Pros: If you grew up using IBM keyboards - or even Selectric Typewriters! - the tactile feel of those keys was far superior to the mushy mess that most modern keyboards have. DAS uses Cherry MX Blue switches for this keyboard; the closest to the clicky goodness of previous generations. Yes, they're somewhat noisy. If you need to actually type on a regular basis, however, this is the keyboard for you.
Overall construction is superb. The plastic case feels sturdy enough to drive nails. We have several DAS keyboards in the office. The oldest dates from 2008 and still functions perfectly although the key markings are somewhat faded. Newer keyboards (from 2009 or 2010) have more robust key markings and hold up even better.
Several other companies offer Cherry Blue-equipped keyboards. I prefer the DAS implementation for work use, as it offers just the basic set of keys, perfectly arranged. If gaming is a consideration and you need a vast array of customizeable keys, buy a different keyboard. For pure typing efficiency, you be, pardon the pun, hard pressed to best this baby.
Cons: As others mentioned below, the space bar has a different feel from the other keys. The "silent" version of the DAS keyboard (Cherry MX Brown switches) does not suffer from this flaw. Initially, the different response from the space bar was a distraction, but after a day's typing, I no longer noticed.
When making a headset phone call, the clickety-clack does come through. Hard to stealth-type on a conference call without judicious use of the mute button.
The USB hub is unpowered, making it suitable for only some uses. You also have to decide between using the PS/2 plug and USB. PS/2 connection is needed if you are a seriously fast typist - I'm not in that league - who is capable of out-typing the USB interface.
Overall Review: An outstanding performer as long as you do not need many customizeable keys. If DAS fixed the feel of the spacebar, it would be perfect.
Pros: Love the blue switches
Solid, heavy feel
Thick rugged cord
Cons: One star off because I've only had this keyboard two weeks and I can already see slight fading on high-traffice keys. I type on this 8+ hours a day. We'll see how they hold up...
Overall Review: Great keyboard, wish it was back-lit but I knew what I was buying.
Pros: compared to my old keyboards this is amazing. It does everything, from gaming to just writing a letter. Best keyboard I've ever gotten. It's Durable and feels sturdy, it feels like a quality keyboard.
Cons: none
Overall Review: If you do not like the loudness of this keyboard they make the Model S for those who like quiet keyboards.
Pros: Cherry Blue Switches! Amazing response. Either it be for gaming, or just typing. I like the 2 USB hubs makes it great for me plugging in my mobile phone for a charge / swapping, adding files.
Cons: Nothing as of yet.
Overall Review: I'm not a fanboy, or worker for Das's company. But after having my razer mechanical keyboard go bye bye. This keyboard was recommended, and couldn't be happier.
Pros: I've been a CompTIA A+ & Network+ Certified technician and IT small business owner for nearly 8 years. Throughout this period of time, I've utilized keyboards ranging from old DIN connector type keyboards to the latest and greatest USB interfaced and wireless keyboards... I will have to say that the Das Keyboard w/ the Cherry Blue MX switches is perhaps the most pleasurable typing experience I've ever encountered. Perhaps its just the feeling of the switches being pressed/depressed and the clicking sound of the Blue MX switch design, but whenever you prepare your individual fingers on the "home row" position and move forward with your first keystrokes, you just simply can't stay away from this versatile, beautifully-built keyboard!
Cons: Perhaps the only con I can see is the fact that it is a basic keyboard; there aren't the crazy amounts of shortcut or hotkey buttons that other modern day keyboards come with standard. However, the focus of this keyboard should be on the typing experience, just as a luxury sports car should focus on the driving experience; the BMW M3 CSL comes with all major performance components of the standard M3 shell, just that it has been leaned out for extra performance, meaning no A/C, no airbags, and even the trunk flooring is made of cardboard (not joking). I feel the same has been done for this keyboard; it has been stripped away of the unnecessary added luxuries and focused primarily on the typing experience. Thus, for those looking for more of a gaming keyboard due to its hotkey button arrangement, this won't be for you. But if you like the standard keyboard layout but want the actual typing experience to be something out of the ordinary, such as if you are a programmer, designer, writer, etc., this is PERFECT for you.
Overall Review: I still play games with this keyboard; why it still shines with gaming is because of the tactile feedback of the switches provides for amazing feedback response towards pressing keys for commands and whatnot.
