Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
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Re: Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
#21) Their "regular" keyboards work just fine with Macs (see the link in 2) for more;
2) The Das Keyboard is nice but still not as good as Model M / Unicomp SpaceSaver: http://jseliger.com/2009/11/01/product-review-das-keyboard/ . I used the review copy with an iMac.
3) Virtually any mechanical keyboard is a HUGE improvement on the default keyboards that most manufacturers ship.
Re: Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
#31) Their "regular" keyboards work just fine with Macs (see the link in 2) for more; 2) The Das Keyboard is nice but still not as good as Model M / Unicomp SpaceSaver: http://jseliger.com/2009/11/01/product-review-das-keyboard/ . I used the review copy with an iMac. 3) Virtually any mechanical keyboard is a HUGE improvement on the default keyboards that most manufacturers ship.
I don't know about that. The current Apple keyboards are fantastic once you get used to them. My only complaint is that the caps wear down slightly faster than other keyboards because the plastic flakes off more easily under heavy wear.
If you're a mechanical nut, you still have the Matias Tactile Pro (http://matias.ca/tactilepro3/index.php) which has the added bonus of not just the proper keycaps, but the indicators for the additional characters possible with option and shift.
Re: Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
#4Technically the Das Keyboard Ultimate (ie blank keys) is already mac-compatible because the appropriate keys would automatically be assigned.
Re: Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
#5It's interesting to analyze what that decided to put on the front page as their key features:
- 3 points (#2, #3 and #8) related to USB functionality
- 3 essentially identical points (#5, #6 and #7) about what type of keys they have
- Only points #1 and #4 are something that could be considered as real differentiator by a layman
- Gold-plated contacts are mentioned 4(!) times on the first page - I wonder if they provide any advantage over silver or metal ones
- They also mention Darth Vader(!) somewhere on their front page
- They also have a chart that should communicate some additional value that the keyboard provides (and it probably does)
Overall, my impression is that they overdid their marketing. Thoughts?
Update: They also mention (in a system requirements sections that nobody reads) that to use the hub functionality, you would need to occupy two ports of your mac, not one, which somewhat lessens the value proposition
Re: Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
#6Technically the Das Keyboard Ultimate (ie blank keys) is already mac-compatible because the appropriate keys would automatically be assigned.
Even the keys for volume, iTunes, brightness, and Mission Control?
Re: Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
#7I use an Apple Extended Keyboard: http://www.retrotechnology.com/herbs_stuff/m_kbdm3501.jpg
It requires a rather hefty ADB to USB adapter, which ran me about fifty bucks (http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-2001-ADB-iMate-Universal-adapt...) but to me, it was worth it.
Modern Apple keyboards look beautiful sitting in a pristine environment, but the lack of key travel, too-flat form factor, and decent spacing makes typing unpleasant.
My old Extended Keyboard takes up more space on my desk than my laptop does. It's noisy as hell. It's about as pretty as a Soviet gas station. And I can type all day long on it without my hands ever tiring.
Re: Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
#8Technically the Das Keyboard Ultimate (ie blank keys) is already mac-compatible because the appropriate keys would automatically be assigned.
I use the "ultimate" model (blank keys) just fine with my Mac Mini and MacBook Air, no issues.
Re: Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
#9Technically the Das Keyboard Ultimate (ie blank keys) is already mac-compatible because the appropriate keys would automatically be assigned.
Even the keys for volume, iTunes, brightness, and Mission Control?
Well there is an option for Fx keys as Fx keys instead of shortcuts in Preferences.app
But this keyboard, even if it supposedly designed for the mac, won't get my money: - weird FN keys where the right control stands, instead of the leftmost part like on most laptops (including macbooks) - eject key way too close to backspace. (really, what could go wrong especially where the delete key is - and while the mac can use a proper delete key?) - no KP_Equal key
Basically, they took the PC version, didn't change the molds (expansive!!) and just printed some mac-like labels on the key.
A cheap hack, not worth $133.
I'll keep my non mechanical (non gold platted, not approved by Darth Vader) Apple USB keyboard - http://www.amazon.com/Apple-109-Key-Version-Keyboard-1003199...
And they do also come with a USB hub and work fine even of the newest OSX such as Lion
Re: Das Keyboard now pre-ordering Mac version of their mechanical keyboard
#10damn, I just switched to a microsoft 4000 ergo keyboard. I'm tempted to order one of these now because I don't think I'm sold on the ergo arrangement yet (I've only had it about a week though). Wish I saved the box for that keyboard :/
Anyone used both and can convince me not to order one of the Das'?