Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac mechanical keyboard is specifically designed for Mac compatibility. It's made of the highest-quality materials and has a robust construction you can feel. All of our keyboards are designed with high-performance, gold-plated mechanical key switches lasting up to 50 million keystrokes.
- Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mac Test
- Das Keyboard 4 Professional For Mac Review
- Das Keyboard Mac On Windows
- Uk Das Keyboard 4 Professional For Mac
- Das Keyboard Model S Professional mechanical keyboard is made of the highest-quality materials and robust construction.
- Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac mechanical keyboard is specifically designed for maximum Mac compatibility. In addition to standard Command and Alt/Option keys, the Model S Professional for Mac offers quick, convenient access to a number of other Mac specific key functions.
For someone such as myself, who spends the majority of their day typing, using a quality keyboard can make all the difference. Recently, I've had the opportunity to test the Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac, using it to replace my Apple Wireless Keyboard for all of my day-to-day work – and I must say, it's been a very interesting experience.
Overview
The first computer I ever used was an Apple IIe. In those days, Apple's computers used built-in keyboards – and the keyboards were always especially good. They keys always provided plenty of feedback and a nice clicky sound. The trend of bundling exceptional keyboards with Apple computers continued until the Apple Extended Keyboard II was discontinued in 1994. Apple never made a keyboard quite like that again.
Das Keyboard's Model S Professional differs from Apple's current line of keyboards in many ways, but the most crucial difference is that it is a mechanical keyboard. The use of mechanical switches gives the Das Keyboard excellent tactile feedback, as well as a very satisfying click with each key press.
Design
Among the high points of a premium keyboard like the Model S Professional is the design. From the considerable heft of the keyboard, the sleek black design with its glossy border, and even the font on the keys, it's easy to see that design was a crucial consideration for Das Keyboard. Overall, I like the design very much . The keyboard includes a pair of USB ports, as well as media keys that work with the Mac.
There were a few aspects of the design that I did not find quite as appealing. For instance, the keyboard does not come with a backlighting option, which makes it difficult to use in darker environments. This is especially true considering that they keyboard is black.
While the keyboard includes two USB ports, neither of these ports is capable of powering an iPad. The ports are also located in the upper-right section of the keyboard, which makes it difficult to use a mouse or properly place a trackpad next to the keyboard while something is plugged into those ports. I'd have much preferred the ports on the left side of the keyboard, or even along the rear.
Also, I found it very disappointing that the keyboard requires two USB ports. That's all of the available USB ports on a MacBook Pro! Failure to plug the keyboard into both ports results either in a keyboard that doesn't function, or being locked down to using only one of the two additional USB ports that the keyboard provides.
I was also disappointed that the keyboard did not include keys for Mac features such as Spaces/Mission Control, Launchpad and Dashboard (although truthfully, most third-party Mac keyboards also lack these keys).
As a final note, I found myself wishing that Das Keyboard offered a model without the built-in number pad. I doubt that most people use a number pad frequently enough to justify the additional bulk, and the presence of the number pad makes it much more difficult to center the keyboard on a desk.
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Performance
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mac Test
Whatever the Das Keyboard Model S Professional lacks in design, it more than makes up for in performance. Plainly put, I've never had such a comfortable typing experience in my entire adult life. I really can't put this any other way than to say the Model S Pro is an absolute joy to type on.
Due to the exceptional high-feedback mechanical switches, I was able to type faster, more accurately, and for longer periods of time than with my Apple Wireless Keyboard. The trade-off, however, is the sound. This keyboard is very, very noisy. As such, it might not be appropriate for use in many office situations.
Verdict[rating:4]
I really enjoyed using the Model S. It's the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used – comfortable enough that I can forgive the fact that the keys are so noisy! Unfortunately, due to the lack of a model without the number pad, and due to the few design issues dampening the experience, I can't see myself replacing my current keyboard for day-to-day use.
