Author Topic: OK, So who has the New Das S? (Read 12956 times)

watduzhkstand4 · « **on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 00:35:29 »

so what's new in the DAS S other than the multimedia keys? I'm guessing it still uses cherry blue and now they have an option with the browns for the silent one? (or maybe another color switch?) they pretty much didn't do anything to it =/

watduzhkstand4 · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 00:46:00 »

oh I see. So they corrected the mistakes they made on the previous models, changed they keys, and renamed it... hhhmmmmmmm. I would just stick with my Cherry Blue, brand loyalty to Filco

Rajagra · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 02:07:46 »

Quote from: watduzhkstand4;128982

so what's new in the DAS S other than the multimedia keys? ... they pretty much didn't do anything to it =/

Isn't it dual-mode (PS/2 & USB) via a passive adapter now? Giving true N-Key rollover by PS/2?
And they dropped the pseudo 12-key rollover in USB, which may have been the root of some problems.

I'd say those look like pretty big improvements. Especially to those of us who still have the old version! :lol:

ch_123 · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 03:44:19 »

Maybe they pulled a Lexmark and the 'silent' models use rubber domes

ds26gte · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 08:23:02 »

Quote from: ch_123;129003

Maybe they pulled a Lexmark and the 'silent' models use rubber domes

Their blog says that only 150 of the silents have been manufactured, as they are not sure they will sell. Maybe they've been monitoring the geekhack keyswitch polls.

itlnstln · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 08:24:02 »

The silent model uses Cherry browns. I might pick one of the silent versions up if they got their controller issues fixed. That, and I am saving up for a metal Filco.

itlnstln · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 09:15:55 »

Quote from: ripster;129058

So, who has bought the Das S?

1, 2, 3 not it.

bigpook · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 09:33:59 »

Quote from: itlnstln;129037

The silent model uses Cherry browns. I might pick one of the silent versions up if they got their controller issues fixed. That, and I am saving up for a metal Filco.

metal filco?

itlnstln · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 09:37:48 »

Quote from: bigpook;129070

metal filco?

Ah, yes. $300 of Filco lovin'.

itlnstln · « **Reply #9 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 10:39:58 »

They're not shipping in volume to my house.

itlnstln · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 10:41:42 »

Quote from: ripster;129096

Shipping in volume.

I know Cherry blues are loud when you type on them, but shipping?

*rimshot*

itlnstln · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 11:26:27 »

I don't know how to think like a programmer. I'm worse. I'm a Data Analyst. In comparison, though, I do have to know the "why" of what I'm doing in order for the data to make sense. All the time I spent working our stores helps. That, and having a BA in History.

itlnstln · « **Reply #12 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 11:35:15 »

Nah, I'm on the other end of that spectrum. I find the problems that programmers create. I build the occasional web app, but they're crude and most of them just pull data out of a DB and display it in a grid.

Our whole IT dept. hates me... until they have a problem.

timw4mail · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 12:32:48 »

Quote from: ripster;129114

I thought for sure you were a programmer. Programmers have a reputation for creating problems where none exists.

*rimshot*

That holds especially true of outsourced and Microsoft certified programmers.

bigpook · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 12:48:55 »

Quote from: itlnstln;129073

Ah, yes. $300 of Filco lovin'.

nice, looks like I could use it as a coffee table.

hacfed · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 13:44:37 »

As soon as I sell another machine I will be all over the new Das (and hopefully not eBaying it shortly thereafter).

ch_123 · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 14:28:27 »

Why bother? Get a proper keyboard like the Filco. Probably cheaper too.

Considering the reputation that Das has around here, I wouldn't be surprised if no one got one.

hacfed · « **Reply #17 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 14:36:33 »

Aesthetics. Import duty (or lack thereof).

bigpook · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 14:36:55 »

no doubt. I would go with a filco over a das without thinking twice.

ch_123 · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 14:38:14 »

Quote from: hacfed;129195

Aesthetics. Import duty (or lack thereof).

I didn't have to pay any tax when I got my Filco, just got Brian to mark it as a gift. Also, the Keyboard Co in the UK sells Filcos too.

Leaving aside subjective issues of aesthetics, you may be better off with a keyboard that actually works...

hacfed · « **Reply #20 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 14:49:07 »

And if no-one gets one, how will we know that we aren't missing out? Also, a quick search shows me that I can buy a US layout Filco for 95GBP ex 15% VAT. A Das S therefore works out about the same price, but I can get a UK layout. I'll do my research on these two boards another time. In truth I really want a HHK Pro II but it's out of my price range, lest a good 2nd hand one were to show up.

hacfed · « **Reply #21 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 14:58:30 »

Quote from: ch_123;129198

Leaving aside subjective issues of aesthetics, you may be better off with a keyboard that actually works...

