When it comes to mechanical keyboards, users fall into one of two categories- they either love them or hate them, there is no middle ground. Some find the auditory ‘click’ of the keystrokes soothing, while others would rather undergo a root canal than listen to the incessant clacking of the keys. For those that fall in the former group, Metadot has joined forces with design firm d:e to bring the next iteration of their popular keyboard line, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional.
The new design has been upgraded slightly from the company’s previous version, the model S Professional, with two USB 3.0 ports on the board’s top right-hand side, making it easier to place other devices, such as mice, next to the board itself. Metadot integrated media controls, complete with oversized volume knob, for easy navigation for movie and music files, which can come in handy when combing through long play lists. The keys are all laser-etched to prevent fading over repeated use and come in two flavors mechanical switches, with Cherry MX Blue for those who need the maximum auditory response and Cherry MX Brown, which produces less sound when pressed but still provides tactile feedback. Both feature gold-plated switches that provide excellent contact response, have the added benefit of being rust proof, and will not corrode when liquid is inevitably spilt on the keyboard. The board sports full n-key rollover (NKRO) without the need for a PS2 adapter and is activated/deactivated simply by pressing shift + mute.
One of the more ingenious aspects Metadot incorporated into their new board is the magnetized ‘footbar’ that replaces the common foldout feet found on most keyboards used to angle the board for efficient typing. It also doubles as a 16-inch ruler when not being used, which seems rather peculiar but you never know when you might need one. Overall, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional is an elegant piece of equipment with a beautiful anodized aluminum face and top of the line mechanical switches that are built to last. The board should be available shortly at price points of $169 for the Cherry MX Blue version and $179 for the slightly less deafening Cherry MX Brown version.
This leads me to ask one important question, where are the ergonomic mechanical keyboards in this price range? I use a Microsoft 5000 ergonomic keyboard; a slight curve, low-profile keys, wireless, it has it all – and it staved off the crippling RSI in the process. I question whether DAS keyboards are an effort for comfortable human use or simply a fetish of nostalgia. I have an old office putty mechanical keyboard from decades ago next to my old 486 DX2 66Mhz, so I can understand the effort. I think Fatal1ty’s indifferent response to the fetishism sums it up for me:
(Images via Das Keyboard)
