• Das Keyboard Model S Professional
• Das Keyboard Driver Windows 10

Why use a mechanical keyboard?

As a professor, I spend most of my days typing on a keyboard. In fact, my hands probably touch my keyboard more than they touch anything else during the work day ¹ . Yet, until recently, I had never given much thought to the type of keyboard that I used. Like many other things, I took the easy way out and accepted the keyboards manufacturers shipped with their products without questioning if those keyboards fit my needs or whether something better existed. This behavior is odd because I think deeply about the other components of the computers I use (e.g., display quality, amount of RAM, CPU speed). Somehow though, thinking that there could be a better way to get things into my computer never occurred to me which is why I have been using stock MacBook Pro keyboards and Magic Keyboards for over a decade. I have to admit that I was not unhappy with these keyboards ²; I just did not know that I could be having a better typing experience ³. That all changed when I heard Myke Hurley discuss getting the Keychron K2 mechanical keyboard ⁴ on an episode of the Cortex podcast and also learned that MKBHD had the same keyboard on hisdesk.

After doing a little research and getting sucked in by the YouTube algorithm, I knew I had to purchase a mechanical keyboard. I almost purchased the Keychron 2 as it seemed so highly rated, was wireless, small, had LED lighting, was priced well, and looked great. I had the purchase page open when I happened upon Das Keyboards web page that included a statement that noted they had an educational discount. This peaked my interest because, at the regular price point, the Das Keyboard 4 was more than I intended to spend. However, with the 20% educational discount, it was within my budget (i.e., I had to verify my educational status prior to purchase). After reviewing their web site and watching/reading some reviews, I knew that I wanted to purchase the Das Keyboard 4 professional despite its lack of LED lighting and wireless capabilities.

First Impressions

The keyboard was shipped the day after I ordered it and arrived four days later.

The first thing that struck me, even before the large size, was the heft of the keyboard. When I picked the package up to bring it in from the porch, I immediately noticed the weight of the keyboard (the keyboard is 2.9 lbs). The keyboard is extremely solid. You could use this as a weapon if you needed to. It has an aluminum front plate and may outlive me. The keyboard does not flex at all when twisting pressure is applied to its ends (i.e., this is called deck flex in the mechanical keyboard world).

The Model S Professional for Mac Mechanical Keyboard from Das Keyboard comes with 104 keys, Cherry MX Blue mechanical key switches, and gold contacts for a soft, tactile feel when typing. The keys are laser etched and designed to last up to 50 million keystrokes. This keyboard features special Mac functions, such as sleep, brightness up/down, volume up/down, mute, eject, play/pause, next,. Das Keyboard Model S Professional For Mac Mechanical keyboards, which have hardware switches underneath the keys, cater to computer users who prefer a stronger tactile key response than they can. Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac mechanical keyboard is specifically designed for Mac compatibility. It's made of the highest-quality materials and has a robust construction you can feel. All of our keyboards are designed with high-performance, gold-plated mechanical key switches lasting up to 50 million keystrokes. The keycaps on the Das Keyboard 4 Professional are laser-etched on ABS plastic—the most common combination used for most keyboards. With that said, the plastic itself seems to be dyed in black. Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac mechanical keyboard is specifically designed for maximum Mac compatibility. In addition to standard Command and Alt/Option keys, Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac offers quick, convenient access to a number of other Mac-specific key functions.

The next thing that struck me was the feel of the key press. I chose the version of the keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switches ⁵. I watched several YouTube videos on Keyboards and switches and each noted the feel and sound of the keys (which differ depending on the type of switches that you purchase with the MX Blues being the loudest and most tactile). The keys in my keyboard are certainly loud and clicky but, they are not as loud as I expected given the reviews online. I am happy that I chose the MX Blue switches over the Brown’s (which are like the Blue switches but are less clicky).

As noted on the box, the keyboard is plug-and-play. After plugging the keyboard in, macOS asked me to press the keys to the right and left of each shift key and it quickly identified the layout of the keyboard. That was it. After that, all the typical keys worked as they were intended. Within the first hour of use, I had this thought:

This keyboard is different than any other keyboard I have ever used—and that is a good thing.

Keyboard Features

RGB Lighting

Mechanical keyboards have the ability to be backlit. However, unlike most non-mechanical keyboard, their backlighting often has a single colored LED per key that can be controlled by the user call RGB lighting. This is a big deal for some people. I am not some people. Having an LED back lit keyboard seems fun and like something I would take if and only if it already came with the keyboard that I wanted to purchase. However, since I rarely type in unlit areas, RGB backlighting is a useless party trick. That said, I know that having LED backlighting is a big deal for some people so, if you are someone who prefers LED backlighting you may need to consider another Das Keyboard model or another keyboard that has full RGB lighting effects.

