Example of the 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.[1] The "Ultimate" designation on models represents keyboards with blank keycaps, made with the purpose of improving touch typing skills.[2] The "Professional" variants are no different to the Ultimate variants, save for the former having legends on the keycaps. The current iterations employ mechanical keyswitches manufactured by either Cherry[3] or Greetech.[4] "The keyboard" in German is "die Tastatur", not "das Tastatur". "Das Keyboard" is correct in German when referring to the electronical instrument, but the word "Keyboard" is also often used colloquially to refer to the human interface device.
Iterations
Example of the Das Keyboard, Version 1
The first iteration, released in 2005, did not feature mechanical key switches, but in addition to the blank keycaps, it featured a Model-M-inspired design, and keys with individual weights that require a different amount of force to press.[5]
The second iteration in 2006 introduced mechanical key switches using Cherry MX Blue switches.[6]
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 a glossy surface. Both 104-key (ANSI) and 105-key layouts (ISO) were offered.[7] It later became known that key transposition errors could occur at high typing speeds.[8][9] In addition, interoperability issues related to the USB hub and lack of power were noticed with some systems.[10]
The "Das Keyboard Model S" was introduced in late 2009. It contains revised electronics to address many common complaints, along with supporting media keys and PS/2 operation. Again, it is shipped in both the Ultimate (unlabeled) and Professional (labeled) versions, both 104- and 105-key, with the addition of a labeled Professional Silent model[11] featuring non-clicky MX brown stem keyswitches. The latter is intended for applications demanding lower noise levels than those obtained with the regular clicky MX blue stem switches while retaining a similar tactile characteristic.[12][13][14]
In 2014, it released "Das Keyboard 4". It was offered in two configurations: an Ultimate (unlabelled) version and a more conventional 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.[15] This move has been somewhat controversial, as the clone switches are cheaper and of different quality and durability. However, as of 2016, Das Keyboard discontinued the use of Greetech switches to use only the Cherry brand for MX switch type.[citation needed]
In June 2016, the "Das Keyboard 5Q" was introduced on Kickstarter. The new keyboard was to be cloud-connected, allowing various online services to send signals to the keyboard, which would result in various lighting effects. Backers were promised delivery in January 2017, but Das Keyboard encountered over a year of delay.[16] Most backers did not receive their keyboards until the second quarter of 2018. The accompanying software only functions on Windows, despite the promise of full cross-platform support for Mac and Linux.[16] The open source project DieFarbe, not endorsed by Das Keyboard, attempts to implement the Windows driver's feature set for other operating systems.[17]
The 4Q and 5Q models are currently available for Linux and Windows.[citation needed]
Security concerns
After Metadot Corporation's attempts to censor an alternative, open-source driver, security concerns arose. Das Keyboard 5Q's cloud connection driver was questioned by some users due to the possibility of being a remote keylogger.[18]