It's great to see that with a bulkier, heavier keyboard that is wired and taking up x2 USB ports, they included x2 integrated USB ports on the side of the keyboard, basically freeing up the ports that were thus taken by the keyboard.
Make sure you take care of this keyboard, too. Wouldn't recommend eating or drinking near it if you are prone to leaving crumbs and spills throughout your computing experience. This keyboard's high quality has forced me to keep my workspace extremely clean and minimalist; not a bad thing though, especially when the lady friends come over and compliment on the entire setup on how clean and organized it is; all to be messed up later after some fun times ;]
Pros: - As an old dog this reminds me a lot of the feel of the old IBM keyboards.
- Keyboard is solid and has some weight and you will never have to chase the keyboard around the desk but is still low profile.
- Keycaps are good quality and easy to read.
- Keyboard is focused on those who need a keyboard for work and not putting any half-hearted attempts at being a gaming keyboard.
Cons: - Tactile noise feedback may wreck the minds of coworkers if you're using it in a shared office space.
- This could be pro or con. But there is only one windows key on the left and is marked as the D logo. The other key on the right is a function key for accessing the media keys. By default, the function keys are enabled, and the media keys are controlled by holding the function key. This setup works for perfect for me by up to opinion.
Overall Review: I definitely recommend to anyone. This is NOT a keyboard for gaming and is for professional applications.
Das Keyboard has earned a fan.
4 yrs into it and it still works perfectly.1/6/2019 11:02:30 AM
Pros: the clicking switches are great for typing quickly. i have a keyboard with red switches and it's quieter and better for gaming, but this is king for typing.
Cons: loud. it sounds like you're angry when you aren't and if you are angry it sounds like a war is going down. but people can read your mood from 30 feet away.
USB passthrough broke about 1 year into owning this, i never used it though, so not a big deal for me. hopefully newer Das Keyboards have that fixed now.
Overall Review: great. loud. LOUD
Anonymous
Ownership: 1 week to 1 month
Verified Owner
MX Blues are a joy5/9/2014 6:23:50 PM
Pros: - No funny keyboard layout: this keyboard uses the tried - and - true 104 key layout that I've come to expect
- Cherry MX Blues: clicky and LOUD; a joy to type on.
Cons: - USB ports may interfere with mouse: This keyboard could be improved by moving the USB ports to the top of the keyboard, as opposed to the right side.
-
Overall Review: - The glossy base does not show dirt that easily. They also include a cleaning cloth in the box in case you feel the need to clean it.
If you're working in an office environment, or somewhere else where keyboard noise would be annoying, then you may want to consider the non-clicky version of this keyboard.
Pros: If you grew up using IBM keyboards - or even Selectric Typewriters! - the tactile feel of those keys was far superior to the mushy mess that most modern keyboards have. DAS uses Cherry MX Blue switches for this keyboard; the closest to the clicky goodness of previous generations. Yes, they're somewhat noisy. If you need to actually type on a regular basis, however, this is the keyboard for you. Overall construction is superb. The plastic case feels sturdy enough to drive nails. We have several DAS keyboards in the office. The oldest dates from 2008 and still functions perfectly although the key markings are somewhat faded. Newer keyboards (from 2009 or 2010) have more robust key markings and hold up even better. Several other companies offer Cherry Blue-equipped keyboards. I prefer the DAS implementation for work use, as it offers just the basic set of keys, perfectly arranged. If gaming is a consideration and you need a vast array of customizeable keys, buy a different keyboard. For pure typing efficiency, you be, pardon the pun, hard pressed to best this baby.
Cons: As others mentioned below, the space bar has a different feel from the other keys. The "silent" version of the DAS keyboard (Cherry MX Brown switches) does not suffer from this flaw. Initially, the different response from the space bar was a distraction, but after a day's typing, I no longer noticed. When making a headset phone call, the clickety-clack does come through. Hard to stealth-type on a conference call without judicious use of the mute button. The USB hub is unpowered, making it suitable for only some uses. You also have to decide between using the PS/2 plug and USB. PS/2 connection is needed if you are a seriously fast typist - I'm not in that league - who is capable of out-typing the USB interface.
Overall Review: An outstanding performer as long as you do not need many customizeable keys. If DAS fixed the feel of the spacebar, it would be perfect.