Media Keys

The Das Keyboard 4 comes with a set of media keys that control volume, allow muting of the currently playing content, and allow you to play, pause, skip forward, and skip backwards. When searching for a mechanical keyboard, media keys were not on my wishlist. However, after having the keyboard, I find myself using them all the time. They are extremely useful and I will be looking for media key functionality when I purchase my next keyboard. There is also a button in the media cluster that will instantly put your computer to sleep and another that will mute the volume of your computer. Again, these are not something that I would have asked for prior to buying this keyboard but, I have found them extremely useful so far and would be sad if they suddenly disappeared. In the end, your desire and use of these keys may vary but, I strongly encourage you not to discount their utility.

USB Hub

Just above the media keys on the back of the keyboard (the part that would typically face your computer screen) are two USB 3.0 ports. As with the media keys, this was not a prerequisite when I was looking for keyboards but, I have found them incredibly useful—especially if you have a MacBook Pro that only has USB Type-C ports. Because of the Das Keyboard 4 professional, I can use my USB 2.0 to USB Type-C adapter to power the keyboard while gaining two additional USB 3.0 ports with the keyboard ⁶.

Final Thoughts

By the end of writing this post, I have had the keyboard for a week. I can tell you that I am highly unlikely to ever go back to a non-mechanical keyboard again. This is partly because I know that it’s better for my hands and stands a good chance of making a faster and more accurate typist. But, the major reason that I am going to keep this keyboard is because it makes typing enjoyable. I never thought that would be something I would say but, this keyboard makes that a true statement. If typing is something that you do regularly, consider getting a mechanical keyboard. And, when you are looking, I strongly suggest giving the Das Keyboard line-up considerations. This keyboard has exceeded my expectations in almost every way and I am sure that it will do the same for you.

Other contenders:

Despite ultimately purchasing the Das Keyboard 4 professional for Mac, there were many other keyboards that I considered. Below are just some of the keyboards that were in contention.

Small Extra Notes

• Destroy this web site: The Das Keyboard website has a game that you can play in which you use a keyboard to shoot things on their site (think astroids here). It is a fun addition.
• The Das Keyboard 4 Professional (and most other models they sell) use a magnetically attached riser to place the keyboard at a more comfortable typing angle. The riser also doubles as a ruler.

1. My coffee cup is likely a close second. I have a pretty serious coffee addiction. Speaking of coffee, have you tried the AeroPress? It makes an amazing cup of coffee, is cheap, and has easy clean up. ↩
2. To be fair, Apples Magic Keyboards and most of their laptop keyboards are modern marvels given the design constraints they are working within. However, they are not amazing typing instruments. ↩
3. Mechanical keyboards are thought to increase your typing speed and provide a more comfortable typing experience that should reduce repetitive strain injuries across time. At the time of writing this post, I have only had the keyboard for four days so I can only vouch that the experience of typing is significantly better and that the keyboard has increased my typing speed. Within an hour after receiving the keyboard, and on my first typing speed test using the new keyboard, I matched my top performance using Apples Magic Keyboard which I had been using for years and which took me many tries to achieve that score. I expect my typing speed to consistently increase across time. ↩
4. If you are unfamiliar with the difference between mechanical keyboards and non-mechanical keyboards, I suggest reading this article. It does a great job of discussing the differences and potential benefits. ↩
5. Part of the allure of mechanical keyboard is that the switches underneath the key caps can be customized to suite your tastes. The typical switches range from short and silent to deep, tactical, and clickey. The most common switches are called Cherry MX switches. The feel and sound of these switches are dictated by the color and sound of the switch. Read this article for a more detailed description. ↩
6. I am not sure how useful this will be when I am working from my office again but, I am forced to work from home now because of the COVID-19 pandemic and I only have one adapter. So, having the USB 3.0 ports at the top of the keyboard has been extremely helpful in allowing me the flexibility to charge my phone, Apple Watch, AirPods Pro, and connect my USB microphone for Zoom lectures while sitting at my desk. Without these ports, I would not be able to do this while also having my keyboard plugged in. This would require finding a different power source in the house. ↩

Why are Das Keyboards so damn good?