For anyone serious about keyboarding, and who isn't bothered by the issues I was put out by, I highly recommend the Model S Professional. It's an extremely confortable and high quality keyboard capable of providing a lifetime of use – and while the $135 retail cost can be a lot to swallow, it is priced competitively with other professional keyboards.
Das Keyboard 4 Professional For Mac Review
For more information, or to purchase the Model S, visit the Das Keyboard website. Das Keyboard's products are also available from Amazon.com with free shipping.
Pros
- Solid, stable design.
- Extremely comfortable to use, with excellent key feedback.
- Beautiful, consistent, laser-etched keys.
- Delightfully pleasing German name!
Cons
- Price.
- No wireless / Uses two USB ports.
- Awkward placement of USB ports.
- Noisy.
- Cannot charge an iPad.
- No backlighting.
Why use a mechanical keyboard?
As a professor, I spend most of my days typing on a keyboard. In fact, my hands probably touch my keyboard more than they touch anything else during the work day 1 . Yet, until recently, I had never given much thought to the type of keyboard that I used. Like many other things, I took the easy way out and accepted the keyboards manufacturers shipped with their products without questioning if those keyboards fit my needs or whether something better existed. This behavior is odd because I think deeply about the other components of the computers I use (e.g., display quality, amount of RAM, CPU speed). Somehow though, thinking that there could be a better way to get things into my computer never occurred to me which is why I have been using stock MacBook Pro keyboards and Magic Keyboards for over a decade. I have to admit that I was not unhappy with these keyboards 2; I just did not know that I could be having a better typing experience 3. That all changed when I heard Myke Hurley discuss getting the Keychron K2 mechanical keyboard 4 on an episode of the Cortex podcast and also learned that MKBHD had the same keyboard on hisdesk.
After doing a little research and getting sucked in by the YouTube algorithm, I knew I had to purchase a mechanical keyboard. I almost purchased the Keychron 2 as it seemed so highly rated, was wireless, small, had LED lighting, was priced well, and looked great. I had the purchase page open when I happened upon Das Keyboards web page that included a statement that noted they had an educational discount. This peaked my interest because, at the regular price point, the Das Keyboard 4 was more than I intended to spend. However, with the 20% educational discount, it was within my budget (i.e., I had to verify my educational status prior to purchase). After reviewing their web site and watching/reading some reviews, I knew that I wanted to purchase the Das Keyboard 4 professional despite its lack of LED lighting and wireless capabilities.
First Impressions
The keyboard was shipped the day after I ordered it and arrived four days later.
The first thing that struck me, even before the large size, was the heft of the keyboard. When I picked the package up to bring it in from the porch, I immediately noticed the weight of the keyboard (the keyboard is 2.9 lbs). The keyboard is extremely solid. You could use this as a weapon if you needed to. It has an aluminum front plate and may outlive me. The keyboard does not flex at all when twisting pressure is applied to its ends (i.e., this is called deck flex in the mechanical keyboard world).
The next thing that struck me was the feel of the key press. I chose the version of the keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switches 5. I watched several YouTube videos on Keyboards and switches and each noted the feel and sound of the keys (which differ depending on the type of switches that you purchase with the MX Blues being the loudest and most tactile). The keys in my keyboard are certainly loud and clicky but, they are not as loud as I expected given the reviews online. I am happy that I chose the MX Blue switches over the Brown's (which are like the Blue switches but are less clicky).
As noted on the box, the keyboard is plug-and-play. After plugging the keyboard in, macOS asked me to press the keys to the right and left of each shift key and it quickly identified the layout of the keyboard. That was it. After that, all the typical keys worked as they were intended. Within the first hour of use, I had this thought:
This keyboard is different than any other keyboard I have ever used—and that is a good thing.
