevine 12y ago
    Why not? I have a Tenkeyless (no numpad) keyboard with mechanical switches that I use every day. It takes up a lot less space, and I don't find that I need a numpad (thanks to using a laptop keyboard for many years). The Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro (https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400b https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hh...) is probably the ultimate geek keyboard, and it's a reduced layout mechanical KB.
    - retroencabulato 12y ago
      What makes it the ultimate geek keyboard, other than the name? I love my TKL, but I would never buy something without a Function row.
      - dlevine 12y ago
        I believe that it has modifier keys to allow access to function keys and the like. I think the idea is that all of the keys can be pressed without removing your hands from home row, so it's more efficient/faster than a regular keyboard once you get the hang of it. Kind of like how VIM purists will insist that you don't need to use arrow keys to navigate.
  - robbs 12y ago
    They for sure are. Search for "tenkeyless mechanical keyboard". There's a wide selection.
  - theOnliest 12y ago
    I switched to a compact version (Poker II) after developing some wrist pain from keeping the mouse so far from the typing position. The mechanical switches tend to hurt my wrists a lot less and the compact layout is ideal (with a bit of customization via KeyRemap4Macbook).
- doktrin 12y ago
  Completely agree. The only reason I'm using a full sized Das instead of a Filco tenkeyless is simply that the latter are harder to find in the US. In my case, my employer only orders office supplies through certain retailers which limits my selection. I never use the number pad, and wish more manufacturers would offer tenkeyless models.
  - tubbs 12y ago
    You could get a Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid, possibly. It's at a ton of retailers.
falcolas 12y ago
Given that Mac keyboards are mechanical keyboards (i.e. mechanical contacts, not membrane switches), I am not sure they can back up this claim. [EDIT:] I was wrong. Tore open my mac keyboard, and it's still a membrane switch, just one with good scissor workings to remove a number of the downsides of membrane switches. Even for the claim of slimmest cherry switch keyboards, I believe they'll end up fighting against Corsair [0] over that right. [0] http://www.corsair.com/en-us/vengeance-k90-performance-mmo-mechanical-gaming-keyboard http://www.corsair.com/en-us/vengeance-k90-performance-mmo-m...
- Wingman4l7 12y ago
  I've found that the scissor-style workings found in many "slim" or laptop keyboards mitigate nicely the general mushiness of membrane keyboards -- and as an added bonus, they have a short travel (if you like that sort of thing).
Splendor 12y ago
Daskeyboard makes nice products. I hope they introduce an ergonomic line in the future.
valarauca1 12y ago
I don't see how thing is a selling point. But then my keyboard is a model M...
post_break 12y ago
After switching to a mechanical keyboard that is backlit for night time gaming I'll never go back. This looks great, just wish they would reduct the footprint. I tried a Das and it was just enormous. My ducky keyboard even with the 10key was quiet smaller on my desk.
- numo16 12y ago
  I switched to KBT Pure Pro (http://imgur.com/CWHD5g2 http://imgur.com/CWHD5g2) about 6 months ago and am not turning back. Larger keyboards just feel wrong now.
  - post_break 12y ago
    Love it, but you know you can get the ducky's tenkey-less too?
darkstar999 12y ago
How loud are these things? Would I annoy my open floorplan office mates?
- doktrin 12y ago
  In a previous startup, I worked in an "open office" room with 4 other developers. Two of us used cherry MX brown key switches, and no-one seemed to mind. Blues are a different story. Personally, I can't even stand hearing myself type with blues, let alone someone else. If someone had the balls to bring one of those into an open office I would probably need noise cancelling headphones to work in the same space. As others have mentioned, the noise from brown mechanical switches is from the plastic bottoming out and not the switches themselves. Therefore, some keyboards are de-facto louder than others. My Das, for instance, is definitely more audible than my backlit gaming Max keyboard. Both use the same brown key switches, but the plastic & keyboard construction is different resulting in a more muted typing experience with the latter.
- Freaky 12y ago
  Browns are a bit quieter, but still quite clacky when you bottom the keys out. You can reduce that quite a bit using o-ring dampeners under every keycap. You might also look at a Matias Quiet Pro - they use custom switches based off old Alps designs (much more satisfying than Cherries, imo) and are a fair bit quieter out of the box: http://matias.ca/quietpro/ http://matias.ca/quietpro/
- 0x420 12y ago
  I work in an open office and my coworkers asked me to take my mechanical home (brown switches). I think it all depends on how tolerant your coworkers are. Edit: if you're careful not to bottom out, then it isn't so bad. O-rings can help dampen the sound otherwise.
  - dsuth 12y ago