No kidding. Who wants a heap o' dung? Still, the Das range is very 'sexy' and I shouldn't have a problem reselling it. If I have to take a small loss, so be it. Unfortunately the Keyboard Co. don't seem to stock UK layout Filcos :/

All told I'm very happy with my current keyboard... it's just hard to resist having an S & M. Teehee.

itlnstln · « **Reply #22 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 15:03:48 »

Quote from: ch_123;129198

Leaving aside subjective issues of aesthetics, you may be better off with a keyboard that actually works...

While I want to see it in action before I make up my own mind, I wouldn't write off the Das S just yet. It sounds like they swapped the previous, defective controller for the same one the NKRO Filcos use. Also, the Das S is the same price as the NKRO 104-key Filcos (the Das Silent is $6 more, for some reason). If they got everything fixed, they might have a real contender (again, aesthetics aside).

itlnstln · « **Reply #23 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 15:04:44 »

Quote from: hacfed;129206

Unfortunately the Keyboard Co. don't seem to stock UK layout Filcos :/

IIRC, they should in the near future.

hacfed · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 15:13:17 »

I couldn't have put it better myself. And, er, didn't. I concur; if they've finally got the mix right then the Das S is, for me, a better choice than the Filco. Purely for reasons of aesthetics as all other things would then be ~equal.

We all triumph functionality and practicality over mere aesthetics, but isn't it nice to have both?¹

¹ Not that the Filcos are ugly by any stretch, but I do prefer the look of the Das boards.

itlnstln · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 15:19:19 »

I, personally, like the bigger front lip on the Das (it helps space my hands away from the keyboard), the USB hub (cue ripster), the laser-etched keys, and volume controls. All of this for the same price as a Filco. The overall appearance I can take or leave, but I think I like the understated look of the Filcos more.

timw4mail · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 15:27:47 »

Bah, a Scorpius is cheaper.

ch_123 · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 15:41:00 »

And a TVS cheaper still!

hacfed · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 15:41:21 »

So many great boards out there. Gotta try 'em all!

alpslover · « **Reply #29 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 16:00:43 »

i have one on order, should be in my hands soon.

itlnstln · « **Reply #30 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 16:02:35 »

Please report soon with all the juicy details, Guinea Pi... err... Alpslover.

ch_123 · « **Reply #31 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 17:03:27 »

Pfft. All that shiny black... Needs more Industial Grey!

Quote

So many great boards out there. Gotta try 'em all!

At least you are coming to grips with your fate - alot of people who sign up think they'll be happy with one...

hacfed · « **Reply #32 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 20:00:56 »

Quote from: ch_123;129265

At least you are coming to grips with your faith - alot of people who sign up think they'll be happy with one...

I guess so. I think maybe a Das S and a HHK Pro II might just do me. If I get the Das, then I can open up and clean this M without having to plug in a horrible membrane board.. Yes.. now THAT is why I need to buy another one...

ch_123 · « **Reply #33 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 20:22:31 »

You do know that the Model M is a membrane board, right? =P

hacfed · « **Reply #34 on:** Thu, 29 October 2009, 20:37:00 »

Insane in the membraiiiinne!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvV-upQVoFs

Rajagra · « **Reply #35 on:** Fri, 30 October 2009, 00:40:27 »

Quote from: alpslover;129242

i have one on order, should be in my hands soon.

Super, man. Be sure not to expose it to too much Geekhacktonite, it causes all kinds of problems.

microsoft windows · « **Reply #36 on:** Fri, 30 October 2009, 07:08:01 »

The Model M wannabe?

wellington1869 · « **Reply #37 on:** Fri, 30 October 2009, 12:39:04 »

I have a Das S review board coming from metadot in a couple of weeks. Eat your heart out. Full detailed review to follow.

itlnstln · « **Reply #38 on:** Fri, 30 October 2009, 13:46:16 »

Strong, Welly. No sex, though, keep it professional.

wellington1869 · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 30 October 2009, 16:14:47 »

Quote from: itlnstln;129414

Strong, Welly. No sex, though, keep it professional.

lol, i'll keep it in my pants this time

I have to send it back when I'm done, after all.

hacfed · « **Reply #40 on:** Fri, 30 October 2009, 18:44:22 »

Quote from: hacfed;129291

I think maybe a Das S and a HHK Pro II might just do me.

