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Das Keyboard is a series of
The first iteration, released in 2005, did not feature mechanical key switches, but in addition to the blank keycaps, it featured a Model-M-inspired design, and keys with individual weights that require a different amount of force to press.
The second iteration in 2006 introduced mechanical key switches using Cherry MX Blue switches.
The third iteration in 2008 was the first to be offered in both ''Ultimate'' (unlabeled) and ''Professional'' (labeled) versions. This USB-only keyboard also offered six-key rollover capability (the maximum for a conventional USB HID keyboard), an internal two-port USB hub, and a glossy surface. Both 104-key (ANSI) and 105-key layouts (ISO) were offered. It later became known that key transposition errors could occur at high typing speeds. In addition, interoperability issues related to the USB hub and lack of power were noticed with some systems.
The "Das Keyboard Model S" was introduced in late 2009. It contains revised electronics to address many common complaints, along with supporting media keys and PS/2 operation. Again, it is shipped in both the ''Ultimate'' (unlabeled) and ''Professional'' (labeled) versions, both 104- and 105-key, with the addition of a labeled ''Professional Silent'' model featuring non-clicky MX brown stem keyswitches. The latter is intended for applications demanding lower noise levels than those obtained with the regular clicky MX blue stem switches while retaining a similar tactile characteristic.
In 2014, it released "Das Keyboard 4". It was offered in two configurations: an ''Ultimate'' (unlabelled) version and a more conventional ''Professional'' version with key legends.
In 2015, some versions of Das Keyboards began shipping with Cherry MX clone switches manufactured by Greetech. The "Das Keyboard 4" for Windows continues to be sold with Cherry MX switches, but the Mac version and the "Das Keyboard 4C" models all feature the clone switches instead. This move has been somewhat controversial, as the clone switches are cheaper and of different quality and durability. However, as of 2016, Das Keyboard discontinued the use of Greetech switches to use only the Cherry brand for MX switch type.
In June 2016, the "Das Keyboard 5Q" was introduced on Kickstarter. The new keyboard was to be cloud-connected, allowing various online services to send signals to the keyboard, which would result in various lighting effects. Backers were promised delivery in January 2017, but Das Keyboard encountered over a year of delay. Most backers did not receive their keyboards until the second quarter of 2018. The accompanying software only functions on Windows, despite the promise of full cross-platform support for Mac and Linux. The
Official Das Keyboard homepage
Metadot Corporation (maker of Das Keyboard)
Computer keyboard models
Das Keyboard is a series of computer keyboard
A computer keyboard is a built-in or peripheral input device modeled after the typewriter keyboard which uses an arrangement of buttons or Push-button, keys to act as Mechanical keyboard, mechanical levers or Electronic switching system, electro ...
s sold by Metadot Corporation, a software company located in Austin, Texas
Austin ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of Texas. It is the county seat and most populous city of Travis County, Texas, Travis County, with portions extending into Hays County, Texas, Hays and W ...
. The "Ultimate" designation on models represents keyboards with blank keycap
A keycap is a small cover of plastic, metal, or other material placed over the keyswitch of a computer keyboard. Keycaps are often illustrated to indicate the key function or alphanumeric character they correspond to. Early keyboards were man ...
s, made with the purpose of improving touch typing
Touch typing (also called blind typing, or touch keyboarding) is a style of typing. Although the phrase refers to typing without using the sense of visual perception, sight to find the keys—specifically, a touch typist will know their location ...
skills. The "Professional" variants are no different to the Ultimate variants, save for the former having legends on the keycaps. The current iterations employ mechanical keyswitches manufactured by either Cherry
A cherry is the fruit of many plants of the genus ''Prunus'', and is a fleshy drupe (stone fruit).
Commercial cherries are obtained from cultivars of several species, such as the sweet '' Prunus avium'' and the sour '' Prunus cerasus''. The na ...
or Greetech. "The keyboard" in German is "die Tastatur", not "das Tastatur". "Das Keyboard" is correct in German when referring to the electronical instrument, but the word "Keyboard" is also often used colloquially to refer to the human interface device.
Iterations
The first iteration, released in 2005, did not feature mechanical key switches, but in addition to the blank keycaps, it featured a Model-M-inspired design, and keys with individual weights that require a different amount of force to press.
