Last Updated: March 4, 2021 (Refresh Now)
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mechanical Keyboard High Performance Soft Tactile Feedback Enhanced 104 Key Layout Cherry MX Brown Switches Oversized Volume Knob Two Port USB 3 0 Full NKRO
Last Updated: March 4, 2021 (Refresh Now)
7.5
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
999
Old Reviews
679
Unverified
82
Spam Test
PASS
3
NUMBER OF USB PORTS
5120 GB
MEMORY
Yes
USB
1.2 meters
SIZE
Review Analysis - 238 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Keyboard
172keyboards, typing, mechanical, keys, cherry
+78%
-22%
" ... This keyboard has a really solid build quality and typing experience with it is phenomenal. ... One of the best keyboards out there in the market and probably will buy another keyboard from Das Keyboard when it releases a new Ultimate version. ... "
" ... This keyboard is amazing. ... "
" ... The build quality of the keyboard is great, though I do wish the cable was braided for the price, but that is really more of an ascetic nit. ... I upgraded to this one from a Logitech G610 with Cherry Mx Red switches. ... The tactile feedback of the Brown switches on this keyboard is much more satisfying. ... "
" ... Nice keyboard, substantial, but not as heavy as I would have thought based on the reviews, my old Logitech G810 is heavier by a lot. ... A little disappointed that DasKeyboard doesn't offer a backlit version at a reasonable price, sorry, can't justify an extra $80 to get light . ... Anyhow, the keyboard is very good, nice to have something with the key cap shapes that us old people remember, I can type much faster and more accurately on this than on any keyboard I've owned in the last 10 years, so that is good. ... "
" ... Typing is so satisfying on the brown keys. ... Good quality, hefty keyboard. ... "
" ... so i have been using this keyboard for about a month now and i really like it ... i had been looking for a modern but still classy keyboard with mechanical keys and this was pretty much the best option, its a shame it doesn't have the dual function of Bluetooth and cable support as other entries in these price range so you wouldn't be slave to a cable all the time, a cable that while super long its of terrible quality when u consider the price of 160 bucks . ... "
" ... This is the best keyboard I have ever owned. ... directly from they keyboard is wonderful. ... "
" ... I am sure people's tastes vary - for some, it probably does not matter what kind of keyboard they use. ... But for me, the visceral pleasure of the "clack" of the mechanical keys on this keyboard are such a joy it actually had me looking forward to working from home on my work computer (with this new keyboard) just to be able to enjoy the keys. ... "
Controls
72key, volume knob, media, controls, media controls
+67%
-33%
" ... It's got good mass and the volume knob and basic multimedia controls are just enough. ... The main legends on the keys are very bright BUT the secondaries -- the ~! ... Plus, I don't spend that much time looking at the keys to begin with. ... "
" ... Felt sturdy, the volume knob was very handy, and the keys were responsive. ... "
" ... I love the blank keys too. ... "
" ... Easy for me to press 2 keys at the same time. ... "
" ... The tactile feeling, the great clicking, everything is perfect. ... "
" ... Keys / switches are great. ... "
" ... Quiet keys would be GREAT. ... Does anyone NEED clicky keys? ... "
" ... All the keys are. ... The volume knob is super duper handy when you're doing videos, as is the mute button. ... "
Comfort
64typing, keycaps, mx, cherry, brown
+77%
-23%
" ... The keycaps have the traditional dishing on the top, which not only aids in feel - but in 'centering' and thus, eliminates a significant amount of error. ... Especially if you have an unorthodox typing style. ... "
" ... This keyboard has an amazing and reassuring feel for typing. ... "
" ... It feels durable, but this is the second one I received after returning the first because it doesn't sit flat on the desk. ... "
" ... Other than that, keys, looks and feel is great! ... "
" ... It extends past the side of the keyboard so that I can just slide my hand up the side and find it without looking. ... I use the Cherry MX Brown at work. ... "
" ... But again, I do like the shape. ... "
" ... The size of the keyboard is just plain comfortable. ... "
" ... I absolutely without a doubt feel every click and the quality that went into this keyboard, just like I did with my old one. ... The ruler that it comes with that can be taken off is useful, I keep it on the elevate the board slightly but the KB could easily be used without it, it has magnetic that holds it in place. ... Thank you Das for making amazing keyboards, my hands thank you! ... "
