Ducky Shine 4 or Das KB 4 Ultimate

[fizo]

Hey guys,

since I'm searching for a new keyboard i found geekhack (and registered) and I think you guys will be able to help me with my decision.

The keyboards:
* Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate
* Ducky Shine 4

I really can't make up my mind between the two keyboards. I know they are pretty far apart form each other but either one attracts me.

I found out somewhere that Das changed their oems and mailed them to confirm. Actually the Model S Ultimate is the only keyboard left that is produced in Taiwan, so I'm unsure about the quality. (Source: Das Support)

I like that the ducky is backlit but i dislike the colors, I'd rather go for a plain white led version or set RGB to that.

I will mostly (only) use for developing software / coding & that on a linux / somethimes (hackintosh) mac dualboot.

I actually want to pick the one out of those two that has the best feel / quality available for typing.

Maybe there are some people out here that have tried the new Das model aswell as a ducky shine one and can help me with my misery.

Thanks and hi (first post).


Edit: btw, i will use mx-blue switches...
Edit2: typo...

[Blaise170]

Ducky Shine has better build quality in my experience. I'd try finding someone selling one in the classifieds when you are able to.

[fizo]

Oh nice, i think the classified section here will waste some of my money if not for a keyboard, probably for some keycaps

Also how about the (partially) used costar stabilizers on the Das. The most important factor for me in this decision is an "as good as possible" typing experience.

[rowdy]

Either should be fine, but I'd recommend the Ducky (I have 3 of them and they are all fantastic!).

[fizo]

Thanks you guys.

Since I'm from europe i could get a Das with the layout i want (US) easier than a Ducky. Still i will be able to order the Ducky. The only thing I read here was that sometimes the LEDS die on the Ducky Shine 3. Is that still the case with the 4? The Das would be easier for me to RMA if anything would go wrong. For now I'm not (yet ) planning on buying multiple mechanical keyboards, so I'll be stuck with my choice for quite a while.

I still prefer the plain look of the Das but I'm unsure since I want to go for best typing experience.

Is there maybe some "oldschool" forum member here that know some people who have tried both / have read threads here where people would state their opinion on the typing quality of either of the keyboards? I know this is highly subjective but still. I wont be able to test both/any of them anywhere nearby and I kind of trust the unified experience in this forum .
For what I've read here is that with both of the keyboards some people would find f.e. the spacebar or some other keys mushy, but that statement would be true for both of them, right?

Thanks for the help, It's a difficult decision for me.

[jerue]

I've used the Das 4 Professional. Get the Ducky Shine 4. The Das is really different in person (I think the whole volume knob thing is exaggerated and pictures online make it look a lot bigger than it really is). It doesn't feel like a $180 USD keyboard to me. Just never really left a good impression.

I know it's easier for you to get in your layout (or if it's cheaper for you to acquire), even with the USB 3 hub and the "ruler" (really more like rubber grommet), I'd pick the Ducky. Though I have a perchance for cool LED fx. 

[rowdy]

The LEDs should not die, at least not for many years.  I have three Ducky Shines (two version 1, and one version 3), and the LEDs are all 100% on all boards.

Remember that we get a lot of problem reports here about keyboards not working, LEDs dieing etc., but that is only a very small percentage of keyboard users world wide.  The vast majority would have no problems at all.