    Your coworkers must be really sensitive (or mine are really tolerant). I've used brown switches in a Filco Majestouch for over a year, never had any complaints. I don't bottom out the keys, but there's a noticeable clack when the keys come back up to full extension. IOW, I don't think brown keys are unreasonable for shared work environments; they're not much louder than a standard Dell rubber-domed KB. The blue switches in my DasKeyboard at home however... I think I'll have to upgrade just to get something a bit quieter.
schrodingersCat 12y ago
This is a great design! I agree that this would be useful for anyone who is 1) Design conscious, and 2) enjoys typing on a mechanical keyboard (quite superior IMO). Will this ever be Available in DVORAK layout? Or, is this keyboard capable of being taken apart to change the layout (a pain, but I'm willing)?
- imperialWicket 12y ago
  It does come apart (you can buy keys with key tools in accessories). Or you could get the ultimate with blank keys.
- theintern 12y ago
  It's a Cherry MX keyboard. As far as I know, DVORAK keyboards just change which letters go where right? Then you can just pull the keycaps off and put them where ever you like. Aftermarket key caps are big among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and so almost all allow you to pull off the keys and arrange them how you want. That said, most keyboards have slightly different slopes on the different rows, so if a key goes into the wrong row it'll feel wrong, so it may be a good idea to go for the Das Ultimate, with blank keycaps, or any other mechanical and buy a set of blank key caps, they're about 30 dollars.
silverlake 12y ago
Why do so many keyboards still raise the back? I thought this is exactly wrong ergonomically because it forces your wrists to bend up. They should raise the front of the keyboard so it slopes downwards and leaves your wrists in a more natural position.
- sp332 12y ago
  Bend your fingers. Now straighten them. See how your fingertips trace out a curve? That's what the sloped keyboard is for. Your wrists should never bend up. If they do, either your chair is too low, or you're trying to put your wrists on the desk and type at the same time!
mberning 12y ago
Looks like they got rid of the dual USB cord which required plugging both cables in for full functionality. If so, good!
- tubbs 12y ago
  > Now equipped with only one USB cable to power keyboard and USB hub at the same time. yup
cschmidt 12y ago
I have a couple of mechanical keyboards, including a Daskeyboard. I love the feel, but after a few days, my wrists get sore and I can feel the RSI setting in. I never have any trouble with Apple keyboards, and the tiny amount of force they require. So they sit in my closet.
- mikevm 12y ago
  I agree. Plus these keyboards are terribly overpriced. I've been using the Logitech K750[0] which is wireless and a pleasure to type on (very soft). It also gets charged from any light source, so you don't have to think about replacing batteries. [0] http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/k750-keyboard?crid=26 http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/k750-keyboard?crid=26
  - FireBeyond 12y ago
    I wanted dearly to love the K750/760. But they feel cheap. And my unpleasantly creaked / flexed, adding to that sensation.
- wldlyinaccurate 12y ago
  This is normal after a few days as your fingers aren't used to the high force required to actuate the switches. Give it a week or so and the pain should subside -- your fingers will get stronger and you'll probably never want to use membrane keyboards again. Edit: It really depends on the switches, as well. Cherry MX greens, for example, have a much higher actuating force which some people find unpleasant even after long-term use. Browns and reds have a lower actuating force and are much nicer as a sort of "introduction" to mechanical keyboards.
  - cschmidt 12y ago
    Thanks for the suggestion. I looked and my Daskeyboard has MX Blue switches. I guess that is one of the clickier ones.
- bnejad 12y ago
  At the risk of sounding rude, what's your point? I don't know why you felt compelled to tell your mechanical keyboard horror story and how much better Apple keyboards are.. just odd.
vehementi 12y ago
The word "thin" does not appear on that page. To what are you referring?
- pettazz 12y ago
  Look at the third slide in the carousel at the top.
snorkel 12y ago
Huh? http://www.pcconnection.com/product/adesso-flexible-full-sized-usb-keyboard-with-ps-2-adapter-white/akb-230w/6574718 http://www.pcconnection.com/product/adesso-flexible-full-siz...
- sp332 12y ago
  That doesn't have mechanical key switches, which is what Das means by "mechanical keyboard".
  - snorkel 12y ago
    Yeesh, mechanical black keyboard, that's rather kind of like bragging about having a VHS player with fastest rewind feature.
    - sp332 12y ago
      Other than Topre switches, which are crazy expensive, what else would feel as nice as typing on these?
    - theintern 12y ago
      You've clearly not typed on one. Many people much prefer the experience of typing on a mechanical keyboard than a standard rubber dome one. Try one and see, there is a very tangible difference.
- zszugyi 12y ago
  thinnest mechanical keyboard
zura 12y ago
No `small backspace; big enter` layout?
Kiro 12y ago
Should I order blue or brown?
- pcunite 12y ago
  I like Black MX keys so I would tend toward Brown. It is very personal.
- drglitch 12y ago
