DAS Keyboard 4

[dante]

The backplate says made in China.

Now unless the ultimate version is still made in taiwan, I guess that's it for Costar Das Keyboards

Nice catch!

[Xrayz0r]

The backplate says made in China.

Now unless the ultimate version is still made in taiwan, I guess that's it for Costar Das Keyboards

Nice catch!

If it's true that even the ultimate version isn't made by Costar this time, I'm fairly sure high end users won't be convinced by some dedicated media buttons and a ruler. Will they? Sure the general public doesn't care (as much), but they won't be buying the ultimate anyways.

I'm definitely buying this keyboard. I want one ASAP, in fact it was this news that prevented me from actually seriously ordering a CM quickfire XT yesterday. I was right in the middle of filling out the form, when the email from Das Keyboard came in. I'm now getting the Das, probably before anyone reviews it. I'm just a little worried it might suck

[daerid]

I'll probably end up getting one, it just looks too damn sexy (plus dat USB 3 hub).

Gonna wait for a review to pop up here though.

[C5Allroad]

If it's made in china.... I will not be buying one.. General public doesn't really care.

[Nixietube]

i really dislike the non mechanical function keys.

[wharrislv]

I had my infant son rip the stem off one of my switches on a das about a year ago.  It was my first "high end" mechanical keyboard since the old days of having focus 2001s at work in the 90s.  They have no repair service.  If you want, they can sell you a refurbished board for $30 off their retail price, as long as you send them your old board back(LOL!), that is their only repair option.  I repaired the switch and sold the das it irritated me so much.

[dorkvader]

is this now the lowest z height board?

nowhere near, especially with that foot. I think the bevel on the bottom is added height as well.

[Macsmasher]

TKL and Topre Fanboi Association (TTFA)

Hahaha! I'm card carrying member.

[rowdy]

TKL and Topre Fanboi Association (TTFA)

Hahaha! I'm card carrying member.

Never mind the card - I'm a keyboard carrying member

[Xrayz0r]

I emailed Das Keyboard and they told me the ultimate version will still be made in Taiwan. Now, as you could expect, they assured me that the quality of the chinese manufacturers is on par.

I don't know... on the one hand I want printed keycaps, but I don't want to end up in the pissed off customer 1-star review list on Amazon.

[davkol]

If it has a standard layout, you can always get an aftermarket set. After all, those OEM keycaps have a tradition of being crap.

[Hyde]

I emailed Das Keyboard and they told me the ultimate version will still be made in Taiwan. Now, as you could expect, they assured me that the quality of the chinese manufacturers is on par.

I don't know... on the one hand I want printed keycaps, but I don't want to end up in the pissed off customer 1-star review list on Amazon.

I find this a bit surprising because the Ultimate made in Taiwan because it has different bottom row (no FN key).  So it was kind of a different keyboard.

But now they're practically identical I wonder why they built them in difference places.

However that's still good news for us. 

[Zombly]

Looks like a beauty, also not sure if it's worth the price tag, I'd like to grab this or the code mx clear, I'll see when April rolls around.

[ynrozturk]

This looks amazing I must say. I prefer TKL so I will probably pass, but design wise it looks great.

[BucklingSpring]

Darth Vader will not approve this one... But I think it is a good thing :-)

I like the new design too.

[Xrayz0r]

PC mag has already reviewed it. As I suspected, the ruler just comes across as lame.

If you're gonna do something totally random and arbitrary, the usefulness should at least outweigh the randomness, or you'll leave people wondering what's the point. Sorta like Ockham's Razer, don't randomly make something up unless you need it.

Why invest the extra cost (even if it is slight) if you can use that money to improve some other aspect of the keyboard. Make a higher quality sleeve for the cable, the plastic is hideous and totally unflexible. Make it detachable with a usb plug, anything. I can buy a ruler myself, for 20 cents, one that does not have an annoying thick triangular shape, and does not have the consequence of losing the tilt function of my keyboard if it happens to get lost.

Don't worry, I'm still buying the keyboard, it just pisses me off that some pretentious dumbass at a Das Keyboard meeting, trying to be different for the sake of being different, is responsible for the stupid tilt function on my keyboard.

Sorry for ranting

[tbc]

i don't think anyone who actually wants the tilt is actually going to use it as a ruler.  it's for people who don't want the tilt.

[davkol]

Sorta like Ockham's Razer, don't randomly make something up unless you need it.

I see what you did there...

[Xrayz0r]

Sorta like Ockham's Razer, don't randomly make something up unless you need it.

I see what you did there...

I de-metaphysicized ockhams razor. Quite awesome

i don't think anyone who actually wants the tilt is actually going to use it as a ruler.  it's for people who don't want the tilt

Exactly. So let's say you want it flat, you don't want the tilt. Would you prefer the complete randomness of having an extra ruler around, or would you prefer a higher quality cable sleeve?

