Another nifty feature for optical switches

Circuit design from Tech Resources

A couple of posting ago, I was wondering out loud what advantages an optical switch brings to the table that a mechanical switch cannot do or can only do so at a higher cost.  Well, I have thought that analog function might be the killer feature.

It's Computex time in Taiwan and I think I found one of the reasons optical switches might be better.  It's easier to water proof.  Gigabyte, a Taiwanese computer component maker debuted Aorus K9 keyboard.  An attendee has shot a video of it at the booth demonstrating such thing.  According to Tech Report, this keyboard is indeed outfit with an proprietary optical switch called Flaretech that is water resistant.  Gigabyte did not note any IP certification for the board.  So, we will settle on this device being water resistant rather water-proof.

Now, this is an interesting idea that I didn't think about, as I view Hall Effect switch to be better suited for this particular application.  However, it does make sense when it is thought out and I am glad people smarter than I am have thought carefully about it.  Since Gigabyte targets the gaming market with this particular board, I think being water resistance is a good feature to sell.  Accident happens, especially with an intense gaming session and drinks can spoil easily when the actions kicks into high gear.  So, it's one less thing to worry about.  If indeed there is a spoil, well, just wash it off, dry it and the board should be back for duty then.

Regarding to the Flaretech switch, no information has come out about the physical build of the switch itself, but I have a feeling that it will not wander too far from the Cherry MX design.  Hopefully Gigabyte will share some more information about this new switch in the near future.

Moving Romer-G to the rest of us- Logitech introduces G413

Logitech introduced a new mainstream line of Romer-G key switch based keyboard that is below $90 US dollars.  As expected, Logitech steadily move its own switch down the product line.  So, finally it has crossed the magic US $100.  Yes, one could probably catch a Black Friday sale for a G410 or the discontinued G910 Orion Spark around that amount, but the retail price for G413 is somewhat of a milestone.  It now can compete with mainstream Cherry MX type boards.  Other Cherry MX compatibile (e.g. clones) switch based keyboard have gone down even further, one might be able to get one for $40 if one shops around and catches a good deal.  In any case, to make that price, Logitech eliminated fancy RGB lighting, scroll wheel and a few other sacrifice to make it.  So, this is more or less as an entry point for those who might want to explore Romer-G type boards, but not ready to go all the way.

As mechanical keyboards gain popularity and production volume, I expect the price to fall more, but will probably approach pricing floor sometimes this year or the next.  I just don't know where exactly that is, but I am thinking around $50 or so.  That's just a guess.  A rubber dome keyboard can be found for less than $20.  Because of the added complexity, I doubt mechanical boards will get that close, but hey one can dream.  :)

Analyzing and musings about Tesoro's Excalibur SE Spectrum- an optical sensor based keyboard

Anandtech has a really good review of Tesoro's latest keyboard.  Excalibur SE Spectrum uses optical key sensor design rather than the conventional mechanical contact sensor.  Since the review does an excellent job, I would concentrate on the more interesting aspect of the article, which is optical side of things.

As previously mentioned, optical sensor based key switches are the current frontiers in this business.  There are active work on advancing the technology rather in simple iteration approach that Cherry has been going through for sometimes.  It appears that Gateron is the supplier for the mechanical portions of the key switch.  Since it is designed to mimic the key action, the key switch itself is pretty much a standard mechanical switch, minus the electrical leaf contact (the moving piece that makes the electrical connection.)  What surprising that the optical device is mounted on the keyboard PCB rather integrated with the switch so that existing layout can be recycled.  Now, perhaps Gateron gave some steep discounts to drop the metal leaf part, moving the IR emitter/sensor to the circuit board does add some flexibility.  However, nothing is free; so, the added flexibility likely come at the cost.  The saving Gateron gave to Tesoro will now be spent on IR sensor and mounting it to the PCB.  So far, Tesoro is using this design to facilitate switch swap.  However, the same thing can be achieved using conventional Cherry MX type as well.

At this time, I don't see any distinct advantage of the optical sensor versus a mechanical sensor for an "on/off" device such as a simple keyboard switch.  Sure, I am sure in certain applications or use case, it is meaningful.  However, ordinary users like me, there's no compelling reasons yet.  To duplicate that mechanical feeling, the key switch design still has to rely on some simple mechanical machine.  Now, not having to worry about making the electrical connection part certainly does free the designers to make something more interesting.  I don't know if we are there yet.  So, the optical system's focus ought to be in the analog function and finding novel ways to use that.

