Das Keyboard Professional Silent Review
The Das Keyboard Professional Silent is a mechanical keyboard with cherry MX Browns. The keyboard will set you back $125 and, at least for me, was well worth every dollar.
The keyboard has a overall sturdy feel to it. It has quite a bit of weight to it and feels extremely solid. It has two usb 2.0 ports on the right side of the keyboard which some may find inconvenient due to how close it is to my mouse. For me my mouse is no where close to my keyboard so it isn't a problem. The top of the keyboard has a glossy finish which some people dislike. The keyboard also came with a handy microfiber cloth. The absence of a built in wrist rest may take some getting used to for some people, but a third party external wrist rest is an easy solution. The keyboard sports a 6.6ft cable with 2 usb cables splitting from the end. One for the usb ports and the other for the actual keyboard.
The Das Keyboard uses Cherry MX Brown switches. For those who aren't familiar with the different type of mechanical keyboard keys here is a quick summery:
MX Blues: Tactile and audible feedback
MX Browns: Tactile feedback only
MX Blacks: No Tactile nor audible feedback
Audible feedback produces a clicking sound when the key has been pressed far enough down. Tactile feedback is where you feel the key press being registered but not being bottomed out.
The keys are laser etched as well as rounded (has a slight concave to them). The keys do not really have much grip to them and can take some getting used to. Unfortunately there are no macro or multimedia keys. The actuation force is lower meaning the keys take less force to press down.
Typing feels fantastic. I find that I can type noticeably faster than on a normal keyboard due to the lower actuation force as well as how incredibly responsive the keys are. Although I do tend to bottom out when I type I find that even though the keyboard isn't using MX Blues, the keyboard can be quite loud when typing. There are many videos on youtube demonstrating the noise difference between the different switches. The keyboard allows for full n-key rollover with a PS/2 adapter meaning that every key can be simultaneously pressed and it will all be registered. If you are connecting it through usb then up to 6 keys can be pressed at once.
+ Typing on it is fantastic
+ Two usb 2.0 ports built in.
+ Keys last significantly longer than non-mechanical keys
+ Laser etched keys to last longer from fading
+ Comes with a little microfiber cloth
+/- No loud clicking noises
+/- Can be very loud if you bottom out your keys when typing.
- usb ports are positioned on the right side of the keyboard
- No macro or multimedia keys
Overall a very good keyboard for gamers and for typing. I highly recommend buying one if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard and willing to shell out $125.
My apologies on the poor picture quality, I only have a smart phone at my disposal. Also the quality of the review, I'm fairly tired and also not a very good writer.