So, given alpslover's first impressions of the S (and I know they're not the final word), I have thrown caution to the wind and ordered a new board

panat000 · « **Reply #41 on:** Sun, 01 November 2009, 16:51:23 »

Quote from: itlnstln;129073

Ah, yes. $300 of Filco lovin'.

I think it will be cold in winter:smow:

bigpook · « **Reply #42 on:** Sun, 01 November 2009, 16:57:48 »

Quote from: panat000;129810

I think it will be cold in winter:smow:

maybe, but it is still pretty *****in'.

itlnstln · « **Reply #43 on:** Mon, 02 November 2009, 09:50:31 »

With all that hawtness (NSFW) on your desk, you should stay pretty warm.

bigpook · « **Reply #44 on:** Mon, 02 November 2009, 13:24:41 »

I have a dell laptop that is all shiny, just like the das. I clean it weekly but it doesn't matter, its shows EVERY fingerprint or smudge. A matte finish would be much better.

microsoft windows · « **Reply #45 on:** Mon, 02 November 2009, 18:30:38 »

Matte finish keys, if made with high-quality plastic, can stay that way over many hears of use.

wonkotron · « **Reply #46 on:** Mon, 02 November 2009, 22:28:02 »

I received my Das S Silent last Thursday, and its a pretty decent keyboard. Its gloss fits in well with most of my other electronics.

N-key rollover is lacking on PS/2, but 6-key on USB is decent enough for me. The USB hub does its job, and the whole board feels solid. My only issue with the board thus far is the FN key placement, but I plan to reroute the RWin key wiring to the FN key location, and vice versa.

All in all, the Das S gave me exactly what I was looking for (USB hub, brown switches, standard 104-key layout) for a price comparable to the other options I found.

EDIT: Well after testing 'qwas', it would seem that 6-key rollover isn't working quite as one might expect. Previously, I tested with 'asdfui', which does work. I wonder what the limitations of the hardware are (though if it were working as advertised, there wouldn't be any).

alpslover · « **Reply #47 on:** Mon, 02 November 2009, 23:12:23 »

Quote from: wonkotron;130024

N-key rollover is lacking on PS/2, but 6-key on USB is decent enough for me.

try hitting 'qwas', does it register all of the keys? it fails on my das s.

wonkotron · « **Reply #48 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 02:21:48 »

Quote from: ripster;130045

No QWAS? And just so we are all on the same test here are you guys trying this one?

http://random.xem.us/rollover.html

And does the key blocking happen ONLY if you mash them or when you press Q and hold, wait, hit W and hold, wait, hit A and hold, wait, hit S.

Das Nicht Gut.

Blocking happens when I mash, and when I press them sequentially. It gets to 'qwa' but then 's' fails.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #49 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 02:43:27 »

wow that really sucks

alpslover · « **Reply #50 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 08:28:57 »

Quote from: wonkotron;130024

I
EDIT: Well after testing 'qwas', it would seem that 6-key rollover isn't working quite as one might expect. Previously, I tested with 'asdfui', which does work. I wonder what the limitations of the hardware are (though if it were working as advertised, there wouldn't be any).

the keyboard seems to be 3-key rollover. i.e., every combination of 3 keys i've tried works, but not every combination of more than 3 keys.

metadot has acknowledged this issue, they claim it's a problem with the first batch of das s's.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #51 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 08:35:23 »

why is it always a "whoops, first batch!" type thing?

this is not like the first time you make a cake with a new recipe or something, hoping it comes out of the oven delicious.

the entire time, during the design and production processes, no one bothered to actually test the thing before they slapped NKRO on the box and sent it out the door?

timw4mail · « **Reply #52 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 08:44:16 »

Quote from: AndrewZorn;130089

why is it always a "whoops, first batch!" type thing?

this is not like the first time you make a cake with a new recipe or something, hoping it comes out of the oven delicious.

the entire time, during the design and production processes, no one bothered to actually test the thing before they slapped NKRO on the box and sent it out the door?

I've noticed that this seems to happen with software...hardware, not usually.

itlnstln · « **Reply #53 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 08:45:27 »

Quote from: AndrewZorn;130089

why is it always a "whoops, first batch!" type thing?

this is not like the first time you make a cake with a new recipe or something, hoping it comes out of the oven delicious.

the entire time, during the design and production processes, no one bothered to actually test the thing before they slapped NKRO on the box and sent it out the door?