  These keyboards are awesome but pretty loud. Be sure you don't mind people on the phone not hearing you if you're talking and typing. Once you've typed on this thing for some time, there is no going back though (except, maybe MacBook keyboards, which are also superb)
  - falcolas 12y ago
    If it's not a Cherry MX blue switch, the only sound is from the key hitting bottom. Since this is not required for key actuation, you don't have to push the keys all the way to the bottom, and can actually even add rubber bumpers[0] to the keys to reduce this noise. [0] http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-accessories/cherry-mx-rubber-o-ring-switch-dampeners-125pcs.html http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-acc...
- highace 12y ago
  That's a huge question. There's plenty of youtube vids comparing the two, I think this one [1] shows the difference quite well. Both blues and browns feel very similar, but the blues are much louder. Browns are already quite loud, and IMO blues are too loud - especially if you're in the same room as others. I went for browns. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp46JeDDTCw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp46JeDDTCw
- falcolas 12y ago
  Blue - different actuation points down and up. Typically better for typing. Has an audible click sound due to a plastic piece actually moving up and down to actuate the switch. Very strong tactile notification that the actuation has happened. Brown - Same actuation point up and down. Has a tactile bump at the actuation point, but no audible click. Not as strong of a tactile sensation, since there's no moving piece to spring around on the key while traveling. About halfway down, this page illustrates the different key types and how they work mechanically: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-the-best-mechanical-keyboard-and-why-you-511140347 http://lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-the-best-mechanical-keyb...
pcunite 12y ago
Make a tenkey-less version and I might be in.
mmanfrin 12y ago
Anyone with other Das keyboards and a Mac run in to an issue with the keyboard not responding if they mac goes to sleep?
- dsuth 12y ago
  Never noticed that problem, although I do habitually click my mouse to wake from sleep...
dljsjr 12y ago
I used a Das Keyboard for a little over a year, and I loved it. I have fond memories of it, and it's a very well built and super solid product. I've long been a fan of mechanical keyboards. I used to use an Apple Extended Keyboard II at home, and a Das Keyboard at work, and I thought I was in heaven. But one day I had to do some maintenance on some random computer in a closet at work, and the only spare keyboard we had sitting around was one of the old Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000's, and using the split-wave layout was a revelation. I was officially intrigued by ergonomic keyboards. I've since tried typing on a Truly Ergonomic and an ErgoDox, looking for the sweet spot between mechanical and ergonomic, but it just wasn't the same. I have yet to try a Kinesis Advantage because I don't know anybody that owns one. I now have two Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic keyboards, one at home and one at work. And I love them. I didn't even realize that normal keyboards were causing me pain until I had to switch back to my old Das temporarily for a day and the whole of both of my forearms were on fire at the end of it. But in spite of all that, I still really really miss the Cherry MX Blue switches from my old Das Keyboard. My point is that my dream keyboard, ignoring whether or not it's possible/feasible, would be a split-wave Microsoft-style ergonomic form factor with Cherry switches. If somebody out there put up a kickstarter for a keyboard like that tomorrow, I would empty my wallet backing the project. Maybe the Das Keyboard folks are here reading this. A boy can dream.
- dewarrn1 12y ago
  Agreed, the MS 4000's split design helped tremendously with my ulnar nerve irritation. Keeping my wrists aligned with my forearms is the key. I've also been keeping an eye out for a mechanical keyboard in a similar form factor without any luck. The few alternatives that I've seen are such an enormous price premium over the 4000 that I can't justify the expense. Maybe I'll be the second contributor to your putative Kickstarter campaign.
- subsection1h 12y ago
  > I have yet to try a Kinesis Advantage because I don't know anybody that owns one. [...] I would empty my wallet backing [...] You would empty your wallet backing a Kickstarter project but you won't spend a couple hundred dollars on a Kinesis Advantage? I don't understand. I have two Kinesis Advantages and I plan to buy another when the new version is released.
FootballMuse 12y ago
I'm sad there is no backlight option available like the WASD Code Keyboard.
bcarrell 12y ago
I use a Kinesis Advantage LF (Cherry Red switches) at home and work and it's a complete dream. I really recommend it to anyone, especially programmers, though it is pretty expensive. Your coworkers will probably make fun of you though. Before that, I used an Apple keyboard, and it gave me continuous RSI symptoms. The ability to hardware remap all the keys is nice too. I doubt I'll ever use a non-ergonomic keyboard again.
chiph 12y ago
Time for an upgrade from my current dasKeyboard. USB 3, with a single cord -- yayy! The built-in hub now faces to the back, so I don't hit it with the mouse -- yayy! Still no palm rest, though...