What Tesoro did was cool, but we haven't move up sort of speak.  It's just making player substitutions at this point.  However, I am sure the Tesoro has something interesting up in its sleeves.  Can't wait to see what the next version of this keyboard is going to be.

Yes, even Kinesis is getting the fever, by announcing Kickstarter for Freestyle Edge

Yeah, even one of the more known ergonomic keyboard brands is now jumping to the gaming keyboard bandwagon.  But, can yo blame them tho?  Anyway, Kinesis is doing a Kickstarter project to transform one of their previous split keyboard design, the Freestyle2 to a more gaming market friendly device, Frestyle Edge.  Yup, this is the manufacturer for the Advantage2 ergonomic keyboard line and a host of other ergo-friendly devices.  The Freestyle2 is a split keyboard design with tenting accessories.

So, one can easily guess the various features, such as featuring Cherry MX types switches, per-key LED lighting, macro keys and various other gaming friendly perks check boxes are dutifully fulfilled.  So, I won't dwell too much on the features themselves.  However, I would like to say that I like this move because Kinesis is taking more of the ergo designs and now trying to popularize it.  Yes, Matias has offered a similar design with the beloved Matis switch, but it is aimed at typists, programmers and the like.  This time around, Kinesis is taking a well liked ergonomic keyboard design and combine it with some often sought-after gaming friendly features.  I cannot say that's a bad thing.

To cut down the risk Kinesis is taking, the company is utilizing Kickstarter to fund the effort.  I can see that it's already past its goal.  So, let's see if Kinesis can deliver on its promises.  Like Metadot, they are branching out to experiment with newer designs and moving the ball forward.  That's a wonderful thing.

Leopold (Topre) 87UW55 image gallery

This one is an unusual one because it's a keyboard sold by Leopold, but it's a Realforce 87UW55 (SE0800).  It also features dark key caps set with a off-white frame.  So, it's rather striking to look at, but functionally the same as the 87UW55 (SE08T0).  The keyboard itself is branded as Realforce, but the back-plate label has Leopold's logo.

Front view

Left side view

Right side view

Face side key cap view, notice the dark secondary . legend on the bottom when NumLock is activated

Back side key cap view

Yup, this is a Topre Switch

Key cap and switch view

Backside view, notice Leopold's logo on the label

Keyboard foot retracted

Keyboard foot extended

Ducky Channel's new Shine 6 Special Edition

Without fail for the last few years, Ducky Channel does a re-engineered of their flagship keyboard model known as Shine.  This is now the 6th time.  As usual, Ducky doesn't mess its winning formula, but made some significant changes that alter the aesthetics of the keyboard to set it apart from the crowd.

First and most noticeable change is the floating keycaps.  It's a pretty sounding name, but basically, it's a keycap that is half height rather than full height.  Ducky is not the first one, but seeing it on their flagship board signals that this is now in vogue.  So, expect some other keyboard makers making similar changes in the near future.  Half height keycaps serve an important purpose: letting more light out underneath the switch.  Because of the cross-shape key switch and cap interface design, the LEDs must be put somewhere not in the way.  Having half height keycaps allows more light as well as creating a more striking picture.  Using a black metal back plate instead of white one (such as in Shine 5), Ducky is counting on the float keycaps and brighter LEDs to compensate for the darker background.  The advantage is a cleaner light definition with a dark background.  So, I expect the LED colors to be more distinct and less affected by the neighboring ones.

Also, something new is the host PC software controlled lighting profile.  Although Ducky retained all the on board lighting and motion features, it too offers a customized profile.  The user costumed profile is the way to go now days.  I don't know how programmable it is, but it's a new direction for Ducky Channel.  With Metadot and Ducky going to the customization route, I think this feature will be around for a while and expanded to other experimental use soon.

The core features stay pretty much the same with Cherry MX switches and other expected features.  So, it's not going too far off to the deep end.  It is now available in North America through the usual channels for around $160.  The price places the keyboard on the top, high end side of the market.  I like what they got this year and I look forward to see what Ducky Channel comes up next year.

Keyboard trends @ CES

Well, one thing that is for sure, the gamer's keyboard market seems to be getting more and more crowded with no signs of slowing down.  So, perhaps this boom is here to stay for a while.  I don't think one can easily escape from any mechanical keyboard vendors without spoting a RGB keyboard.  Even Matias is putting out backlit keyboard (with scissor switches however, I think).  The latest innovation in that area is to store the lighting program in the onboard memory, some comes with 8MB of that.  So, look out for some very fancy color effects to either excite the player or to drive the competition crazy with brilliance.....

