Thanks for your interest in Das Keyboard. I can't disclose the names of our vendors, but I can say that the new media keyboards are made in China. The Ultimate and Professional for Mac keyboards are made in Taiwan.
If you have any other questions please let me know.
Kind regards,
Das Keyboard Support
it will launch this month: price point: $39.99
Most Apple products are made in mainland China, aren't they? I don't think I've heard of too many quality control problems...
Hi guys,
Candid question - Does changing vendor must mean changing product? Or can it be the same product/specs but just built elsewhere?
I'm looking forward to have one of our GH experts to inspect and compare a new Made in China DAS with the previous version.
I too was recommending DAS... I'll wait to see couples of credible reviews before doing so again.
IF it turns out that DAS is going with iONE, basically NONE of us here at geekhack will ever buy another one of their keyboards.
We, will also cultivate an unwarrented hatred of all things DAS, and yearn for the good ol- days when things were right with all out Costar
IF it turns out that DAS is going with iONE, basically NONE of us here at geekhack will ever buy another one of their keyboards.
We, will also cultivate an unwarrented hatred of all things DAS, and yearn for the good ol- days when things were right with all out Costar
I do consider myself as "one of us".
The secret of iOne low cost is food deprivation of their under age laborers
IF it turns out that DAS is going with iONE, basically NONE of us here at geekhack will ever buy another one of their keyboards.
I'm looking forward to have one of our GH experts to inspect and compare a new Made in China DAS with the previous version.
I too was recommending DAS... I'll wait to see couples of credible reviews before doing so again.
QuoteIF it turns out that DAS is going with iONE, basically NONE of us here at geekhack will ever buy another one of their keyboards.
lol omg what have I done, haha not trying to start a Das bashing thread or something because personally I do own a Das Keyboard (Costar One), was just hoping to educate the masses on their next keyboard purchase. However I do agree with this statement, if it turns out to be iOne I think no one on this forum would recommend Das anymore (Including Me) :(
This reminds me anyone know what happens when manufacture switches OEM? Do they just ship over the mold / cast / equipment ... etc to the new factory? Or do they just use the equipments at the new factory? Switching OEM sounds like a really costy operation.QuoteI'm looking forward to have one of our GH experts to inspect and compare a new Made in China DAS with the previous version.
I too was recommending DAS... I'll wait to see couples of credible reviews before doing so again.
I'm curious about this also hopefully someone will do it soon :)
They should have went back with Cherry. Das II was nicer looking. Oh well you can still get it from Cherry as G80-3000LPCXY-2.
They should have went back with Cherry. Das II was nicer looking. Oh well you can still get it from Cherry as G80-3000LPCXY-2.
I always considered the Cherry G80-3000 range to be ungainly. That's the main reason I went with FILCO, although I then discovered that I had no choice as Cherry won't put browns into a keyboard anyway.
The Das looks lovely, but anyhing shiny surely just smears – like that glossy HP laptop I saw that was completely covered all over in grease and fingerprints. Really disgusting.
On my work (but not home) FILCOs, I find that the case has worn shiny around the up arrow key. I have no idea what I'm doing to cause that. The level of dust on my home keyboard suggests that I don't touch anything but the keys ;-)
(Both keys have coating wear on just the 'S' key – never figured that out either.)
Diagnosis? If anyone tried diagnosing me their head would asplode.i bet you're not as 'special' as you think ;)
I was thinking about returning my Das as I'm within the 30 day window and just paying the extra to get another Filco but I might keep it now. I actually kind of like the glossy finish. :)
I was thinking about returning my Das as I'm within the 30 day window and just paying the extra to get another Filco but I might keep it now. I actually kind of like the glossy finish. :)
;D that's what they all say until it scratches....
I was thinking about returning my Das as I'm within the 30 day window and just paying the extra to get another Filco but I might keep it now. I actually kind of like the glossy finish. :)
;D that's what they all say until it scratches....
leopolds are made in china. iphones are made in china. but ione sux
My Leopold says 'Made in Taiwan'.