"We got tired of those itty bitty plastic keyboard feet. They are fragile and typical." - Das Keyboard

Having a standard 104 layout is typical, what's wrong with typical? Might as well ditch scroll lock and pauze, as they are both typical and nobody uses them (correct me if I'm wrong). Put a pencil sharpener in their place.
As for fragile, you don't have to make them plastic. Make metal ones with rubber coating. I'd seriously pay 10 extra for metal feet that "click" into place, and don't slide around my desk.

[davkol]

Having a standard 104 layout is typical, what's wrong with typical?

EHMAGERD ERGODOX

[BucklingSpring]

Quality cable sleeves is something you notice when you open a New In Box toy.

Something that might also crosses your mind when you try to run the cable in the built-in cable management cracks (if the DAS 4 has some, I don't know)
Detachable is not an important feature for most full size keyboard users as they are not likely to move around as smaller keyboards do.

We could also argue that the volume nob on a wired keyboard is pretty useless.

"As for fragile, you don't have to make them plastic. Make metal ones with rubber coating. I'd seriously pay 10 extra for metal feet that "click" into place, and don't slide around my desk. "

Agreed!!!

[Mooby]

I like volume wheels. But I also like slim cases. If they would sell the volume wheel seperately I'd totaly buy it.

[tbc]

Sorta like Ockham's Razer, don't randomly make something up unless you need it.

I see what you did there...

I de-metaphysicized ockhams razor. Quite awesome

i don't think anyone who actually wants the tilt is actually going to use it as a ruler.  it's for people who don't want the tilt

Exactly. So let's say you want it flat, you don't want the tilt. Would you prefer the complete randomness of having an extra ruler around, or would you prefer a higher quality cable sleeve?

"We got tired of those itty bitty plastic keyboard feet. They are fragile and typical." - Das Keyboard

Having a standard 104 layout is typical, what's wrong with typical? Might as well ditch scroll lock and pauze, as they are both typical and nobody uses them (correct me if I'm wrong). Put a pencil sharpener in their place.
As for fragile, you don't have to make them plastic. Make metal ones with rubber coating. I'd seriously pay 10 extra for metal feet that "click" into place, and don't slide around my desk.

i would just put it back inside the box like i do with extra accessories now.

[daerid]

I use pause/break all the time. Scroll Lock is about the only key I wouldn't miss.

[Photoelectric]

Exactly. So let's say you want it flat, you don't want the tilt. Would you prefer the complete randomness of having an extra ruler around, or would you prefer a higher quality cable sleeve?

This is Geekhack, where invisible gold springs in your switches make you type faster.  Just keep that in mind.  The concept of fun makes a lot of things "worth it".

[Xrayz0r]

I use pause/break all the time. Scroll Lock is about the only key I wouldn't miss.

Still enough for a pencil sharpener.

By the way, what applications still use pause?

[Lu_e]

Starcraft 2

[Lodestar]

Damn... Just bought the Das keyboard ultimate S a month ago and this comes out, thought there was a reason why it was the last one but does anyone here think it is possible to change out the switches with green switches and make a custom braided usb cable?

[Flossed]

That price point is a huge turnoff...

[ideus]

Looking nice and sleek, the new finishing will take the finger print magnet out of the equation. But it is way too expensive. 

[daerid]

By the way, what applications still use pause?

Win+Pause : System Properties
Control+Pause : Interrupt Visual Studio Build

I use both of those a lot more than you'd think.

[PolaBurrr]

We want tkl!

[QuadGMoto]

This is Geekhack, where invisible gold springs in your switches make you type faster.  Just keep that in mind.  The concept of fun makes a lot of things "worth it".

That's funny, I thought it was to prevent corrosion so the switch would last longer. But I'll just have to settle for the 'fun' quotient.
 

[Smasher816]

By the way, what applications still use pause?

Win+Pause : System Properties
Control+Pause : Interrupt Visual Studio Build

You can also use it as another key for AHK or something.

[Hyde]

A review is up here:

However be warned you might get a bit annoyed watching this video.  This guy handles a $169 keyboard as if it was $5.  It's like come on you spend good money on it can't you be a bit more gentle and pretend you cherish it?

Also if you're gonna do a review maybe a little bit of research before hand would be nice.  For one he didn't know why Das gives the option to enable/disable NKRO.  He also doesn't know the new logo on the window key are actually Das' new logo.

And as he was opening the package he was ripping through that foam wrap, you know there's opening at the top you can just take it out without ripping it?

Okay maybe I'm too harsh on him.  My OCD is coming through.  >_____>

Though if I wasn't so picky maybe I wouldn't be on geekhack. 

[divito]

However be warned you might get a bit annoyed watching this video.  This guy handles a $169 keyboard as if it was $5.  It's like come on you spend good money on it can't you be a bit more gentle and pretend you cherish it?

Also if you're gonna do a review maybe a little bit of research before hand would be nice.  For one he didn't know why Das gives the option to enable/disable NKRO.  He also doesn't know the new logo on the window key are actually Das' new logo.

