May 27, 2005 The human mind has an incredible ability to adapt – and that’s the big idea behind the Das Keyboard and its complete lack of key markings. Since there are no keys to look at when typing, the theory is that your brain will quickly adapt and memorize the key positions and you will find yourself typing a lot faster with more accuracy in no time. Given that the world is full of hunt-and-peck typists, this would seem to be an idea with plenty of potential as the keyboard remains the predominant input device for the ever-increasing number of computers. The Das Keyboard inventors also claim “it is amazing how slow typers almost double their speed and quick typers become blazing fast!” And what a statement about yourself for all to see. You’ll be the talk of the town. “XXXX has no markings on their keyboard, how cool is that?”
Now Das Keyboard is not just a keyboard for masochists, as it does appear to have some clever ergonomic design built into it. The inventors of Das keyboard claim that most keyboards operate on the premise that every key is designed to require 55 grams of force to register a keystroke, regardless of the strength or delicacy of the different pinkies you use.
Recognising that all pinkies aren’t of the same strength, Das Keyboard has been designed with five different groups of keys that require appropriate levels of force besaed on the fingers that are supposed to strike them if you were indeed a model touch-typist.
The keys are divided into groups and their feedback springs are weighted differently; from 35 grams to 80 grams, which correspond to the strength of the finger that touches the keys. The result is apparently more comfort for your hands, though we’d imagine that you’d quickly recognise the different feel of the keys and this would aid in adapting to the new keyboard too.
Das Keyboard claims its ketboard is ultra high premium, built using premium switch technology that rivals or surpasses the best keyboards available elsewhere and that the keys are factory tested to withstand over 20 million keystrokes, providing the ultimate in comfort and durability.
Which at US$79.99 kinda makes it worth trying out one in your office. If it does make you more accurate, maybe you can pass it from person to person each month and get a major productivity and accuracy boost … and we’d be pleased to hear from anyone who has tried it.
Das Keyboard is compatible with all modern operating systems and if you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.
And the name? It’s German for “the Keyboard.”