I was thinking about returning my Das as I'm within the 30 day window and just paying the extra to get another Filco but I might keep it now. I actually kind of like the glossy finish. :)
;D that's what they all say until it scratches....
I kind of like my Das' gloss finish too. Also the hidden LED light is a nice touch. I think overall Das feels more "modern" while Filco feels more "classic". Though I do like Filco's thinner boarder better. It's sorta a different feel I think I like both :P
As for the scratches I think I've learn to accept it now, plus overall it's not too noticeable and most of the time it can look good as new after some quick wiping lol.
My Leopold says 'Made in Taiwan'.
taiwan is a good but small part of China.
So right now the only Das made by Costar are the Ultimate and Mac editions? Or have they been changed to iOne also.......
I find I actually like my Das a lot, I mean yeah the scratches is a bit annoying but overall it still look quite nice.
That and it's the cheapest Costar full size keyboard you can get, which was why I got it originally. (Rosewill didn't count because their mini B connector sucks)
I guess the easiest way to check is if you flip over the keyboard:
Made In Taiwan = Costar
Made In China = iOne
Or like people said, look for the bottom modifiers, if you see 1x1 then it's probably iOne.
Please note that iONE is not currently one of our manufacturing partners.The part in bold is really the only thing worrying me.
Oh wait... I stay away from Das Keyboard anyway because of hype/marketing BS.
Well, that, and the fact that the keyboards themselves are very "no frills" by design.QuoteOh wait... I stay away from Das Keyboard anyway because of hype/marketing BS.
I wonder if Filco is consider low key because we don't understand Japanese LOL.
i was never a fan of Das. Really dislike the shiny body that gets finger prints easily.
I should be having a review sample coming in the next month. Expect internals and a comparison to the last costar gen model.
Now for my biggest problem with it is that the lettering of the keys darkens/discolors way too easily. I wonder if anyone at Das Keyboard actually tested playing FPS games with this keyboard
As for the rest? Remember, the ODM builds to the OEM's requirements. Costar is an ODM (Original DESIGN Manufacturer) and Das is an OEM (Original "Equipment" Manufacturer.) The only way the quality declines this much is if the OEM, in this case Das, either specifies lower QC/QA threshold or the ODM is taking the OEM for a ride.Well, that would mean their PR department is lying. Much better. Not surprising though, from their website:
German-engineered mechanical key switches: Das Keyboard compares to the legendary IBM Model M. Its best-in-class mechanical gold-plated key switches provide a tactile click that makes typing a pure joy.Unless they use less-mainstream definition of "compares" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_theory#Partially_ordered_sets).
Well, that would mean their PR department is lying. Much better. Not surprising though, from their website:QuoteGerman-engineered mechanical key switches: Das Keyboard compares to the legendary IBM Model M. Its best-in-class mechanical gold-plated key switches provide a tactile click that makes typing a pure joy.Unless they use less-mainstream definition of "compares" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_theory#Partially_ordered_sets).
Uh, yeah. Do you know which ODM's been having that specific issue across their entire line? Here's a hint. Begins with "C" and ends in "ostar." Or begins with "iOne" and ends in misery. So my skepticism toward claims it's "not Costar" and "not iOne" would appear to be justified. I have a suspicion when Binge takes his apart, he's going to find Costar, but we'll see. I do especially love how they used a pre-production render of a Mk2 instead of an actual photograph of the keyboard though. That's always a positive sign, right?Every single white on black board that is not clear coated has this issue. They range from Cherry lasered POMs to lasered Filcos, to whatever iOne conjures up. I think this is the squeaky wheel QC. OEM just use whatever looks acceptable when new, then deal with the problems as it comes. Most people just admit defeat. The people inquiring about it will just get a no. They just have to grease the squeaky wheel when they make a racket. It is the cheapest way.
As for the rest? Remember, the ODM builds to the OEM's requirements. Costar is an ODM (Original DESIGN Manufacturer) and Das is an OEM (Original "Equipment" Manufacturer.) The only way the quality declines this much is if the OEM, in this case Das, either specifies lower QC/QA threshold or the ODM is taking the OEM for a ride.
