Writing a blog and writing in general does have its toll. But, with a good enough keyboard, it is much easier, faster, and comfortable. This is the reason, why I have started using mechanical keyboards by dasKeyboard since 2019.
My very first one was the 4 PRO model, and I love it, I do.
I have it running on my secondary workspace but being a bit of a keyboard junky and in need of a bit more silent version than the 4 PRO (running with brown switches), I have decided to give last year's new dasKeyboard a go.
The MacTigr version is the latest Mac-focused 100% metal keyboard offering several features that any Mac user needs or wants.
As already stated I wanted a more silent mechanical version, so MacTigr comes with Cherry MX red switches, that are noticeably more silent than the brown version. Also, it features low-profile keycaps making typing much faster.
The keyboard is essentially flat on the desk with a low-key travel and it might not be something that everyone will enjoy, so be sure to test it out if you can to see how well it feels.
Even though it is significantly smaller than the 4 PRO it still features a full 102 layout, and the weight of it is another plus side. Being 100% metal, this keyboard will not move an inch. You will have to make an effort to move it once it has been laid down. Of course, this will also depend on the surface, but there is no fear of it moving no matter how hard one types on it.
From a feature standpoint, this is a Mac keyboard first and foremost so there are dedicated Mac keys like the command/options/control, as well as brightness and multimedia dedicated section.
One thing that needs to be mentioned here is that the play/pause and next/previous buttons are much harder than the ones on the 4 PRO. You have to push down on them and as a result, they do have a noisy clicky sound. Not a dealbreaker for me, but something that will take some time getting used to.
Like the 4 PRO version, MacTigr has a very generic connectivity cable but unlike the 4 PRO that comes with a USB-A connector, this time around USB-C is the name of the game.
Any Mac device that has no USB-C compatible port will not be compatible with this model. Speaking of USB-C, just like most other models, this one also has a two-port USB-C hub that will allow connecting various compatible devices to it.
It is obvious that the vendor is staying on track with IT trends, Apple in particular considering that for the last few years, Apple has started moving away from Lightning ports on all their mobile devices, and started adapting USB-C across their entire lineup, mobile and desktop.
Considering that I just got this keyboard it will take some time to notice any issues, but for the past few days, I have none apart from what was already mentioned. One final thing is that this model also has a single row "return" key that will also take some time to get used to. Nothing more than muscle memory that will take some practice.
For €200 retail price, this is a great keyboard for casual or pro users for sure. If it will be just as good as the 4 PRO before it, I can say for sure this keyboard will stay with me for a long time.
SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Low-profile mechanical keyboard
- 100% metal
- Aluminum unibody
- Stainless steel plate
- USB-C connector
- Built-in 2-port USB-C hub
- Double shot PBT keycaps - US only
- Full-NKRO: press FN and Play/Pause button to toggle on/off
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
- One USB-C port
WARRANTY INFORMATION
- 1-year limited hardware warranty
PACKAGE CONTENT
- Das Keyboard MacTigr
AVAILABLE LAYOUTS
- 105 US
- 106 UK
- 106 DE
- 106 NO
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Length: 17.16 in
- Width: 5 in
- Height: 1.06 in
- Weight: 2.43 lbs
SWITCHES
- Cherry MX Low-Profile red switches
- Feel: Linear (soft, smooth, silent)
- Lifetime: 100 million actuations
- Actuation force: 45 cN (45.9 gf)
- Pre-travel: 0.047 in
- Total travel: 0.125 in
- Spring: Aluminum
- Contacts: High-quality gold alloy
