This is one plank you mind walking
When it comes to keyboards, there are two types: mechanical planks and everything else. I can say that with complete confidence after having gone through and used or otherwise tested a number of keyboards over the years -- for the most part, squishy membrane keyboards just don't compete (though the Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 3 is a valiant effort). In case you're interested, my daily driver these days is a Das Keyboard 4 Professional, which you can pick up today in factory reconditioned form for $120.
Like anyone else, I'm a sucker for a good deal, so on occasion I'll poke my head at Woot to see what's up for grabs. Today was one of those days, and it just so happens that it's featuring the Das Keyboard 4 in Professional or Ultimate form at a discount, which takes into account that it's factory reconditioned. That means different things at different places, and for what it's worth, this is Woot's description:
"A 'factory reconditioned' item was returned, inspected, and returned to fully working condition by the original manufacturer or a certified partner. And the original manufacturer stands behind it with a warranty. It's as close to new as you can get without technically being 'new,'" Woot says.
The Professional model comes with labeled keycaps while the Ultimate version sports blank keys. Both models are available with choice of Cherry MX Blue (tactile response with a clicky sound) or Brown (tactile response without the loud click, though still not completely silent) key switches.
Other features include an integrated two-port USB 3.0 hub, dedicated media control with oversized volume knob, sleep button, and a detachable footbar/ruler on the bottom. It's a quirky addition, but view it as a consolation prize for the lack of a backlight.
In any event, consider this a heads up on a great deal (sells new for $169+ online) for what I consider a fantastic keyboard, and nothing more (there's no benefit to Maximum PC or myself if you purchase one). If interested, head over to Woot and walk the plank!
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When it comes to keyboards, there are two types: mechanical planks and everything else. I can say that with complete confidence after having gone through and used or otherwise tested a number of keyboards over the years -- for the most part, squishy membrane keyboards just don't compete (though the Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 3 is a valiant effort). In case you're interested, my daily driver these days is a Das Keyboard 4 Professional, which you can pick up today in factory reconditioned form for $120.
Like anyone else, I'm a sucker for a good deal, so on occasion I'll poke my head at Woot to see what's up for grabs. Today was one of those days, and it just so happens that it's featuring the Das Keyboard 4 in Professional or Ultimate form at a discount, which takes into account that it's factory reconditioned. That means different things at different places, and for what it's worth, this is Woot's description:
"A 'factory reconditioned' item was returned, inspected, and returned to fully working condition by the original manufacturer or a certified partner. And the original manufacturer stands behind it with a warranty. It's as close to new as you can get without technically being 'new,'" Woot says.
The Professional model comes with labeled keycaps while the Ultimate version sports blank keys. Both models are available with choice of Cherry MX Blue (tactile response with a clicky sound) or Brown (tactile response without the loud click, though still not completely silent) key switches.
Other features include an integrated two-port USB 3.0 hub, dedicated media control with oversized volume knob, sleep button, and a detachable footbar/ruler on the bottom. It's a quirky addition, but view it as a consolation prize for the lack of a backlight.
In any event, consider this a heads up on a great deal (sells new for $169+ online) for what I consider a fantastic keyboard, and nothing more (there's no benefit to Maximum PC or myself if you purchase one). If interested, head over to Woot and walk the plank!
Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook
More...