And as he was opening the package he was ripping through that foam wrap, you know there's opening at the top you can just take it out without ripping it?

Okay maybe I'm too harsh on him.  My OCD is coming through.  >_____>

Though if I wasn't so picky maybe I wouldn't be on geekhack. 

I wouldn't say you're being too harsh, though he openly admits that his videos are mainly just a hobby; he's not really after subscribers or views or anything like other Youtube personalities.

I came across his videos last week, and while some aspects of his videos are cringe-worthy, I'd say that the people that find/watch his videos are at a much lower level in any type of technology capacity. And for some topics, he is quite knowledgeable, enough that some oversights can be expected.

Seeing the actual product through this video does make it more tempting if I move back to a full-size. Wouldn't mind adding another Das to my collection and occasional usage, especially with the new features.

[C5Allroad]

Hmmm... I kind of want... It seems too slim, and too flat compared to my ducky...

[Danoob1337]

Its $180 (canadian) so i dont know about it but the people who liked the volume wheel on the k70 are going to like this even more. Personally i was hoping metadot came out with a $100 tenkeyless (i just bought a quickfire stealth for $70)

[minho]

Also if you're gonna do a review maybe a little bit of research before hand would be nice.  For one he didn't know why Das gives the option to enable/disable NKRO.

Why does Das do that? Forgive my ignorance, don't usually pay attention to this stuff.

[Zeal]

Also if you're gonna do a review maybe a little bit of research before hand would be nice.  For one he didn't know why Das gives the option to enable/disable NKRO.

Why does Das do that? Forgive my ignorance, don't usually pay attention to this stuff.

Most keyboards that "support" NKRO aren't truly NKRO, and combine two "virtual" keyboards into one.

When you have NKRO enabled, your keyboard is unresponsive under BIOS.

[boradori007]

Looks better I guess but not a fan of DAS

[Xrayz0r]

A review is up here:

However be warned you might get a bit annoyed watching this video.  This guy handles a $169 keyboard as if it was $5.  It's like come on you spend good money on it can't you be a bit more gentle and pretend you cherish it?

Also if you're gonna do a review maybe a little bit of research before hand would be nice.  For one he didn't know why Das gives the option to enable/disable NKRO.  He also doesn't know the new logo on the window key are actually Das' new logo.

And as he was opening the package he was ripping through that foam wrap, you know there's opening at the top you can just take it out without ripping it?

Okay maybe I'm too harsh on him.  My OCD is coming through.  >_____>

Though if I wasn't so picky maybe I wouldn't be on geekhack. 

I agree, I was complaining about the same thing yesterday. I appreciate the review and everything, but it's almost like he doesn't care. He finds out about the ruler, the "symbol" (which can be found right next to the brand name) and the aluminium surface DURING the review, which is amazing. I don't see how that can happen if you take your review (and the company that saw fit to send you a model pre-launch) seriously.

/out of proportion rant



I still don't understand the obscene price point when the keycaps are still low quality plastic. How does that work? Especially since we get a magnet without asking for one..

[Hyde]

^  lol I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks this way.  I started to wonder if I'm just overly picky.

It's like you said, I'm glad he's the first to do a review, but just.... yeah....

Oh and I watched the video again omg he was comparing the Das Keyboard to the "Cooler Master CM Storm Keyboard".  You know CM Storm is just Cooler Master's gaming brand right.... and that model is actually CM Storm MECH.

Okay I'll stop picking on him now.  I guess he did say he was sick, so I'll leave it at that.

As for the pricing, maybe Das figures that adding the aluminum top plate and volumn knob is justifiable to the increase in price.  Then again Corsair K70 is like $130 and Mac Keyboard is like $55 both has aluminum finish so I don't know.

Otherwise that keyboard is indeed pretty nice.

[Demetrium]

I want one of these! I have Das browns at work and blues at home. Maybe it's time for reds!

[yicaoyimu]

No MX Red, No buy.

[Hyde]

^  Maybe they'll come out with the "Quiet" version later.

Just gotta wait a bit also depending on your preference you might have to leave/take out the o-rings.

[rowdy]

^  Maybe they'll come out with the "Quiet" version later.

Just gotta wait a bit also depending on your preference you might have to leave/take out the o-rings.

Brown is the quiet version, isn't it?

In contradistinction to blues, being the "noisy" version.

[Hyde]

I think brown was the "silent" version before and red is the "quiet" version.

Now I believe blue is "clicky", brown is "soft tactile" and red is "quiet".

Yeah it's a bit confusing I don't know why they can't just say MX Brown and MX Red.

[blackbox]

I think brown was the "silent" version before and red is the "quiet" version.

Now I believe blue is "clicky", brown is "soft tactile" and red is "quiet".

Yeah it's a bit confusing I don't know why they can't just say MX Brown and MX Red.

yup, that is confusing. That is what happens when the marketing department of das is going to "apeal to a larger market".

[CommonCurt]

i really dislike the non mechanical function keys.

Non mechanical function keys?