Das Keyboard

Example of Das Keyboard, model S Ultimate (unlabelled)

Das Keyboard is a series of computer keyboards sold by Metadot Corporation, a software company located in Austin, Texas. Some models feature blank keycaps, supposedly to help improve touch typing skills[1] and eliminate the need to rearrange keys for alternative keyboard layouts. Labeled versions have also been available since 2008. The current iterations employ mechanical keyswitches manufactured by either Cherry[2] or Greetech.[3]

Das Keyboard products

Example of Das Keyboard, Version 1

There have been multiple generations of Das Keyboard:

The first iteration, released in 2005, did not feature mechanical keyswitches, but in addition to the blank keycaps, it featured a Model-M-inspired design, and individually weighted keypresses, because some keys are pressed with less force than other keys.[4]

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 came with a glossy surface. Both 104-key (ANSI) and 105-key layouts (ISO) were offered.[5] This version was not without its problems, however, as it became known that key transposition errors could occur at high typing speeds.[6][7] In addition, interoperability issues related to the USB hub and lack of power were noticed with some systems.[8]

The "Das Keyboard Model S" was introduced in late 2009, and continues to be sold today. It contains revised electronics to address some of the common complaints along with supporting media keys and PS/2 operation. Again, it is shipped in both Ultimate (unlabeled) and Professional (labeled) versions, both 104- and 105-key, with the addition of a labeled Professional Silent model [9] featuring non-clicky but tactile MX brown stem keyswitches. The latter is intended for applications demanding lower noise levels than obtained with the regular clicky MX blue stem switches while retaining a similar tactile characteristic.[10][11][12]

The "Das Keyboard 4" was introduced in 2014, featuring new aesthetics and improved construction. As with previous models, it was available in an "Ultimate" (blank) configuration, as well as a more standard "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.[13] This move has been somewhat controversial, as the clone switches are cheaper and of unknown quality/durability.

Branding

The product's name is an example of foreign branding as "das" is the German neuter definite article. Since the English word "keyboard" is indeed a commonplace term for computer keyboards in German and as such takes the neuter gender, the name is correct and idiomatic German. On the other hand, "keyboard" is mostly used without an article in German, using the German word "(die) Tastatur" instead when an article is to be used as well as in more formal contexts. Thus the use of "das" mirrors the usage in slogans like "das Auto" ("the car", a slogan from VW), which are meant to convey the marketing message that these particular products are a kind of gold standard.

See also

References

  1. ↑
  2. ↑ "Das Keyboard 4 Professional review". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2015-12-31.
  3. ↑ "Das Keyboard 4C Ultimate review". Retrieved 2015-12-31.
  4. ↑ Zipern, Andrew (2005-05-26). "A Keyboard That Lets the Supremely Confident Show Disdain for Qwerty". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-01.
  5. ↑ "Das Keyboard Professional product page". Archived from the original on November 10, 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
  6. ↑ "Forum discussion: Details regarding serious key transposition issue with Das Keyboard III".
  7. ↑ "Daniel Guermeur reveals that the Das Keyboard III may transpose keystrokes".
  8. ↑
  9. ↑ O'Neil, Faith. "Das Keyboard Professional S Quiet Mechanical Review". Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  10. ↑ "Das Keyboard Model S Ultimate product page". Archived from the original on October 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
  11. ↑ "Das Keyboard Model S Professional product page". Archived from the original on November 8, 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
  12. ↑ "Das Keyboard Model S Professional Silent product page". Archived from the original on October 18, 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-31.
  13. ↑ "Das Keyboard Professional Mac". Retrieved 2016-05-13.

External links

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