Editing Das Keyboard

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'''Das Keyboard''' is a keyboard family from [[Metadot]] most known for having completely [[blank key|blank keycaps]].

==Main line==
===Das Keyboard===
Introduced in 2005, the original Das Keyboard was a rebranded black [[Key Tronic E03600 family]] [[rubber dome]] keyboard, custom ordered with all blank keys.{{citation needed}}

===Das Keyboard II===
Following on from the success of the rubber dome model, Metadot followed it up with a mechanical version in 2006: a [[Cherry G80-3000]] bearing the same old-style Das Keyboard as the original model. The keycaps were [[POM]]. The keyboard used PCB-mounted [[Cherry MX Blue]] switches.

Cherry has sold a similar model with its own logo as the G80-3000LFCXY-2, but these might be even rarer than the Das Keyboard II.

===Das Keyboard III===
{{main|Das Keyboard III}}

In 2008, Metadot introduced a fully custom product. This was available as the Das Keyboard Professional (with keycap legends for the first time) and Das Keyboard Ultimate (with the traditional blank legends). With this generation came a large variety of models including a model targeted to Macintosh users.

===Das Keyboard 4===
{{main|Das Keyboard 4}}

The 4th iteration of the Das Keyboard line was revealed in March 2014. The design retains the extended section in the top-right corner for the 'daskeyboard' logo. The LED cluster has been revised to make way for dedicated media keys and an oversized volume knob. As of 29th of March, 2014, the Das Keyboard 4 is available for pre-order in two variants. The standard 'Das Keyboard 4 Professional' and the [[blank key|blank]] 'Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate'. Both keyboards can be ordered with Cherry MX blue or brown switches. But there is a variant with [[Greetech]] brown switches as well.

==Tenkeyless==
===Das Keyboard 4C===
The 4C, introduced in 2015, is a [[tenkeyless]] version of the Das Keyboard 4. It is the first Das keyboard since 2006 not to use Cherry MX switches; instead, it is built around [[Greetech]] Cherry knock-offs. Metadot seems to be trying to obfuscate this fact on their website, where their 4C product page refers simply to the keyboard's ''"mechanical key switches"'' (as opposed to ''"Cherry MX mechanical key switches"'' on earlier models' pages).

==Other lines==
===Das Keyboard 5Q===
The 5Q was presented on the the crowdfunding web site Kickstarter in July 2016, for delivery in December 2016.
This is a cloud-connected keyboard with the [[backlighting]] of each key's RGB [[LED]] to be controlled over the Internet.
It uses tactile [[Das Keyboard Gamma Zulu|"Gamma Zulu"]] switches from [[Omron]] with backlighting centred on each key surface.

The software is only for [[Microsoft Windows]]. Metadot has been accused of banning users from its 5Q forum for mentioning that open source software exists for it on Mac and Linux.<ref name="reddit5qban">Reddit forum—[https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/9571bb/das_keyboard_banning_users_from_the_5q_forums_for/ Das Keyboard banning users from the 5Q forums for mentions of open source]. Posted 2018-10-07. Retrieved 2018-12-15</ref>

===Das Keyboard X40===
The Das Keyboard X40 "Pro Gamer Mechanical Keyboard" (formerly known as ''Division Zero X40'') uses [[Das Keyboard Alpha-Zulu|"Alpha Zulu"]] switches, supposedly [[Cherry MX clone]]s from [[Greetech]].
The keyboard has five macro keys (similar to the [[Razer BlackWidow]]) and red backlighting. The top panel of aluminium is replaceable, with alternative top panels available to buy for an extra $29.


==Gallery==
<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
File:das_keyboard_3_model_s_ultimate_iso_topview.jpg|Das Keyboard third generation (Model S Ultimate) in ISO
</gallery>

==External links==
* Daskeyboard.com - [http://www.daskeyboard.com Company web site]
* [http://divisionzerogaming.com Division Zero Gaming] - Das Keyboard's gaming line of peripherals
* Wikipedia - [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Das_Keyboard Das Keyboard]
* MacObserver.com - [http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/das_keyboard_is_nearly_perfect Review of Model S]

[[Category:List of all keyboards]]
[[Category:Gamer keyboards]]
[[Category:Metadot keyboards]]
[[Category:Contemporary keyboards]]
[[Category:Macintosh keyboards]]