36 points by kyledreger 12y ago

0x420 12y ago

I own the previous version and it's lovely, but the multimedia keys and volume wheel on this one might just be enough to convince me to update. Shame about the price tag.

bhhaskin 12y ago

Nice! I think I will have to check it out.

taternuts 12y ago

I don't really seeing 'thick' keyboards as being a pain-point for anyone buying mechanical keyboards, but the size of the actual board is. A lot of people start with a full board like this, then transition to a tenkey-less board or an even more reduced layout. The Das boards don't offer TKL/Reduced layouts, and even dwarfs most other full-sized boards as well because of that stupid bezel around the board. Das makes good quality boards, but they are just too big and clunky for me; I don't think being thin is going to help that at all.

_random_ 12y ago
The shorter is a keyboard the closer is the mouse to it. Your respective shoulder will be healthier long-term.
- lomnakkus 12y ago
  This may sound trite, but: Use shortcuts instead of the mouse. (This is one reason that Emacs and Vim are incredible editors and tiling window managers absolutely rock. There's basically never a need to touch the mouse unless your stupid window manager has decided to defocus the window.)
  - _random_ 12y ago
    I use VS + R# so tend to use them already :). I still find the mouse useful.
    - lomnakkus 12y ago
      Sort of an off-the-wall question: Is (VS + R#) usage correlated with increased use of shortcuts? ;) Btw, I don't think the mouse is altogether useless, but I tend to regard it as a last resort. If only we could actually mandate UIs which required that all functionality could be accessed via the keyboard (and have it actually work). One can dream...
JohnTHaller 12y ago
I'm not sure that folks looking for reduced layouts are a target market for mechanical keyboards.
- dlevine 12y ago
  Why not? I have a Tenkeyless (no numpad) keyboard with mechanical switches that I use every day. It takes up a lot less space, and I don't find that I need a numpad (thanks to using a laptop keyboard for many years). The Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro (https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400b https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hh...) is probably the ultimate geek keyboard, and it's a reduced layout mechanical KB.
  - retroencabulato 12y ago
    What makes it the ultimate geek keyboard, other than the name? I love my TKL, but I would never buy something without a Function row.
    - dlevine 12y ago
      I believe that it has modifier keys to allow access to function keys and the like. I think the idea is that all of the keys can be pressed without removing your hands from home row, so it's more efficient/faster than a regular keyboard once you get the hang of it. Kind of like how VIM purists will insist that you don't need to use arrow keys to navigate.
- robbs 12y ago
  They for sure are. Search for "tenkeyless mechanical keyboard". There's a wide selection.
- theOnliest 12y ago
  I switched to a compact version (Poker II) after developing some wrist pain from keeping the mouse so far from the typing position. The mechanical switches tend to hurt my wrists a lot less and the compact layout is ideal (with a bit of customization via KeyRemap4Macbook).
doktrin 12y ago
Completely agree. The only reason I'm using a full sized Das instead of a Filco tenkeyless is simply that the latter are harder to find in the US. In my case, my employer only orders office supplies through certain retailers which limits my selection. I never use the number pad, and wish more manufacturers would offer tenkeyless models.
- tubbs 12y ago
  You could get a Cooler Master QuickFire Rapid, possibly. It's at a ton of retailers.

