Editing Das Keyboard III

{{TODO photo|more=true|reason=printed models, other layouts esp. Macintosh}}

{{infobox dkeyboard
| image name   = das_keyboard_3_model_s_ultimate_iso_topview.jpg
| pn           = 
| fcc          = 
| branding     = Das Keyboard
| family       = [[Das Keyboard]]
| manufacturer = [[Costar]], undisclosed OEM 
| switch       = [[Cherry MX Blue]], [[Cherry MX Brown]]
| layouts      = 104/105 Key US, DE, EU, and many more
| interface    = [[USB]], [[PS/2]]
| features     = 2-port USB hub, media controls
| rollover     = [[6KRO]]/[[NKRO]]
| weight       = 1.36 kg
| years        = 
| price        = $129 (Blue switches), $135 (Brown switches)
| supersedes   = [[Das Keyboard II]]
| precedes     = [[Das Keyboard 4]]
| introduced   = 2008
}}

'''Das Keyboard III''' is the third generation of the [[Das Keyboard]] series. All but the earliest versions are known as '''Model S'''. The term "III" is used for convenience only.

==Description==
The Das Keyboard III was the first fully-custom keyboard from [[Metadot]], featuring a uniquely-shaped gloss black case and blue lock LEDs. It features 6-key [[Rollover, blocking and ghosting|rollover]] over USB and N-key rollover over PS/2 with a passive [[adapter]], and provides a two-port USB 2.0 hub. The switches are plate-mounted [[Cherry MX]].

In a departure from the previous generations, variants were available with printed legends in addition to the blank variants.

==Naming==
Metadot were not consistent with their naming. The same keyboard can be named slightly differently, with the words juxtaposed.

The "Ultimate Model S Soft Tactile" was previously known as the "Das Keyboard Model S Silent".
When keyboards with legends were introduced, they were divided into "Ultimate" (no legends, as before) and "Professional".

The words "Silent", "Soft Tactile" and "Soft Pressure Point" all mean the same thing: that it has [[Cherry MX Brown|brown]] switches instead of [[Cherry MX Blue|blue]].

==Variants==
The third generation of Das Keyboard was available in six variants:

*Das Keyboard Model S Ultimate
*Das Keyboard Model S Ultimate Soft Tactile
*Das Keyboard Model S Professional
*Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac
*Das Keyboard Model S Professional with Media Controls
*Das Keyboard Model S Professional with Media Controls Soft Pressure Point

The "Professional" variants have lasered and filled legends, while the "Ultimate" variants have completely blank keys like the previous generation.

The words "Silent", "Soft Tactile" and "Soft Pressure Point" have been used to name the variants with [[Cherry MX Brown]] switches. The versions without any such designation have (clicky) [[Cherry MX Blue]] switches.

The latest variants have media player and sleep functions on the function keys, accessed through the [[Fn key]].
On the "Professional for Mac", the Fn modifier is in the same place as the [[menu key]] on a PC keyboard.
On the "Professional with Media Controls" models, a new 1.25 [[unit]] Fn key has been squeezed in-between the left Ctrl and Windows keys thus shrinking the space bar to 5 units in width.
Media legends are printed in blue.

The media-key models are manufactured by a non-disclosed OEM from China, while those without media keys are produced by Costar in Taiwan.<ref>Geekhack thread: [http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35375.0 So the rumour with Das Keyboard is true]</ref>

===Discontinued===
The original models were:

*Das Keyboard Professional — printed legends
*Das Keyboard Ultimate — blank

The current models are called "Model S" to distinguish them from these early models which had problems with the controller.

There was also "Model S Professional Silent" version, but that has also been discontinued.

==Gallery==
===Model S Ultimate ISO===
<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
File:das_keyboard_3_model_s_ultimate_iso_topview.jpg | Top
File:das_keyboard_3_model_s_ultimate_iso_usb_hub.jpg | [[USB]] hub
File:das_keyboard_3_model_s_ultimate_iso_esc_key.jpg | Escape keycap removed
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Metadot keyboards]]
[[Category:Costar OEM keyboards]]
[[Category:Contemporary keyboards]]
[[Category:Gamer keyboards]]
[[Category:Keyboards with Cherry MX switches]]
[[Category:Macintosh keyboards]]
[[Category:List of all keyboards]]