(*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!)
- Does Das Mechanical Keyboard For Mac Have Expose Function Key Computer
- Does Das Mechanical Keyboard For Mac Have Expose Function Key Software
Cherry MX switches. Das Keyboard uses best-in-class, Cherry MX mechanical key switches that provide tactile and audio feedback so accurate it allows you to execute every keystroke with lightning-fast precision.Its high-performance, gold-plated switches provide the best contact and typing experience because, unlike other metals, gold does not rust, increasing the lifespan of the switch. A Mac keyboard with mechanical switches. Best Mac Keyboard For Fast Typing Das Keyboard Professional Models S for Mac. You can connect USB compatible devices or charge your iPhone. There are Mac function keys included: play/pause, next and previous track, volume up and down, mute, brightness up and down, sleep etc.
There is no doubt that Mechanical keyboards are the real deal when it comes to typing and gaming. It feels so good to type on a mechanical keyboard because you will get the satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback from it (with clicky switches only). Moreover, they are also much more reliable and durable than regular membrane or rubber dome keyboards. Modern mechanical keyboards have become so modern, both in looks and functionality that sometimes we even don’t get that retro feeling that we are using a mechanical keyboard. However, they do feel mechanical to the core when we type on them, but that overall vintage or retro feel seems kind of missing in appearance and functionality. So, if you want to experience the real feel of a vintage typewriter style mechanical keyboard, and want to stand out from the crowd, then there are some pretty unique looking mechanical keyboards out in the market, which are called as Retro Mechanical Keyboards. You may also call them Retro Classic Mechanical Keyboards or Typewriter keyboards because of their Vintage look. These keyboards mimic the design of a typewriter and they put you in nostalgia state when you use them for typing.
Also, Retro Mechanical Keyboards look very cool, and they come with round typewriter keycaps and some of them have their whole design made to look like a typewriter. These retro-style keyboards are best suited to typing only, but you may use it for a light amount of gaming too. Also, some of them feature LED backlighting and some are available in wireless functionality too. They are available in both Full key and Tenkeyless (TKL) form factors, and here I am going to list down the Best Retro Mechanical Keyboards that can add an extra oomph factor to your desk.
Read also:Best Low Profile Mechanical Keyboards for Typing & Gaming
Best Retro Mechanical Keyboards [Vintage Typewriter Style]
Below are the best retro style mechanical keyboards that are inspired by the typewriter design, and have a vintage kind of feel and look to them. These are great looking keyboards that are super stylish and are way different from the plethora of mechanical keyboards that you would normal see, including the gaming ones.
AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard (USB/BT)
[Looks Great, Bluetooth & USB Options Available]
AZIO is an American company that is known for its premium retro mechanical keyboards. Here we have AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard, which is one of the finest and gorgeous looking retro mechanical keyboards in the market. This retro steampunk keyboard comes with round “typewriter” keycaps and is available in different color options that include Artisan, Elwood, Onyx, and Posh.
Artisan has a black leather top plate with copper colored metal frame & keycap border; Elwood has wood finish top surface with greyish metal frame and keycap borders; Onyx comes in all black color with leather top plate and Posh has got a white leather top plate with white keycaps and copper colored metal frame. Each keyboard has an elegantly designed logo plate, featuring premium grade brushed anodized aluminum, and each plate is embossed with the product name that is filled with glossy lacquer paint for a classy shine and vintage appeal. Below, you can see all the color options of this classic retro mechanical keyboard.
Moreover, the keyboard is available in two variants that include USB only and Bluetooth+USB (hybrid). The keyboard comes with clicky and tactile mechanical switches (blue switches), made by Kailh, which is one of the largest manufacturers of mechanical switches. These switches are pretty good, reliable and come very close to the Cherry MX switches. The keyboard has got white backlight for Onyx, Artisan, Elwood variants and orange backlight for the Posh variant that looks very classy and illuminates the keycaps very well. You can also adjust the brightness of the keys on-the-fly and there is no software needed for it. The media shortcuts are shared with the functional keys (F1-F12) that can be used in conjunction with the special FN key.
The keyboard is strongly built and comes with height or tilt-adjustable round stands at the bottom. This keyboard is a bit on the taller side, and you may want to use a wrist rest with it for a better comfort level. On the gaming front, the keyboard supports 6-Keys rollover with Anti-ghosting. The Bluetooth version is a hybrid one, which means it supports both Bluetooth and USB wired mode of operation. With Bluetooth enabled, you can pair it with various Bluetooth devices that include your Android phone, tablet, laptop, etc. It comes with a USB Type-C cable that is also used for charging the battery, rated at 6000mAh, and can last up to two months with moderate backlight usage, and up to one year with the backlight turned off. The USB cable is braided for extra protection.
The keyboard supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 and Mac, and Mac Layout Replacement Keycaps comes bundled with the BT variant of this keyboard. The Bluetooth model has dedicated switches to switch between USB and Bluetooth mode, and also between PC and Mac layout. Overall, a high-quality and great looking retro mechanical keyboard that can turn heads, and can grab a lot of attention from your friends and family. Personally, I would recommend the Bluetooth version more, because of its wider compatibility and functionality. You can check out the different color options and variants of this keyboard from the link given below.
AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
Form Factor | Full Size |
Switch Type | AZIO Typelit Mechanical Switch (by Kailh) |
Backlight | White LED (Onyx, Artisan, Elwood), Orange LED (Posh) |
Interface | USB only, Bluetooth / USB |
Features | NKRO 6-Keys rollover with Anti-ghosting, Tilt/Height adjustment, USB Type-C charging port (for BT version), 6000 mAh Li-ion battery (for BT version), Braided USB cable, Windows and Mac support, Mac Layout Replacement Keycaps (BT version only), FN media shortcut keys |
AZIO Retro Compact Keyboard (RCK)
[Portable, Palm Rest Included]
This is the compact version of the above mentioned AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard. This Retro Classic Compact keyboard comes with almost the same features that you find in the Bluetooth variant of the above mentioned AZIO Classic Mechanical Keyboard. It comes with the same Kailh blue switches that are tactile and clicky and have the same rounded typewriter styled keycaps. The keyboard comes in different color options that include Artisan, Elwood, Gunmetal, and Posh.
Artisan, Elwood and the Gunmetal variant has White Backlight, while Posh one comes with Orange backlight. The connection interface includes Bluetooth and USB, and you can switch between these modes via a switch located on the side of the keyboard. The keyboard comes with a soft-touch palm rest or wrist rest that provides you utmost comfort during typing. It also supports 6-Keys rollover that can prove very handy, if you want to use it for gaming. Both PC and Mac layouts are supported and a dedicated switch is also present to switch between these layouts.
The keyboard comes with a 5000mAh battery that can provide up to two months of usage with moderate backlight use ON, and up to one year with backlight completely turned Off. It comes with a USB Type-C cable that also serves as a charging cable for the keyboard. Media shortcuts can be invoked using the special function key (FN), and the keyboard does not require any software. The build quality is good and you can also adjust the height of the keyboard. Other unique elements include an elegantly designed plaque with our logo embossed and filled with a glossy lacquer for a classy shine. Due to its smaller size, it is easy to carry around during travel and can fit in your laptop bag. So, if you are looking for a portable retro mechanical keyboard that is drop-dead gorgeous, packed with features and has good build quality then just grab it now. You can check out the various color options from the links given below. Personally, the wood finish variant looks super cool.
AZIO Retro Compact Keyboard Specifications | |
Form Factor | Compact |
Switch Type | AZIO Typelit Mechanical Switch (by Kailh) |
Backlight | White LED (Onyx, Artisan, Elwood), Orange LED (Posh) |
Interface | Bluetooth / USB |
Features | NKRO 6-Keys rollover with Anti-ghosting, Tilt/Height adjustment, USB Type-C charging port 5000 mAh Li-ion battery, Braided USB cable, Windows and Mac support, Mac Layout Replacement Keycaps, FN media shortcut keys |
Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Inspired Mechanical Keyboard
[Original Typewriter Design, Cherry MX Blue Switch]
Qwerkywriter S is probably the Best Typewriter Inspired Mechanical Keyboard because it does not look like a keyboard, but an actual typewriter. It has got all the design elements of a typewriter including every single minute detail. Along with the design, this keyboard has great built quality and has a scratch-resistant aluminum body. It comes with genuine Cherry Blue switches that are tactile and clicky switches, and are considered best for typing. The round keycaps with chrome border look very classy, and they actually resemble original typewriter keycaps.
The keyboard comes with Dual Scroll Knob Encoders, where the left knob controls the volume and the right one is for mouse scroll. The typewriter design ‘carriage return’ serves as an extra enter key, and is programmable for macros to up to 15 characters to generate signatures and even copy, cut, paste commands. It also comes with an integrated tablet stand that comfortably supports 10.5-inch screen tablets and most of the 12-inch tablets. The keyboard lacks backlighting that may be a concern for some users, but it is not that deal-breaking. Although the keyboard is not meant for gaming, it does support N-Key Rollover in USB wired mode.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth and USB, and you can easily switch between them anytime, depending on your requirements. With Bluetooth, you can pair up to three Bluetooth enabled devices simultaneously and can easily switch between them using a button only (FN + 1/2/3). The battery is large and can last up to one month on a single charge, depending on the usage. The USB cable is braided that can be used for a wired mode of operation, and it also charges that battery. The keyboard is a little heavy and weighs slightly under 3lbs. It officially supports Windows, macOS and Android devices. So, if you want the coolest looking retro mechanical keyboard that is practical, fun to use, feature-rich and is a stunner, then honestly you won’t find anything better than this. Highly recommended by me.