Keyboard Features
Das Keyboard Mac On Windows
RGB Lighting
Mechanical keyboards have the ability to be backlit. However, unlike most non-mechanical keyboard, their backlighting often has a single colored LED per key that can be controlled by the user call RGB lighting. This is a big deal for some people. I am not some people. Having an LED back lit keyboard seems fun and like something I would take if and only if it already came with the keyboard that I wanted to purchase. However, since I rarely type in unlit areas, RGB backlighting is a useless party trick. That said, I know that having LED backlighting is a big deal for some people so, if you are someone who prefers LED backlighting you may need to consider another Das Keyboard model or another keyboard that has full RGB lighting effects.
Media Keys
The Das Keyboard 4 comes with a set of media keys that control volume, allow muting of the currently playing content, and allow you to play, pause, skip forward, and skip backwards. When searching for a mechanical keyboard, media keys were not on my wishlist. However, after having the keyboard, I find myself using them all the time. They are extremely useful and I will be looking for media key functionality when I purchase my next keyboard. There is also a button in the media cluster that will instantly put your computer to sleep and another that will mute the volume of your computer. Again, these are not something that I would have asked for prior to buying this keyboard but, I have found them extremely useful so far and would be sad if they suddenly disappeared. In the end, your desire and use of these keys may vary but, I strongly encourage you not to discount their utility.
USB Hub
Just above the media keys on the back of the keyboard (the part that would typically face your computer screen) are two USB 3.0 ports. As with the media keys, this was not a prerequisite when I was looking for keyboards but, I have found them incredibly useful—especially if you have a MacBook Pro that only has USB Type-C ports. Because of the Das Keyboard 4 professional, I can use my USB 2.0 to USB Type-C adapter to power the keyboard while gaining two additional USB 3.0 ports with the keyboard 6.
Final Thoughts
Uk Das Keyboard 4 Professional For Mac
By the end of writing this post, I have had the keyboard for a week. I can tell you that I am highly unlikely to ever go back to a non-mechanical keyboard again. This is partly because I know that it's better for my hands and stands a good chance of making a faster and more accurate typist. But, the major reason that I am going to keep this keyboard is because it makes typing enjoyable. I never thought that would be something I would say but, this keyboard makes that a true statement. If typing is something that you do regularly, consider getting a mechanical keyboard. And, when you are looking, I strongly suggest giving the Das Keyboard line-up considerations. This keyboard has exceeded my expectations in almost every way and I am sure that it will do the same for you.
Other contenders:
Despite ultimately purchasing the Das Keyboard 4 professional for Mac, there were many other keyboards that I considered. Below are just some of the keyboards that were in contention.
Small Extra Notes
Performance
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mac Test
Whatever the Das Keyboard Model S Professional lacks in design, it more than makes up for in performance. Plainly put, I've never had such a comfortable typing experience in my entire adult life. I really can't put this any other way than to say the Model S Pro is an absolute joy to type on.
Due to the exceptional high-feedback mechanical switches, I was able to type faster, more accurately, and for longer periods of time than with my Apple Wireless Keyboard. The trade-off, however, is the sound. This keyboard is very, very noisy. As such, it might not be appropriate for use in many office situations.
Verdict[rating:4]
I really enjoyed using the Model S. It's the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used – comfortable enough that I can forgive the fact that the keys are so noisy! Unfortunately, due to the lack of a model without the number pad, and due to the few design issues dampening the experience, I can't see myself replacing my current keyboard for day-to-day use.
For anyone serious about keyboarding, and who isn't bothered by the issues I was put out by, I highly recommend the Model S Professional. It's an extremely confortable and high quality keyboard capable of providing a lifetime of use – and while the $135 retail cost can be a lot to swallow, it is priced competitively with other professional keyboards.
Das Keyboard 4 Professional For Mac Review
For more information, or to purchase the Model S, visit the Das Keyboard website. Das Keyboard's products are also available from Amazon.com with free shipping.
Pros
- Solid, stable design.
- Extremely comfortable to use, with excellent key feedback.
- Beautiful, consistent, laser-etched keys.
- Delightfully pleasing German name!
Cons
- Price.
