When comparing Das Keyboard Model S vs Realforce 87U Tenkeyless, the Slant community recommends Das Keyboard Model S for most people. In the question“What are the best keyboards for programming?” Das Keyboard Model S is ranked 2nd while Realforce 87U Tenkeyless is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose Das Keyboard Model S is:
With the Cherry MX Browns the Model S Professional is very silent and suitable for an office environment. Key presses rarely "bottom out" and it comes with o-rings to prevent noise from being generated when you do.
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Pros
Pro Available as a silent variant
With the Cherry MX Browns the Model S Professional is very silent and suitable for an office environment. Key presses rarely "bottom out" and it comes with o-rings to prevent noise from being generated when you do.
Pro Tasteful Branding
This keyboard's branding is polished and attractive.
Pro Media keys
This keyboard has convenient key functions for media control.
Pro Heavy base
Great for staying put and not sliding around the desk under energetic typing.
Pro You can get it with Linux keycaps
Instead of having to deal with Windows or Mac branded modifier keys, you can configure the Model S to come with keycaps designed for Linux.
Pro NKRO on all models
All Das Keyboard models come standard with N key roll over. This means that the keyboard can handle all simultaneous inputs, making it great for gaming or for really really fast typists.
Pro 30 day money back guarantee
If you get this keyboard directly from Das and, within 30 days, decide you don't want it, you can return it for a refund.
Pro Uses Costar stabilizers
Costar stabilizers significantly reduce friction in key motion.
Pro Provides a two-port USB hub
Two powered USB inputs are available on the Model S, making plugging in a wired mouse or other devices really easy and helps clean up your desk wiring.
Pro Pleasant tactile feeling
This keyboard is equipped with mechanical Topre switches that offer a pleasant tactile experience that resembles playing the piano thanks to their complicated mechanical design.
Additionally, Topre switched doesn't feel loose or wobbly since the mechanism is actually attached to a rigid plate that is placed above the printed circuit board.
Pro Doesn't produce much noise
You will not draw your colleagues and members of household insane while working with this keyboard since the Topre switches produce less noise than the traditional mechanical switches like the Cherry MX-Red or MX-Brown.
Pro Key caps feel wonderfully silky
Pro Compact
Thanks to its tenkeyless design the Realforce 87U is very compact and, therefore, doesn't take up too much space in a bag.
Cons
Con Large footprint
The Das Keyboard range does not come in tenkeyless variants, so all the keyboards are pretty big.
Con Loss in build quality after a change of manufacturer
There was a noticeable decrease in build quality after manufacturer change.
Con Fingerprint magnet
After some time, the glossy finish used for the case clearly shows fingerprints.
Con Tenkeyless design
This keyboard lacks numpad.
Con Cable position is inconvenient
This might not be the best option for those who's workspace is limited since the keyboard's cable connector is located on the right side of the Realforce 87U - just at the place where you would typically place a mouse.