Qwerkywriter S Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
Form Factor | Compact |
Switch Type | Cherry MX Blue |
Backlight | NA |
Interface | Bluetooth / USB |
Features | NKRO support (USB), Dual Scroll Knob Encoders, Integrated Tablet Stand, Macro Return bar (programmable), Scratch Resistant All Aluminum Chassis, Typewriter-Inspired Keycaps, Long Lasting Battery, supports Windows, MacOS, Android, Braided USB cable |
Lofree Four Seasons Mechanical Keyboard
[Colorful Vintage Keyboard, Compact]
Lofree Four Seasons is a colorful retro mechanical keyboard that looks very pleasant to the eyes. This a compact 75% keyboard with 79 keys, and comes with Gateron Blue Switches, which are basically Cherry MX blue clones, and are tactile & clicky in nature. This retro vintage mechanical keyboard comes with round keycaps that are illuminated by white LED backlighting and has three levels of brightness. The keyboard supports both Bluetooth and USB mode of operation and comes with a 4000mAh Li-ion Battery that can last up to three weeks depending on the backlight intensity and usage. A micro-USB cable comes with the keyboard for the wired mode of operation, and it also charges the battery when plugged. In Bluetooth mode, it allows you to connect up to three devices simultaneously, and you can easily switch between them on-the-fly using FN key with 1, 2 or 3 keys.
The keyboard is compatible with Mac, Android and Windows OS and comes in three different colors options or seasons that include Vernal white (Spring), Aestival Blue (Spring) and Autumnal Grey (Autumn). You can switch between Windows/Android and Mac/iOS modes, and between Bluetooth and USB mode by using the switches located at the side. The keyboard really looks very stylish and is pretty compact, which makes it perfect for users who travel a lot in their day to day work.
Note: An older model of this keyboard is also available, which is the Lofree DOT Mechanical Keyboard. It is considerably cheaper than the Four Seasons model but comes with almost the same functionality, features and design elements. It does come with different colors that include pure white, venetian red and turquoise blue. You can check out this model too from the links given below.
Lofree Four Seasons Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
Form Factor | Compact (79 Keys) |
Switch Type | Gateron Blue Switch |
Backlight | White LED |
Interface | Bluetooth / USB |
Features | 4000mAh Li-ion Rechargeable Battery, Mac, Android, and Windows OS Compatible, Colorful design, Micro USB Cable, FN multimedia keys and shortcuts |
PENNA Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
[Lightweight, Old Typewriter Design, Cherry MX Switches]
A very cool looking vintage retro keyboard that is inspired by the typewriter design. Just like the above mentioned Qwerkywriter S, this PENNA keyboard is also designed to look like a traditional typewriter, and mimic its functionality too. This keyboard comes with Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red switches, and you get the option to choose from, depending on your requirements and working style. The keyboard also offers to choose from two different types of keycaps, which are: Retro Chrome Keycaps that looks like typewrite keycaps, and Diamond shape keycaps that are designed for offering better typing comfort and accuracy. The keyboard also comes with a macro bar on the side that is used for recording macros.
Unlike other retro mechanical keyboards here, this keyboard offers only one connectivity option, which is Bluetooth. You can pair up to five devices simultaneously and can switch between them using FN+F1~F5 keys. It requires two AA batteries for working and offers six months of idle time. However, the actual usage time depends on your usage, but it does last long with normal usage. It also has a Cradle Holder to hold your smartphone or tablet for viewing when you are working on the keyboard.
Does Das Mechanical Keyboard For Mac Have Expose Function Key Computer
The Keyboard supports Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac, and you can switch between the operating systems using the switch located at the side. Another good thing about this keyboard is that it is on the lighter side and weighs under 800gm, which is pretty good for a mechanical keyboard with high-quality construction. There is no doubt that it is a very attractive and unique retro mechanical keyboard that has a vintage look to it, and is quite portable too because of its compact size. It would be much nicer if it has LED backlighting and USB support, but still, it has plenty to offer. This vintage style typewriter mechanical keyboard is available in various color options (matte black, special wood, pure white, olive green), and you can check all of them out from the links given below.
PENNA Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard Specifications | |
Form Factor | Compact (TKL) |
Switch Type | Cherry MX Blue / Brown / Red |
Backlight | NA |
Interface | Bluetooth |
Features | Works on 2xAA Battery, FN multimedia shortcuts, Macro Bar, supports Windows/Android/iOS, Pair up to 5 devices via Bluetooth, Bluetooth 4.2 support, Built-in Cradle Holder |
AZIO MK Retro Mechanical Keyboard
[Cheaper than Azio Classic, Best Value for Money]
AZIO MK Retro is a cheaper variant of the AZIO Classic mechanical keyboard. This full-size mechanical keyboard does retain the same design but lacks LED backlighting, leather top plate, and some premium elements and metal finish. However, it comes with almost all the basic functionality, features and costs way less. It comes with the same Kailh blue mechanical switches and rounded typewriter keycaps. The features list includes N-Key Rollover with Anti-Ghosting, Adjustable Height, FN media shortcuts and Dust & Spill Resistant design. It uses a USB interface only and has got a braided USB cable.
This budget retro vintage mechanical keyboard comes in a variety of color options that include black & silver, white & gold, black & gold, black & red, black & magenta, white & silver, and white & pink. The keyboard officially supports Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 but can work with Mac in a limited capacity. So, if you want a budget retro mechanical keyboard that looks good and has all the basic features then this is definitely the perfect choice.