Build Quality
35build quality, metal, ruler, build, keycaps
+77%
-23%
" ... Solid German manufacturing. ... "
" ... It's a very solid build, heavy and well-made. ... "
" ... This thing is solid, sturdy, and while I wouldn't ever do something to mar its beauty, probably capable of withstanding a ton of punishment. ... I'm sure some switches might eventually need replacing for people with heavy use cases, but with moderate use I honestly don't know if I'll live long enough to ever need that myself. ... "
" ... It's nice and heavy, so it doesn't slide around on my desk, and it has a fairly long USB cable with braided insulation. ... "
" ... Metal body - feels sturdy, almost industrial ... "
" ... the build quality is outstanding and the way they implement the high adjustment is very novel and cumbersome but at least super stable and easy to put and remove. ... "
" ... -While my old Model S looked quite nice and felt quite durable, it was still made out of plastic. ... The new board has an aluminum body, which not only looks a lot nicer, but feels a lot nicer too. ... Even with high quality feet, a small part like that is easier to break. ... "
" ... It feels durable, but this is the second one I received after returning the first because it doesn't sit flat on the desk. ... "
Ports
30hub, ports, usb 3 0, keyboard, 3 0 ports
+70%
-30%
" ... The USB hub on the front is also a great feature, as it prevents me from having to search for an open USB port on my laptop and usually having to pull out another USB device. ... "
" ... Plus, I love the practicality afforded by the two USB 3 ports on the back! ... "
" ... For those wondering, the USB hub also works through a USB-C adapter. ... "
" ... And the two USB 3.0 ports in the back are lifesavers. ... "
" ... USB ports on the keyboard are also very handy. ... "
" ... - Built in USB 3.0 hub is an amazing feature ... "
" ... The two USB ports and media controls are well placed and very useful. ... "
" ... Also nice to have two USB-3 ports without needing a second cable plugged in (as some keyboards require) ... "
Product Reliability
26months, working, stopped working, keys, defective
+38%
-62%
" ... After light use, the 6 on the number pad stopped working. ... "
" ... I type and write code for 6-10 hours every single working day and sometimes for that long on non-working days. ... "
" ... May be I got a defective model. ... "
" ... Everything was working fine until it wasn't . ... "
" ... The volume knob stopped working ... I did not realize the magic # was 3 days. ... "
" ... Edit to add (Sept 10, roughly 6 months later): The button for "2" on the numeric keypad has now started to get stuck intermittently. ... "
" ... Can confirm with other reviewers that the switches are cheap and will fail after a few months. ... "
" ... A few months later one day it randomly decided to just give up. ... It stopped working completely. ... "
Device Compatibility
19keyboard, windows, keyboards, macos, linux
+68%
-32%
" ... BUT, it gets 4 stars b/c they failed to match the same function key imprints that Apple puts on a Mac, i.e. ... "
" ... I love this, and is planning to get another keyboard for my work desktop. ... "
" ... Works perfectly with mac. ... "
" ... It is customized to work perfectly with Macs. ... "
" ... As for Mac function, I love it! ... Easy to put the Mac to bed and walk off. ... "
" ... I love this keyboard, and it works perfectly with my newer iMac, too. ... "
" ... On balance, this is the best choice of the 15 or so keyboards I've tried for my mac desktop environment. ... "
" ... Works great with Windows, macOS, and Linux Ubuntu. ... "
Software Platform
17windows, q software, linux, firmware update, support
+29%
-71%
" ... -The software is very limiting, and buggy. ... Not stable at all, and the updates aren't often enough to address issues with YOUR MAIN INTERFACE DEVICE. ... For instance, my backlight chipset has been broken the last few updates. ... This is the main way I as a developer, admin, and DOTA player interact with my workstation and it has failed me. ... "
" ... Just says "disconnected" but yet it shows up in windows. ... "
" ... This KB's awesome - however, the software powering it is inefficient and buggy. ... This results in me requiring a reboot to have the KB recognized by the OS again. ... "
" ... Not to mention, pulling up the required menu within the Q software is slower than any alternative method of controlling the Hue lights. ... "
" ... The media/system keys cannot be reprogrammed in software. ... "