Looking forward to the comparison.I should be having a review sample coming in the next month. Expect internals and a comparison to the last costar gen model.
Sweet then we'll actually have proof instead of speculation :D
I think this is probably why Filco keyboards are pad printed. So they can avoid the whole "greying" issue.They're lasered now. Lasering getting discolored is less of a problem if they use coating on the caps. Since the coat will soak into the porous parts of the legend, preventing hand gunk soaking into the legend.
KBtalking Pro uses coated, laser etched, caps. They are by far my favorite OEM caps.
UPDATE on the review: Received the Das board, taking tear-down pictures tomorrow evening.
KBtalking Pro uses coated, laser etched, caps. They are by far my favorite OEM caps.Not necessarily. There were a batch of lower cost ones with just uncoated laser foamed keys. The regular visible legend ones are UV coated laser foamed caps. Then of course, there are those laser engraved caps like yours.
Anyone know where I can get a replacement Das case??
Is that RoHS compliant? The solder looks too shiny to be lead-free solder.
Can someone get the photos of the stabilizers? This could help a lot, I think..
EDIT: Mind, that's my opinion as to who's making it. Not stating it as fact, just what seems apparent. Not sure if these Newegg photos are accurate (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823830007&Tpk=DASK3MKPROCLI) but that layout is really distinct and uncommon.I think it is a Solidyear. Using Taiwanese romanization rule, their name could be written as HY.
EDIT: Mind, that's my opinion as to who's making it. Not stating it as fact, just what seems apparent. Not sure if these Newegg photos are accurate (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823830007&Tpk=DASK3MKPROCLI) but that layout is really distinct and uncommon.I think it is a Solidyear. Using Taiwanese romanization rule, their name could be written as HY.
LOL, this SolidYear keyboard looks a damn lot like the Thermaltake Meka:Show Image(http://www.solidyear.com.tw/dbase/upload-img/ACK2310-catalogue.jpg)
I wasn't really paying attention at the PCB pix showing the switches when I looked at them before. PCB mount switches on a plate mount. That's interesting.Actually, if you ever notice. Corsair K60/90 is also PCB mounted keyboard. They are using the PCB mount switches with 5pins/legs. But they are both mounted at the aluminum case at the same time.
EDIT: Mind, that's my opinion as to who's making it. Not stating it as fact, just what seems apparent. Not sure if these Newegg photos are accurate (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823830007&Tpk=DASK3MKPROCLI) but that layout is really distinct and uncommon.I think it is a Solidyear. Using Taiwanese romanization rule, their name could be written as HY.
Just looked at some of their other keyboards and I think you are right. Anyway, definitely NOT iOne :D
This is a tough egg, but so far their keyboard is fine. My original Das keyboard space-bar squeeked and this one has none of that mess.
So would you say quality is comparable to the original Das? Also are you in the process of making a full review?
QuoteSo would you say quality is comparable to the original Das? Also are you in the process of making a full review?
Count me as interested, too. I need a Cherry Brown in my collection, and had been strongly considering the Das Silent, until I saw this thread. I'd just like to know if the new model with media keys is as good as its predecessor. :)
Thanks!
QuoteFor the time being I'd just get a Das Keyboard Ultimate Silent. It is still Costar at the moment.
I would in a heartbeat if I considered myself that great a typist. If I get one, I want to be able to type on it. ;D For now, I still need printed keycaps. I'll either wait for the consensus. to come in, or get another brand. If I could spare the $$$, I'd get a Filco, though I can't really tell which of their models HAVE browns in them. I think my next choice will either be a CoolerMaster or a Leopold. I just need a standard 104-key layout, whichever one I get. I was hoping it'd be a Das though.
QuoteI'd say if you can afford it, definitely get a Filco.
Click Action = MX Blue
Tactile Action = MX Brown
Soft Linear Action = MX Red
Linear Action = MX Black
As for CM Storm, Quick Fire Rapid is your best bet but it's not 104 key. But if you were to get Quick Fire Pro (which is 104 key) I'd actually suggest you get Rosewill instead.