AZIO Mk Retro Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
Form Factor | Full Size |
Switch Type | Kailh Blue Switch |
Backlight | NA |
Interface | USB |
Features | N-Key Rollover with Anti-Ghosting, Adjustable Height, Dust & Spill-Resistant, Braided USB cable |
MK9 RGB Retro Mechanical Keyboard
[Fancy Looking with Retro Typewriter Keycaps]
If you want something funky with a bit of vintage feel to it then this keyboard fits the bill perfectly. This is an RGB mechanical keyboard that comes with tactile and clicky Blue mechanical switches and has got Vintage Typewriter Inspired Keycaps. The features of this keyboard include 18 Backlit modes, Aluminum & ABS construction, NKRO with Anti-ghosting. The RGB lighting, effects and brightness on this keyboard can be changed on-the-fly with the help of the FN key. There is also an LED Logo located on the bottom end of the keyboard. It is compatible with Win XP, Win2000, Win ME, Vista Win7, Win8, Win10, Android, Linux, iOS and other operating systems. Also, it is quite cheap compared to the other premium branded retro mechanical keyboards listed above, but it works quite well. It is available in two colors: white and black.
Note: A higher model of this keyboard is also available, which is the MK13 RGB Retro Mechanical Keyboard. It comes with dedicated multimedia buttons, two knobs at the top for controlling volume and LED brightness, while other features remain almost the same.
MK9 RGB Retro Mechanical Keyboard Specifications | |
Form Factor | Full size |
Switch Type | Blue switch |
Backlight | RGB LED |
Interface | USB |
Features | 18 Backlit Modes, supports Windows / Mac OS / Android / Linux / iOS, Vintage Typewriter Inspired Keycaps, Aluminum / ABS construction, NKRO with Anti-ghosting |
Retro Vintage Style Keycaps
If you want to give your current mechanical keyboard a bit of retro or vintage look, then you can do so by using the retro keycaps.
Redragon A106 Steampunk Typewriter Retro Keycaps 104 keys
A set of 104 retro keycaps from Redragon. These are vintage or retro looking typewriter keycaps, made from ABS plastic (Double-shot-molded ABS keycaps), and are round in design. They have transparent lettering for crystal clear backlighting and are durable. These round keycaps with a floating-key design are compatible with Redragon mechanical keyboards and other original mechanical keyboards which are higher than 1-2mm. They are perfect for those who love old-school typewriters and clean, simple modern design. A keycap remover comes bundled with the set so that you don’t have to buy it separately.
See also:
Final Words
There is no doubt that the above mentioned Retro Mechanical Keyboards offer a great style statement while being practical. They offer an amazing typing experience, especially the ones with Cherry MX keys, and most of them are compatible with various mobile devices because of their Bluetooth connectivity support. Also, most of the mentioned retro vintage mechanical keyboards include dedicate support for Max OS and iOS too, which is a great thing. So, if want to have an enjoyable typing experience and are fed up with the regular or standard mechanical keyboards, then you should get one of these retro mechanical keyboards to add to your collection. If you have any queries or doubts then please ask me by leaving a comment below.
As do most people, I suspect, I’ve always used the keyboard that came with my computer.
The first computer I ever used on a regular basis belonged to my tech-savvy grandfather. I’d play games on it during the weekends when my family visited, until one summer when he upgraded and my folks inherited the hand-me-down IBM. Many years and a few family computers later, I bought my own computer: a Dell laptop that went off to college with me.
After the Dell was my first Mac, the iconic 12-inch PowerBook G4. A few years later, in the spring of 2007, I bought a Mac Pro. The Mac Pro is a beast of a machine. So beastly, in fact, that it doesn’t come with a single peripheral attachment — you have to pick out your own monitor, keyboard, mouse, and anything else you may need. And so, for the first time, I got to pick my own keyboard. At the time, I didn’t know any better and so I went with an off-the-shelf Bluetooth white plastic Apple Pro Keyboard.
The white and clear Apple Pro Keyboard was perhaps the worst keyboard ever designed in California. It was dull and soft to type on, it was neither quiet nor loud, and it had a see-through casing to display all the food crumbs, wrist hairs, and dead bugs that fell between the keys.
In the fall of 2007, Apple redesigned their keyboards to the new slim aluminum keyboards they still sell today. I eventually bought one of those to go with my Mac Pro. Though the thinness of the keyboard made it seem to me like a less-serious keyboard for folks who type a lot, it looked extremely cool. And we all know how important it is to have a clean and hip-looking desk.
It turns out, however, that Apple’s slim aluminum keyboard is quite nice to type on. I’ve been typing on them in some fashion or another ever since 2007. In addition to the full-sized USB version I bought to replace my clear Apple Pro Keyboard, I also bought one in Bluetooth flavor to pair with my original iPad, and the MacBook Air I bought last summer has the slim chicklet-style keyboard built in.