" ... I do not want to install and configure windows just to be able to update the firmware on my keyboard and this kind of inconvenience is unacceptable in a keyboard at this price, in my opinion. ... "
" ... - The software UX is poor. ... I had to use Google to search within the website to find what I needed. ... - Firmware update software doesn't support Linux. ... After I discovered the Q Linux app is deficient, I said, no problem, spin up a windows VM and bind the usb, and upgrade? ... - Support doesn't offer much of anything to help besides "Reinstall . " ... "
" ... The main reason I wanted this keyboard -- the software integration: ... However, I wasn't able to ever get to that because the application either, crashed, bugged out, or refused to send the command to the keyboard. ... The interface is janky, I think it has potential if the devs do some serious work, but as an end user my time is valuable, and I have less tolerance for a $200 keyboard, as there are many better alternatives for a good typing experience. ... - UI is not polished at all ... "
Price
16worth every penny, expensive, worth, worth the price, price tag
+75%
-25%
" ... It’s worth every penny. ... "
" ... now i don't need full RGB and i don't think its worth the additional 40 bucks (yes i know its fully customizeble so for other people im sure it is) but i do think it should have a regular white light included in the price, again i bought it fully aware it didn't have it but i think its a nice addition ... "
" ... If you're considering buying one of these: they are worth the price, and they will last -- I'm three years in on my current one (Cherry MX Brown) and it's still rock solid. ... "
" ... Yes it is expensive but it is 100% worth every single cent. ... "
" ... It's on par with other keyboards at this price point. ... "
" ... It definitely is not a cheap option, but it was worth every penny, even to have two. ... "
" ... Worth the price. ... "
" ... For the price you can do much better. ... "
Gaming
15keyboard, games, gamer, typing, gaming keyboards
+80%
-20%
" ... I'm a software engineer and sponsored video game streamer. ... I've used this for gaming and coding since 2016 and it's held up well. ... "
" ... Really sturdy, no tacky nonsense like on a lot of gaming keyboards. ... "
" ... This means this keyboard is great for gaming (smooth switches) and coding (clicky switches). ... "
" ... True game changer ... "
" ... Im a software developer and gamer and I approve of this keyboard ... "
" ... It's especially wonderful for those old, curmudgeonly gamers who can't stand RGB lights and gimmicky stuff distracting from the immersion of the content on the screen. ... "
" ... I was looking for a keyboard to type on versus a "gamer-style" board but this one will not meet my desires. ... "
" ... I do not play games but am on the computer many hours a day and this keyboard has a good tough feeling in general, is sturdy, and just feels like home for a Senior with large hands. ... "
USB
15hub, useful, usb 3 0, usb 3 hub, two usb ports
+73%
-27%
" ... The USB hub on the front is also a great feature, as it prevents me from having to search for an open USB port on my laptop and usually having to pull out another USB device. ... "
" ... The USB 3.0 ports are super useful for a variety of reasons. ... "
" ... - Built in USB 3.0 hub is an amazing feature ... "
" ... For those wondering, the USB hub also works through a USB-C adapter. ... "
" ... I like the media and volume controls, the USB 3 hub, and the satisfying typing experience. ... "
" ... And the two USB 3.0 ports in the back are lifesavers. ... "
" ... The two USB ports and media controls are well placed and very useful. ... "
" ... USB ports on the keyboard are also very handy. ... "
Design
14looks, nicer, keycaps, design, brown
+86%
-14%
" ... Feels great to type on. ... "
" ... It looks great. ... "
" ... Feels like this one is built to last. ... "
" ... And this one feels even better built! ... "
" ... Excellent quality, solid design and the feel is indescribable. ... "
" ... The look is awesome ... other people are impressed by how it looks ... "
" ... It’s sleek and well crafted. ... "
" ... But again, I do like the shape. ... "
Volume
13loud, volume, satisfying, dial, blue
+46%
-54%
" ... The volume knob stopped working ... The problem with the volume knob is well known. ... "
" ... It's a little noisy though so don't buy it for middle-of-the-night use ... "
" ... I get that clockwise would raise the volume and counterclockwise would lower it, but in practice, you typically move it forwards or backwards using a single finger on the right-side of the keyboard, so you have to reverse the process mentally. ... And there's the volume knob frustration. ... "
