Das Keyboard Model S Professional Wired Mechanical Keyboard, Cherry MX Brown Mechanical Switches, 2-Port USB Hub, Laser Etched Keycaps (104 Keys, Black)

So for starters, this is probably one of the first mechanical keyboards that I've own. I've used them before and always had an eye for one since I'm a game, but never really prioritized for one before. Then after a few membrane keyboards, I finally got fed up and decided to buy a mechanical keyboard. After a lot of searching around and trying different types of keyboards (gaming, ergonomics, and typist keyboards), I found that I like the Cherry MX Brown switch a lot more than the other types of MX switches. So I bought the Das Keyboard Model S Professional, because I've heard very good things about their products. So here's my general breakdown of this keyboard.Pros:- Cherry MX Brown Switches. Basically these switches are the halfway point between a Cherry MX Blue and a Cherry MX Red switch. The Blue switches are louder and requires a bit of force to actuate the key, whereas the Red (similar to the Black) has very little force require and has no tactile bump when depressing the keys. The Brown would be the halfway or a mix between the two types of switches because its relatively quieter than the Blue but can be uses for quick response tapping like the Red.- Looks of the keyboard is relatively simple but has very good functionality.- The feel of the keys are very solid, light but springy, and concave to fit in your fingers.- Media keys located on the F1-F12 keys, which is nice when you need it. However media keys only work if plugged in via USB and not by the PS/2 connector.- 2 USB port hub built on the side of the keyboard is a nice luxury feature to the keyboard. Good for plugging in phone, USB flash drive, etc.Cons:- Glossy finish on the keyboard becomes a big fingerprint/dust magnet. It's not a big deal if you maintain your keyboard because its relatively easy to clean, but could be a potential hassle.- Space bar located halfway between "C" key and the end of the "," (comma key). Something to get used to because most keyboards that I've own had the spacebar closer to the "X". This rearrangement was to fit the extra FN (function key) on the left side (next to Ctrl and Windows key).Overall its a very solid keyboard and I think I will enjoy typing with it for a long while. Very satisfied up to this point and happy I made this purchase.

This is my third or 4th DAS keyboard so I am an otherwise happy customer. The keyboard i ordered is superb in every respect. Mine is a mechanical model with keys that click. It has great auditory and tactile feedback when typing fast. I cannot say enough good things about this keyboard. For unusual reasons I have three new ones!I had an usual problem; the keyboard was not recognized when I boot my Windows 10 computer. I had to unplug the USB cable and plug it back in, every time I turned on my computer. Finally I got help from DAS. My previous harsh evalutation was somewhat unjustified. Had they had a phone number published they would explain the problem: they were having trouble with hotmail emails due to a Microsoft company server issue.My startup problem turned out to be Windows 10. It is probably the fast startup option which for some reason I cannot fix despite the online help. The solution was to install a hub. then plug the keyboard into the hub. It works. SUCH a relief, all thanks to the DAS keyboard help expert who called me.

Overall Review/Thoughts:I bought this keyboard roughly 2-3 months ago and so far it is the best overall keyboard i have used. The Day Keyboard is a Cherry MX Brown key switch so it is quiet while still giving the satisfying "click" feel that lets you know you've pressed the key. This keyboard will make you a better, faster typist bottom line. The keys are fairly light to fully depress so be warned if your coming from a Cherry Black keyboard because you will make mistakes learning not to pound on your keys (my biggest initial problem with the keyboard), but once you master a lighter touch this keyboard is a dream to type or game on. Despite being full sized keyboard with an included num pad, the keyboard is fairly slim and small. Coming from a keyboard like a Azio Levetron (the one i had directly before this one) is seems tiny in comparison and i did find it a tad cramped for about a week while my "typist stance" adjusted to a smaller keyboard but now it feels quite full. On to the actual keys; good news is they are well spaced, perfectly sized, and have a comfortable layout for typing or gaming. The function keys are offset from the number keys, but are nicely grouped into sets which makes finding them without looking much easier. This keyboard does have media keys which are accessed with a Fn+F key press which is simple and keeps the keyboard smaller than other keyboards with dedicated media keys. Overall this keyboard is very well made and is extremely comfortable. It however does have a few issues that keep it from being a true 5-star keyboard. 1)despite Das touting their "laser-etched keys" which are supposed to make it resistant to fading, my WASD keys are already starting to show minor fade after only 3 months. For such an expensive keyboard they should still be there for years to come and mine feel like in a year i wont be able to see them. 2) this is more of a personal thing but i dislike gloss keyboards and this puppy is super-high gloss. dust,dirt,fingerprints, ect show all the time and it needs cleaning almost weekly to keep it from looking like a hobo decided to sleep on it. 3) there is no macro keys on this what-so ever. i know its not technically a "gaming" keyboard but i feel like they should at least have a model that has them, as a huge gamer and someone who plays World of Warcraft a row of macro keys would be a very nice addition. 4) no wake function. you cannot wake up your computer from sleep mode by pressing a key on it, small complaint i realize but with it have a fn key to put it to sleep, why not have it wake from a space bar press? again minor complaints.Pro's:1)very clean design2)dream to type on3)sturdy design4)media keys5)will make you a faster, better typistCon's:1)Super high gloss2)keys fade easy3)sleep modeFinal Thoughts: The reason i cant give this a 5 star really comes down to price, for 140 bucks is a bit plain and because the keys do seem to fade fairly fast i feel you should just get more from it, no macro keys,headphone/mic jack onboard ,ect, and yet despite this i still would recommend this keyboard over many other simply due to how well it feels to type on it.