I don't recommend Leopold because their 104 key model is too ugly and their spacebar stem doesn't fit any other spacebars. So it's pain in the butt if you want to replace keycap set one day.
So I say go Filco or Rosewill or Das Ultimate.
Thanks for deciphering the Filco code! I'll definitely keep your advice in mind when it comes time to buy a Cherry board. I'm going to get the QuietPro first though :)
I would in a heartbeat if I considered myself that great a typist. If I get one, I want to be able to type on it. ;D For now, I still need printed keycaps. I'll either wait for the consensus. to come in, or get another brand. If I could spare the $$$, I'd get a Filco, though I can't really tell which of their models HAVE browns in them. I think my next choice will either be a CoolerMaster or a Leopold. I just need a standard 104-key layout, whichever one I get. I was hoping it'd be a Das though.
I'd say if you can afford it, definitely get a Filco.
Click Action = MX Blue
Tactile Action = MX Brown
Soft Linear Action = MX Red
Linear Action = MX Black
As for CM Storm, Quick Fire Rapid is your best bet but it's not 104 key. But if you were to get Quick Fire Pro (which is 104 key) I'd actually suggest you get Rosewill instead.
I don't recommend Leopold because their 104 key model is too ugly and their spacebar stem doesn't fit any other spacebars. So it's pain in the butt if you want to replace keycap set one day.
So I say go Filco or Rosewill or Das Ultimate.
Well, got a new Das Keyboard this morning for Christmas and I can say it is pretty solidly built. I think this manufacturer change is WAYYYYYYY overhyped.
Well, got a new Das Keyboard this morning for Christmas and I can say it is pretty solidly built. I think this manufacturer change is WAYYYYYYY overhyped.
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback :) Please keep us posted as you get to know it! :) Merry Christmas!
LOL, this SolidYear keyboard looks a damn lot like the Thermaltake Meka:Show Image(http://www.solidyear.com.tw/dbase/upload-img/ACK2310-catalogue.jpg)
That is one ugly ass keyboard...
LOL, this SolidYear keyboard looks a damn lot like the Thermaltake Meka:Show Image(http://www.solidyear.com.tw/dbase/upload-img/ACK2310-catalogue.jpg)
That is one ugly ass keyboard...
Ughhh that layout makes me cry :eek:
That's one of the dumbest compact layouts i've see ISO enter key there is.
Who uses forward slash?Real men. You know... those, who use UNIX. ^_~
Who uses forward slash?
I just got a das pro for work, made in china. It feels incredibly cheap compared to my das ultimate at home (made in taiwan). I don't know if the keycaps are thinner or what, but I must say I am quite disappointed with it.
So disappointed. :(
Enough so that I've written a product review on amazon. This keyboard is just not worth the price. The Ultimate was.
One of the things I'm responding to is that if I tap lightly on either side of the backspace or enter keys, it rattles. I don't believe my Ultimate does that, but again, I'll have to bring this keyboard home tonight and test them side-by-side.
Ah, good call. I took a look and the stabilizer clips are not actually stably affixed to the plate / keyboard. So I guess that's where the rattling is coming from. Any idea how to fix that?One of the things I'm responding to is that if I tap lightly on either side of the backspace or enter keys, it rattles. I don't believe my Ultimate does that, but again, I'll have to bring this keyboard home tonight and test them side-by-side.
Take a look at the stabilizers to make sure they're installed correctly.
Ah, good call. I took a look and the stabilizer clips are not actually stably affixed to the plate / keyboard. So I guess that's where the rattling is coming from. Any idea how to fix that?One of the things I'm responding to is that if I tap lightly on either side of the backspace or enter keys, it rattles. I don't believe my Ultimate does that, but again, I'll have to bring this keyboard home tonight and test them side-by-side.
Take a look at the stabilizers to make sure they're installed correctly.