Returns
12back, returning, window, sending, repair
+25%
-75%
" ... Thinking of returning it. ... "
" ... I am sending this straight back for a return. ... "
" ... I should have done this in the first place instead of trying all of these makeshift hacks and allowing the return window to close, but you live and learn I guess. ... "
" ... I am returning it due to the other issues, so not willing to investigate further. ... "
" ... I ordered this back in January 2018. ... "
" ... I would like to return this item because it's not what I needed. ... "
" ... I opened up yet another ticket and asked for an exchange, and after a week of very slow back and forth I was told by the Das Keyboard team that they had already gone "above and beyond their warranty commitments" (not true) and that I would need to send in my keyboard for repair yet again. ... "
Features
11features, switches, rgb, light, caps lock
+82%
-18%
" ... It doesn't come with bells and whistles like backlighting, but it works. ... "
" ... The per key RGB lighting is nice, allowing you to do just about whatever you want. ... "
" ... Brown switches all the way. ... "
" ... I also love there's no flashing multicolor LEDs -- just a few subtle ones for num lock, caps lock and scroll lock. ... "
" ... The RGB lights are fully programmable. ... "
" ... Here are some of the features I appreciate: ... "
" ... Very elegant, Has nice features, blends in the surroundings. ... "
" ... I like the feel and the clicks and expect to use the special features on the upper right, and the ruler beneath as well, in the near future. ... "
Fit
11magnetic, ruler, rubber, raise, mx
+27%
-73%
" ... And the magnetic ruler thing doesn't raise the back very high. ... Maybe a strip of plastic with two magnets embedded? ... "
" ... It wobbles because it's missing one of the feet that insert into the red magnetic backing ... The V key constantly falls out ... "
" ... The magnetic ruler on the back is too low. ... "
" ... Asked for a replacement, got another product, was better, now only one key keeps falling off. ... "
" ... But I'm sad to see this one take a fall. ... "
" ... The rubber on the back was not glued correctly out of the box. ... "
" ... Part of me wants to hold onto it and see if it just needs to be broken in. ... "
Ease of Use
9easier, type, mac, keys, key
+56%
-44%
" ... Easy to put the Mac to bed and walk off. ... "
" ... very easy to install, even easier to use. ... "
" ... Easy for me to press 2 keys at the same time. ... "
" ... So much easier to type. ... "
Marketplace
9warehouse, deal, website, return, replacement
+56%
-44%
" ... Thanks, Amazon for making returns simple. ... "
" ... (I appreciate Amazon's return policy -- very easy and pleasant to deal with.) ... "
" ... I purchased a used -good condition Daskeyboard 4 Professional from amazon warehouse. ... "
" ... I got it as a warehouse deal for a great discount. ... "
Sound Quality
8switches, sounds, feel, typing, noisy
+88%
-13%
" ... I like the feel and the sound. ... "
" ... Great clacking sounds. ... "
" ... The brown switches sound and feel wonderful. ... "
" ... Besides the noise of typing, it has been wonderful ... "
" ... Sounds good in theory, but it never worked. ... "
Overall performance
8typing, type, slowing, fast, typist
+88%
-13%
" ... I am a fast typist and I’m not always gentle. ... "
" ... but it seemingly allows me to type just a little bit faster . ... "
" ... I can actually type about 10 wpm faster on it too. ... "
" ... Very responsive and exactly what I was looking for. ... "
" ... Other than that its a good , solid device performing as expected. ... "
" ... love it, its sturdy, fast and I dont have repetitive errors any longer. ... "
" ... Definitely no ghosting happening while typing fast. ... "
Mouse
7keyboard, wireless mouse, usb ports, moves, desk
+71%
-29%
" ... the full size moves the mouse away from you. ... "
" ... Excellent for wireless mouse connection. ... "
" ... 2 USB ports are a bonus, for example for a mouse receiver. ... "
" ... Well I was glad I dropped the 169 because I love this Das Keyboard brown thingies. ... "
" ... I work in my home office daily and need a quality keyboard and mouse. ... "
Cables
7long, braided, usb, cord, wish
+86%
-14%
" ... Super thick cable for connecting to PC. ... "
" ... Like the 4Q I do wish they'd give it a removable cable. ... "
" ... The build quality of the keyboard is great, though I do wish the cable was braided for the price, but that is really more of an ascetic nit. ... "
" ... The connection cord is quite sufficiently long to adjust to pretty much anyone's setup, and it has proven to be quite convenient. ... "