I don't get this with either Costar or Metadot. There seems to be no process to randomly select a keyboard here and there and do a thorough test to ensure it works exactly as advertised. They have, IMO, an appealing product, but their QA leaves much to be desired.

At least they have a generous return policy. It sort of reminds me of the scene in Tommy Boy where Chris Farley says something like, "you can put **** in a box and put a guarantee on it, but all you have is a guaranteed piece of ****."

hacfed · « **Reply #54 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 10:59:53 »

Quote from: itlnstln;130094

It sort of reminds me of the scene in Tommy Boy where Chris Farley says something like, "you can put **** in a box and put a guarantee on it, but all you have is a guaranteed piece of ****."

itlnstln++

watduzhkstand4 · « **Reply #55 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:04:39 »

after I saw this, I just totally forgot about the DAS S.

itlnstln · « **Reply #56 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:09:20 »

I hope Elitekeyboards gets the white Filcos. I would buy one ASAP.

watduzhkstand4 · « **Reply #57 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:12:19 »

Quote from: itlnstln;130140

I hope Elitekeyboards gets the white Filcos. I would buy one ASAP.

Definitely =D
But according to kbdmania, the white one is only domestic =[

itlnstln · « **Reply #58 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:14:47 »

Boo...

Majestouch was able to get some Cherry blue Tenkeyless Filcos made, maybe he can get some white ones.

That said, I am still saving up for the metal Filco.

itlnstln · « **Reply #59 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:31:54 »

Excellent. It looks like they are learning from the Das III. In this case (moreso than the III), it seems that they have better leverage in pressing Costar for recalling/replacing defective product. The Das III had similar symptoms as the Filco Zero, IIRC, which, as we all know well enough by now, is not considered a defect. In this case, it is apparent that the controller has a serious defect(s), so a resolution should be easier to come by. In the end, though, this is another black eye for Metadot, but at least this time, they are taking swift, decisive action, and I applaud them for it.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #60 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:35:37 »

well then they must have fixed it, already! hooray!

itlnstln · « **Reply #61 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:35:57 »

Well, at least they are acknowledging the problem and replacing defective units. That's more than many folks got for the Das III.

watduzhkstand4 · « **Reply #62 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:39:17 »

I wonder how that metal Filco would feel like. It would be so cold to type on in the winter

itlnstln · « **Reply #63 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:39:49 »

Quote from: ripster;130150

Believe it or not I actually feel sorry for the Das Marketing folks right now. I've been through stuff like this before and it's no fun.

Same here. Especially since they just released a defective product that was to replace an already defective product. Instead of saving face, they ended up covering their collective face in egg.

itlnstln · « **Reply #64 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:41:01 »

Quote from: watduzhkstand4;130157

I wonder how that metal Filco would feel like. It would be so cold to type on in the winter

Just think of it as icing-down your RSI-inflammed wrists. It'll be nice.

alpslover · « **Reply #65 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:44:36 »

Quote from: itlnstln;130156

Well, at least they are acknowledging the problem and replacing defective units.

yes, but now the question becomes, which part of the fixed keyboards will be broken?

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #66 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 11:49:26 »

no, they are just going to update the box design to read "THE EIGHTH BEST KEYBOARD IN THE WORLD. PERIOD. WELL, BASICALLY." and it will have "3KRO 4 TEH GAMERZ!" in the corner.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #67 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 12:07:30 »

i still say it should not have even happened once. they make keyboards. they have people working for them. why not TEST the final product to make sure it meets the BASIC specifications you advertise?

it would be one thing if there was some freak combination... 1+7+Shift+Left+J+N... that ghosted or something. but this is not the case.

itlnstln · « **Reply #68 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 12:13:24 »

Quote from: ripster;130164

?? They did acknowledge the scanning problem with a CEO public apology and took back products with little hassle ( I REALLY don't expect most manufacturers to pay return shipping on returns - sorry but it is just not standard industry practice). Only later did they put a one year limit on the returns and that I'm sure is because some Accounting Dweeb told them that he didn't want to keep the liability on the books forever.

I mean - Stuff Happens. But twice?

Only after not doing anything for quite some time. It was some months after the problem was discovered that Metadot finally acknowledged it. Once they did, though, they really did go out of their way to help the customer.

I agree with you, too. After the first debacle, how do you let it happen again, especially on release?

itlnstln · « **Reply #69 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 12:15:45 »

I wonder if their software is any good.

itlnstln · « **Reply #70 on:** Tue, 03 November 2009, 12:41:41 »

I'm sure that the Das is a secondary objective for Metadot. I'm glad MIT likes their software, though, I just wish MIT would have designed their keyboard.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #71 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 02:38:34 »

what a sacrifice, even for the sake of knowledge.

lowpoly · « **Reply #72 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 09:40:43 »

Are those for real?

