Das Keyboard 4 Pro: Cherry MX Flavored Typing
Introduction and Specifications
Professional typists know better. So does Metadot, which started to build a better keyboard nearly a decade ago. You know it as the Das Keyboard and through several generations of refinements, it's evolved into what's now called the Das Keyboard 4 in both Professional (labeled key caps) and Ultimate (blank key caps) variants.
Having experience with previous Das Keyboard models and being big fans of mechanical key switches in general, we knew we had to get our hands on the Das Keyboard 4 for test drive. We opted for the Professional model with Cherry MX Blue key switches (both the Professional and Ultimate versions also come with Cherry MX Brown switches), which carries an MSRP of $169. Here's our initial impression.
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Cherry MX mechanical key switches w/ gold contacts |
Dedicated media control with oversized volume knob |
Two-port SuperSpeed USB 3.0 hub |
Instant Sleep button to save energy |
Lasert-etched key cap inscriptions (Professional) to prevent fading |
104-key US layout |
Footbar to raise keyboard also functions as a ruler |
6.5-foot (201 cm) USB cable with single USB type-A connector |
18 inches by 6.8 inches by .08 inches (45.72 cm by 17.272 cm by 2.032 cm) |
2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) |
NKRO over USB |
Anodozed aluminum top panel |
Firmware upgradeable |
3-year warranty |
$169 MSRP (Professional w/ Cherry MX Blue) |
There's also a slight difference in price between the two key switches when ordering a Das Keyboard 4; the Professional model with Cherry MX Blue switches goes for $169 MSRP and the Cherry MX Brown sells for $173 MSRP.