The second trend seems to be retro styling.  There are quite a few keyboards trying to emulate that old-school typewriter look and feel.  Now, I am waiting for some clever vendor to use 400g load springs for the key switches to complete the effect.  Nothing wrong with that, just that fashionable things seem to come and go and then come back again.  At this rate, we will have a psychedelic RGB lighting retro typewriter style caps with 400g weighted keys mechanical keyboard.  Maybe Unicomp could put out a RGB lighted buckling spring Model M keyboard?  Welcome to a blast to the past.

More about Topre Realforce RGB availability

I just found out that Massdrop now has one drop going for Topre Real Force RGB Keyboard.  So, looks like Topre is producing more than a few keyboards just to see what the market is thinking.  Although this has not reached CoolerMaster NovaTouch availability level, I take it as a good sign that there are sufficient interest out there.

Since this keyboard is relatively different from a typical Topre Realforce, I think it speaks to Topre's confidence that this may perhaps become a cult hit like the HHKB.  I will be watching this development very closely because I do think that Topre has a one of the more interesting products out there right now.  This is one Topre Realforce that has a rather broad market appeal.  As with any Topre Realforce product tho, the price is almost always a show stopper.  At $260 US dollar/unit, this thing better be good.  :P

What is Hall Effect keyboard switch anyway?

Hall Effect illustration (Wikipedia)

Some of the keyboard related blogs recently mentioned Hall effect key switches.  It was not a term that I have heard for a while and have forgotten what it does.  After a little research, memories come flooding back.  Good and bad...  Anyway, Hall effect sensors or switches work because of a pretty cool physical phenomenon.

Basically the position of magnet (due to magnetic field) can affect a transducer voltage.  So, if the magnetic strength is known, then one can determine the distance of the magnet from the transducer by the output voltage.  Therefore, putting the two and two together, this sensor would make a very good analog keyboard switch.  Also, there are very few moving parts that may fatigue and break, thus Hall effect sensors are also very reliable devices.  So, it shouldn't be a big surprise in the sudden interest in this type of switch lately given the latest rage in analog keyboard.  The simplest resistance mechanics to a key press is a spring, therefore this technology seems well suited for a linear keyboard switch.  It's a pretty good match to what the gaming market desires.  There are some rumblings that keyboard manufacturers are going to bring some Hall effect keyboards to the market that caters to the booming gaming market.  However, it doesn't stop anyone from adding clicky emulations to the key switch.  So, perhaps some enterprising company will figure out how to do so.

Although the idea has been around for a long time, the recent interest in analog gaming sensors has resurrected interest in this kind of device.  However, Hall effect devices are more complex compared to a simple mechanical key switch.  So, in a cut-throat market, price would be a very important factor as well.  So, we will see how well the gaming market adapt to this type of switch or it is just needless complications.  I think there's room for analog keyboards for specific gaming niche.  We will have to figure out a purpose for these wonderful devices outside of that for something this cool to become mainstream.

More Topre Realforce RGB Premium on the way to North America

Wow, that was fast.  The stock mechnicalkeyboards.com had for preorder are already sold out at this point.  Perhaps they will restock in the near future.  I guess Black Friday business was rather brisk.  However, fear not if you missed it.  EliteKeyboards.com is now accepting preorder for the same keyboard.  It should be available around the end of November.

12/02/2016 Update: Yes, mechnicalkeyboards.com has received another shipment.

Asus announces Claymore keyboard that splits into two

Asus recently introduced yet another gaming mechanical keyboard called ROG Claymore.  This one has all the usual bells and whistles using the ever popular Cherrry MX RGB switches.  However, one thing that is interesting about this keyboard is that it can split into two units.  The main unit is a typical TKL called the core while the number pad is the other entity.  One thing that is interesting Asus mentioned is that the number pad can be used on the left side of the keyboard.  I don't know if the keypad is still usable detached or it has to be attached for it to function.  I can't really tell from the press release.  However, it reasonable to assume that the number pad has to be attached based on the what Asus left unsaid.

Too bad that this keyboard didn't split in the way I would have like it, emulating the Microsoft Natural keyboard line had.  Maybe the next iteration.  We will see.