Hakhu · « **Reply #73 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 09:40:51 »

Quote from: ripster;130515

If you don't know German it says,

Quote:
Have you the beautiful Das Keyboard under your armpit?

Or something like that.

It actually says:

"Did you already hug your Das Keyboard today?"

Hakhu · « **Reply #74 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 09:41:38 »

Quote from: lowpoly;130518

Are those for real?

Why, do you wanna get one?

The first one is much better. Much geekier!

lowpoly · « **Reply #75 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 09:56:06 »

Quote from: Hakhu;130520

Why, do you wanna get one?

No, just thought they woudn't have taken a black stem switch for this. But it's a 1:1 copy from a Cherry brochure.

Rajagra · « **Reply #76 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 12:53:31 »

Quote from: Hakhu;130520

The first one is much better. Much geekier!

I need something to remind me of my DIP switch settings. :biggrin:

itlnstln · « **Reply #77 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 13:27:53 »

Excellent. Strong work, Metadot. That's how you handle a defective product.

itlnstln · « **Reply #78 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 14:28:01 »

Pretty much.

JBert · « **Reply #79 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 15:24:26 »

Seriously, hiding behind "Das haben wir nicht gewusst!" is outrageous.

Maybe its some software development practice where they skimp on QA by sending their stuff to their [strike]guinea pigs[/strike] customers first and then fixing things if they ever turn up.

lowpoly · « **Reply #80 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 15:31:20 »

Webwit's marketing critique aside, I think much of the blame goes to Costar who was a reputable OEM mfgr with Filco back then when Metadot chose them.

This last hickup could have been easily avoided at Costar as well. It's not like they didn't know the specs.

ch_123 · « **Reply #81 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 15:45:57 »

It would be very interesting to open up the new Das and see what sort of controller it has.

Xero · « **Reply #82 on:** Thu, 05 November 2009, 20:24:38 »

wow this is just crazy, they still haven't got a decent keyboard after all that hype. Blah, atleast they're trying to fix it, but I don't think I can even consider a das anymore...unless they make that front edge less sharp. Mid-december huh? Just around the same time for cherry g80-3000LSC's to hopefully start coming back in stock...

Ulysses31 · « **Reply #83 on:** Sun, 08 November 2009, 10:13:37 »

You typists clearly know nothing about keyboards >_>. Tom's Hardware endorses this product, so clearly this is the only keyboard to have.

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/das-keyboard-ultimate,9022.html

ch_123 · « **Reply #84 on:** Sun, 08 November 2009, 10:16:53 »

Let the trolling of their comments section commence!

ch_123 · « **Reply #85 on:** Sun, 08 November 2009, 10:20:49 »

Quote

Mechanical keys are a thing of the past. sorry tom's hardware guru guy but those wear out. My friend used to have one. Key thing is, used to. The keys wore out and quit working so he threw it out. I'm still using a very old NEC keyboard that I picked up when they still actually had computer shows and it works as good as new. Only thing is it is one of those spill resistant ones with the rubber pad thingies inside. I actually own two. They work pretty good. Then this USB keyboard sitting next to me is sufficient as well, cost me $7 from newegg or some site like that and made by rosewill. Not a very high end keyboard but it does the job and works great on my xbox360, pc, and laptop.

This is America's answer to Sandy55. =P

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #86 on:** Sun, 08 November 2009, 10:29:10 »

also, fun to read about the wonderful clicky feel of a razer lycosa.

hyperlinked · « **Reply #87 on:** Sun, 08 November 2009, 11:26:43 »

Quote from: ripster;131017

Sounds like a lotta work for a keyboard.

They forgot the very crucial step number 1: check to make sure that your keyboard is not a Das.

ch_123 · « **Reply #88 on:** Sun, 08 November 2009, 11:33:57 »

Also, if you're Microsoft Windows, you may need to play around with Config.sys to make sure there aren't any of those pesky IRQ conflicts - Windows 95 didn't deal with them too well.

JBert · « **Reply #89 on:** Sun, 08 November 2009, 11:56:48 »

Quote from: Ulysses31;131005

You typists clearly know nothing about keyboards >_>. Tom's Hardware endorses this product, so clearly this is the only keyboard to have.