Recently, when I was interviewed on Daniel Bogan’s site, The Setup, he asked me what my dream computing setup would be. My reply was that thought I pretty much already have a dream setup, the one component that I have never truly considered is that which I interface with nearly the most: the keyboard. I wrote:
I think I might like a better keyboard. I’ve never thought anything bad about the slim Apple bluetooth keyboard I use, but recently I spent some time using my cousin’s mechanical keyboard and there was a completely different feel to it. I’ve never been a keyboard snob, but considering my profession, perhaps the time to get snobby about keyboards has come.
As someone who writes for a living it befuddles me why I never thought to research a proper keyboard.
As a computer-nerd-slash-writer, I am always looking and advocating for the right tools. But for years, I have always equated “writing tools” with “software” — I own more text editors than I have fingers to type with — but it never dawned on me until recently that a good keyboard could be equally as important as a good text editor.
I own a dozen different writing applications, a programming application or two, an email application, and a blog-posting application. And what do they all have in common? They all get typed into via a single, solitary device: my keyboard.
A month ago I ordered a Das Keyboard for my Mac. Not because I was dissatisfied with my beautiful and trusty Apple keyboard; rather, I needed to know if life could be better with a bigger, louder, and uglier keyboard.
When I placed the order, I had no idea what I was getting into. Owning a mechanical keyboard is like owning a Jeep Wrangler — there is an unspoken fraternity amongst owners that others don’t quite “get” and which I honestly don’t think I can explain in a blog post of only a few thousand words.
Mechanical keyboards like the Das are bulky, loud, and fantastic for typing. Compared to the slim Apple keyboards, the Das is different in every way except that the end result is still the same: words get onto the screen.
How I felt when I upgraded my keyboard to a mechanical one, reminds me of the excitement James Fallows felt when changing from a typewriter to a personal computer for the first time:
What was so exciting? Merely the elimination of all drudgery, except for the fundamental drudgery of figuring out what to say, from the business of writing.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the Das Keyboard has eliminated all computing drudgery, but I would say that it has greatly enhanced the act of typing. Especially the act of typing for long periods of time, which I happen to do on a daily basis.
The construction of a mechanical keyboard is much more friendly to typing. As I discovered by taking several typing tests (the results of which I share below), a mechanical keyboard actually does help me to type both faster and more accurately. The sound of the keys clacking and the feel of the key switches clicking makes for an aura of productivity and work that fills the senses.
When using a mechanical keyboard you don’t just see your words appear on the screen as you type them, you also feel and hear them. A mechanical keyboard engages all the senses but smell and taste. Which is why you should always type with a hot coffee at your side.
The Keyboards
The sound, size, and durability of a mechanical keyboard make it a device to be reckoned with. It is a wholly different keyboard than the slim Apple ones, but that is not to say I have been turned off to the slim Apple keyboard. When I’m working on my iPad (using the bluetooth keyboard) or my MacBook Air’s built-in keyboard, I still type quickly and comfortably.
This review has been typed out using three of the most popular mechanical keyboards for Mac. They are:
- Das Keyboard Professional Model S: This is the keyboard that I started with. I pre-ordered one a few months ago for $113, and it arrived about a month ago. The Das Keyboards begin shipping on Friday, April 27 for $133.
- Apple Extended Keyboard II: Bought on eBay, the keyboard itself is circa 1990, uses Alps switches, was not made in Mexico, and cost me $31.45 shipped. I also had to purchase an ADB cable for $8.35 and a Griffn iMate ADB to USB adapter for $25. Total cost: $64.80.Mail Merge Toolkit 2.9 Serial Numberinstmank DOWNLOAD (Mirror #1) mail merge toolkit 2.8 serial numbermail merge toolkit serial numbermail merge toolkit 2.6 serial numbermail merge toolkit 2.9 serial numbermail merge toolkit 2.7 serial numbermapilab mail merge toolkit serial number 0fea0b1dc0 keygenguru.com.is.the.best.way.to.find.cracks.serial.numbers.keygens. Your search for Mail Merge Toolkit may return better results if you avoid searching for words like: crack, serial, keygen, activation, code, hack. Keygen means a small program that will generate a cd key, serial number, activation number, license code or registration number for a piece of software. Keygen is short for Key Generator. The mail merging with Mail Merge Toolkit is virtually the same as standard merging, but it gives you more options and is more reliable in operation. It doesn't cause any false response by the security system and is especially coded to avoid security prompts, there is a possibility to interrupt sending, the number of already sent messages. Mail merge toolkit 2.5.7 serial numbers. Your search query for Mail Merge Toolkit may return better results if you avoid searching for words like: serial, crack, keygen, activation, code, full. Keygen means a small program that will generate a cd key, serial number, activation number, license code or registration number for a piece of software. Keygen is short for Key Generator. The Mail Merge Toolkit dialogue looks very similar to the standard Microsoft Office box 'Merge to Electronic Mail'. In that box, like in the standard one, you can choose the data field containing recipient addresses, set message subject (btw, in Mail Merge Toolkit you can use automatic data field insertion like in a document text), set the format, and choose files to be attached to each.
