Computer Times
December 2010

Editors' Choice Keyboard

Das Keyboard Model S Professional

Review by Terry Kibiloski

How often have you watched a movie, or a TV show, and heard the enhanced clicks of the keyboard as the hero, or villain, is busy on their computer, and you thought how cool it would be to really have a keyboard sound like that? Well, your thoughts can become reality with the new Das Keyboard Model S Professional (Retail $129), which provides high-end, mechanical key switches, a two-port USB 2.0 hub, and redesigned electronics that support full n-key rollover.

The Model S includes the same German-engineered gold-plated mechanical key-switches available in all Das Keyboard products, which are responsible for the distinct “click” of each keystroke. These clicking switches provide better tactile and audible feedback than standard keyboards, giving positive reinforcement that you actually pressed each key you intended to press.

The keyboard connects with two USB connectors. One connector is for the keyboard; the other connects and provides more power to the keyboard’s two-port USB hub, which can be used to sync and charge USB-connected devices like an iPhone, iPod or any USB compatible devices.  To the left of the USB hub are blue LEDs that provide a slick look to let you know when the NumLock, CapsLock, or ScrLk keys are active.

With an external PS/2 adapter, you have an additional connection option, choosing between a USB or PS/2 keyboard connection. The redesigned electronics provide full n-key rollover. A PS/2 connected Model S has full n-key rollover, allowing you to enter—and the keyboard to recognize—all keys simultaneously. (USB provides 6-key rollover.)

The new Model S is KVM switch compatible, allowing more than one computer to be controlled from a single Das Keyboard. And the Model S Das Keyboard has an extra long 2-meter (6.6ft) USB cable that fits through your desk grommet and keeps your workspace neat and tidy.

The Das Keyboard compares to the legendary IBM model M. The engineering is solid, a fact that you will actually feel each time you press a key. Its simplicity is a joy. Just plug it in, wait a few seconds for the OS to recognize the new hardware, and start typing away. We have found it to be a great keyboard to take on the road with our laptop to give us great flexibility in positioning our keyboard for the most comfort. Plus, it is just cool to hear yourself typing away as it gives you a sense that you are doing something very important, with the lights, camera, and action on in the movie of your life.

Now, for all you techies out there, here are all the system requirements, technical information, environmental and electrical data.

Key Information

• Cherry MX blue mechanical key switches with gold contacts (clicky, tactile)

• Laser-etched key cap inscriptions to prevent fading

• Full n-key rollover with a PS2 adapter, and 6 keys with USB

• Enhanced 104-key layout

• Two Windows keys

 Technical Information

• Force-displacement diagram,

• Cherry MX blue key switch: click tactile feel

• Glossy black upper enclosure with matching black USB cable - Darth Vader approved

• Two-port USB hub 1.1 and 2.0 compatible

• Blue LEDs

• Extra long two-meter (6.6-foot) USB cable

• Dimensions: 18in x 6.5in x 1in (thickest portion, feet not extended, 1.5in w/ extended feet)

• Weight: 1.36 kg (3 lbs)

• Compatible with PS/2 and USB KVM switches.

System Requirements

• PC or Mac, Windows, Linux, or Mac OS X

• 2 USB ports or 1 USB port + 1 PS/2 port; USB to PS/2 adapter (included)

• No driver required

• Mac users can swap the command/control/options keys to match the Mac keyboard layout using the Mac OS X keyboard control panel Inscribed Keys, Mechanical “Click” Sound

Environmental Data

• Operating temperature: 0°C to over 50°C

• Operating humidity: 0% to 60%

Electrical Data

• The USB hub has two ports and does not require an external power supply.

• Compatible with the 1.1 and 2.0 standards

• Both ports can be active at the same time, but one can temporarily shut down if the current consumption is too high.

Terms and Conditions

• Money-back guarantee for 30 days after the purchase - product needs to be in its original condition and packaging

• Keyboards have a limited one year warranty. The warranty period is based upon the shipping date of the purchased product to the buyer.

• Warranty only applies to defects in materials and/or workmanship which occur during normal use.

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