When the Apple aluminum keyboard came out last spring, it instantly became my favorite keyboard. Can the Das Keyboard unseat this reigning champion? See after the jump to find out.

Many keyboard connoisseurs regard one type of keyboard the greatest of all time, the IBM Model M. The reason that people adore the Model M so much is because it uses mechanical switches, which give a tactile feel, and loud sound when a key is pressed. Most modern keyboards just don’t match up to the feel of these old keyboards, but, with the help of products like the Das Keyboard and the Matias Tactile Pro, which we reviewed last year, there is hope for those searching for that “clicky” feel.

This is where the Das Keyboard comes in. It features the mechanical switches that so many like, without sparing the modern features of a keyboard. Also, these switches allow for what is called the “n-key” rollover, which allows 12 key presses to be registered simultaneously. The casing of this keyboard is a shiny black plastic, with blue accent lighting, common in many consumer electronics. This is very prone to fingerprints, which is why a microfiber cloth is included with the keyboard to keep it clean at all times. In addition, there is a 2-port USB hub on the keyboard, which is perfect for peripherals such as a USB mouse, an iPod or other PMP, or a flash drive.

The Das Keyboard comes in 2 unique different models, both work with Windows, Mac, and Linux and do not require the use of extra software. While the core experience is the same, the “Ultimate” model with no printing on the keys caters to the geek audience. If you’re not into this look, they offer a fully printed normal model as well.

Pros

• Great, tactile feel when typing
• Sleek design
• USB hub

Cons

• Bigger than most keyboards
• Some people may not like the tactile feel or the loud sound the mechanical switches create.
• Hefty $130 price tag

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