- No wireless / Uses two USB ports.
- Awkward placement of USB ports.
- Noisy.
- Cannot charge an iPad.
- No backlighting.
Why use a mechanical keyboard?
As a professor, I spend most of my days typing on a keyboard. In fact, my hands probably touch my keyboard more than they touch anything else during the work day 1 . Yet, until recently, I had never given much thought to the type of keyboard that I used. Like many other things, I took the easy way out and accepted the keyboards manufacturers shipped with their products without questioning if those keyboards fit my needs or whether something better existed. This behavior is odd because I think deeply about the other components of the computers I use (e.g., display quality, amount of RAM, CPU speed). Somehow though, thinking that there could be a better way to get things into my computer never occurred to me which is why I have been using stock MacBook Pro keyboards and Magic Keyboards for over a decade. I have to admit that I was not unhappy with these keyboards 2; I just did not know that I could be having a better typing experience 3. That all changed when I heard Myke Hurley discuss getting the Keychron K2 mechanical keyboard 4 on an episode of the Cortex podcast and also learned that MKBHD had the same keyboard on hisdesk.
After doing a little research and getting sucked in by the YouTube algorithm, I knew I had to purchase a mechanical keyboard. I almost purchased the Keychron 2 as it seemed so highly rated, was wireless, small, had LED lighting, was priced well, and looked great. I had the purchase page open when I happened upon Das Keyboards web page that included a statement that noted they had an educational discount. This peaked my interest because, at the regular price point, the Das Keyboard 4 was more than I intended to spend. However, with the 20% educational discount, it was within my budget (i.e., I had to verify my educational status prior to purchase). After reviewing their web site and watching/reading some reviews, I knew that I wanted to purchase the Das Keyboard 4 professional despite its lack of LED lighting and wireless capabilities.
First Impressions
The keyboard was shipped the day after I ordered it and arrived four days later.
The first thing that struck me, even before the large size, was the heft of the keyboard. When I picked the package up to bring it in from the porch, I immediately noticed the weight of the keyboard (the keyboard is 2.9 lbs). The keyboard is extremely solid. You could use this as a weapon if you needed to. It has an aluminum front plate and may outlive me. The keyboard does not flex at all when twisting pressure is applied to its ends (i.e., this is called deck flex in the mechanical keyboard world).
The next thing that struck me was the feel of the key press. I chose the version of the keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switches 5. I watched several YouTube videos on Keyboards and switches and each noted the feel and sound of the keys (which differ depending on the type of switches that you purchase with the MX Blues being the loudest and most tactile). The keys in my keyboard are certainly loud and clicky but, they are not as loud as I expected given the reviews online. I am happy that I chose the MX Blue switches over the Brown's (which are like the Blue switches but are less clicky).
As noted on the box, the keyboard is plug-and-play. After plugging the keyboard in, macOS asked me to press the keys to the right and left of each shift key and it quickly identified the layout of the keyboard. That was it. After that, all the typical keys worked as they were intended. Within the first hour of use, I had this thought:
This keyboard is different than any other keyboard I have ever used—and that is a good thing.
Keyboard Features
Das Keyboard Mac On Windows
RGB Lighting
Mechanical keyboards have the ability to be backlit. However, unlike most non-mechanical keyboard, their backlighting often has a single colored LED per key that can be controlled by the user call RGB lighting. This is a big deal for some people. I am not some people. Having an LED back lit keyboard seems fun and like something I would take if and only if it already came with the keyboard that I wanted to purchase. However, since I rarely type in unlit areas, RGB backlighting is a useless party trick. That said, I know that having LED backlighting is a big deal for some people so, if you are someone who prefers LED backlighting you may need to consider another Das Keyboard model or another keyboard that has full RGB lighting effects.
