I am looking for a simple no-frills mechanical keyboard for non-gaming tasks, like coding and writing papers. So far I like the "Das Keyboard IV Professional" for the media keys and the USB pass-through as well as the simplicity without any fancy RGB effects etc.
Technically I don't mind RGB backlight, as long as I can turn it off or have it at least white, so it's not distracting. This also needs to be stored in the keyboard, so I don't need any software on my computer to keep the effects off. Also having media keys is quite handy but the pass-through is not really a requirement.
Does anyone have experience with the "Das Keyboard IV Professional" keyboard?
i have a Das 4c, but i forget whether it's the Pro or not. in any case, it's simply my favourite keyboard. it's got everything i need on it, such as volume and media keys, a right mouse click button, and even comes with a Windows key lockout function. i previously had a keyboard from WASDkeyboards, which made me choose between the right click button, OR Windows key lockout via a tiny dipswitch on the bottom, which is exceedingly hard to reach.
my only two gripes would be the keycaps that come with it, are awful. while they do show you where your media/volume keys are [F1-7], after a few weeks of use mine started to fade noticeably. my advice would be to order a full set from WASDkeyboards, which haven't shown a hint of wear in nearly a year.
the other gripe would be that the three lights that signify caps lock, scroll lock, and Windows key lockout are completely obscured by the 6 navigator keys [Insert, Home etc] unless you're looking directly down over them. this means that depending on how high your desk is, you may not be able to see what lights are on or not.
I have a Das 4 pro, and have been using it maybe 12-18 months so far. It's pretty good overall, with a reassuringly firm metal top plate. Although I never use the media keys, just the volume wheel.
Oh, and thanks for pointing out the media keys; there is a sleep button that i just found out works on Ubuntu.
I have the blue switch version, and although the WASD keys are smoothed with use, all switches remain nice and crisp.
On mine it is directly to the left of the NUM lock LED. flat button with a half moon picture on. [Edit, I didn't realise the difference between the keyboards... looks like no sleep for you I'm afraid @Goblin... the keyboard I have and was talking about is: http://www.daskeyboard.com/daskeyboard-4-professional/ ]
i had full layouts for a long time until i realised i was shifting the board left and right a lot trying to find the optimum position. with this one i can just centre it and leave it there for whatever game or task i'm doing.
Fair play. It is worth taking a look at ones set up and experimenting to optimise setup- whether that means foot stands/ stools, gel wrist pads, large mouse pads etc... Or even just some books under a monitor stand to raise the screen to the right height :-)
After reading all the answers, I am fairly certain that's what I will be doing. :D
So are you using the keyboard on Ubuntu? I am running Xubuntu, so I am curious to hear if the rest also works (media keys for example)? ;-)
Generally, I prefer a full-size keyboard too and I only work on those, except for my laptop, where I have the usual layout (10-keyless without home, delete, pg up/down, etc).
At first, I was really thinking about a 10-keyless and wondering if I should get that instead, but since I am planning to buy that keyboard for long-term use, I feel like I would soon start to miss the numpad. ;-)
And since I got one of those huge mousepads a while back that are big enough for both the keyboard and the mouse, I don't feel that restricted anymore, having a full-size keyboard next to my mouse on its own mousepad.
I have to agree. My VESA monitor mount, that fastens to my desk, is really handy. It supports both of my monitors at the ideal height and angle. It's also quite affordable at around $50. Another nice benefit is that it easily manages and hides all the cables and makes the monitor stand more robust than the original stand, too.
That was the first thing that caught my eye. I have to reach to the volume control quite often, so this is a welcome feature. ;-)
I am not worried about that too much, since the offer I found explicitly states that the keyboard has Cherry MX-Brown switches. :)
No, but you may find a friend with unicomp. They use the same switches as the original Model M, have very nice build quality, and are generally no-nonsense in their design language.
Cheaper than Das, too. (not bashing, just offering a valid alternative)
A quick question to those who have the "4 Professional": Is the key to the right of the spacebar an "Alt" or "Alt Gr" key? Or in other words, can the operating system differentiate between the "Alt" left of the spacebar and the one to the right of the spacebar?
I am planning on getting a non-US version, so I am not certain, but I saw this picture of the US-version which says "Alt" where you expect the "Alt Gr" key:
