This whole cloud connection thing sounds incredibly dumb. Like some executive decided they too have to jump on the internet of things bandwagon, not considering that: a) None of the functionality they added is actually keyboard specific, and really just amounts to a notifications app that runs on windows, but NOW makes a light blink on on your keyboard. b) They overlooked actual keyboard functionality in the form of key remaps and macros.
While I love my Das keyboard 4, I've decided not to buy one again just because I was quoted $50 plus shipping to fix a single f****** broken switch within the first year. The switch broke accidentally so the keyboard is reliable and I love it but I wish they had better support. You also get gimped warranty if you buy from Amazon directly. Gotta buy from Das keyboard store. Something they don't mention clearly.
Keyboards that phone home aren't a new thing. If you've ever installed an alternate on-screen keyboard on an Android and gotten the blaring warning message from Google saying that they won't be the only ones that might be able to creep over your shoulder while you send sordid text messages, you'd be a lot more comfortable with your PC having additional phone-someplace capabilities. It's a great time to be alive/harvested/bought-n-sold.
He could just define "enthusiast" as "someone owning or wanting a mechanical keyboard". You are looking for hard facts where the wording itself is anything but hard. Also, this is not an academic paper or a serious publication dedicated to analysing political or scientific stances. Cool it a bit.
I've converted the entire office. Actually had a lot of people comment on reduced finger fatigue and we had an increase in production (probably as most people can type faster with mech keyboard due to feedback).
Overall worth the $50 investment per keyboard about.
I used to have a keyboard with an actual LCD on it that could display far more internet information than this thing can it was almost useless. At least that could display information that might be hidden like teamspeak user currently speaking, track info on your media player without having to pull it up, etc. This is a solution looking for a problem.
Ah, yes, the Logitech gamepanel. Those were cool, and I was kinda sad support was so limited. Not NECESSARY, by any stretch of the imagination, but... cool.
No, they sounded cool but were just useless garbage. I bought one and that was the last time ever. I already have a giant monitor, i dont need a shitthy thing on my keyboard that I will never glance down to.
I kept a first gen (blue plus bigger screen) Logitech G15 loooong past when I should have replaced it, simply because that screen was so useful and cool. Finally caved and went RGB mech last year
From the teaser: > This makes it one of the few keyboards that significantly stands out from the crowded market of commodity mechanical keyboards.
Me: what's so wrong about a commodity mechanical keyboard? Ahmed sells this stuff for 30 €, hard to make a fortune there, and why would it? The wording in the introduction was excellent and highlights the "problem" well
“But what is a “cloud-connected” keyboard? Simply put, it is a keyboard that “talks” with the internet – or rather specific cloud-based services and protocols, to be a bit more precise.”
Go on…
“This theoretically sounds very interesting…”
Really? Why?
“…as the keyboard can source information from the internet and provide feedback in real time”
Such as?
“but also connect to compatible ‘smart’ devices around your home and display information or control them.”
Ok. How does this work, and why would I want my keyboard to do that?
“For example, the keyboard could theoretically be programmed to flash a key when a smart door sensor triggers…”
Mmkay.
“or to change its backlighting settings depending on the status of the stock market.”
Well, actually that’s kind of cool. But could this just be done with software running on the computer the keyboard’s connected to?
“Aside from that, Das Keyboard is the first company that's implementing Omron’s new Gamma Zulu mechanical switches, making the 5Q a truly unique keyboard.”
Uh… cool? I thought we were talking about cloud connectivity. Why is that interesting, again?
Maybe I missed it since I skim these reviews but HOW does it display notifications - I'm assuming it's by flashing lights/changing colors? I don't know about you but I rarely am looking at my keyboard, it is significantly below my sightline. You know what isn't? A secondary monitor.
Yes, my Corsair Platinum RGB provides the even better functionality of lighting up like a xmass tree when good loot drops in Diablo 3. But its not connected to the internets, its connected to ... my computer.
Product differentiation and the appearance of innovation are both necessary to land sales in a market that is saturated by cost-effective substitutes. Media keys, macro capabilities, per-key RGB lighting, mechanical switches...all of those things are already available everywhere. Even derelict bricks and mortar stores like Staples sell such keyboards. Das Keyboard MUST have a feature that isn't available elsewhere or at least is uncommon enough to make their product somewhat unique so the company can justify higher costs than some other company. They reached the conclusion that this "cloud connected" offering uses the right combination of uniqueness, buzzword injection, and low-cost capability to integrate it into the 5Q in order to proposition potential buyers that are in turn looking for a way to stand out from their friends. Das Keyboard is old. They know what they're doing and even if this thing flops, they have other offerings and a loyalist following of people that find branding important.
For me they need to remove the cloud bits and make it tenkeyless but keeping the media / volume controls. I would buy one if they did that. This looks very high quality and the volume control is nice.
I am typing this on an IBM PS/2 keyboard manufactured on March 28th, 1990 which in all likehood was mated to an IBM PS/2 machine sporting a 33MHz 80386 at best, a 24/16-Bit 80286 more likely...
Whilst I'm at it, I still prefer the previous AT-style layout, because those function keys to the left you could actually reach blindly, whereas the top row requires taking your eyes off the screen every now and then. There was also a proper cursor pad uninfested by numbers and an escape key integrated within it, which you needed to navigate the intricate states software required before it got mice infested and all GUI.
It cost a thousand solid £, $, DM whatever(no € yet) at the time and it has remained worth it.
Of course I just picked it out of a pile of discarded computers (couldn't afford the original originally), to gether with a backup (still unused), so I won't ever have to switch to one of those plastic evils that have overwhelmed the world of keyboards since.
Of course it could have been left out there, because of the sound these things are making: To the person driving the keyboard, it's like the engine noise of a sports car you drive.
To any other person in the same office or room, it's like the engine noise of the sports car your neighbour drives.
Well now you know why I have a hard time posting a short comment: Typing is a true pleasure on this keyboard, like playing a Steinway piano.
To the uninitiated that means that the US gets (quite durable) double shot keycaps while the rest of the world needs to make due with simple laser-engraved keycaps (thanks a lot for that). I would imagine it's ABS in both cases. However, this is in contradiction with the review claiming the US version comes with laser-engraved keys.
Pull the "cloud" crap out of the board and it might actually be decent ...especially for US customers.
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GNUminex_l_cowsay - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
This whole cloud connection thing sounds incredibly dumb. Like some executive decided they too have to jump on the internet of things bandwagon, not considering that:a) None of the functionality they added is actually keyboard specific, and really just amounts to a notifications app that runs on windows, but NOW makes a light blink on on your keyboard.
b) They overlooked actual keyboard functionality in the form of key remaps and macros.
prophet001 - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
Yeah.You know what drives this stuff? The demand for sales.
That's it.
Sales. Have to sell.
close - Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - link
"This theoretically sounds very interesting"No, no it doesn't...
milkywayer - Saturday, March 23, 2019 - link
While I love my Das keyboard 4, I've decided not to buy one again just because I was quoted $50 plus shipping to fix a single f****** broken switch within the first year. The switch broke accidentally so the keyboard is reliable and I love it but I wish they had better support. You also get gimped warranty if you buy from Amazon directly. Gotta buy from Das keyboard store. Something they don't mention clearly.justareader - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
I always wanted my own keylogger.prophet001 - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
lolPeople are so ignorant of these things.
PeachNCream - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
Keyboards that phone home aren't a new thing. If you've ever installed an alternate on-screen keyboard on an Android and gotten the blaring warning message from Google saying that they won't be the only ones that might be able to creep over your shoulder while you send sordid text messages, you'd be a lot more comfortable with your PC having additional phone-someplace capabilities. It's a great time to be alive/harvested/bought-n-sold.Azethoth - Tuesday, March 5, 2019 - link
You are right, my mechanical keyboards on my iPad and iPhone have phoned home for forever now.peevee - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
"most enthusiasts owning or wanting a mechanical keyboard nowadays"Do you have any proof for that?
Don't fall to the typical modern "journalistic" standard of 100% fake news, please!
Death666Angel - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
He could just define "enthusiast" as "someone owning or wanting a mechanical keyboard". You are looking for hard facts where the wording itself is anything but hard. Also, this is not an academic paper or a serious publication dedicated to analysing political or scientific stances. Cool it a bit.RSAUser - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
I've converted the entire office.Actually had a lot of people comment on reduced finger fatigue and we had an increase in production (probably as most people can type faster with mech keyboard due to feedback).
Overall worth the $50 investment per keyboard about.
PeachNCream - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
Just wait until the office squirrels get distracted by the RGB LEDs.Midwayman - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
I used to have a keyboard with an actual LCD on it that could display far more internet information than this thing can it was almost useless. At least that could display information that might be hidden like teamspeak user currently speaking, track info on your media player without having to pull it up, etc. This is a solution looking for a problem.Lord of the Bored - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
Ah, yes, the Logitech gamepanel.Those were cool, and I was kinda sad support was so limited. Not NECESSARY, by any stretch of the imagination, but... cool.
Azethoth - Tuesday, March 5, 2019 - link
No, they sounded cool but were just useless garbage. I bought one and that was the last time ever. I already have a giant monitor, i dont need a shitthy thing on my keyboard that I will never glance down to.drexnx - Thursday, February 28, 2019 - link
I kept a first gen (blue plus bigger screen) Logitech G15 loooong past when I should have replaced it, simply because that screen was so useful and cool. Finally caved and went RGB mech last yearjvl - Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - link
From the teaser:> This makes it one of the few keyboards that significantly stands out from the crowded market of commodity mechanical keyboards.
Me: what's so wrong about a commodity mechanical keyboard?
Ahmed sells this stuff for 30 €, hard to make a fortune there, and why would it? The wording in the introduction was excellent and highlights the "problem" well
chaos215bar2 - Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - link
“But what is a “cloud-connected” keyboard? Simply put, it is a keyboard that “talks” with the internet – or rather specific cloud-based services and protocols, to be a bit more precise.”Go on…
“This theoretically sounds very interesting…”
Really? Why?
“…as the keyboard can source information from the internet and provide feedback in real time”
Such as?
“but also connect to compatible ‘smart’ devices around your home and display information or control them.”
Ok. How does this work, and why would I want my keyboard to do that?
“For example, the keyboard could theoretically be programmed to flash a key when a smart door sensor triggers…”
Mmkay.
“or to change its backlighting settings depending on the status of the stock market.”
Well, actually that’s kind of cool. But could this just be done with software running on the computer the keyboard’s connected to?
“Aside from that, Das Keyboard is the first company that's implementing Omron’s new Gamma Zulu mechanical switches, making the 5Q a truly unique keyboard.”
Uh… cool? I thought we were talking about cloud connectivity. Why is that interesting, again?
