Ask Me Anything - Official Das Keyboard Representatives

[DasKeyboard_Thomas]

Why did you choose to go with pad printed key caps as opposed to laser etched key caps on the 4C?

With the silk-screened and UV hard coat marking method the durability of the print and the key surface is dramatically increased compared to uncoated or laser-etched key caps. The protective coating is harder than most plastics including ABS, PBT, and POM. Laser etched legends can wear and appear to fade over time [they actually start to accumulate dirt and oils from your fingers] with use as the plastic surface itself is worn by contact.

I'm afraid I'm not buying that unless you can show me some unbiased evidence or sources.

We recently had a Reddit review come out where they took a laser etched keycap and a keycap that was similar finish and they used Acetone wash on both. Here is the link, you will need to view the whole album to be able to see the image that I am referring to.

Hope that helps.

That's a very reasonable response. However, do you not feel that the 'sticker' legends affect the premium feel of the product and the overall design? IMHO they compromise it in this area.

No, a lot of thought and test went into the inscription decision. Personally having used the Das Keyboard 4C while testing it for Mac compatibility, there wasn't a discernible tactile difference between this application and a laser-etched.

 

[AndrewFreedman]

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the great questions so far (and to Das for answering them!).

We're going to let our guests from Das Keyboard take a break, rest, eat dinner, sleep, etc. and be rested for the rest of the AMA.

They'll be back in the morning to answer more of your questions, but feel free to submit questions overnight!

Thanks everyone!

 

[Guest]

What's your opinion on House of Cards leaking on Netflix for like three minutes?

But seriously...

Who in the industry does Das consider its biggest competitors? Gaming-specific keyboards like Razer? More all-around keyboards like Cooler Master? I'm aware you try to position yourself as both, but I'm curious who comes up when you analyze the competition.

Do Cherry's rumored supply problems have anything to do with your use of Greetech switches?

 

[other1]

I understand that the 4C doesn't have Cherry. I can move past that. Fine. I'm sure these Greetech are ok.

But why not list the Greetech keys on your product pages? Why just refer to them as "mechanical?" Couldn't that be confusing?

 

[eidol]

I was going to ask whether Das has plans to use more interesting switches than Cherry, e.g. Topre, which are seen as a more premium option over MX. Any plans in this regard to improve on the breadth of products?

I have to say that I'm not keen to read that Das has gone with Greentech switches, which from a quick search looks like a simple Cherry clone. I was hoping for something more innovative.

 

[moclyop]

You said you're a mac user. I know you have one keyboard specifically for macs, but do you have any tips for optimizing the other models for a mac (like for those of us who may want to go tenkeyless or have the volume knob?)?

 

[snorlax316]

Where does the name come from? Why "Das" Keyboard?

 

[DasKeyboard_Thomas]

What's your opinion on House of Cards leaking on Netflix for like three minutes?

But seriously...

Who in the industry does Das consider its biggest competitors? Gaming-specific keyboards like Razer? More all-around keyboards like Cooler Master? I'm aware you try to position yourself as both, but I'm curious who comes up when you analyze the competition.

Do Cherry's rumored supply problems have anything to do with your use of Greetech switches?

I think that it should have leaked for longer, three minutes is not enough time for me to binge-watch House of Cards. Then be sad that I have to wait a whole year till the next season comes out again.

To be honest, I can't pinpoint a specific company that we consider to be our biggest competitor. Every keyboard company out there brings something different to the table. Each company motivates us to be better and work towards growing as a brand.

 

[DasKeyboard_Thomas]

You said you're a mac user. I know you have one keyboard specifically for macs, but do you have any tips for optimizing the other models for a mac (like for those of us who may want to go tenkeyless or have the volume knob?)?

Sure. I personally remapped my command/option keys. I was using the Das Keyboard Model S for Mac prior to switching to the Das Keyboard 4, so switching them made more sense to me. There have been some people that don't make the switch, you will just need to get used to the new locations. Other than that, it's all a matter of getting to learn the keyboard.

Scr Lk = Dimmer
Pause = Brighter
F11 = Desktop
etc.

Once you learn those few things, you won't even realize that you're not using a Mac keyboard.

 

[hodori88]

I love the design of the 4C. I'm looking forward to receiving mine.
With the change of switches, I'm curious if Das has ever considered using other type of switches such as Topre or even considering using the new switches that have come out such as the Romer-Gs or QS1s.

Also... is the Das sling bag RF shielded as well?

 

[DasKeyboard_Thomas]

Where does the name come from? Why "Das" Keyboard?

Originally, as with most companies, there were a ton of names that were thought of. Our founders, while living in the United States, both origin from Europe (our CEO is from France and our President is from Germany). They wanted to keep the name simple, while bringing together a number of different cultures together in the design and engineering of our products. Which is still present in our products today.

 

[DasKeyboard_Thomas]

I was going to ask whether Das has plans to use more interesting switches than Cherry, e.g. Topre, which are seen as a more premium option over MX. Any plans in this regard to improve on the breadth of products?

I have to say that I'm not keen to read that Das has gone with Greentech switches, which from a quick search looks like a simple Cherry clone. I was hoping for something more innovative.

I'm sorry, I'm unable to discuss our products future road map.

 

[DasKeyboard_Thomas]

I love the design of the 4C. I'm looking forward to receiving mine.
With the change of switches, I'm curious if Das has ever considered using other type of switches such as Topre or even considering using the new switches that have come out such as the Romer-Gs or QS1s.

Also... is the Das sling bag RF shielded as well?

While I'm unable to discuss our future products road map, I am able to answer your second questions.

If you are referring to the Gaming Sling, that product does not have RFID blocking technology. However, the our Hackshield Wallets, Backpacks, and Messenger bags do have RFID blocking technology.

 

[AndrewFreedman]

This AMA has come to a close!

Thanks to Thomas and everyone else at Das Keyboard who stopped by to answer our community's great questions. We know it takes a lot of scheduling on their part, and we appreciate them being available for such a long period of time.

Keep an eye out for more AMA's in the future!