Das Division Zero X40 Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard Review
Division Zero Performance Summary and Conclusion
Performance Summary: The custom Alpha-Zulu mechanical key switches on the Division Zero X40 are every bit as good as the Cherry MX switches that currently flood market. On paper, the Alpha-Zulu switches are even better—they have a shorter pre-travel distance and are rated for 10 million more keystrokes—though whether or not you can actually tell the difference between one type or the other depends on the person. Either way, this is a high quality keyboard that's comfortable to type on with gaming amenities to boot.
While the market for mechanical keyboards is now flooded with options from numerous peripheral makers, Das Keyboard remains a standout brand, both for having helped pioneer the category and for consistently delivering high quality solutions. But up until now, Das Keyboard hasn't participated in the gaming gold rush like its relatively newfound competition has.
That changes with the introduction Division Zero, the new gaming brand of Das Keyboard, and the Division Zero X40 Pro. It's the company's first mechanical keyboard built specifically for the gaming crowd, and as such it's also the company's first plank to sport LED backlighting and dedicated macro keys.
The Division Zero X40 Pro brings an aggressive styling that's pretty typical of peripherals aimed at gamers, though don't accuse Das Keyboard of dumbing down the overall design in an attempt to make a quick buck. This isn't a cheap keyboard, both in price ($149) and in construction. The top housing consists of a 1.8mm slab of coated aluminum that's secured to the injected molded plastic base with screws. There's a bit of industrial flair to having eight hex screws run along the perimeter, and it also allows Das Keyboard to sell swappable face plates with different designs and color options, albeit at $40 a pop.
Das Keyboard also did a good job with its Alpha-Zulu key switches. If their specifications are to be trusted, they're better than the Cherry MX key switches they're competing against, though not everyone will be able to tell the difference between 1.7mm and 2mm of pre-travel distance. Either way, the Alpha-Zulus are solid and reliable.
This is Das Keyboard's first stab at building a mechanical keyboard for the gaming crowd, and it got a lot of things right. At the same time, it left room for improvement. Whenever a second generation model emerges, we'd like to see it offer a variety of LED color options, either individually or by using RGB LEDs so that users can change the color on a whim. We'd also appreciate a version of the Alpha-Zulu key switches that offer that mesmerizing "click" sound that Cherry MX Blue switches provide. And while we're making our wish list, a more flexible macro creation back-end that allows for timed keystrokes would be appreciated too.
Even without those things, the Division Zero X40 Pro is a great option that's priced in line with (and even lower than) other high-end options. It's a little off-putting that Das Keyboard only offers a 1-year warranty with a $43 up-charge for a 3-year guarantee, but aside from that, this is an easy plank to recommend.
While the market for mechanical keyboards is now flooded with options from numerous peripheral makers, Das Keyboard remains a standout brand, both for having helped pioneer the category and for consistently delivering high quality solutions. But up until now, Das Keyboard hasn't participated in the gaming gold rush like its relatively newfound competition has.
That changes with the introduction Division Zero, the new gaming brand of Das Keyboard, and the Division Zero X40 Pro. It's the company's first mechanical keyboard built specifically for the gaming crowd, and as such it's also the company's first plank to sport LED backlighting and dedicated macro keys.
The Division Zero X40 Pro brings an aggressive styling that's pretty typical of peripherals aimed at gamers, though don't accuse Das Keyboard of dumbing down the overall design in an attempt to make a quick buck. This isn't a cheap keyboard, both in price ($149) and in construction. The top housing consists of a 1.8mm slab of coated aluminum that's secured to the injected molded plastic base with screws. There's a bit of industrial flair to having eight hex screws run along the perimeter, and it also allows Das Keyboard to sell swappable face plates with different designs and color options, albeit at $40 a pop.
Das Keyboard also did a good job with its Alpha-Zulu key switches. If their specifications are to be trusted, they're better than the Cherry MX key switches they're competing against, though not everyone will be able to tell the difference between 1.7mm and 2mm of pre-travel distance. Either way, the Alpha-Zulus are solid and reliable.
This is Das Keyboard's first stab at building a mechanical keyboard for the gaming crowd, and it got a lot of things right. At the same time, it left room for improvement. Whenever a second generation model emerges, we'd like to see it offer a variety of LED color options, either individually or by using RGB LEDs so that users can change the color on a whim. We'd also appreciate a version of the Alpha-Zulu key switches that offer that mesmerizing "click" sound that Cherry MX Blue switches provide. And while we're making our wish list, a more flexible macro creation back-end that allows for timed keystrokes would be appreciated too.
Even without those things, the Division Zero X40 Pro is a great option that's priced in line with (and even lower than) other high-end options. It's a little off-putting that Das Keyboard only offers a 1-year warranty with a $43 up-charge for a 3-year guarantee, but aside from that, this is an easy plank to recommend.
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