Das Keyboard Suggestion

[Linkbane]

Hey fellow geekhackers.

I was thinking of buying a Das Ultimate as my next board, because I both like the aesthetic and because I like their blank keycaps.
However, I have a few questions before I put it on my list. Just in advance, the purpose of it is 100% for typing; noise doesn't matter.

One, the switch type. I have Blues on my TK and love them dearly, so I'm wondering if it's worth it to put it on the Das if it doesn't really feel any different, and because I'm already getting blank keycaps in the mail soon. I tried Browns once at a store and they were quite nice, almost the same as Blues. So I wonder if you guys have more experience if getting a different board with the same switch feels nice.

Two, the keycaps themselves. I haven't heard anything about their keycaps, so I presume that they're ABS, but how are they in terms of feel; are they thin like the TK or thicker, or are they possibly even PBT?

Finally, the quality of the keyboard themselves. I see that Sean Wrona uses them, so I assume that they're pretty well built if he's banging on it all day, but do any of you have any experience in if the switches feel different on a Das than a QF?

Thanks a bunch for the help.

[Photekq]

This answers none of your questions but I think it's worth saying..

You might like the aesthetic before it's been used.. But trust me when I say that glossy surfaces are a HUGE pain in the arse.

Now, to your questions..

1. The TK and das are both plate mounted, so I reckon they should feel very similar. Of course there will be a slight difference due to the different cases, etc. but for the most part they will feel very, very similiar indeed. Might be worth getting the browns and trying something different.
2. They're thin ABS just like the TK. I expect that the thickness is practically identical. If there is a thickness difference then it'll be very marginal.
3. I have no input on the quality as I've never owned one, but refer to 1. for the switch feel.

[Linkbane]

I see then. I only wanted to comment on the switch feel because people are always saying that somehow the Majestouch feels different to type on than any other plate-mount, which I took with a grain of salt. If they really aren't different, though, I probably would go for the brown.

About the glassy surfaces: I generally keep them in on a desk and clean it with canned air every once in a while, so do you think that it would keep clean?
If I must, I suppose that I could always order a blank black PBT set from banggood (assuming the white ones I ordered actually come in).
Thanks photoekq, very helpful.

[Photekq]

I see then. I only wanted to comment on the switch feel because people are always saying that somehow the Majestouch feels different to type on than any other plate-mount, which I took with a grain of salt. If they really aren't different, though, I probably would go for the brown.

About the glassy surfaces: I generally keep them in on a desk and clean it with canned air every once in a while, so do you think that it would keep clean?
If I must, I suppose that I could always order a blank black PBT set from banggood (assuming the white ones I ordered actually come in).
Thanks photoekq, very helpful.

I have owned neither board, so I can't actually comment on how similar the switch feel is. I'm just presuming they will be very similar since they're both plate mount.. It shouldn't be night and day like a PCB mount vs plate mount. Would be interested to hear from someone else who owns both.

Canned air would do nothing. No matter how clean and careful you are a glossy surface will become dirty from oils on your hands, etc. You will need to wipe it regularly to keep it clean. It's just a huge PITA imo. It looks nice for like 10 mins, but then it looks like crap until you clean it.

[divito]

Photek pointed out all the worthwhile information for you.

As a Das Ultimate owner, I didn't mind the ABS caps, though I've since replaced the majority of my keys, with zinc alphas and blank white PBT caps. I've also gotten rid of the glossy surface by putting carbon fiber vinyl on it (pic).

The aesthetic is clean and simple, and if you're diligent enough at keeping the glossy surface wiped down, you won't have many problems. That being said, if you have animals, have your computer in a dusty area or the like, it could become an issue. A can of compressed air might not totally work, as some dust and stuff can kind of "stick" to the glossy surface, requiring a wipe-down.

As for similarity to a TK, I can't specifically say. I've only dabbled on a TK in a store, but it was pretty similar from what I can recall given plate-mount, etc... Although, I'd almost say the Das feels a little more "substantial," but maybe someone with more experience can comment.

I don't regret my Das purchase as my first mechanical. As a second keyboard for you, with blue switches already...meh. Unless you put a huge stock in the aesthetics of the Das, throwing blanks on your TK is going to be a pretty similar experience overall.

[Linkbane]

I saw your thread on your awesome-looking Das.
If I end up getting a Das, I suppose that I will replace the caps, but probably with blacks because the all-black makes it look quite nice honestly. However, there's nothing dirty around my keyboard, it's just an apartment near my high school. No animals, no dust, so hopefully I won't have to clean it too often, but how did you manage to put that surface on? Looks really nice.

[divito]

I saw your thread on your awesome-looking Das.
If I end up getting a Das, I suppose that I will replace the caps, but probably with blacks because the all-black makes it look quite nice honestly. However, there's nothing dirty around my keyboard, it's just an apartment near my high school. No animals, no dust, so hopefully I won't have to clean it too often, but how did you manage to put that surface on? Looks really nice.

It's just a vinyl sheet. You stick it on, and cut the square holes with slits in the corners to bend and stick them down the inside. I used a heat gun to be able to manoeuver it on the edges and stuff. You could also use a hair dryer.