Buying a Das Keyboard, but contemplating the options available

[tacomang]

Hey everybody,
I'm new to the keyboard scene, and I just recently got into mechanical keyboards. My keyboard collection consists of stock keyboards I've acquired over the past decade and a half, starting with Compaq and ending with Emachines junk ones. Aside from that, I have the Logitech G15 and the Microsoft Sidewinder X6, which I am currently using.

I've done a lot of research, and what I'm leaning towards most is the Das Keyboard, preferably the ones with the Cherry MX blue switches. I'm a student, so I think I'm eligible for the student discount program Das is offering. Also, because I'm a student, I think I will do a lot of typing, and I've heart that the cherry blues make typing more enjoyable, especially when I have to type essays and such..

The problem I'm facing right now is whether I should get the professional version (laser-etched keycaps) or the ultimate version (blank keys). I like to think that I am a touch typist. The only times I look at they keyboard are when I make a mistake or when I'm inputting passwords. Also, I like to play video games, and a lot of the times that requires me to look at the keys, especially with the numbered keys at the top. I initially intended to get the blank keyboard so as to "increase my typing speed/efficiency", so to speak. And also to look badass. But I'm afraid that I'm still a little reliant on the lettered keycaps.

Now I've heard about how the laser-etched keycaps easily wear out on the Das keyboard. Is that still an issue? That's what holding me back from buying the professional model.
I think as of this post I'm leaning towards the professional model, but I just want to make sure that the keys don't wear out easily, otherwise I might as well buy the blank ones.

So any Das professional users out there that have any input in this? Preferably users that have hte newer model, the ones that are laser-etched.

Thanks!

EDIT: Money IS a problem for me, I'm looking for keyboards that are ~100-120$, less is obviously better.

[Oproer]

If the laser etched keys wear out, eventually you'll have blank keys. Use that time to learn to type without looking.
It's a feature, not a defect..



ps. I have the Das with blank keys. I couldn't get used to it. Especially when using the symbols on the top row, it's easy to make a mistake.

[hcry4]

ps. I have the Das with blank keys. I couldn't get used to it. Especially when using the symbols on the top row, it's easy to make a mistake.

bang at pound dollar percent carrot and open close.

[The Solutor]

I've used the X6 for an year, because the smart form factor, the volume knob etc...

But frankly is the worst keyboard I've ever touched in 30 years.

Animating else will improve your productivity.

BTW, I'm using a Qpad MK80 and an Xarmor U9-BL-s and I must say that hardly you can get a better combination of price, features, and good keycaps.

[pitashen]

If you game a lot, I wouldn't suggest blank keys. I would not worry too much about wearing off of the laser prints. You can always buy keycaps to replace them, one main advantage of using mech boards. Chances are  you'll want to buy another keyboard way before the prints are worn off

[tacomang]

Oh and also guys, I've emailed Das regarding my eligibility for the student discount program. That was three days ago. How long does it usually take for them to reply back?

[nolliepoper]

Das replied back to me no later than next day but they may take off weekend or Labor day.
I bought the Ultimate Silent and didn't have any problems with the blank keys but I am returning it soon and getting a tenkeyless instead.
Not sure if it is just me but the whole Das keyboard including the frame just seems too big for me.
I must say that Das are definitely worth the money with the student discount for the solid build quality.

[Quarzac]

Oh and also guys, I've emailed Das regarding my eligibility for the student discount program. That was three days ago. How long does it usually take for them to reply back?

Das got back to me in- I think- 2 business days, but since I emailed them on a Friday, I didn't hear back until Tuesday. It's also (in my opinion) a very poorly done process that could be easily automated. It's nice because it works for high school students, and they don't do the usual "Provide a .edu email address", but they could really eliminate the initial message and just tell you to attach a picture of your ID. The discount is nice though, and brings the blues down to a pleasant $103 shipped.

[N8N]

If you're not sure about the blank keycaps, how about a WASD?  If you game, you could also make your gaming cluster (WASD or ESDF) a different color.  A "semi-custom" w/ laser etched keycaps is $120, and at least on my desk I can't really see the etching unless I look very close (I tend to use it in a darkish room) so it's a halfway point between regular keys and blank.  just a thought...

Also, there's the Filco Ninja, with the front-printed keycaps, but those are more expensive than the other choices...

[itlnstln]

I think of all caps I have typed on, engraved or Topre black-on-grey have the optimum mix of stealth and usability. While blank keycaps helped me a lot with breaking a bad habit of looking down when I type, they really become annoying when you need to find a key you rarely press.  On the other hand, blank caps look awesome.  Engraved caps are nice, especially WASD's with the smaller legends, as they give you the stealth look but also provide legends just in case you really need to find key but not so obvious that it temps you to look at the keyboard when typing.