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Inside TidBITS | 18 Feb 2013 | Listen  | Print Printer-Friendly Version of This Article | Comment (2)

Metadot Sponsoring TidBITS

by Adam C. Engst Send Email to Author

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We’re pleased to welcome as our latest long-term TidBITS sponsor Metadot, makers of Das Keyboard, a proud entry in the “loud and we know it” category of tactile keyboards. As anyone who has read TidBITS over the years knows, I care deeply about my keyboard, since it’s my main conduit to my Mac. Pointing devices are important, certainly, but as a writer, how quickly and accurately I can get words down on the screen is paramount.

For a bit now, I’ve been testing the $133 Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac, and I’ve generally been enjoying typing on it. It’s a surprisingly different feel from the Matias Tactile Pro and Quiet Pro keyboards, but for those who prefer clicky keyboards with a long key travel, Das Keyboard is an attractive option. It’s remarkably difficult to describe exactly how it feels, but typing quickly on it somehow reminds me of a waterfall, with the letters cascading off my fingertips. That’s undoubtedly due to its Cherry keyswitches, and I’ve heard that Cherry-based keyboards are particularly popular with gamers, who rely on fast and accurate keystrokes.


Das Keyboard features a variety of Mac-specific special keys and built-in 2-port USB hub with a dedicated connector that provides additional power (the 2-meter cable splits into two, and uses two USB jacks on your Mac). I’ll be looking at Das Keyboard in greater detail in a future article, but for now, thanks to Metadot for their support of TidBITS and the Mac community!

 

Das Keyboard — You and your Mac deserve a better keyboard!
Experience the awesome speed and comfort that only a high-
performance Das Keyboard can provide. Your fingers will love it!
Designed for Mac. Money-back guarantee. <http://tid.bl.it/YnnFwD>
 

Comments about Metadot Sponsoring TidBITS

Anonymous  2013-02-19 10:40
Look forward to reading the article. I still have an old IBM Selectric, and I type faster and better on that than on any computer keyboard I’ve ever used. I’ve been curious about Das Keyboard ... one thing that I know will make me unhappy if I get it is that the keyboard is black with white letters. I often type in low light, and so have looked far and wide for white keyboard with black letters ... but if it’s really a good keyboard I suppose I can live with white on black.
Adam Engst  An apple icon for a TidBITS Staffer 2013-02-19 11:05
I gather Das Keyboard is like the IBM Model M keyboard, though I don't remember that one too well.

You are correct about the white letters on black keys - although I touch type, I sometimes have to reset my position on the keys, and when it gets dark in my office in the evening - before I've turned on any lights - I can definitely have more trouble finding the home row.

Metadot would say, I think, that you need to train yourself to touch type better, which is why they actually sell a model of Das Keyboard with nothing printed on the keycaps at all! :-)