When comparing Das Keyboard Model S vs Kinesis Freestyle2 w/ VIP3, 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 Kinesis Freestyle2 w/ VIP3 is ranked 29th. 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 Ergonomic design
The Freestyle 2 has an ergonomic design, aimed to promote healthier and more comfortable typing.
Pro Reduces wrist pain
The wrist support offered by this keyboard alleviates wrist strain.
Pro Encourages "proper" touch typing
By splitting the left and right hand of the keyboard and leaving out a numeric pad it encourages users to use the home row numbers as typically taught in American English typing classes.
Pro Flexible positioning
The left and right side of the keyboard can be positioned independently and tilted as desired.
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 Not very solid
This keyboard's construction is not very sturdy and it feels flimsy.
Con Bad for spreadsheet work
Since it has no numeric pad, the Freestyle 2 is not convenient for spreadsheet work.