Buy This if You Can

Since the invention of the humble keyboard, we’ve seen it go through a lot of transformations. From the simple keyboard of the not so distant past, we now have multimedia keyboards, ergonomic keyboards, gaming keyboards and even wireless keyboards but every once in a while, a new product comes out that catches our attention. In this case, it is the DAS Keyboard Ultimate.

A first look at this keyboard will make you realize one very obvious feature: there are no inscriptions on the keys. It is a totally blank keyboard. Now why would someone make a blank keyboard? To some, this keyboard would be impossible to use but if you’re used to touch typing, it’s not going to be a problem. In fact, it only takes a short while to get used to it.

Weighing in at about three pounds, you won’t have to worry about the keyboard moving around while you’re typing. It will stay in place. This is also true for the keys. Have you ever experienced a key popping off the keyboard or buttons refusing to go back to its original position after being pressed? I have. It also has a sturdy feel to it. Obviously, a lot of considerations were made to make it durable but only time will tell. It has a beautiful glossy finish which is quite unique to keyboards. It also has these blue LED lights which serve as indicators for the caps lock, num lock and scroll lock. Overall, it is a very attractive keyboard.

One of the key features of this keyboard is the mechanical gold-plated key switch located under the keys which produce this unique clicking sound when you press the buttons. Membrane based keyboards don’t produce a sound as solid as the one produced by the DAS keyboard.

The keyboard also offers bonus features such as 2 USB ports which is a welcome addition. With this, I don’t have to bend down to attach a USB device to my computer. It also uses an extra-long cable which will enable the user to run the cable along the edges of the table to keep it out of sight.

The last feature worth mentioning is its ability to handle six keys being pressed simultaneously. This is called the N-Key rollover. This may not mean much to the average computer user but gamers can truly benefit from this feature. When you’re playing an FPS game, you’re constantly moving your character with the WASD keys while jumping (usually spacebar) and throwing grenades. This feature would come in handy since average keyboards only allow up to three simultaneous key presses.

The Conclusion

At $130.00, the keyboard is a little expensive for the average computer user but for the features it carries, it is worth it. I cannot deny that using it truly is satisfying but I wouldn’t recommend it for gaming because even though you’ve memorized the keyboard mapping, it is a little bit confusing to use when you’re in the middle of the game and your character is about to be blown to pieces. That extra time it takes to realize what button you’re about to press might also be the only time it will take for your opponent to blow you away. In my opinion, this keyboard is designed for the serious typist such as writers for example who don’t have to look at the keyboard all the time. The sound feedback to me is a matter of preference. I for one prefer a silent keyboard. I usually work late at night when all the ideas are flowing in and I wouldn’t want to wake up my wife while I’m busy pounding on the keyboard.

Setting my personal preferences aside, I think it is a great keyboard overall. If you have the money, then I suggest you buy one for yourself. You won’t regret it.