falcolas 12y ago

Given that Mac keyboards are mechanical keyboards (i.e. mechanical contacts, not membrane switches), I am not sure they can back up this claim. [EDIT:] I was wrong. Tore open my mac keyboard, and it's still a membrane switch, just one with good scissor workings to remove a number of the downsides of membrane switches. Even for the claim of slimmest cherry switch keyboards, I believe they'll end up fighting against Corsair [0] over that right. [0] http://www.corsair.com/en-us/vengeance-k90-performance-mmo-mechanical-gaming-keyboard http://www.corsair.com/en-us/vengeance-k90-performance-mmo-m...

Wingman4l7 12y ago
I've found that the scissor-style workings found in many "slim" or laptop keyboards mitigate nicely the general mushiness of membrane keyboards -- and as an added bonus, they have a short travel (if you like that sort of thing).

Splendor 12y ago

Daskeyboard makes nice products. I hope they introduce an ergonomic line in the future.

valarauca1 12y ago

I don't see how thing is a selling point. But then my keyboard is a model M...

post_break 12y ago

After switching to a mechanical keyboard that is backlit for night time gaming I'll never go back. This looks great, just wish they would reduct the footprint. I tried a Das and it was just enormous. My ducky keyboard even with the 10key was quiet smaller on my desk.

numo16 12y ago
I switched to KBT Pure Pro (http://imgur.com/CWHD5g2 http://imgur.com/CWHD5g2) about 6 months ago and am not turning back. Larger keyboards just feel wrong now.
- post_break 12y ago
  Love it, but you know you can get the ducky's tenkey-less too?

darkstar999 12y ago

How loud are these things? Would I annoy my open floorplan office mates?

doktrin 12y ago
In a previous startup, I worked in an "open office" room with 4 other developers. Two of us used cherry MX brown key switches, and no-one seemed to mind. Blues are a different story. Personally, I can't even stand hearing myself type with blues, let alone someone else. If someone had the balls to bring one of those into an open office I would probably need noise cancelling headphones to work in the same space. As others have mentioned, the noise from brown mechanical switches is from the plastic bottoming out and not the switches themselves. Therefore, some keyboards are de-facto louder than others. My Das, for instance, is definitely more audible than my backlit gaming Max keyboard. Both use the same brown key switches, but the plastic & keyboard construction is different resulting in a more muted typing experience with the latter.
Freaky 12y ago
Browns are a bit quieter, but still quite clacky when you bottom the keys out. You can reduce that quite a bit using o-ring dampeners under every keycap. You might also look at a Matias Quiet Pro - they use custom switches based off old Alps designs (much more satisfying than Cherries, imo) and are a fair bit quieter out of the box: http://matias.ca/quietpro/ http://matias.ca/quietpro/
0x420 12y ago
I work in an open office and my coworkers asked me to take my mechanical home (brown switches). I think it all depends on how tolerant your coworkers are. Edit: if you're careful not to bottom out, then it isn't so bad. O-rings can help dampen the sound otherwise.
- dsuth 12y ago
  Your coworkers must be really sensitive (or mine are really tolerant). I've used brown switches in a Filco Majestouch for over a year, never had any complaints. I don't bottom out the keys, but there's a noticeable clack when the keys come back up to full extension. IOW, I don't think brown keys are unreasonable for shared work environments; they're not much louder than a standard Dell rubber-domed KB. The blue switches in my DasKeyboard at home however... I think I'll have to upgrade just to get something a bit quieter.

schrodingersCat 12y ago

This is a great design! I agree that this would be useful for anyone who is 1) Design conscious, and 2) enjoys typing on a mechanical keyboard (quite superior IMO). Will this ever be Available in DVORAK layout? Or, is this keyboard capable of being taken apart to change the layout (a pain, but I'm willing)?