Icehawk - Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - link
Maybe I missed it since I skim these reviews but HOW does it display notifications - I'm assuming it's by flashing lights/changing colors? I don't know about you but I rarely am looking at my keyboard, it is significantly below my sightline. You know what isn't? A secondary monitor.Azethoth - Tuesday, March 5, 2019 - link
Yes, my Corsair Platinum RGB provides the even better functionality of lighting up like a xmass tree when good loot drops in Diablo 3. But its not connected to the internets, its connected to ... my computer.boozed - Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - link
WHY?PeachNCream - Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - link
Product differentiation and the appearance of innovation are both necessary to land sales in a market that is saturated by cost-effective substitutes. Media keys, macro capabilities, per-key RGB lighting, mechanical switches...all of those things are already available everywhere. Even derelict bricks and mortar stores like Staples sell such keyboards. Das Keyboard MUST have a feature that isn't available elsewhere or at least is uncommon enough to make their product somewhat unique so the company can justify higher costs than some other company. They reached the conclusion that this "cloud connected" offering uses the right combination of uniqueness, buzzword injection, and low-cost capability to integrate it into the 5Q in order to proposition potential buyers that are in turn looking for a way to stand out from their friends. Das Keyboard is old. They know what they're doing and even if this thing flops, they have other offerings and a loyalist following of people that find branding important.FreckledTrout - Thursday, February 28, 2019 - link
For me they need to remove the cloud bits and make it tenkeyless but keeping the media / volume controls. I would buy one if they did that. This looks very high quality and the volume control is nice.sadsteve - Thursday, February 28, 2019 - link
Heh, after reading the comments the cloud connected keyboard sure sounds like a failure. I know I wouldn't buy it.abufrejoval - Friday, March 1, 2019 - link
Dear God, a keyboard with an 80MHz CPU included?What has the world come to?
I am typing this on an IBM PS/2 keyboard manufactured on March 28th, 1990 which in all likehood was mated to an IBM PS/2 machine sporting a 33MHz 80386 at best, a 24/16-Bit 80286 more likely...
Whilst I'm at it, I still prefer the previous AT-style layout, because those function keys to the left you could actually reach blindly, whereas the top row requires taking your eyes off the screen every now and then. There was also a proper cursor pad uninfested by numbers and an escape key integrated within it, which you needed to navigate the intricate states software required before it got mice infested and all GUI.
It cost a thousand solid £, $, DM whatever(no € yet) at the time and it has remained worth it.
Of course I just picked it out of a pile of discarded computers (couldn't afford the original originally), to gether with a backup (still unused), so I won't ever have to switch to one of those plastic evils that have overwhelmed the world of keyboards since.
Of course it could have been left out there, because of the sound these things are making: To the person driving the keyboard, it's like the engine noise of a sports car you drive.
To any other person in the same office or room, it's like the engine noise of the sports car your neighbour drives.
Well now you know why I have a hard time posting a short comment: Typing is a true pleasure on this keyboard, like playing a Steinway piano.
Azethoth - Tuesday, March 5, 2019 - link
If it ever breaks you can get something with 18 G keys on the left and you can remap them to whatever you want, even F keys.Wahaj - Friday, March 1, 2019 - link
Nice article<a href ="https://mod-apps.ga ">here my website link</a>Dr_b_ - Sunday, March 3, 2019 - link
Did the kickstarter for this, the software is terrible, the keyboard took too long to develop, especially for a dedicated keyboard company.The RGB illumination is decent, but the software is still too basic.
The tilt supports on the back of the keyboard are too cheap and flimsy, one has already broken, and now i cant tilt the keyboard.
Avoid this thing
azrael- - Monday, March 4, 2019 - link
From https://www.daskeyboard.com/p/5q-cloud-connected-r...Double shot keycaps US, and ABS lasered ROW
To the uninitiated that means that the US gets (quite durable) double shot keycaps while the rest of the world needs to make due with simple laser-engraved keycaps (thanks a lot for that). I would imagine it's ABS in both cases. However, this is in contradiction with the review claiming the US version comes with laser-engraved keys.
Pull the "cloud" crap out of the board and it might actually be decent ...especially for US customers.
uberDoward - Tuesday, March 5, 2019 - link
Can I just please get a backlit, mechanically switched, ergonomic keyboard, please?m16 - Monday, April 5, 2021 - link
Coming back to this, this type of keyboard, if made offline-only, could just be made to have the APIs to monitor local services/hardware.There's some useful stuff in the form of color-monitoring CPU %, Memory % and GPU % which is pretty nifty.
There's also mini applets that set timers and reminders, without having to break your workflow or touch the mouse.