Topre Realforce RGB Premium now available for pre-order

This is happening a little sooner than I thought, but it's a good thing.  Just like last year's special Ducky Channel Realforce editions, somehow mechanicalkeyboards.com will be able to secure some for the North America market.  The online retailer is now taking pre-order.  The target ship date is end of November.

Indeed, this keyboard is a quite a departure from the classical Topre that we know well.  Previously, Topre has partnered with other OEMs and distributors to feel out new markets, but with this one, I think they are going for it by themselves.  I hope it works out since the gaming market is a bit crowded at the moment.

More RGB LED lighting goodness?

Well, hindsight is always 20/20, and I should have seen this coming a mile away, but didn’t.  Many mechanical keyboard market observers have already noted the craze that is RGB LED lighting.  One company after another trying to outdo each other.  Well, what else can we use these beautiful lights for?  Metadot is going for a more utilitarian approach by coming up with different uses for the lighting.  Or, we can go the other extreme, lighting to the extreme just because.

Well, I guess that might be what Cooler Master’s MasterkeysPro L RGB – Crystal Edition is all about.  This is a keyboard for the RGB LED lighting loving folks.  The keyboard case is translucent and it features new placement design to allow the LEDs more room to shine brighter, pardon the pun.  The keyboard itself has no legends or other markings on the user side.  So, in some way, it’s like a Das Keyboard Ultimate, except it is in clear casing.  Cooler Master thoughtfully used a translucent plastic rather than transparent one to more evenly distribute the lights and to cut down on reflections and glare.  Other things like faster keyboard micro controller, programmable API for controlling the lights, Cherry MX brown or blue switches and other goodies people now come to expect from a high end keyboard with lots of cool factors.

I am likely not in this particular market segment anymore, but I can see the appeal, however.  I still remember when Nintendo or some other gadget manufacturers outfitted their latest toy with a transparent case, it was always something special.

Long Term Use Review- Topre Realforce 87UW55 (SE08T0)

At first, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Topre switches.  At the very beginning, I found it to be wonderful, then frustrating.  Further down the line, I found the combination that I can finally start to settle down toward appreciating its differences and finally, really embrace this key switch.

The keyboard that helped me turned the corner?  Topre’s Realforce 87UW55.  I was pretty sour after my frustrating experience with the variable keyboard the 104UB (XF11T0).  That keyboard drove me up the wall because I simply can’t find a rhythm.  I finally decided to give Topre switch one more chance to redeem itself and settled on the 87UW with uniform weighted keys.  Boy, did that make a difference.  I guess years of typing has betrayed me because I had a very difficult time adapting to the variable key weights.  I am sure that some people will appreciate that type of design; but for an old dog like me who was trained on a typewriter, it was rough outing to say the least.

However, enough about the past.  How does this keyboard stand on its own merit?  I personally come to really like this keyboard because I find the uniform key weight distribution comforting.  55g is a bit on the heavy side for some, but I am used to keys that push back a bit more.  It gives a more of a stable feeling during typing and working as each key stroke felt more assured and certain.  For things that I use it for, 55g is just fine.  The difference between 45g is 55g is subtle, but noticeable, however.  Key weights are more of a preference between these two.  I found 30g to be way too light, however.  The TKL design is fine for that I use it for in a tight space.  I don’t find that I miss the numeric pad much.  However, if someone is in need of Excel or other numeric input heavy applications, then numeric pad is a must.  I did find that sometimes the Num Lock is engaged after reboot or login and messes with password typing here and there.  The blue LEDs are bright.  Sometimes, too bright when looked on directly.  I think this is a problem with blue LEDs in general.

Comparing to Leopold ‘s FC660C, the 87UW is more stately and stable.  It has less of that perky personality and more muted in its presence.  Never the less, one will not mistakenly identify this keyboard as something else when someone starts to type.  The sound it makes is almost hypotonic, imbued with power, like a race horse trotting around the track, as one reviewer said.  Perhaps a bit over the top, but I can’t find any faults with that assessment.  Thus, that might be why a lot of people are willing to pay a premium for a Topre made keyboard.  Instead of focusing on the tactile feel, I think this is a good chance to evaluate the keyboard from an auditory aspect.  Suffice to say that Realforce did not disappoint.  The noise level is just a bit higher than run of the mill rubber dome based keyboard and I personally do think that it sounds rather pleasant.  So, it’s perfectly suitable in an office sitting or someone who share computing space with others.  The sound feedback is good, not too chatty and perhaps rather regal.  It’s not as drill sergeant like with the buckling spring, but instead, the keyboard rumbles just a bit so that one can almost feel a presence of a serene, but strong current.  For some, that's pretty irresistible.  I do find that typing on this keyboard is indeed a bit of a Zen like experience and it flows well.  As with any Topre switch related keyboard reviews, I won’t belabor about the Topre switch feel itself.  Suffice to say that some love it and some really don’t think it’s worth the money.  I am in the camp that loves it, but also appreciate the pragmatic side of things.  The price is such a joy killer sometimes….