The second iteration in 2006 introduced mechanical key switches using Cherry MX Blue switches.
The third iteration in 2008 was the first to be offered in both ''Ultimate'' (unlabeled) and ''Professional'' (labeled) versions. This USB-only keyboard also offered six-key rollover capability (the maximum for a conventional USB HID keyboard), an internal two-port USB hub, and a glossy surface. Both 104-key (ANSI) and 105-key layouts (ISO) were offered. It later became known that key transposition errors could occur at high typing speeds. In addition, interoperability issues related to the USB hub and lack of power were noticed with some systems.
The "Das Keyboard Model S" was introduced in late 2009. It contains revised electronics to address many common complaints, along with supporting media keys and PS/2 operation. Again, it is shipped in both the ''Ultimate'' (unlabeled) and ''Professional'' (labeled) versions, both 104- and 105-key, with the addition of a labeled ''Professional Silent'' model featuring non-clicky MX brown stem keyswitches. The latter is intended for applications demanding lower noise levels than those obtained with the regular clicky MX blue stem switches while retaining a similar tactile characteristic.
In 2014, it released "Das Keyboard 4". It was offered in two configurations: an ''Ultimate'' (unlabelled) version and a more conventional ''Professional'' version with key legends.
In 2015, some versions of Das Keyboards began shipping with Cherry MX clone switches manufactured by Greetech. The "Das Keyboard 4" for Windows continues to be sold with Cherry MX switches, but the Mac version and the "Das Keyboard 4C" models all feature the clone switches instead. This move has been somewhat controversial, as the clone switches are cheaper and of different quality and durability. However, as of 2016, Das Keyboard discontinued the use of Greetech switches to use only the Cherry brand for MX switch type.
In June 2016, the "Das Keyboard 5Q" was introduced on Kickstarter. The new keyboard was to be cloud-connected, allowing various online services to send signals to the keyboard, which would result in various lighting effects. Backers were promised delivery in January 2017, but Das Keyboard encountered over a year of delay. Most backers did not receive their keyboards until the second quarter of 2018. The accompanying software only functions on Windows, despite the promise of full cross-platform support for Mac and Linux. The open source
Open source is source code that is made freely available for possible modification and redistribution. Products include permission to use and view the source code, design documents, or content of the product. The open source model is a decentrali ...
project ''DieFarbe'', not endorsed by Das Keyboard, attempts to implement the Windows driver's feature set for other operating systems.
The 4Q and 5Q models are currently available for Linux and Windows.
Security concerns
After Metadot Corporation's attempts to censor an alternative, open-source driver, security concerns arose. Das Keyboard 5Q's cloud connection driver was questioned by some users due to the possibility of being a remote keylogger.{{Cite web, url=https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/95f7lw/das_keyboard_banning_users_from_the_5q_forums_for/, title=r/linux - Das Keyboard banning users from the 5Q forums for mentions of open source, date=2018-08-07, website=Reddit, language=en, access-date=2018-08-08See also
* Unicomp * FrogPad *Happy Hacking Keyboard
The Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) is a small computer keyboard produced by PFU Limited of Japan, codeveloped with Japanese computer scientist and pioneer Eiiti Wada. Its reduction of keys from the common 104-key layout down to 60 keys in the prof ...
* Model M keyboard
Model M keyboards are a group of computer keyboards designed and manufactured by IBM starting in 1985, and later by Lexmark International, Maxi Switch, and Unicomp. The keyboard's different variations have their own distinct characteristi ...
* Optimus Maximus keyboard
The Optimus Maximus keyboard, previously just "Optimus keyboard", is a keyboard developed by the Art. Lebedev Studio, a Russian design studio headed by Artemy Lebedev. Each of its keys is a display which can dynamically change to adapt to the k ...
* Touch typing
Touch typing (also called blind typing, or touch keyboarding) is a style of typing. Although the phrase refers to typing without using the sense of visual perception, sight to find the keys—specifically, a touch typist will know their location ...
* Keyboard layout changer
References
External links
Official Das Keyboard homepage
Metadot Corporation (maker of Das Keyboard)
Computer keyboard models