imperialWicket 12y ago
It does come apart (you can buy keys with key tools in accessories). Or you could get the ultimate with blank keys.
theintern 12y ago
It's a Cherry MX keyboard. As far as I know, DVORAK keyboards just change which letters go where right? Then you can just pull the keycaps off and put them where ever you like. Aftermarket key caps are big among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and so almost all allow you to pull off the keys and arrange them how you want. That said, most keyboards have slightly different slopes on the different rows, so if a key goes into the wrong row it'll feel wrong, so it may be a good idea to go for the Das Ultimate, with blank keycaps, or any other mechanical and buy a set of blank key caps, they're about 30 dollars.

silverlake 12y ago

Why do so many keyboards still raise the back? I thought this is exactly wrong ergonomically because it forces your wrists to bend up. They should raise the front of the keyboard so it slopes downwards and leaves your wrists in a more natural position.

sp332 12y ago
Bend your fingers. Now straighten them. See how your fingertips trace out a curve? That's what the sloped keyboard is for. Your wrists should never bend up. If they do, either your chair is too low, or you're trying to put your wrists on the desk and type at the same time!

mberning 12y ago

Looks like they got rid of the dual USB cord which required plugging both cables in for full functionality. If so, good!

tubbs 12y ago
> Now equipped with only one USB cable to power keyboard and USB hub at the same time. yup

cschmidt 12y ago

I have a couple of mechanical keyboards, including a Daskeyboard. I love the feel, but after a few days, my wrists get sore and I can feel the RSI setting in. I never have any trouble with Apple keyboards, and the tiny amount of force they require. So they sit in my closet.

mikevm 12y ago
I agree. Plus these keyboards are terribly overpriced. I've been using the Logitech K750[0] which is wireless and a pleasure to type on (very soft). It also gets charged from any light source, so you don't have to think about replacing batteries. [0] http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/k750-keyboard?crid=26 http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/k750-keyboard?crid=26
- FireBeyond 12y ago
  I wanted dearly to love the K750/760. But they feel cheap. And my unpleasantly creaked / flexed, adding to that sensation.
wldlyinaccurate 12y ago
This is normal after a few days as your fingers aren't used to the high force required to actuate the switches. Give it a week or so and the pain should subside -- your fingers will get stronger and you'll probably never want to use membrane keyboards again. Edit: It really depends on the switches, as well. Cherry MX greens, for example, have a much higher actuating force which some people find unpleasant even after long-term use. Browns and reds have a lower actuating force and are much nicer as a sort of "introduction" to mechanical keyboards.
- cschmidt 12y ago
  Thanks for the suggestion. I looked and my Daskeyboard has MX Blue switches. I guess that is one of the clickier ones.
bnejad 12y ago
At the risk of sounding rude, what's your point? I don't know why you felt compelled to tell your mechanical keyboard horror story and how much better Apple keyboards are.. just odd.

vehementi 12y ago

The word "thin" does not appear on that page. To what are you referring?

pettazz 12y ago
Look at the third slide in the carousel at the top.

snorkel 12y ago

Huh? http://www.pcconnection.com/product/adesso-flexible-full-sized-usb-keyboard-with-ps-2-adapter-white/akb-230w/6574718 http://www.pcconnection.com/product/adesso-flexible-full-siz...

sp332 12y ago
That doesn't have mechanical key switches, which is what Das means by "mechanical keyboard".
- snorkel 12y ago
  Yeesh, mechanical black keyboard, that's rather kind of like bragging about having a VHS player with fastest rewind feature.
  - sp332 12y ago
    Other than Topre switches, which are crazy expensive, what else would feel as nice as typing on these?
  - theintern 12y ago
    You've clearly not typed on one. Many people much prefer the experience of typing on a mechanical keyboard than a standard rubber dome one. Try one and see, there is a very tangible difference.
zszugyi 12y ago
thinnest mechanical keyboard

zura 12y ago

No `small backspace; big enter` layout?