The 87UW55 or its sibling 87UB55 (SE18T0) is almost the same except the color scheme.  87UB55 has the dark theme with almost impossible to read key legend in the dark.  It has a more of a “badass” factor, but perhaps a bit too much form over function from my point of view.  Since I am more of a typist and command line geek, I tend to stay with keyboard fashion design that helps me make fewer mistakes.  I am probably not cool enough to use the dark/black version anyway.

In conclusion, the 87UW55 is an incredible standard layout keyboard that can make many skeptics a believer.  The only got-cha is the price.  Therefore, it’s more of luxury item than essential stuff, but for someone who uses keyboard quite a bit, it’s well worth the investment.

Grade: A

More gaming oriented key switch and cap designs

One of the trends lately has been shortening the key stroke distance from the traditional 4mm to 3mm or so.  Another is shortening the height of the key cap itself.  Now, changing the key cap height doesn’t do anything mechanically since it is a rigid body.  However, they can affect the look, static key heights and perhaps reduce the key wobble because of a very so slightly lower center of gravity.  It’s probably more of an aesthetic and style choice.  Besides, it does save a bit of plastic.  In the cut-throat electronic business, that may mean something for the bottom line.

Tesoro’s new Gram Spectrum keyboard captures these trends quite well.  It features an “agile” mechanical switch, which is basically Kailh’s response to Cherry’s Rapidfire line.  This particular switch has a 3.5mm travel distance and supposedly features a clicky feel.  So, it’s a bit of a departure from the typical linear spring type favored by the gaming community.  The other thing is the “slim” key cap.  This key cap sort is the half-height version of the regular, standard issue Cherry MX kind.

Adding these elements together, Tesoro produced a keyboard with a different look and certainly a different feel because of some interesting key switch design choice.  Furthermore, looks like Tesoro will introduce an IR sensor switch based keyboard.  Now, let’s see how the market is responding to this after a bit.

So, what about some good ol’ wireless (Bluetooth) mechanical keyboards?

I mentioned in a few posts before about Razer making wireless keyboard specifically for the iPad product line and other tablets.  I also mentioned that there are some Bluetooth wireless mechanical keyboards as well if someone rather use a more classical keyboard device.  That piqued some interests

So, there are basically two options.  One is to purchase a USB to Bluetooth wireless converter.  At one end is USB port that the keyboard of choice is plugged in.  And, there is no other end, because it is wireless.  It converts whatever keyboard that is attached to a Bluetooth one.  Pretty cool tech, but it’s a bit bulky and power source can often be an issue.  Some keyboards draw a lot of power provided by USB port.  Thus, even at measly 2.5W max clip, it can drain most portable batteries dry quickly.  One can browse around eBay and find such device to purchase if the use scenario makes sense.

The other option is to buy a wireless mechanical keyboard.  Here, the options are more limited.  One of the bigger player in this space is good ol’ Filco.  So, if you are Cherry MX keyboard switch fan, you are in luck.  Filco is one of the most respected mechanical keyboard brands out there as it’s basically DIATEC Corporation, based in Japan.  They offer quite a few wireless keyboards configuration using Bluetooth protocol as well.  Besides the standard 104 keys Majestouch Convertible 2 and the 87 keys TKL variants, they also offer one called Minila, stands for minimum layout.  The Minila Air is the one with wireless connectivity.  Minila is a 67 custom keyboard layout design, much like a non-standard laptop layout.  However, like Leopold’s FC660 series, it uses full size keys.  So, no strange half-height stuff.  That’s a big plus in my book….  These keyboards are also designed to run wired if needed.  So, it is a much more versatile keyboard than what meets the eye.  The only drawback?  Price and availability.  Filco’s products are not easy to find and the stock comes and go.  Because of the added complexity, it doesn’t come cheap either.  So, expect some price premium over regular boards as well. However, one can search mechanicalkeyboards.com and amazon.com in US to see if anything of interest is in stock.

