Das Keyboard 4 Root Wired Mechanical Keyboard, Cherry MX Brown Mechanical Switches, 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub, Laser Etched Keycaps, Volume Knob, Aluminum Top (104 Keys, Black)

I didn't expect that a keyboard would make me want to go back to the time in my life where writing papers was a part of my day, but here we are. I'm almost looking for homework. That's why I'm typing this review.Build: The keyboard has its pros. It's solid. It doesn't feel chintzy and the dials, switches, and keys all function right out the gate. There is definitely no problem with the build quality on this particular keyboard.Layout: standard. Need the numpad. Honestly you can't go wrong with a numpad. Just open your calculator and see.Switches: The cherry mx brown are technically tactile, but truth be told I don't see, or more appropriately, feel, much of what this actually means. However, as far as typing experience is concerned, it is a devilishly comfortable and pleasant keyboard to type on. Literally the only reason I'm reviewing this keyboard is that I love typing on it, and I need something to do. NOTE: The cherry mx brown switches are apparently less clicky than the blues. Take it from me, unless you have a fetish for things that click exceptionally loud or really hate your roommates/spouse/wife/dogs/neighbor, the brown keys are all you really need. These keys are still loud enough, and satisfying enough to click, that it makes you feel like you're typing on the Fallout hacking console. The sound is just gravy on a heap of delicious mashed potatoes. But not like, too much gravy, just the right amount. Brown. Like gravy.Function: I had a problem with my keyboard not working when my PC went to sleep, and then woke up. Das Keyboard's support personal directed me to the firmware update for the keyboard within 24 hours. That seemed to do the trick.Extras: This keyboard has minimal extras. A very classy volume wheel with a red ring, and a few media controls are all you get. That's literally, however, all that is needed for a keyboard. I mean, sure other keyboards can do party tricks with backlit LEDs, but seriously... who is that going to impress? And how often are you going to use it? And more importantly, WHY would you use it? That being said, this kb does have one thing that is extraneous: a ruler that doubles as a riser. People complain about the ruler coming off. It hasn't happened to me yet but if it does, I'll prob use tape or something to stick it there.Value: Maybe spendy; but not that spendy compared to others on the market. And for the CLEAN appearance, the premium is worth it.Ethos: Remember, the quality of the items you use daily will always feel cheap if the part that you handle feels cheap. That is to stay; upgrading the peripherals to your computer is a worthy expense. There's a reason a Cadillac feels nicer than a Chevy. It has everything to do with the things you touch.

I like when even simple and utilitarian objects have good design and am willing to pay more for them. So, I have been meaning to get a DAS keyboard for a while and finally got it to replace my 15-year old one.First impressions: As many other reviewers have said - it is solid and heavy. Hopefully this means better quality. It is a little thicker than what I hoped for. Although I got the brown cherry the clicks are still a little noisier than what I thought they would be - I guess I will get used to that. The media volume knob and the USB hub are very useful, since my case has a lid that completely covers the USB outlets and I have to constantly flip the lid when I want to plug in a flash drive.The only cons, again as some viewers have noted, is that it sits rather flat and the little magnetic ruler that acts as prop-up leg doesn't help in the slope department. Also, because of the rubber rests on the ruler, you cannot just push it, in order to move it - you have to actually lift it to slide it across your desk.

After one week, it simply died. Checked on two other PCs and no function. I’ll admit, it was a great keyboard while it lasted.

This is my first mechanical keyboard so I can't compare it to other mechanical keyboards. I always do a lot of research before I buy an item with a hefty price tag but with not being able to try it in person, it was difficult to tell if this would be the perfect keyboard. I do an extreme amount of writing on the computer and I wanted something that wouldn't make my hands so tired and increase my accuracy which sucks because I'm not a typist.For those of you who researched the various switches and are a little geeky but not a master geek and still couldn't figure out which type of switch to buy (like me) then I will do you a solid. This keyboard with the brown switches is sensitive and very light on the touch. I never thought of myself as someone who "bangs away" on a keyboard, but after having this for a day and a half, I realized that I am one of those people. I think it depends on what you've been using. I'm still getting used to the sensitivity of the keys, which you can engage just by barely hitting them accidentally. However, I notice that I am typing a lot faster and having to look at the keyboard less because the keys are nicely spaced and I'm not having to think about my typing as much. Definitely no ghosting happening while typing fast.I will probably need to get a wrist rest of some kind, but still testing out if this is actually more ergonomic not having one. (UPDATE: It's better for your wrists and fingers if you do NOT use a wrist rest. I have had no issues using it in the way I describe here >>>) I have the keyboard pulled to the edge of my keyboard tray and my forearms are resting on my thighs as I'm typing. So far, I have less neck and shoulder pain then I did previously.This is one of the more quiet keyboards that I've had, aside from the laptop keyboard on my HP Envy and even those are a bit clacky compared to a Macbook. I don't like a lot of noise coming from the keyboard while I'm typing. I find it very annoying and distracting so it's perfect in that regard. I'm a reformed gamer (I don't have time anymore) but I think this would be frustrating to game with due to the sensitivity of the keys. If you accidentally hit the wrong one and screwup in-game because of it, you will hate this keyboard. I would go with one of the stiffer switches to avoid that. I may even try out a blue switch myself just to see what the difference is.It's a very solid build, heavy and well-made. Another nice feature is that the USB cord is not plastic, it has a fabric wrapping (I can't remember the term for it) and it's super long. Hope this helps! I will update if I end up keeping it or switching to something else. (UPDATE: I'm definitely keeping this one, and I may still buy a blue switch keyboard for comparison purposes.)