Kiro 12y ago

Should I order blue or brown?

pcunite 12y ago
I like Black MX keys so I would tend toward Brown. It is very personal.
drglitch 12y ago
These keyboards are awesome but pretty loud. Be sure you don't mind people on the phone not hearing you if you're talking and typing. Once you've typed on this thing for some time, there is no going back though (except, maybe MacBook keyboards, which are also superb)
- falcolas 12y ago
  If it's not a Cherry MX blue switch, the only sound is from the key hitting bottom. Since this is not required for key actuation, you don't have to push the keys all the way to the bottom, and can actually even add rubber bumpers[0] to the keys to reduce this noise. [0] http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-accessories/cherry-mx-rubber-o-ring-switch-dampeners-125pcs.html http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keyboard-acc...
highace 12y ago
That's a huge question. There's plenty of youtube vids comparing the two, I think this one [1] shows the difference quite well. Both blues and browns feel very similar, but the blues are much louder. Browns are already quite loud, and IMO blues are too loud - especially if you're in the same room as others. I went for browns. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp46JeDDTCw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp46JeDDTCw
falcolas 12y ago
Blue - different actuation points down and up. Typically better for typing. Has an audible click sound due to a plastic piece actually moving up and down to actuate the switch. Very strong tactile notification that the actuation has happened. Brown - Same actuation point up and down. Has a tactile bump at the actuation point, but no audible click. Not as strong of a tactile sensation, since there's no moving piece to spring around on the key while traveling. About halfway down, this page illustrates the different key types and how they work mechanically: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-the-best-mechanical-keyboard-and-why-you-511140347 http://lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-the-best-mechanical-keyb...

pcunite 12y ago

Make a tenkey-less version and I might be in.

mmanfrin 12y ago

Anyone with other Das keyboards and a Mac run in to an issue with the keyboard not responding if they mac goes to sleep?

dsuth 12y ago
Never noticed that problem, although I do habitually click my mouse to wake from sleep...

dljsjr 12y ago

I used a Das Keyboard for a little over a year, and I loved it. I have fond memories of it, and it's a very well built and super solid product. I've long been a fan of mechanical keyboards. I used to use an Apple Extended Keyboard II at home, and a Das Keyboard at work, and I thought I was in heaven. But one day I had to do some maintenance on some random computer in a closet at work, and the only spare keyboard we had sitting around was one of the old Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000's, and using the split-wave layout was a revelation. I was officially intrigued by ergonomic keyboards. I've since tried typing on a Truly Ergonomic and an ErgoDox, looking for the sweet spot between mechanical and ergonomic, but it just wasn't the same. I have yet to try a Kinesis Advantage because I don't know anybody that owns one. I now have two Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic keyboards, one at home and one at work. And I love them. I didn't even realize that normal keyboards were causing me pain until I had to switch back to my old Das temporarily for a day and the whole of both of my forearms were on fire at the end of it. But in spite of all that, I still really really miss the Cherry MX Blue switches from my old Das Keyboard. My point is that my dream keyboard, ignoring whether or not it's possible/feasible, would be a split-wave Microsoft-style ergonomic form factor with Cherry switches. If somebody out there put up a kickstarter for a keyboard like that tomorrow, I would empty my wallet backing the project. Maybe the Das Keyboard folks are here reading this. A boy can dream.

dewarrn1 12y ago
Agreed, the MS 4000's split design helped tremendously with my ulnar nerve irritation. Keeping my wrists aligned with my forearms is the key. I've also been keeping an eye out for a mechanical keyboard in a similar form factor without any luck. The few alternatives that I've seen are such an enormous price premium over the 4000 that I can't justify the expense. Maybe I'll be the second contributor to your putative Kickstarter campaign.
subsection1h 12y ago
> I have yet to try a Kinesis Advantage because I don't know anybody that owns one. [...] I would empty my wallet backing [...] You would empty your wallet backing a Kickstarter project but you won't spend a couple hundred dollars on a Kinesis Advantage? I don't understand. I have two Kinesis Advantages and I plan to buy another when the new version is released.

FootballMuse 12y ago

I'm sad there is no backlight option available like the WASD Code Keyboard.

bcarrell 12y ago

I use a Kinesis Advantage LF (Cherry Red switches) at home and work and it's a complete dream. I really recommend it to anyone, especially programmers, though it is pretty expensive. Your coworkers will probably make fun of you though. Before that, I used an Apple keyboard, and it gave me continuous RSI symptoms. The ability to hardware remap all the keys is nice too. I doubt I'll ever use a non-ergonomic keyboard again.

chiph 12y ago

Time for an upgrade from my current dasKeyboard. USB 3, with a single cord -- yayy! The built-in hub now faces to the back, so I don't hit it with the mouse -- yayy! Still no palm rest, though...