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/das-keyboard-ultimate,9022.html

That article reads like a press release. Sure, they love it. But would it have been that much trouble to put it in their own words instead of rehearsing Metadot's incessant banter?
Seems Ars Technica's Das Keyboard article linked from TH was more decent and gave food for thought instead of more marketing talk.

Moving on... Any other reviewers out there with hardwarde troubles?

Rajagra · « **Reply #90 on:** Sun, 08 November 2009, 13:12:23 »

Quote from: Ulysses31;131005

You typists clearly know nothing about keyboards >_>. Tom's Hardware endorses this product, so clearly this is the only keyboard to have.

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/das-keyboard-ultimate,9022.html

How can Tom's Hardware readers be so misinformed? Must have gone downhill since I last spent time there.

Loved the complaint about the blank keyboard not being backlit...:crazy:

exousia · « **Reply #91 on:** Mon, 09 November 2009, 17:36:27 »

Quote from: AndrewZorn;130470

what a sacrifice, even for the sake of knowledge.

Sacrificing **** to gain knowledge that it IS ****. Priceless.

BucklingSpring · « **Reply #92 on:** Tue, 10 November 2009, 17:56:46 »

Quote from: itlnstln;129073

Ah, yes. $300 of Filco lovin'.

Wow... says kit, can you buy it built?

itlnstln · « **Reply #93 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 11:41:36 »

Great suggestion at the bottom.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #94 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 12:40:43 »

i dont understand the greediness. i mean, is there really any other ADDED costs than the circuit's parts? as in, the DESIGN doesnt get more complicated, etc...

bigpook · « **Reply #95 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 15:34:33 »

The shiny is nice and all. But its a pain to keep clean.

microsoft windows · « **Reply #96 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 16:28:26 »

I like the nice dull yellowish-beige color my keyboards come in.

bigpook · « **Reply #97 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 18:40:10 »

my model m mini is beige? off-white? it works for me. I would like to see the das after a round of cheetos action. shiny and orange.

microsoft windows · « **Reply #98 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 18:59:54 »

Personally, I don't like black shiny computer equipment. (Not being racist against black computers here) It's just too prone to fingerprints. With my computers, people expect them to be dirty heaps of junk so I can put as many fingerprints as I want on them.

bigpook · « **Reply #99 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 19:32:46 »

ripster, I don't think she really cares. Honest. But she does like the das with blue cherry switches. The thing is though, she doesn't know its a das and she has no idea what a blue cherry is.
She is no keyboard geek. However, she did tell me once that she liked it. Which is secret code telling me to leave it alone. I wanted to swap it out with the filco tenkeyless with brown cherries as I think she would like it. But I don't want to risk 'the look' : )

bigpook · « **Reply #100 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 19:36:19 »

Quote from: microsoft windows;131861

Personally, I don't like black shiny computer equipment. (Not being racist against black computers here) It's just too prone to fingerprints. With my computers, people expect them to be dirty heaps of junk so I can put as many fingerprints as I want on them.

The shiny black is nice, on the show room floor. In daily use its a fingerprint magnet and it looks terrible unless you stay on top of it and clean it. But to each their own. I just don't like shiny.

lmnop · « **Reply #101 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 19:47:08 »

thats pretty mean. glad you are not my boyfriend except I know what Blue Cherries are and not only would I lay you out like jesus but take your daily driver as compensation

I have a Das Ultimate Professional. I take it I should hold on to it and ignore this thread?

bigpook · « **Reply #102 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 19:47:14 »

Quote from: webwit;131882

Heh, that reminds me of my Filco's. I should first get my gf to use the one with Blue Cherries. Then secretly replace it with the Fukka version at some point. Later, replace that one with the XM.

Thats just plain mean. Oh wait...webwit. You are such a devil : )

I should add that you were ok up till the fukka; but the XM crosses the line. That's just wrong.

lmnop · « **Reply #103 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 19:55:09 »

cute. but be careful I hurl a Model M pretty hard

lmnop · « **Reply #104 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 20:11:19 »

lol did I say hurl I meant wield, lets see how high impact the keycaps really are. you can be the nasty burglar and I'll be the cop

dumpster diving on our first date. webwit you are a true gentleman and a scholar.

lmnop · « **Reply #105 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 20:34:23 »

i'm ready for shrapnel. lux aeterna - requiem for a dream>

lmnop · « **Reply #106 on:** Wed, 11 November 2009, 21:25:49 »

thank you.

Rajagra · « **Reply #107 on:** Thu, 12 November 2009, 10:59:16 »

Quote from: webwit;131892

One hit will obliterate that excuse of a bottom

Webwit is certainly an old-school kind of guy.

