Enter the Das Keyboard Professional

Anyone who reads my blog entries regularly should know by now that I'm a bit crazy when it comes to my input devices. Even when a device is serving me well, I can't help but look for its replacement - call it a glitch if you like, I'm just that.

Over the last few months this has led me to try a Unicomp Customizer 104, a pair of Enermax keyboards, SteelSeries 7G Gaming Keyboard and now one of the new Das Keyboards. The older Das Keyboard's claim to fame was its high quality "click" construction and blank keycaps. The company claimed the blank keys forced Das Keyboard users to memorize key positions and over time users would become better typists. Despite its relative success, however, the original Das Keyboard had a rather spartan look that wasn't very appealing. So the company decided to update the look and overall design while introducing a version with key labels.

The Keyboard Professional

The new Das Keyboard product range consists of Professional and Ultimate models. The Professional unit is adorned with button labels, while the Ultimate unit is blank like the older model. As much as I'd like to say I'm geek enough to handle the Das Keyboard Ultimate, I settled on the Das Keyboard Professional - as cool as using the Ultimate would be, I don't have the time to relearn how to type . I save this adventure for another time.

As with the original, the appeal of the new Das Keyboard range lies in its high-end construction. The keyboards feature Cherry MX blue mechanical key switches that provide tactile and audible feedback. These new models also feature blue LED indicators for the number, scroll, and caps lock keys, a built-in dual-port USB hub, and a "fast-n-key" rollover feature that allows you to press up to 12 keys at once can be without ghosting. Additionally, the new Das Keyboards feature an extra-long USB cable and sleek, glossy exteriors that enhance the devices' looks, although the glossy exterior is prone to fingerprints and scratches.

I've been using the Das Keyboard Professional for about two weeks now and I have to say that it's vying for the title of my favorite keyboard. The Keyboard Professional is certainly not for everyone. Personally, I prefer the sound of clicking keys like those used on the Das Keyboard. Once you get used to the sound, I can almost tell if I made a typo by the sound of the clicks. However, the device's clicking buttons will almost certainly put some users off. If you prefer to work in silence or are in an environment where others may be disturbed by the sound of the keys, the keyboard is not for you. Having been a fan of clicky keyboards since the days of the Northgate Omnikey, the Das Keyboard's audible report works for me.

I also find the Das Keyboard Professional's blue LED indicators and glossy exterior visually appealing, and I think its USB ports are in a good spot. But while the key layout is standard, I had a problem getting used to the angle of the top row of keys below the function keys. While typing feverishly, I've found the Q, W, E, R, and T keys to be harder to press than I'd like. However, the keys work well and only my left hand has the problem, so I think it's only a matter of time before I become fully comfortable with the Das Keyboard and this problem goes away.

I plan to stay with Das Keyboard Professional for the foreseeable future. So far it has the best combination of looks and features for my personal taste. How long I feel like this remains to be seen. I'm drawn to input devices like a moth to a flame, and if something else exciting comes along, I know I want to try it.

By: Enter the Das Keyboard Professional