Got home and tested them side by side. I think me feeling like the switches under the letters felt more mushy was placebo caused by all the other issues. The stabilizer clips (the part that the stabilizer bar hinges in to, not the part on the key cap) is lose on basically every key (most noticeably on the backspace). The scroll lock key has a chip in it. The case is bubbled up directly in front of the forward arrow key (I tried switching the key caps to ensure the profile was in fact the same which made me realize the case was flawed) which makes it feel very shallow. Plus, I hate the layout of the modifiers. I keep missing when I try to hit the Alt key.
So all in all, with my sample size of 1, I'd say the build quality is much worse. I'm going to have to return this.
i have to say that the keys go off colour very quickly thoughI must have got a lemon then. Not going to try my luck again with it though since I don't actually like the shifted spacebar/alt keys in the layout. Really throws off my ability to hit shortcut keys while coding. I'm sure I could get used to it, but keeping the layout of my home and work keyboards the same seems worthwhile.
my left control and shift keys are now grey not white
i've been fairly hammering this thing at work, can't say i've notice any rattling with it
I recently got the media key version (made in china) and was able to compare it to a friends costar (made in taiwan). Both were Profession Model S with brown switches.
There is definitely significant difference between the 2 keyboards. The quality of the new version is unsatisfactory.
I'll refer to the newer media key version as "china" and previous model "costar"
The differences noticed while comparing the two were:
-china model has a resonating sound when keys are pressed. Very noticeable and annoying.
-costar larger keys (such as shift, bs, enter) are more fluid/smooth than china version.
-in general the costar keyboard just felt better to type on.
Resonating denotes a reverberation in the plate, and "stiff keys" can occur with any keyboard.
Definitely looks like these MIC keyboards have terrible quality control. I wonder if they sent me a nice one. I took mine apart before typing on it, so I may have put it back together better than the factory worker. Taking these issues people are having into account with my review which will go live next week.
For me, anyway, that settles it. Das is off my list. What a shame.From what I've heard, that is true. The ones with the media keys are the first ones that sucked. :P
If I am one day in the market for a used Das, is it safe to say that I would get a Costar board as long as I get one that lacks a Fn key? Or were there earlier revs that were also subpar? (that might be harder to distinguish from a 2008 Costar board?)
Resonating denotes a reverberation in the plate, and "stiff keys" can occur with any keyboard.
Definitely looks like these MIC keyboards have terrible quality control. I wonder if they sent me a nice one. I took mine apart before typing on it, so I may have put it back together better than the factory worker. Taking these issues people are having into account with my review which will go live next week.
Fair points. I am physically disabled, and lack the dexterity to take apart and reassemble a keyboard (let alone be sure it is reassembled equal to or better than factory)
Whichever board I choose is going to have to be at its very best as soon as it leaves the factory. ;)
WASD is looking better and better.
I didn't mean to seem argumentative, and WASD is a very wise choice. Das had their time in the sun. My review is reflecting on their company negatively overall.
With your needs I would go with WASD or Coolermaster! Both are reasonable prices and have exceptional build quality.
I didn't mean to seem argumentative, and WASD is a very wise choice. Das had their time in the sun. My review is reflecting on their company negatively overall.
With your needs I would go with WASD or Coolermaster! Both are reasonable prices and have exceptional build quality.
From what I've heard, that is true. The ones with the media keys are the first ones that sucked. :PI just got my second das ultimate and I am pleased. Feels just as solid as my first. I need to install some o-rings into the backspace, enter, and spacebar... but other than that... all good. This one doesn't even seem to be squeaking!
In fact, the Das Ultimate are still being built by Costar, and I am very happy with mine, so you could even get a new one if you don't need letters ony our keys (or if you intend to buy some new colored keycaps).
I'll be receiving my second one tomorrow so I'll let you know if the quality is up to par with my first, but I expect it will be.
From what I've heard, that is true. The ones with the media keys are the first ones that sucked. :PI just got my second das ultimate and I am pleased. Feels just as solid as my first. I need to install some o-rings into the backspace, enter, and spacebar... but other than that... all good. This one doesn't even seem to be squeaking!
In fact, the Das Ultimate are still being built by Costar, and I am very happy with mine, so you could even get a new one if you don't need letters ony our keys (or if you intend to buy some new colored keycaps).
