I am a Mac user and I love a lot of the features of the Das Keyboard Pro series. I was about to buy the Das Pro 4 FOR MAC, but then read a lot about the upgrades the Das Pro 6 has. However, there is no Mac version of the Das Pro 6. Does anyone have any opinions or experience with using the 6 Pro with a Mac? Are you able to use the keys to left and right of space bar as Mac keys with Mac function? Will the DK 6 Pro recognize the “option” key where it has the symbol between ctrl and alt keys on Das to left of space bar….and I also don’t recognize the two keys between ALT and CTR on Das 6 (I think one is function key) on bottom right of Das? Also, will the volume control/knob be recognized by Mac upon plug in? I thought I’ve read about a possible software download that must be done if using Mac. Any information of that process is appreciated too. My bottom-line question is whether I’ll be able to just plug it in w/my MacBook Air and be able to use w/Mac & w/Mac functions working properly? Screenshot of keys I've used as examples below--Das (black) vs. Apple (white) below. Should I just get the Das Pro 4 made for Mac? Thanks in advance for any insight.
I started using a Das Keyboard 4 Pro about 6 years ago, with the cherry red switches. It was a little too loud, but I loved the feel of typing on it, how solid it felt on the desk, the volume knob, and the usb ports. I have always enjoyed typing (150+ wpm), but not a gamer, and the DK4Pro was a pleasure to own. Not longer after I bought a second one for the office.
Then about 10 months ago, I decided to try a Logitech MX keyboard, so I could more easily alternate using it on my primary PC and a Surface (with Logitech Flow).
Logitech Flow mostly worked, and I realized how much I liked the backlighting on the MX Keyboard. I foolishly gave my DK4 Pro to my son, and settled into the Logitech MX. Meanwhile I still had tjhe second DK4 Pro at the office, and every time I used it, it was a reminder of how much worse the experience was using the MX.
The MX was expensive, and I didn't want to give it up easily, but when I realized there was a DK6 Pro, with backlighting, and I could get quieter brown switches, I had to go back.
Typing on this backlit DK6 Pro just feels fantastic, I couldn't be happier (with a keyboard). Highly recommended.
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tl;dr: as a lover of the old Das Keyboard Model S, what's the best keyboard I can buy these days? Many details about my preferences below.
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Hi all, a longtime Das Keyboard user here (Model S, Cherry Blues, blank keys). I love my old Das, but now as I'm looking for a second keyboard for the office and I want it to be even better.
I spent a long time lurking here and reading all the wikis, but I still need some help to understand what's the best option for me in late 2021.
Things I care about
A full, 104-key keyboard. Yeah, I use my keypad. Plus - as massive as possible. The tiny keyboards look so cute, but I need a massive hunk of unmovable hardware on my desk. I need it to feel like it would survive a nuclear holocaust. Or used as a bludgeoning weapon in a more likely zombie apocalypse.
Just the right switches. If I were alone in the world (see zombie apocalypse), I would stay with the MX Cherry Blues or even upgrade to the Greens. But I love my coworkers. Not enough to buy silent Reds, oh no. But I think Browns would be a good compromise between their comfort and mine, and if I can get Clears I think I would be very happy. (Don't know enough about none-MX switches).
Prettyyyyyyy. I want this thing to look really, really good on my desk. I love the clean Das esthetics but I'm willing to experiment with some other styles. I'm not a fan of the gamer-focused RGB light show.
Things that I only care a little about
Wireless connection (and multi-device). I mean I won't be lugging my huge hunk of a keyboard around anyway. It's going to stay put on my desk. But it would be nice to have one less wire sticking out beneath my screen.
Fancy keycaps. I've never been really unhappy with my greasy ABSs, but nice textured PBTs would go along nicely with this upgrade thing. I haven't had any experience with none-OEM cap profiles; I think this kind of key shapes look really inviting to type on, though. Blank keys would be nice as they keep others away from my computer, but that's not a deal breaker.
My time. Ideally this keyboard would be pre-built, but if I need to spend a few hours putting a board together I can do it. I don't want to. I have other uses for my time. Like thinking about that zombie apocalypse.
Swappable keycaps and switches. I've never modded my old Das, but who amongst us knows what the future holds?
Things I don't really care about
Backlight. I don't work in the dark, and even if I would I'm not looking down at my keyboard as I'm typing, and even if I would I don't want my keyboard to try and grab my attention while I'm trying to type that damn email.
Media keys, programmable macros and such. I'm a simple guy. I want to press keys and see letters appear on my screen. That's it.
Gaming and latency and stuff. I use my keyboard to write.
Money. Can't buy me love (no no no, no).
Things I don't care for at all
Floating keys.
Keyboards I'm looking at
The WASD V3 - it's fully customizable! It's pretty! They have Cherry Clears! But I read their ABS keycaps are not the best, to say the least. And if I need to buy 3rd-party keycaps anyway, is the WASD the best platform? I didn't think so.
Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate Blank - I know and love Das and they have Cherry Browns, but I'm reading that their build quality deteriorated since I last bought from them.
Ducky Shine 7 - but you can't get that anywhere.
Logitech G513 Carbon - but I hear their keys are a pain to replace.
IQUNIX L80. Yeah, it's the wrong size and it has a lot of frills I don't need. But it's. So. Pretty.