" ... The new board does all of this on one cable, and it's a nice braided cable to boot. ... "
" ... It's nice and heavy, so it doesn't slide around on my desk, and it has a fairly long USB cable with braided insulation. ... "
Firmware
6keyboard, latest firmware, upgrades, updater, update
-100%
" ... Linux users should know that while this keyboard is advertised as Linux compatible, it requires firmware updates that cannot be installed via Linux and this fact is not listed on the main product page here on amazon or on the Das Keyboard site (as far as I can tell). ... Only when visiting the setup instructions URL listed on the keyboard packaging did I finally find out that without windows I cannot update the firmware and use the 'smart' features. ... I do not want to install and configure windows just to be able to update the firmware on my keyboard and this kind of inconvenience is unacceptable in a keyboard at this price, in my opinion. ... "
" ... the website says firmware update not compatible with mac ... "
" ... - Firmware update software doesn't support Linux. ... - Had to use a bare-metal windows 10 to upgrade the firmware, hoping it will solve by My shift registers LEDs not lighting up. ... - The firmware upgrades don’t detect the model, pick the wrong one, brick your device. ... "
" ... Then there is the ecosystem: The latest firmware upgrade failed, leaving me with a dark keyboard. ... The firmware upgrades can't detect the model of the keyboard, so if you pick the wrong one, you can brick your device. ... "
" ... After a few failed attempts at updating the keyboard's firmware, it successfully installed. ... "
" ... I tried to reinstall the software three times, and I flashed the latest firmware for the keyboard many times as well. ... "
Apps
6keys, buggy, windows, q software, q
+33%
-67%
" ... The media/system keys cannot be reprogrammed in software. ... "
" ... - The software UX is poor. ... After I discovered the Q Linux app is deficient, I said, no problem, spin up a windows VM and bind the usb, and upgrade? ... "
" ... I was also hoping for the ability to program keys to perform custom actions with the software, but this doesn't exist. ... "
" ... -The software is very limiting, and buggy. ... This is the main way I as a developer, admin, and DOTA player interact with my workstation and it has failed me. ... "
Sleep Tracking
6mode, button, computer to sleep, media, key
+33%
-67%
" ... Don't play games anymore and did not have a chance to use the sleep mode. ... "
" ... Sleep mode -- never worked as promised. ... "
" ... Also the sleep key is not working on my Mac. ... "
" ... These are the only lights that don't dim in sleep mode. ... "
Cleaning
6dust, cleaned, clean, spilled, easy to clean
+50%
-50%
" ... I contacted support, they asked me to perform a couple things, like clean out the keyboard and reset SMC on my mac, which I did without success. ... "
" ... You used to be able to buy plastic covers to keep the dust out between the keys. ... The reason my space bar popped off is because I have to "spank" the keyboard several times a week to get all the dust out (the dust in NYC is insurmountable). ... "
Setup
5professional, mac, install, engineer, easy
+60%
-40%
" ... Easy to put the Mac to bed and walk off. ... "
" ... very easy to install, even easier to use. ... "
" ... It is just perfect for my tastes as a professional software engineer. ... "
Delivery
4item, first, came, box, amazon
+50%
-50%
" ... I did not realize the magic # was 3 days. ... "
" ... I cant review properly as it was dead on arrival. ... "
Display Clarity
4backlight, led, software, panel, media controls
+100%
" ... The aluminum panel is stunning. ... "
" ... Allow me to restore my previous track functionality by remapping the led brightness key! ... I change the led brightness approximately never, and I'd be fine with opening the software to do it on the rare occasion. ... "
" ... Dedicated function row - one purpose, function keys (no media controls, screen brightness settings, etc) ... "
Storage
4space, first, especially, press, key
+50%
-50%
" ... Space bar is very wobbly, so when you first press it moves a bit before you even start to press the key down. ... "
Defective Delivery
3product, got, box
-100%
" ... There was a bump in the box like something was sticking up or broken. ... "
" ... May be I got a defective model. ... "
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Specifications
Body
Size: 1.2 meters
Connectivity
Number of USB ports: 3
USB: Yes
Memory
Memory: 5120 GB
3
NUMBER OF USB PORTS
5120 GB
MEMORY
Yes
USB
1.2 meters
SIZE