Contender for the world's greatest keyboard

May 2, 12:22 AMDenver Technology ExaminerKevin Rook, Ph.D.

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Both the Ultimate and Professional Das Keyboards (daskeyboard.com)

I honestly did not think it was possible that the IBM Model M keyboard could be matched or even possibly improved upon until I was afforded the opportunity to review the Das Keyboard.  When I opened the box I was immediately struck by the unusual quality of this instrument; and I mean instrument.  The keyboard is surrounded by a panel of highly polished black material that reminds me more of a musical instrument like a fine piano or guitar than a computer keyboard.  Mere photographs cannot possibly do it justice.  This peripheral brings to mind the fine craftsmanship of a Steinway piano or a Les Paul guitar, and all of this is before plugging it in.

Once I had plugged in the keyboard and started to use it, the elegance continued.  I originally thought the IBM Model M had to be the best in the world but I have been forced to reconsider.  The Das Keyboard has the same "clicky" keys; however, they are of a different nature than the original (or reproduction) IBM Model M.  Yes, the keys are still "clicky" in the buckling spring way, but the action is not as tight making for even faster typing speeds. In addition the Das Keyboard boasts an "n-key" capacity that allows the user to press 12 keys simultaneously and have all the keys accepted.  This is nice for very fast touch typists but even more important to gamers. 

The keyboard also includes a 6.6 foot cable which is more than ample and includes two USB ports built right into the keyboard as a bonus.  The blue lights to represent caps lock, scroll lock, and num lock only make the keyboard sexier.

As far as the claim that Das Keyboard can increase your touch typing speed, I am sure it is true.  It did increase my speed but as an old man I am a little stuck in my hunt-and-peck ways, so the company was nice enough to supply me with their Professional model which has markings on all of the keys.  While this version is not quite as sexy, I found it to be much more practical for me.  Please do not misunderstand; I have high hopes that I will continue to learn touch typing in the future.

As far as dealing with the company, I could not ask for more.  While the keyboards are constructed outside of the US, the company is located in one of my favorite U.S. cities, Austin, Texas.  They proved to be more helpful than I could have hoped.

Now for the nitty-gritty; the Das Keyboard comes in an Ultimate model with all black keys that is sexier than I can describe. Fortunately for me, as I mentioned before, they also offer a Professional model that has letters on the keys. Not quite as slick but still amazingly beautiful.  Das Keyboard has opted to use gold plated key switches that should last forever and the two USB ports on the side of the keyboard are a real bonus.  The keyboards may be used on PC or Mac (with a simple key reassignment).

The Das Keyboard is honestly a pleasure to use and since many of us spend most of our day using a keyboard why not use a true instrument?

While I still love the IBM Model M reproduction, this keyboard has edged it out in my mind as the greatest of all keyboards.  At a retail price of $129 they are a little more expensive, but if you are looking for a real instrument to attach to your computer, I do not believe you will be disappointed.