- Matias Tactile Pro 3: A well-known 3rd-party keyboard that bills itself as the modern version of the Apple Extended II. It seemed unfair to write a review of Apple mechanical keyboards and not include the Matias Tactile Pro. These sell for $149, but Matias was kind and generous enough to send me a review unit.
Further down I have written more in-depth about the sound, feel, and overall typing experience of each of these three keyboards. But, before we get into that, let’s first check out some side-by-side statistics to give context for the general differences between these three keyboards.
Weight & Size
Keyboard | Length (in) | Height (in) | Weight (lb) |
Apple Extended II | 18.68 | 7.50 | 3.75 |
Das Keyboard | 18.00 | 5.83 | 2.53 |
Tactile Pro 3 | 18.00 | 6.50 | 2.96 |
Slim Apple, Full, USB | 16.80 | 4.50 | 1.25 |
Slim Apple Bluetooth | 11.00 | 5.25 | 0.69 |
Typing Scores
They say that using a mechanical keyboard doesn’t necessarily make you a more productive typist. But based on the typing tests I took it would appear that a mechanical keyboard does improve your actual typing productivity.
I took this typing test to measure the speed and accuracy of my typing. As you can see, I typed the slowest and the least accurate on the Apple slim aluminum chicklet-style keyboard that I’ve been using for over 4 years. My fastest and most accurate test was performed on the Das Keyboard.
Keyboard | Words Per Minute | Accuracy |
Das Keyboard | 91 | 100% |
Tactile Pro 3 | 81 | 95% |
Apple Extended II | 80 | 95% |
Slim Apple | 74 | 93% |
I typed a staggering 15 words-per-minute faster on my Das Keyboard than on my Apple slim keyboard, and at least 10 words-per-minute faster than on the Matias or the Apple Extended keyboards. And the words typed on the Das were more accurate. The difference in speed adds up to at least 900 additional words (with fewer typos) for every hour of typing.
Of course, nobody types at a constant rate, especially when the typing is creative. But nevertheless. Considering I spend nearly 6 hours a day at my computer, mostly typing, that difference in speed and accuracy is not insignificant.
Sound
Not all clicky keyboards are noisy, but I greatly enjoy the sound of the mechanical keyboards. At first I was timid about the noise coming from my home office, but I have since become acclimated and comfortable with it. Even proud of it.
Each keyboard I tried has a different sound. The Apple Extended II is the quietest and has the lowest tone of clack. The Tactile Pro 3 is the loudest and has a hollow ring that accompanies the clicks of the keys (more on this later). And the Das Keyboard has a crisp higher-pitched click.
![Does Das Mechanical Keyboard For Mac Have Expose Funtion Key Does Das Mechanical Keyboard For Mac Have Expose Funtion Key](https://chadwright.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/apple-keyboard-1.jpg)
Of the three I prefer the sound of the Das Keyboard the best. But, if I could mix and match, I would place the letter keys of the Das with the spacebar of the Apple Extended II and the Backspace of the Tactile Pro.
Here is a brief audio overview of the sounds between the Das Keyboard, the Apple Extended Keyboard II, and the Matias Tactile Pro 3:
Sorry, your browser doesn’t support this audio type.
Mechanical Key Switches
As I began researching mechanical keyboards and the different types of switches they use, I had no idea the rabbit hole I was crawling into. For brevity’s sake, I’m only going to share a little bit about the differences between the switches found in the 3 keyboards I have.
If you want to learn more about mechanical keyboards and the various switches used, then I’d start with this Mechanical Keyboard Guide. The writer of this thread wrote a well-said opening paragraph for why you want a mechanical keyboard:
For most people it’s all about the feel. With the keyboard you’re typing on right now you’ve got to press the key all the way down to the bottom to get it to register. This wastes a lot of energy and causes fatigue, as most of your effort is spent pushing against a solid piece of plastic. Mechanical keyswitches are designed so that they register before you bottom out, so you only need to apply as much force as is necessary to actuate it, not wasting any. And with as many different types of switches as there are you can pick and choose which one you’re the most comfortable with, as each one has a different feel to it. And most people who try one can never go back to using rubber domes, as they realize just how “mushy” they really feel.
As I quickly discovered, not all mechanical key switches sound or feel the same. Not only are there many different designs of switches, but some are better for typing, some are better for gaming, some have a slight snap-resistance that provides a tactile feedback as you press the key, and some give off a noisy click or clack.
Of the three keyboards I tested, they use two (yea three) different switches:
- Blue Cherry MX switches in the Das Keyboard
- Complicated white ALPS in the Apple Extended II
- Simplified white ALPS in the Tactile Pro
For reference, the slim Apple keyboards shipping today all use plastic scissor switches. Most all laptops use scissor switches because it allows for about half the travel of the more common dome switches used in most all commodity keyboards.1
Cherry Switches
The Das Keyboard uses blue Cherry MX switches. The blue Cherry MX switches have a very pronounced 2-stage travel with a very audible click that happens upon activation.
