Das Keyboard
The Das Keyboard is a high-end computer keyboard with no inscriptions on the keys, that is, the keys themselves are both completely black and completely blank.
The manufacturers claim three major selling-points, two of which relate to the keyboard's main feature, its lack of any key labels whatsoever:
- Typing Speed - it is claimed that Das Keyboard can allow the user to "type up to 100% faster in a few weeks" [1]. The reasoning behind this is that the lack of help from inscriptions forces the user's brain to memorize the key positions, eventually increasing typing speed and accuracy.
- "Geek factor" - the keyboard's total lack of inscriptions "reflect your status as one of the elite", according to the manufacturers. In other words, the board demonstrates one's 'elite' skills because they are able to type without using key inscriptions.
- Weighted keyswitches - similar to many other high-end keyboards, the board features individually-weighted keyswitches, which are set such that keys designed to be pressed with weaker fingers such as the pinky require less force to push down.
Das Keyboard has received criticism from some who feel that it is essentially just a moderate-to-good quality dome-switch ("membrane") keyboard sold at a grossly-inflated price. The 'spongy' feel of the keys has also been unfavourably compared with keyboards using mechanical keyswitches; in addition, some feel the advantage of the weighted keys has been overstated. These criticisms are all (of course) to some extent subjective, and are not universally shared.