Now, if someone would come up with a Topre switch wireless keyboard…..

Logi or Logitech (whatever they are called these days) quietly introduced G910 Orion Spectrum

Maybe I missed the fanfare, but from my perspective, Logitech quietly introduced G910 Orion Spectrum along with some other product updates.  Now, Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum mechanical keyboard is the same one we have seen with G910 Orion Spark.  What's the difference then?  Well, the only thing that I can tell is that G910 Orion Spectrum does not have the 3 sided key cap that Orion Spark has.  In another word, G910 now uses the same key cap set as G810.  The funky caps pushed aside in favor of a more traditional key cap style.

Although this move comes rather expected, I guess the new key cap experiment didn't work out as well as Logitech had hoped.  The gaming community seemed to liked the new key cap design, however, the general population and specially the typists and programmers threw a fit.  The 3 sided key cap is designed to hold the fingers in place.  This makes a great deal of sense for a gamer, as they don't move the fingers from key to key much.  The fingers tend to say on the same keys.  However, this is problematic for typists and programmers since, well, their fingers dance all over the board during a normal use session.  So, the classical cylindrical design is back.  Beforehand, Logitech offered the "normal" key cap set for sale as an add-on package.  I suppose they decided to save potential buyers some trouble and offer the regular caps instead.  Also, they get to relaunch a product.  Marketing for the win.  Maybe they will reverse it and offer the 3 sided caps as a gamer's special after a while.  I wouldn't be surprised....

In any case, it's now a buyer's market.  If you are looking to see what the G910 Orion Spark is all about, it's now discounted.  If you can't put up with the 3 sided key caps, loved the G810, but wished for more.  Well, Logitech has that base covered too.

Hybrid rubber dome/mechanical keyboard from Razer- Meet Ornata

One of the things I emphasized is that rubber dome keyboards aren't inherently bad.  Some are great keyboards.  Many members of the famed Microsoft Natural Keyboard family line are rubber dome based.  However, with the return of the mechanical switch popularity and advances in scissor switch designs, the rubber dome keyboard seems to have lost the coolness factor.

If one really like that rubber dome feel, there are 2 paths before.  One is to invest into a Topre type keyboard which is unique, but not quite rubber dome like.  Or one can stick with a good ol' rubber dome board from MS or Dell.  What if neither is a reasonable?  Fear not, now, Razer is introducing a hybrid model, which is a rubber dome switch with simulated mechanical clicky feel.  It might be copying the clicky feel of a Cherry MX blue.  Based on the images published on the web, the Razer Ornata's key switch is most certainly using the rubber dome based technology.  The nib makes contact when someone bottoms out.  A half way press will not register, unlike a Cherry MX or a Topre type.  The mechanical click feel is emulated with a metal catch that is attached to the side of the silo on the plate.  As the plunger descends, the little fingers would activate the metal catch and create the click feel.  Razer is nice enough to provide an animated GIF to illustrate this new hybrid switch.

Rounding out the keyboard is the standard Razer fare such as software controlled LED lighting and other features such as detachable palm rest.  Another trends that I have begun to notice is the half height key caps that look more like a Chiclets key cap than a traditional Cherry MX or IBM Model M kind.  Mechanically, it doesn't make any difference, but perhaps it's for aesthetic reasons as well as conveying to the user that the key travel might be shorter than expected.  That would be subtle, but cool visual cue for a keyboard manufacturers to distinguish the key travel differences among its product lines.  Let's see if this trend catches on.  I think it would, because of the moves toward shorter travels.

Maybe it's marketed as a half-way device between rubber dome based keyboard and fully mechanical keyboard to help the users who prefer the rubber dome way of things, but have a case of click envy.

Metadot Das Keyboard Professional 4 long term use review

The Das Keyboard Pro 4 is one my first mechanical keyboards that I have purchased.  Thus, I have somewhat of a favorable bias toward it.  Therefore, that’s why I waited for a while till I have experienced other devices before starting my long term review.  Hopefully now that I have a longer sample size, I can comment about the keyboard with a more objective view.