The total travel of a Cherry Blue MX switch is 4mm; the switch actuates and clicks half-way down at the 2mm mark.
This two-stage click is not nearly as pronounced on the ALPS switches, and it is this pronounced two-stage click that leads many people to consider the blue Cherry MX switches to be the best for typing. They have low resistance and a very noticeable tactical “bump” or “click” that can easily be felt when typing.
You don’t have to bottom out the key to get it to activate. Once you’ve pressed past the “click” at the 2mm mark, that is when the key switch activates and the keystroke is registered by the computer. It’s hard to explain the tactile sensation of typing on the Das Keyboard compared to using the Apple Extended or the Tactile Pro. I would say that because of the pronounced 2-stage switch, the Das has a more defined tactile feel, is less work, and is more enjoyable to type on.
ALPS Switches
ALPS switches are not only a type of switch, but also a brand. Tokyo-based Alps Electric Co., Ltd. makes the switches. You may have also heard of their brand of car audio gear: Alpine.
The Apple Extended Keyboard uses white Alps switches, as does the Tactile Pro. However, the Apple Extended Keyboard uses what is known as “Complicated ALPS” switches, while the Tactile Pro uses “Simplified AlPS.” This is because the complicated switches are no longer in production.
Over time, the complicated ALPS switches can be known to generate resistance because of dust and other elements that can build up within the switch. The Simplified ALPS switches, which the Tactile Pro uses, are less prone to this.
Based on my typing experience with both the Tactile Pro and the Apple Extended II, the Simplified ALPS switches give a bit more resistance than the older Complicated switches. The newer ones seem to have a more pronounced “click” or initial force of resistance. They are also louder. This is not necessarily a bad thing — one of the things that makes mechanical keyboards so great for typing is their click and their clack.
Apple Extended Keyboard II
Sorry, your browser doesn’t support this audio type.
Before you’ve even typed a word, the first thing you notice about the Apple Extended Keyboard II is how huge it is. The AEK is the widest keyboard of the bunch. It measures just wider than 18.5 inches. My son, Noah, was 19.5 inches when he was born. He could have taken a nap on the Apple Extended Keyboard. Who knows, he may have written something clever in the process.
With the AEK on my desk, my 23-inch Apple Cinema Display, which measures 21-inches across, now seems tinier than it used to. When I used the thin and sleek Apple Bluetooth keyboard, the cinema display seemed so large in contrast. With the Apple Extended Keyboard in front of the monitor, the screen now has a peer it must reckon with.
Next, you realize that the Home Row markers are on the “D” and the “K” as opposed to the “F” and the “J”. The latter is now the de facto standard and it takes some time to acclimate to the feel of the markers being under my two middle fingers rather than my two pointer fingers.
Does Das Mechanical Keyboard For Mac Have Expose Function Key Software
Lastly, the Apple Extended II uses an ADB cable. The keyboard I bought off eBay didn’t come with the cable, so I had to buy an ADB cable separately ($8) along with a Griffin iMate (an ADB to USB adapter that cost me another $25 on eBay).
I had been typing on my Das Keyboard for nearly two weeks before the Apple Extended II arrived. I expected it to sound and feel nearly the same as the Das Keyboard, but the complicated white ALPS switches are quite different than the blue Cherry MX switches. It is true that they are both clicky mechanical keyboards, but if you did not know that and you were only to type on each of these you would not classify them as being the same type of keyboard.
My Apple Extended II feels softer and sounds quieter than both other mechanical keyboards I have here. If you’re listening to the different audio tracks I’ve recorded, the MP3s may sound a bit deceiving. Sitting here, in my office, the Apple Extended Keyboard II is the quietest of the bunch. It is certainly not quiet — but it does not have the same high-pitched click. The Das is like a snap, the AEK is like a clap. The AEK has more bass to it, and the sound is more muted.
Again, I don’t know if the stark differences are because the ALPS switches in my Apple Extended II are used and 22 years old, or because they are the complicated ALPS switches. Perhaps I will never know because I don’t feel compelled to invest nearly $200 for a “brand new” 22-year-old Apple keyboard. The $32-find I got on eBay is simply the best one that was guaranteed to work and which was not assembled in Mexico.
Matias Tactile Pro 3
Sorry, your browser doesn’t support this audio type.
The Matias Tactile Pro bills itself as the modern version of the Apple Extended Keyboard II. Though the look of the Tactile Pro is patterned after the design of black-keyed Apple Pro Keyboard circa 2000, it uses white ALPS switches, akin to the 1990-era Apple Extended and Extended II keyboards. But the switches are not the exact same because those used in the Apple Extended are no longer made today.
The key switches on the Tactile Pro feel very different than those on my Apple Extended Keyboard II. The click-down on the Matias is much more pronounced than on the AEK II. Though I am not fully certain that this is because of the difference in switches rather than the age of my Apple Extended keyboard, the reviews I read online about the differences between the complicated and the simplified ALPS switches did seem to be concurrent with my experience.
