Metadot Das Keyboard

Performance:

Since the keyboard offers a native USB interface, we simply plugged the Das Keyboard into one of our test systems and we were ready to commence testing. The system was using the x86_64 version of Red Hat's FedoraCore4 (Stentz) and used the Linux 2.6.12-1.1398 kernel, GCC 4.0.0, and Xorg 6.8.2. Once the keyboard was detected, it was identified in Red Hat's Hardware Browser as being a Key Tronic Keytronic USB Keyboard. It is important to note that the Das Keyboard is indeed based upon the Key Tronic (E03600QLPS2B-C) series, with an identical physical layout, however, the keys used are free from any inscriptions and the Das Keyboard uses a USB interface where as the Key Tronic models continue to stick with a PS/2 connection.

For our Das Keyboard testing, which spanned several days, we used the keyboard for typing in AbiWord as well as Open Office 2 Beta, C++ programming in Nedit, browsing the Internet with Mozilla Firefox, and other general operations under Linux. After we had finished our official Das Keyboard testing, we felt there hadn't been much of an improvement in the speed in which we typed, however, our typing skills have been nearly maxed out for years. Even though the keys are free from any inscriptions, we also hadn't experienced much of a problem accidentally pressing the wrong keys.

Conclusion:

Although the Das Keyboard may be quite plain with its overall aesthetics, it manages to pack a few unique features. First off, the most apparent feature with the keyboard is its lack of any inscription on the keys, which was largely implemented to give an Übergeek appearance as well as being functional to assist in increasing the typing speeds by eliminating the urge to look down at the keys. Another one of the unique features to the Das/Key Tronic boards is the individually weighted keyswitches. All of the keys on the keyboard are assigned to one of five levels, between 35 and 80 grams, for force required to register with the keyboard. The weighted design is to help increase the comfort level of your fingers and hands, however, in our testing we hadn't felt much of an improvement when typing repetitively. Another one of the less talked about features, but is still very much worth mentioning, is the exceptional build quality for the keys and actual frame. Keep in mind, however, Key Tronic is the actual manufacturer of the keyboard components. Overall, the keyboard was simply phenomenal when it came to its typing functionality. However, if you still aren't considered an advanced typist the keyboard may not be for you as it could be a bit challenging and frustrating to locate the proper keys, and its high price of $79.95 USD may not justify the price if you are only a casual computer user.