I should really edit that to read "If your customers ever find out you're not testing for proper n-key rollover..."

wellington1869 · « **Reply #108 on:** Thu, 12 November 2009, 22:48:45 »

Quote from: itlnstln;130563

Excellent. Strong work, Metadot. That's how you handle a defective product.

seriously. Thats how any company should handle it. Full credit to them.

I'd prefer to see perfect customer service over perfect boards every time.

I'd also like to point out that metadot actually did what gh's own fanboys refused to do.

Instead of making endless excuses they owned up and are fixing it.

majestouch · « **Reply #109 on:** Fri, 13 November 2009, 15:11:33 »

Quote from: webwit;132078

Metadot did better than Diatec, although I suspect it is just a business decision for them. All they are is their reputation after all. Both have the problem now that as long as they shop at Costar, without quality inspection of their own, people at geekhack will be very careful with any new products. Which is only a tiny minority of course. Although geekhack's google power exceeds its number of users by far.

Has anyone here ever bothered to compare a Das PCB to a FILCO PCB?

ch_123 · « **Reply #110 on:** Fri, 13 November 2009, 15:25:19 »

Any controller pics?

itlnstln · « **Reply #111 on:** Fri, 13 November 2009, 15:37:06 »

They seem pretty similar minus the USB hub part (at least the controller, anyway).

majestouch · « **Reply #112 on:** Fri, 13 November 2009, 16:09:41 »

Yea, PCBs look similar. And you find HOLTEKs in lots of keyboards coming out of China/Taiwan, non-Costar boards included. So, not considering scan rate speed issues, Costar just writes bad software for Das and good software for FILCO? Does this make any sense?

itlnstln · « **Reply #113 on:** Fri, 13 November 2009, 16:19:29 »

Considering they wrote bad software for ABS, and that was a straight Filco clone, yes.

EDIT: Yes, it's plausible. No, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

itlnstln · « **Reply #114 on:** Fri, 13 November 2009, 16:21:14 »

And this:

http://www.costar.com.tw/products01/?p_sid=32

microsoft windows · « **Reply #115 on:** Fri, 13 November 2009, 16:24:47 »

Why don't they just make their DAS keyboards act like standard keyboards? Then there'd be no software issues.

itlnstln · « **Reply #116 on:** Fri, 13 November 2009, 16:27:07 »

Quote from: microsoft windows;132261

Why don't they just make their DAS keyboards act like standard keyboards? Then there'd be no software issues.

That approach worked pretty well for ABS and the Das III.

lmnop · « **Reply #117 on:** Sat, 14 November 2009, 00:59:35 »

Das Boot!

itlnstln · « **Reply #118 on:** Tue, 17 November 2009, 13:47:21 »

Santa's beard is crooked. Either that, or Santa is really Sloth in disguise.

sixty · « **Reply #119 on:** Tue, 17 November 2009, 13:50:00 »

Quote from: ripster

Any day now.

I have heard that DAS has actually stopped using Costar as their OEM and that the Das S has been cancelled for now. Their new OEM partner seems to be Unicomp and Unicomp is already running their machines 24/7. It seems like the new DAS S will be a black version of the Model M space saver produced by Unicomp. The DAS S silent will use greased springs.

... what.. oh daydream.

itlnstln · « **Reply #120 on:** Tue, 17 November 2009, 14:15:11 »

I bet he replaced the list with a Teradata server farm. He might even be outsourcing toy production to China. I bet he even has on-board GPS in his sleigh. Santa is becoming a...

Rajagra · « **Reply #121 on:** Tue, 17 November 2009, 14:23:31 »

Quote from: ripster;133302

Show Image

Santa: "So, is this a dog or yet another really ugly kid?"

itlnstln · « **Reply #122 on:** Tue, 17 November 2009, 14:45:31 »

I think ripster needs to teach his daughter to shave.

itlnstln · « **Reply #123 on:** Tue, 17 November 2009, 16:10:03 »

Quote from: ripster;133375

GRRRRR......Last guy that insulted my dog lost a leg....
Show Image

I guess his wife called him "dear."

*rimshot*

microsoft windows · « **Reply #124 on:** Tue, 17 November 2009, 18:12:28 »

Are those giant marbles or are they trackballs?

leos · « **Reply #125 on:** Sat, 05 December 2009, 13:16:09 »

i am waiting also for a review before i take one from digital.de. it must be a lot of pain for them to give a perfect keyboard to the mass

ch_123 · « **Reply #126 on:** Sat, 05 December 2009, 13:44:22 »

Quote from: ripster;139131

Andy is leaving as Community Marketing Manager at Metadot and "moving on to other opportunities". Andy - although you only posted once (chicken!) I wish you luck in your new endeavors whatever they may be.