Typing on the Tactile Pro is bittersweet for me. The tactile feedback of the key switches is quite pleasant, and there is a firm resistance within the switches that gives the keyboard a sturdy and hearty feel. I like the slightly higher resistance that the Tactile Pro gives.
Moreover, the sound of the Tactile Pro when typing is much louder than the Apple Extended II. Dr dre compton zip. I like the louder volume, but unfortunately it has a hollow sound to it that seems incongruous with the sturdiness of the switches. Additionally, there is a ringing that echoes around in the chassis of the keyboard itself.
Here is an audio recording which tries to catch the ringing that reverberates after a keystroke. You may need to turn your volume up to hear it:
Sorry, your browser doesn’t support this audio type.
After typing on the Matias for two days, as much as I liked the tactile feel of it, the sound was constantly a distraction. I asked Matias about the ring, and was informed that the noise comes from the springs in the ALPS key switches. Matias tells me they are advancing the key switches to remove the ringing in a future version of the Tactile Pro. Also, the chassis design of the original Tactile Pro is built in such a way that the spring ring is not nearly as audible.
Das Keyboard
Sorry, your browser doesn’t support this audio type.
This new model of the Das, which has the keys mapped out especially for a Mac, seems to be re-kindling the interest in mechanical keyboards. It is the first mechanical keyboard I got, and before that the first (and only) mechanical keyboard I had ever used was my cousin’s Adesso MKB-125B. Both the Das and the Adesso use the blue Cherry MX switches. It was through using the Adesso that I first began considering upgrading my typing tool.
Unfortunately, the Das (like the other 2 keyboards I tested) is big, bulky, and generally an eye sore. In fact, of the few other reviews I’ve read about it, the general consensus is: it’s ugly, but it’s great to type on. The clickety-clack quickly makes up for the aesthetic sacrifice by telling everyone within earshot that you are getting some serious work done.
The aesthetics of mechanical keyboards today baffle me. Just because it has mechanical switches, which were especially common from keyboards of the ‘80s and ‘90s, doesn’t mean it should also look like it’s been rescued from 20 years ago.
In addition to being the ugliest of the three mechanical keyboards currently in my office, the typeface used on the key caps of the Das is horrendous. Perhaps the worst offender is the single-quote / double-quote key, which rests just to the left of Return. At a glance, it looks like a period and a single-quote.
However, the Das Keyboard has two great things going for it. More than the other two keyboards, I prefer the tactile feel of the blue Cherry MX switches and the audio click of the Das. Since you don’t buy a mechanical keyboard for its aesthetics, for those looking to get a clicky keyboard, this is the one I would recommend.
Mapping the Special Function Keys
Though the Das Keyboard for Mac has custom modifier key commands drawn onto its function keys, those special modifier keys aren’t recognized by OS X. The “F14” and “F15” keys work to dim and brighten the display (rather than the traditional F1 and F2), but in order to control the previous track, next track, play/pause, and volume up/down/mute you have to press the Function Key which is awkwardly placed under the right-side Shift Key.
Since the System doesn’t recognize the Das Keyboard’s special keys, you can’t tell it to treat F1 like it would on an Apple keyboard without pressing that Function key. For the life of me, I don’t know why this is, but it just is.
Fortunately Keyboard Maestro is a keyboard’s best friend. A little bit of fiddling with the Macros and I was successfully able to map F6 all the way through F11 to act as the blue markings say they should act.
Moreover, since I use Rdio as my tunes source, I hacked together a rather clever if/else macro that allows me to control iTunes if I’m in iTunes, but otherwise to default to controlling Rdio from anywhere else in OS X.
With the Keyboard Maestro hacks in place, you may have trouble using your normal modifier keys on your MacBook Air (assuming you use your Das Keyboard with your laptop in clamshell mode). If so, check out this cool little utility called Function Flip.
Outro
After a month of using and testing the three most popular clicky keyboards for Mac, I am extremely glad I jumped into these waters. The sound and the feel of a clicky keyboard only takes a few days to get used to, and what follows is this intense feeling of productivity that now accompanies anything I type.
Something I like about mechanical keyboards is that each key has its own unique sound and feel. You could tell how many words someone types, and how many in-line typos they fix, simply by listening. Space Bar, Backspace, Return, and the letters — each produce a unique sound and have their own tactile feel. There is variety when typing on a mechanical keyboard. All of these keyboards are just so darn loud that there’s no ambiguity as to if I am typing or not — I know it, Anna knows it, and heck, the neighbors probably know it. When I set out to type a sentence, I am committed — it is like the typing equivalent of writing with ink.
If you too want to adorn your desk with an ugly keyboard — one with a loud personality and which increases typing productivity — then I recommend the Das Keyboard. I prefer both the tactile feel and the sound of the blue Cherry MX switches, and though I find the Das to be the ugliest of the bunch, a serious typist knows you shouldn’t be looking at your keyboard while you’re typing.
Update: See also the review of tenkeless clicky keyboards.
- For even more on the difference between membrane, dome, scissor, and mechanical keyboards see this Wikipedia article on keyboard technology. ↵