Media Keys
The Das Keyboard 4 comes with a set of media keys that control volume, allow muting of the currently playing content, and allow you to play, pause, skip forward, and skip backwards. When searching for a mechanical keyboard, media keys were not on my wishlist. However, after having the keyboard, I find myself using them all the time. They are extremely useful and I will be looking for media key functionality when I purchase my next keyboard. There is also a button in the media cluster that will instantly put your computer to sleep and another that will mute the volume of your computer. Again, these are not something that I would have asked for prior to buying this keyboard but, I have found them extremely useful so far and would be sad if they suddenly disappeared. In the end, your desire and use of these keys may vary but, I strongly encourage you not to discount their utility.
USB Hub
Just above the media keys on the back of the keyboard (the part that would typically face your computer screen) are two USB 3.0 ports. As with the media keys, this was not a prerequisite when I was looking for keyboards but, I have found them incredibly useful—especially if you have a MacBook Pro that only has USB Type-C ports. Because of the Das Keyboard 4 professional, I can use my USB 2.0 to USB Type-C adapter to power the keyboard while gaining two additional USB 3.0 ports with the keyboard 6.
Final Thoughts
Uk Das Keyboard 4 Professional For Mac
By the end of writing this post, I have had the keyboard for a week. I can tell you that I am highly unlikely to ever go back to a non-mechanical keyboard again. This is partly because I know that it's better for my hands and stands a good chance of making a faster and more accurate typist. But, the major reason that I am going to keep this keyboard is because it makes typing enjoyable. I never thought that would be something I would say but, this keyboard makes that a true statement. If typing is something that you do regularly, consider getting a mechanical keyboard. And, when you are looking, I strongly suggest giving the Das Keyboard line-up considerations. This keyboard has exceeded my expectations in almost every way and I am sure that it will do the same for you.
Other contenders:
Despite ultimately purchasing the Das Keyboard 4 professional for Mac, there were many other keyboards that I considered. Below are just some of the keyboards that were in contention.
Small Extra Notes
- Destroy this web site: The Das Keyboard website has a game that you can play in which you use a keyboard to shoot things on their site (think astroids here). It is a fun addition.
- The Das Keyboard 4 Professional (and most other models they sell) use a magnetically attached riser to place the keyboard at a more comfortable typing angle. The riser also doubles as a ruler.
- My coffee cup is likely a close second. I have a pretty serious coffee addiction. Speaking of coffee, have you tried the AeroPress? It makes an amazing cup of coffee, is cheap, and has easy clean up. ↩
- To be fair, Apples Magic Keyboards and most of their laptop keyboards are modern marvels given the design constraints they are working within. However, they are not amazing typing instruments. ↩
- Mechanical keyboards are thought to increase your typing speed and provide a more comfortable typing experience that should reduce repetitive strain injuries across time. At the time of writing this post, I have only had the keyboard for four days so I can only vouch that the experience of typing is significantly better and that the keyboard has increased my typing speed. Within an hour after receiving the keyboard, and on my first typing speed test using the new keyboard, I matched my top performance using Apples Magic Keyboard which I had been using for years and which took me many tries to achieve that score. I expect my typing speed to consistently increase across time. ↩
- If you are unfamiliar with the difference between mechanical keyboards and non-mechanical keyboards, I suggest reading this article. It does a great job of discussing the differences and potential benefits. ↩
- Part of the allure of mechanical keyboard is that the switches underneath the key caps can be customized to suite your tastes. The typical switches range from short and silent to deep, tactical, and clickey. The most common switches are called Cherry MX switches. The feel and sound of these switches are dictated by the color and sound of the switch. Read this article for a more detailed description. ↩
- I am not sure how useful this will be when I am working from my office again but, I am forced to work from home now because of the COVID-19 pandemic and I only have one adapter. So, having the USB 3.0 ports at the top of the keyboard has been extremely helpful in allowing me the flexibility to charge my phone, Apple Watch, AirPods Pro, and connect my USB microphone for Zoom lectures while sitting at my desk. Without these ports, I would not be able to do this while also having my keyboard plugged in. This would require finding a different power source in the house. ↩