In reality, the Das Keyboard Pro 4 is a great keyboard for typist and coders.  Although some may not like its aesthetic design, I find that it has that Darth Vader vibe that is somewhat appealing with almost a retro grade feel.  I am always a sucker for knobs and shuttle jogs, so having one like that on a keyboard is almost like moth drawn to a flame.  Functionality aside, this keyboard is a purely mechanical keyboard and almost nothing else.  It has no lighting, no fancy macro functions and other blings.  It’s just a keyboard with some multimedia keys and knobs.  So, if someone is looking for full featured, macro functions with 200 infused keys tapped out in 100 milliseconds, RGB lighting galore, this is not the keyboard.  On the other hand, if it’s a typing keyboard with a strong aesthetic design sense, this keyboard is worth another look.

The ABS key caps are well made with UV printed legend.  It has a bit of a hollow, crisp sound that is different from a thick PBT thump.  Using either the Cherry MX blue or the MX brown, the keyboard accelerates and dances to the typist’s whim.  It’s one of those keyboards that invites the user to come back and type some more.  The Das Keyboard comes across as stern and disciplined.  So, yes, the coder, professional design philosophy does come through.

I have written enough about the switches, so I won’t repeat them in case I start to bore people.  However, the Cherry MX switches do perform well on the Das 4 pro platform.  So, the switch type is really by personal preference and use scenario.  The extra USB hub comes in handy once in a while, but I have no use of the ruler/keyboard height booster.  The rule is an interesting idea, but I just happen to have no reasonable scenario where I would be flipping my keyboard over to get it out.  Also, because of its design, material used and where it is stowed, the ruler actually bows a little, further diminishing its utility.  The multimedia buttons are not mechanical based.  I don’t use them often, but it’s nice that it is there.  The volume knob is fun to play with and is fine grained enough to be useful.  However, it sometimes gets in the way because of its footprint.  Overall, I still rather have it than not because it’s more intuitive for me than two switches.

In conclusion, the Das Keyboard Professional 4 is an excellent keyboard and it’s a great show case for a pure mechanical keyboard design concept with design flairs and restrained multimedia functionality.  Metadot recently announced the spiritual successor to the Pro 4; the 5Q incorporating some very interesting ideas, but it no longer stays in the confine of a strict mechanical keyboard boundary.  Version 4 has acquitted itself very well and I think will stand the test of time.

Grade: A-

Need a mechanical keyboard for iPad? There’s a Razer keyboard for that

Perhaps slowly deprecating the Mac computers to favor big iPads and with Apple fervent push toward enterprise acceptance, there’s little doubt that a keyboard is required for that to happen.  Apple themselves produced one to go with the big iPad Pro.  Along with Microsoft ceding the mobile market and bring Office to iOS, there’s increased validity about using an iPad Pro for productivity and pivot the product line away from a purely consumer device.  So, what if someone wants a mechanical keyboard for that brand new iPad Pro?  Razer to the rescue.

Tech Report noted Razer has announced a mechanical keyboard designed to accompany the large iPad Pro, aptly named Razer mechanical keyboard case for iPad Pro (12.9").  Of course, I am geeking out on the mechanical switch design and specification.  To accommodate iPad’s profile, Razer has designed a new keyboard switch, named Ultra-Low Profile Switch.  The switch itself is colored green, thus meaning it’s a clicky type switch according to Razer’s nomenclature.  The video seems to demonstrate that point as well.  It’s force-distance curve seems to scale like that of a clicky switch as well with activation and reset points further apart.

The switch itself is a modified scissor switch with a cone or probably a plunger to facilitate a smoother force-distance relationship rather than a typical on/off switch feel that many scissor switches exhibit.  Since the switch has a relative short 2mm travel, Razer elected to go with a high resistance, 70g key weight.  So, someone who are used to touch typing or using a virtual keyboard might not like that; however, the design decision here is probably to make sure that the keys are not accidentally activated when gliding from one key to the next since the travel distance is so short.

The keyboard itself is a Bluetooth device and has an estimated battery life around 10 hours or so.  The cost is on par with high end desktop mechanical keyboards around $170 or so.  Maybe Razer didn’t license Smart Connector interface to save a few pennies.  However, I suspect Razer will roll this out to other mobile device if the market accepts it.  Also, if one really wants, this might be a useful platform for someone who wants to use it for laptop or desktop environment.  So, it’s not a bad decision per se.

Anyway, let's see if there's a demand for a good portable mechanical keyboard that is tailored for the iPads and like devices.  Otherwise, a good Bluetooth mechanical keyboard like Filco's Minila Air or Majestouch Convertibles might be better suited.