When comparing Das Keyboard Model S vs Model M, 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 Model M is ranked 14th. 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 Tactile and "clicky" buckling-spring key switches
Buckling-spring switches are hardly used anymore, but they give some of the best tactile response when activated.
Pro Very sturdy
Although heavier than a modern keyboard, this keyboard is built like a tank. There is no flex, and the components were built to last.
Pro Solid construction
Quality construction, good materials.
Pro Clear separation of key groups
Pro Attitude
Clearly signals that I'm serious about what I do and how I do it.
Pro Removable / replaceable keycaps.
With a hook beneath the caps that you have to get to, you can detach those keycaps and replace them with others.
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 Noisy to type on
Floss mod is available for the Type M to make the keyboard a little more quiet. However, since it's still a mechanical keyboard, it will be noisy. This keyboard will not be appreciated in the office.
Con Very hard to acquire
Out of stock for decades.
Con Ugly as hell
Con Some driver issues with USB-only computers
Using a PS/2 to USB adapter can kill rollover.
Con Very large
Measuring nearly 20'' x 8.5'' x 2" ( 50 x 21.5 x 5 cm), this is a very big keyboard. It will be hard to fit into a minimalistic styled desk setup, and might even be too big for some smaller desks.
Con Lacks some modifier keys
The Model M lacks both of the meta/super/cmd/Windows (depending on the OS in question) keys and a menu key.