Das Keyboards are the BMW of the keyboard market. They are brought to us by the Metadot Corporation, and are a prime example of high end, robust, value for money German engineering. I’d be very surprised if they do not last through a lifetime of typing out emails, letters, essays and search queries! Das claims that its keyboards are designed to withstand 50 million key strokes, and you know what? I believe them!

Although these keyboards will cost you a fair few dollars, it’s well worth the money when you consider typing speed, comfort, and the satisfaction you get from using a tool with superior build quality. When you are talking about the best keyboards, it’s rare that such a conversation would ever be lacking a mention of Das.

They are built really really well (what you’d expect of a German brand) and they actually feel like you could jump up and down on it with a big pair of Timberlands and then put it back on your desk and start typing again. It’s what impresses me the most about high-performance Das Keyboards.

Made from a really slick looking slab of aluminium, Das Keyboards is the thinnest mechanical keyboard on the market today, which is no surprise when you look at it side on. It’s about an inch thick, which doesn’t sound that thin when you compare it to other devices that are out there like the Apple Mac keyboards, ipads, tablets etc, but compared to other brands of mechanical keyboards, they are the thinnest by far! The Kate Moss of keyboards. You need one of these computer keyboards on your wish list!

Contents:

Best Das Keyboards On The Market:

1 – Das Keyboard 4
2 – Das Keyboard Model S
3 – Das Smart RGB Keyboards
4 – Das Prime 13 White Keyboards

Das Keyboards Background

2005 was the year that Daniel Guermeur set upon the quest to become faster and mor accurate in his own typing abilities. To do this he managed to get himself a completely blank keyboard, with no characters on it at all. After using the keyboard for just a few weeks, he was astonished to discover that his typing speed had doubled. After showing it to friends and colleagues, who also set about testing the keyboard, were also amazed by the improvement in their own typing skills, wanted one.

Daniel found a business opportunity with real potential. That was when he created Das Keyboards. From the initial concept, the keyboard then went on to be developed into the master stroke of engineering it is today, with precision and individually weighted keys and a solid aluminium chassis. Techno-elitists loved it as it gave them a way to differentiate themselves from other so called “techie” mortals. It’s also a big seller within the education sector as schools and universities looked for more effective ways to teach typing.

Who Are Das Keyboards Good For?

Das Keyboards are great for computer novices who want to learn how to type or for people who want to improve speed and accuracy of their typing. As I’ve mentioned before, the Dad Keyboard range is strong and robust, and is ideal for people who use their keyboards a lot!

The Best Das Keyboards On The Market

There are 11 Das Keyboard models out on the market and we have reviewed every single one of them. Please feel free to read the quick reviews below. If you want to read more on each on, click through to the extended review.

1. Das Keyboard 4

Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate

• Blank Keycaps
• Cherry MX Brown Switches

Das Keyboard 4 Pro

• Cherry MX Brown Switches
• Gold-Plated Contacts

Das Keyboard 4 Pro Mac

• Cherry MX Blue Switches
• Designed For Mac

Das Keyboard 4 Root

• Cherry MX Brown Switches
• Extra Long Cable

The Das Keyboard 4 comes in 4 different models:

• The Das Keyboard 4 Pro
• For Apple Fans The Das Keyboard 4 Pro For Mac
• For Maniacs The Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate
• The Stripped Down Das Keyboard 4 Root

While all based on the same model, each of these has slight differences that sets them all apart from each other. Before we get to the differences of each let’s look at the features they all have in common:

• Superior Rugged Construction with an aluminum top panel
• Keycaps and Cherry MX Mechanical Key Switches rated for 50 + Million keystrokes
• Gold Contacts
• Dedicated Media Keys
• Dedicated Sleep Button
• Laser Inscribed Keycaps (all except the Ultimate model)
• Oversized Volume Knob Control
• Anodized Aluminum Top Panel

Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate

The Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate comes with no key inscriptions whatsoever – every key is blank. Yes that’s right, there’s absolutely no key inscriptions on the Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate. As stated by Das, this keyboard is aimed at the “bad ass” typists and gaming enthusiasts. It’s sleek, robust and gives the user a very special typing experience.

I’ve tried this keyboard out and although it’s quite weird not knowing what you are pressing until you see it on the screen, you do actually get used to it and find that you no longer look at the keyboard when you are typing!

In addition to the blank keyboard, the Ultimate model uses soft-tactile Cherry MX Brown switches. It also comes with a USB 3.0 Super speed hub and full n-key rollover with anti-ghosting.

