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Review on ๐Ÿ’ป Das Keyboard Model S Professional Wired Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Brown Mechanical Switches, 2-Port USB Hub, Laser Etched Keycaps - Black (104 Keys) by Amy Wheeler

Revainrating 4 out of 5

In my opinion, if you want a mechanical keyboard, it's either Das or Matais.

Computer users looking for the next best mechanical keyboard will no doubt look to models from Das and Matais, two of the top manufacturers. I have keyboards of every brand, both sell for about $125. Here is this one for my Mac Pro (with Cherry MX Blue keyswitches) and Matais Tactile Pro 4 (with Alps keyswitches) for my PC. I bought a Matais a few months ago and liked it so much that I decided to buy a similar model for my Mac Pro with Mac buttons. However, I didn't like the Apple-esque appearance of the Matais Tactile Pro in white. All the keys were littered with two or three symbols or letters, and everything looked too messy. I think Steve Jobs' design spirit survived me. I would like to add that Matais says his Mac keyboard is very similar to Apple's famous extended keyboard from years ago. If you remember and love this keyboard, chances are you'll love Tactile Pro. I read a lot about Das so I decided to give it a try. my verdict? I give the Matais a slight edge based on personal preference for the feel of the switches rather than the features or quality of the keyboard, which are top-notch. These are solid keyboards and I think most typists would be happy with either brand. I've been a journalist for over 30 years and I know a good keyboard when I press it. I used to love the thick, chunky keyboard that came with my earliest Mac, early IBM keyboards, and Atex newspaper system keyboards, but I'm getting lost. As mentioned, Das uses Cherry MX switches and Matais uses Alps switches. You'll have to do your own research to find out the subtle differences between the switches, but here's what struck me: the Matais is "clickier". You have to press the buttons well to evoke a reaction. The Das keyboard is a little softer, and you don't have to tickle the keys as much because they're not as springy or as far-flung as the Matais, as far as I can tell. The difference in keystrokes is noticeable, but not critical. If you like banging the keyboard and like the clicking sound, you'll love the Matais Alps switches. Don't get me wrong, the Das Cherry switch feels good too, and I think that's what most mechanical keyboard buyers are looking for. And it's a little quieter, so you might prefer it if you're in an open plan office where noise levels can be an issue. This has two USB ports on the side and a cable with two male USB connectors on the end, so keep that in mind if you don't have a lot of USB ports. This may also be important to some people: the letters in Das are all lowercase. I like the unfamiliar clear writing that the manufacturer uses on the keys. All in all, I'm tempted to return it and give the Tactile Pro 4 a shot despite its ugly looks.

Pros
  • Decent Performance
Cons
  • Compatibility