A Few Months With A Das Keyboard Model 4

As I said, the Das Keyboard does include media keys: Sleep, Mute, Previous, Play/Pause, Next, and a volume knob. Running Fedora 21 and 22 I haven't had any problems with any of the keys working exactly as they are intended.

My biggest problem with the Das Keyboard Model 4 is probably, ironically, the build quality. The entire keyboard is made from aluminum, which does give it a premium feel, but it also means that the keyboard's body has some flex and bend to it. When I originally pulled mine out of the box it was very noticeably bent-- the left side higher than the right. This was a problem that was fairly wide spread and Das' official stance seemed to be "Just bend it back into alignment" according to other existing users.

Bending the keyboard-- applying pressure in opposite corners and twisting-- did eventually get it back into proper alignment, but it took a bit of trial-and-error. Frankly I really don't think that "just bend it back" is a proper Customer Support answer from any company, but maybe my personal standards and expectations are just higher than others. If Das managed to fix this 'problem' in future product lines then I would have absolutely no problem continuing to purchase their products going forward. If the 'bending' problem were to remain unfixed then its likely I might start exploring their competitors, but we shall see.

Overall the Das Keyboard 4 Professional is a very nice keyboard that has been a joy to use. It is not perfect, no, but as my first foray into mechanical keyboards it has definitely converted me.

The Das Keyboard Model 4 Professional is available through the official Das Store, or through Amazon, for $173 USD. For kicks, those that were fans of the older Das Keyboard can see our original Das Keyboard review from 2005. Another less expensive mechanical keyboard on the market right now is the FUNC KB-460.