Related Buying Guides: Have a read of our guide on the best mechanical keyboards for typing

Das Keyboard 4 Pro

The Das Keyboard 4 Professional mechanical keyboard shares most of the same features as the Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate, but one definitive features that separates them, is that the Das 4 Pro has laser etched keycap inscriptions. There are bumps on the F and J keys, so that you can align your fingers to the QWERTY keyboard with touch alone, rather than sight. Other than this, most of the features are the same.

Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac

The Das Keyboard Professional For Mac, again shares most of the same key features as it’s siblings in the range, but with a couple of significant differences. First, the Das 4 Pro For Mac is designed specifically around the Apple Mac OS, and Mac key functions.

The other significant difference with keyboard is that is uses clicky Cherry MX Blue switches for the best typing experience. As it used blue switches this is more suited to typing rather than gaming, but will ultimately work well for both.

Das Keyboard 4 Root

The Das 4 Root, is a minimalistic version of the Das Keyboard 4. It is designed around the 4 Pro, but with a couple of differences. First, it sports a USB 2.0 hub rather than USB 3.0. It also has an extra long braided cable. The Root also used Cherry MX Brown switches like the others in the range (with exception to the Pro for Mac) and dedicated media controls.

2. Das Keyboard Model S

Das Keyboard Model S Ultimate

• Blank Key Caps
• Cherry MX Brown Switches – tactile feel
• PS 2 Adapter

Das Model S Professional

• Cherry MX Brown Switches – tactile feel
• Windows Or Linux
• Gold Contacts

Das Keyboard Model S Pro For Mac

• Designed For Mac
• Cherry MX Blue Switches – clicky feel
• USB 2.0 Hub

The Das Keyboard Model S is an older version of Das Keyboard, first available around 2010. The Das 4 is largely based on the Model S. But while a lot of technology in today’s ‘throw away society’ is not built to last, the Das Model S is a prime example of technological longevity. German technology at its finest!

As with the Das 4 Keyboard series, the Model S series shares a host of features across each of the models in the series. These common features include:

• Cherry MX Switches With Gold Contacts (Brown on the Pro And Ultimate, Blue on the Pro For Mac)
• Two Port USB Hub
• Extra Long Cable – 2 meter (6.6 feet)
• Dedicated Media Controls
• 104 Key Layout
• Glossy Black Upper Enclosure

Das Keyboard Model S Ultimate

The Das Keyboard Model S Ultimate is another blank design much like it’s namesake in the Keyboard 4 Pro series. Often compared to the legendary IBM Model M, Das Keyboards are ‘best in class’ and the blank keycap design, allegedly makes you type faster. Perhaps it’s because it removes the sense of doubt that we place on ourselves when we look at the board for assurance that our position is correct.

The best typists don’t look at the keyboard, they ‘trust’ what they see on the screen. So perhaps the design is to encourage people to ‘trust’ and therefore become more efficient. Or perhaps it’s a fad. General consensus does seem to be however, that there is something to it! Reserved for the bad-ass gamers and typists amongst us.

In addition to the defining blank keyboard design, the Model S Ultimate keyboard comes with Brown Cherry MX Mechanical Switches – soft and tactile, with gold contacts for an unbeatable keystroke performance. It also comes with a 2 port USB 2.0 Hub, or you can use one of the ports as a PS2 port. With the PS2 adapter, you get full n-key rollover, or with USB, 6-key rollover for anti-ghosting.

Das Keyboard Model S Professional

With its far superior and satisfying typing experience, comes the nosy buttons and huge clunky appearance. It’s very much like using an old fashioned IBM keyboard with its tactile buttons and loud typing noise from the Cherry MX Brown Switches. But with its many old school features comes a keyboard that is truly a joy to use and has some very modern features like media-control keys and a dual USB port, as well as anti-ghosting.

Yes it’s minimal in all aspects on design and functionality, but the Das S Professional is like a fine wine. A typing connoisseur would love this keyboard, due to the action of the buttons and the fact that each key is like a lovely comfy armchair for your finger tips.

Das Model S Professional For Mac

The Das Model S Professional For Mac is similar to the Model S Pro in many ways, but with a few stand out features:

• Designed Specifically For Mac
• Cherry MX Blue – Clicky Switches (great for typists)
• 5 Key roll-over
• USB Hub – 1.1 and 2.0 compatible (No PS2 adapter)

As with the Model S Pro, the keys are laser etched with bumps for the f and j key. The keys are incredibly soft, comfortable and great for those long sessions at the screen.