This new improved Das S is sure taking a while. I hope it's the extensive testing.

I heard of this post but never actually saw it... What happened?

Buckling_Summer · « **Reply #127 on:** Tue, 22 December 2009, 12:10:50 »

Quote from: leos;139137

i am waiting also for a review before i take one from digital.de. it must be a lot of pain for them to give a perfect keyboard to the mass

I had serious double problem with the DAS Keyboard 3.
Do you want details ? Here you are:

1) The damn problematic Faulty controller that was making few keys to print gibberish instead of the usual characters.

2) Secondly the USB hub problem, you gained 2 USB ports by connecting the DAS with your PC but in parralel you would loose all the pre-existing free USB ports in your machine. And they didn't ship a double USB cable for countermeasures.

That poor company ought to double-check that expensive DAS 3 and test extensively before offering it to the market. But they didn't. And I was pissed off. I took my money but I lost customer dignity, precious time and energy.

This is not an accident, it characterizes the whole company mindset. Poor quality, good appearance-marketing.

I do not trust them anymore and I will not definetely buy even if it is DAS S, DAS X, DAS Z. I do not trust any review, I am not a sheep.
I trust my own first-hand experience.

Buckling_Summer · « **Reply #128 on:** Tue, 22 December 2009, 12:15:13 »

Quote from: leos;139137

i am waiting also for a review before i take one from digital.de. it must be a lot of pain for them to give a perfect keyboard to the mass

Are you looking for problem?
I had been experiencing some serious problems with the DAS Keyboard 3 in 2009. Do you want details ? Here you are:

1) The damn problematic Faulty controller that was making few keys to print gibberish instead of the usual characters.

2) Secondly the USB hub problem, you gained 2 USB ports by connecting the DAS with your PC but in parralel you would loose all the pre-existing free USB ports in your machine. And they didn't ship a double USB cable for countermeasures.

AND NOW they screw it again with DAS S! Unbelievable. How did this happen to them? Poor coincidence heh?

That poor company ought to double-check that expensive DAS 3 and test extensively before offering it to the market. But they didn't. And I was pissed off. I took my money but I lost customer dignity, precious time and energy.

This is not an accident, it characterizes the whole company mindset. Poor quality, good appearance-marketing.

I do not trust them anymore and I will not definetely buy even if it is DAS S, DAS X, DAS Z. I do not trust any review, I am not a sheep.
I trust my own first-hand experience.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #129 on:** Tue, 22 December 2009, 13:06:57 »

leos · « **Reply #130 on:** Tue, 22 December 2009, 14:31:55 »

i bet 5$ that if the new S becomes a positive review here, you will buy it.:jaw:

microsoft windows · « **Reply #131 on:** Tue, 22 December 2009, 14:41:40 »

I just trust the tried-and-true for keyboards: IBM.

leos · « **Reply #132 on:** Tue, 22 December 2009, 14:50:13 »

Quote from: microsoft windows;144508

I just trust the tried-and-true for keyboards: IBM.

tried-and-true cost for sure lot money

Buckling_Summer · « **Reply #133 on:** Wed, 23 December 2009, 06:57:57 »

Quote from: leos;144503

i bet 5$ that if the new S becomes a positive review here, you will buy it.:jaw:

Nope. Take a look at the future plans of mine.

I am heading for Blue Switchy Filco. :pray2:
Revenge for what I went through because of their unprofessionalism.:evil:

ch_123 · « **Reply #134 on:** Wed, 23 December 2009, 07:04:27 »

Quote from: leos;144515

tried-and-true cost for sure lot money

$130 > $30

Buckling_Summer · « **Reply #135 on:** Wed, 23 December 2009, 10:37:55 »

Quote from: ch_123;144714

$130 > $30

Indeed it is a paradigm of inverse cost-effectiveness in the keyboard market.

itlnstln · « **Reply #136 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 08:20:45 »

Quote from: leos;144503

i bet 5$ that if the new S becomes a positive review here, you will buy it.

If it works, I might get the "silent" version.

If it works.

microsoft windows · « **Reply #137 on:** Mon, 28 December 2009, 08:24:14 »

Quote from: leos;144503

i bet 5$ that if the new S becomes a positive review here, you will buy it.:jaw:

I won't. I have no plans on spending big bucks on any keyboard.

News:

Author Topic: OK, So who has the New Das S? (Read 12956 times)