Thanks for your help you guys.
This message was proudly typed on an old, ABS-key-worn Das Keyboard.
I bought my first mechanical keyboard 4 years ago.
After a lot of consideration and absolute objection for any "gaming" mechanical keyboards,
I compromised on Das Keyboard 4 Professional, Thanks to Unbox Therapy (stupid me) - I chose poorly.
Now, after two years in the Mechanical Keyboard community, seeing Das quality compared to others (shitty keycaps, no backlight) and Das horrible reputation in this community, I realized I made a big (and expensive) mistake.
What should I do?
P.S: I know I'm a little exaggerating but you get the point
EDIT: I just want to share my experience for others not to make the same mistake as I did...
Also, I would love any tips how to make this keyboard a little better, full size keyboard recommendations (that is supported by the community) will also work, or just consolation from an awesome supportive community
Idk what you're all worked up for, there's nothing wrong with the keyboard you bought. At least your first mech has a standard bottom row, which is more than I can say for mine 😂. Just get a nice keycap set like these and you'll be good to go.
https://kbdfans.cn/collections/enjoypbt-keycaps/products/enjoypbt-keycaps-dye-subbed-keycap-set-117keys?variant=37322187917
http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keycap-set/doubleshot-pbt-104-key-cherry-mx-keycap-set-black-slate.html
Well the resale value on Das is literally non-existent so are you just asking for keyboard recommendations or what?
Das Keyboards used to be the best, you could buy one and it would last a decade. Now they fail in a short time and support leaves you high and dry. Did they change ownership? Disappointing, I loved my Das Keyboard. Now I would recommend against them.
Any good alternatives for developer? I'd like to try a wireless if there's a good one.
Before MX clones started flooded the market, there weren't many options. Das was probably one of a handful of mechanical keyboard providers at a reasonable price. At that time, Das probably had the highest and most consistent level of quality - but to be frank, that bar was pretty low.
Das hasn't innovated much since then - not enough to draw attention away from other high quality manufacturers and custom keyboards.
For developers...check out HHKB or Realforce - Topre. They're workhorses - reliable, durable, and consistent.
I haven't used them, but I've heard Keychron has some decent wireless boards
I am a Mac user and I love a lot of the features of the Das Keyboard Pro series. I was about to buy the Das Pro 4 FOR MAC, but then read a lot about the upgrades the Das Pro 6 has. However, there is no Mac version of the Das Pro 6. Does anyone have any opinions or experience with using the 6 Pro with a Mac? Are you able to use the keys to left and right of space bar as Mac keys with Mac function? Will the DK 6 Pro recognize the “option” key where it has the symbol between ctrl and alt keys on Das to left of space bar….and I also don’t recognize the two keys between ALT and CTR on Das 6 (I think one is function key) on bottom right of Das? Also, will the volume control/knob be recognized by Mac upon plug in? I thought I’ve read about a possible software download that must be done if using Mac. Any information of that process is appreciated too. My bottom-line question is whether I’ll be able to just plug it in w/my MacBook Air and be able to use w/Mac & w/Mac functions working properly? Screenshot of keys I've used as examples below--Das (black) vs. Apple (white) below. Should I just get the Das Pro 4 made for Mac? Thanks in advance for any insight.
In the process of picking out parts for my first build and I'm very interested in a mechanical keyboard such as the Das. However, I don't know if the key rollover is good enough for gaming. Any advice from Das owners or suggestions for other keyboards?
EDIT: Thanks for all of your help and it looks like I'm going to go with a cherry MX black or brown switch based on multiple recommendations. I think I'm just going to have to find a way to try out the Das Silent and maybe some other black/brown switch boards to figure out what I want.
EDIT 2: I'm back to looking between blues and browns. I really want the "mechanical keyboard feel" which would be what blues offer, but I worry about how they might feel gaming still.
Hi All! So, I believe I narrowed down my list of potential mechanical keyboards to three: Das Keyboard 4 Professional, WASD Code, and Ducky Shine 6. I am wondering if there is any obvious winners in the group that I should be buying. I would also consider other keyboards that might be better than the ones I am considering. My max budget is $200 (though less is better obviously). I will primarily be using this keyboard for recreational gaming and office work. I would be getting one of these with cherry MX blue switches. Thanks for any help in advance!
I am a Mac user and I love a lot of the features of the Das Keyboard Pro series. I was about to buy the Das Pro 4 FOR MAC, but then read a lot about the upgrades the Das Pro 6 has. However, there is no Mac version of the Das Pro 6. Does anyone have any opinions or experience with using the 6 Pro with a Mac? Are you able to use the keys to left and right of space bar as Mac keys with Mac function? Will the DK 6 Pro recognize the “option” key where it has the symbol between ctrl and alt keys on Das to left of space bar….and I also don’t recognize the two keys between ALT and CTR on Das 6 (I think one is function key) on bottom right of Das? Also, will the volume control/knob be recognized by Mac upon plug in? I thought I’ve read about a possible software download that must be done if using Mac. Any information of that process is appreciated too. My bottom-line question is whether I’ll be able to just plug it in w/my MacBook Air and be able to use w/Mac & w/Mac functions working properly? Screenshot of keys I've used as examples below--Das (black) vs. Apple (white) below. Should I just get the Das Pro 4 made for Mac? Thanks in advance for any insight.