3. Das Smart RGB Keyboards

Das Keyboard 4Q

• Smart Version of Das Keyboard 4
• Controllable RGB

Das Keyboard 5Q

• 100 M Lifecycle Switches
• Best For Designers

Das Keyboard X50Q

• Great For Gamers
• Advanced Mechanical Switches

The Das Smart RGB Keyboards come in a variety of unique and defining models:

• The Programmers dream – Das Keyboard 4Q
• The developers delight – Das Keyboard 5Q
• Gaming Nirvana – The Das Keyboard X50Q

Each of these keyboards is different but with a few common features and ‘smart’ features that include:

• Q Software – You define your own color-coded notifications
• Pre-Built Q Applets including Git Hub, Twitch, Trello, Asana, Gmail and many, many more.
• Two-port USB 2.0 Hi-Speed hub
• Customizable and bright RGB backlighting
• Black Anodized Aluminum top panel
• Full n-key rollover (NKRO)
• 2 Meter USB cable

Beyond these common features, each of these Das Smart RGB keyboards has a stack of their own unique features that make them outstanding in the area they are designed for.

Das Keyboard 4Q

The Das Keyboard 4Q is the Smart version of the outstanding Das Keyobard 4 model. As well as all the standard features you get with the Das Keyboard 4, the 4Q also brings you a host of features tailored to making your experience ‘fluid’ and user friendly. The smart features here are not just ‘nice to have’, they are game changing. The power of the Q software and notifications add layers of value previously unavailable.

For a programmer for instance, say one of your website’s goes down, or there is a server fault or work flow you want to track. The Q software will replace the reliance on snooz-able apps, by providing you the ability to customize your own ambient tracking through the RGB keys. You can define your own needs, and the keyboard will use different RGB backlit colors to feed you information directly. The ability to customize and define functions to your own needs and specification is outstanding.

Das Keyboard 5Q

The Das Keyboard 5Q has many shared features with the 4Q with a few notable and significant differences. This one is tailored greatly for developers, reducing interruption through the ability to customize and track your own notifications on your own terms. The pre-built Q Applets open doors to information from apps without you having to keep flicking pages, tabs or annoying pop-ups diverting your attention. As the API is opensource, you can also write your own personalized apps to use yourself or share. This keyboard is a developers dream. There are other notable differences between the 5Q and the other Das Smart Keyboards, including:

Das Keyboard Model S Professional

• Gamma Zulu soft tactile switches – faster typing and rated for 100 M keystrokes
• RTO Real Time One – 0.4ms Key Press Detection and 1ms response time
• Detachable ergonomic silicone wrist rest
• Double Shot keycaps
• Works with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Das Keyboard X50Q

The Das Keyboard X50Q is predominantly a great gaming keyboard. Voted the best work/play all rounder by Mashable and it is easy to see why. It is ergonomically sound, powerfully backlit and intelligently designed. While sharing the same smart features mentioned above, including Q software and applets, there are, again, some X50Q specific features that make this keyboard stand out in the crowd. These include:

Das Keyboard Driver Windows 10

• Gamma Zulu Soft Tactile switches – rated for 100 million keystroke actuations
• Full n-key rollover with anti-ghosting
• Shallower key travel than other models
• Through-shaft LED design for brighter RGB backligting
• Detachable wrist/palm rest and WASD gaming textured keycaps

4. Das Prime 13 White LED Keyboard

The Das Keyboard Prime 13 White LED Keyboard looks a bit like a Das Keyboard Model S, in the absence of the oversized volume knob at the familiar place at the top right of the keyboard. The shape is similar, but as the gloss-less chassis would suggest, that is about where the similarities end. The Das Keyboard Prime has it’s own rich identity, and it’s own set of charismatic, energy-efficient features. The obvious difference, is that the backlighting is a fixed white, rather than RGB. Like the Das Keyboard 4, the Prime keyboard has a anodized aluminum top panel. While it may look more like the Model S, the features within are much more like the Keyboard 4.

In terms of energy efficiency, the Das Keyboard Prime 13 has the following features:

• Auto LED Dim – The backlighting will automatically dim after 10 minutes of inactivity.
• Sleep Control – The Das keyboards include a computer sleep control button, allowing you to easily save power by putting your machine into sleep mode at the touch of a button.

Other significant features of this model include:

• Cherry MX Brown Switches with gold contacts
• Sidelit media controls
• Extra long (6.6 feet) braided cable.
• Full n-key rollover (NKRO)
• USB Passthrough