I'll be receiving my second one tomorrow so I'll let you know if the quality is up to par with my first, but I expect it will be.
The Das Ultimate seems to still be Costar made, so no changes there.Yup, exactly. I was just pointing out that it was just as awesome as my first to provide contrast with my experiences with the other OEM's keyboard and their (lack of) build quality.
Only the Professional Model with Media Keys comes from a different OEM.
...In the past year a rising demand for mechanical keyboards has brought a fair bit of enticing competition to the United States, so as of this very fresh 2013 I feel Das could stand to take time focusing their efforts in providing their customers a solution which is as well-built as it is feature rich.
Nice review, but no mention of the changed layout as well? The box even shows the more standardized 1.25x mod keys xD
Nice review, but no mention of the changed layout as well? The box even shows the more standardized 1.25x mod keys xD
*facepalm* of all of the things... thanks for the kind words, and especially for that observation. In the future I won't miss something that ridiculously obvious >.< Shows just how much I pay attention to the modifiers.
I am seriously LOLing at rootwyrm now. That is on par with TP4's claim that you have to unsolder all the switches on the board to replace 1 switch.
Lovely board chow there.
I have never seen this sort before. Where does that stabilizer go, and/or come up topside again?
I recently got the media key version (made in china) and was able to compare it to a friends costar (made in taiwan). Both were Profession Model S with brown switches.[/size][/size]
There is definitely significant difference between the 2 keyboards. The quality of the new version is unsatisfactory.
I'll refer to the newer media key version as "china" and previous model "costar"
The differences noticed while comparing the two were:
-china model has a resonating sound when keys are pressed. Very noticeable and annoying.
-costar larger keys (such as shift, bs, enter) are more fluid/smooth than china version.
-in general the costar keyboard just felt better to type on.
No body believed me
i've had to have my taiwanese das replaced for the 2nd time as another key died in under 3 months
i've now got one of the dreaded chinese models
the key clicks seem much hollower than the old one and i'm not a fan of the symmetrical bottom row
i keep hitting the fn key when i'm going for the windows / ctrl key but thats just something i'll get used to i suppose
what i'm really hoping for is a > 3 month usage without keys dieing on this one
What switch are you looking for? Because at the current moment it sounds like QuickFire Rapid/QuickFire XT or WASD V2 would be better options.
DK Ultimate came today. Confirmed! It's still made in Taiwan. It feels so nice in my hands. I fell in love with it just in minute of using it!
Purchased in German shop http://www.getdigital.de/
Just now I'm waiting for my ordered red o-rings from wasd and some color key caps.
Thanx davkol for his help in czech forum :-)
DK Ultimate came today. Confirmed! It's still made in Taiwan. It feels so nice in my hands. I fell in love with it just in minute of using it!
Purchased in German shop http://www.getdigital.de/
Just now I'm waiting for my ordered red o-rings from wasd and some color key caps.
Thanx davkol for his help in czech forum :-)
Sure it's made in Taiwan but until somebody opens theirs to check the circuit board, nothing's for sure I'm afraid. I've got an Ultimate directly from Das Keyboards early this month also made in Taiwan and the space bar feel is uneven. Pressing the left side of the space bar feels much sturdier than when I press the right side which makes me think I'll find the same thing wetto found underneath.
The stabalizers look thinner on the left side
Quality is at the forefront of everything we do at Das Keyboard. Our goal is to create the best keyboard and the only way to do that is to put quality first. In 2012, we made a significant investment in additional factories to meet expanding demand and have carefully chosen additional manufacturers who reflect the same level of quality we have always stood for. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send us a message over at Das Keyboard and we’d be happy to address them.
Thank you for contacting us. Quality is at the forefront of everything we do at Das Keyboard. Our goal is to create the best keyboard and the only way to do that is to put quality first. In 2012, we made a significant investment in additional factories to meet expanding demand. Although we cannot disclose our manufacturing partners, we have carefully chosen additional manufacturers who reflect the same level of quality we have always stood for. Our Ultimate models are manufactured in Taiwan and our Professional models are manufactured in China.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have further questions.