I own a Das Keyboard and would not move the keys as it could potentially damage the board or interfere with the design.

Personally, I recommend getting the blank version. I couldn't touch type until I bought this DK model and I have to say that I learned what I set out to learn by eliminating any motivation to look down. I’ve never been attracted to the idea of buying stickers and think that if you’re going to learn/use an alternative layout that you might as well use a blank board because you won’t see the correct letters posted elsewhere.

I don’t know if you’re a seasoned user or someone who’s learning but either way the DK Professional is the way to go unless you are looking for an incredibly ergonomic board (Maltron, Kinesis, Truly Ergonomic etc.).

tl;dr: Buy the Das Keyboard Professional Model (blank)

I'm interested to hear more about people's experiences with the DAS keyboard. I’ve been researching keyboards a bit recently and I thought about buying the DAS Ultimate (blank keys are a plus in my mind). However, the ~$125.00 price tag is a bit off-putting, so I really want to know what type of benefit I’m looking at if I buy one (I initially wanted a Topre keyboard; then I saw the $300+ price tag; not getting that!).

I currently have a fairly old G15 keyboard which is still in excellent working condition, so I don’t have to buy a new keyboard, although I’m open to it if the benefit is large enough.

My questions:

How different is typing on the DAS compared to typing on a normal keyboard? Can you tell a difference in terms of accuracy? In terms of speed? In terms of comfort?

How loud is the DAS Ultimate? I know they say they make a “Silent” version; do you have any idea how loud that one is and how typing on it compares? I’m going to be in a dorm room with another person, so I want to make sure it isn’t too noisy.

How do you handle not having media keys on the DAS? Did you remap them somewhere else on the keyboard? If so, where?

Are there any other additional important factors you would advise me to consider before thinking about buying a DAS keyboard? Are there any other good mechanical keyboards people have experience to recommend?

By the way, I know about ergonomic keyboards like the Kinesis and Maltron, but I’m not thinking to buy something like that where I have to learn another hand layout, which is why I’m curious about buying a good mechanical keyboard.

The Das is mechanical. You can choose between Cherry MX Blue (clicky, the regular models) or Brown (non-clicky, the "silent" models) switches. You can see on their website (http://www.daskeyboard.com/).

I own a Das S Ultimate (Silent/Brown) and the discussions about this keyboard and so many others can go on forever.

My brief thoughts:

- Good key caps
- Brown switches are my current favorite Cherry switch (have a nice, soft feel with solid action)
- "Silent" does not mean silent but rather the potential to be quieter than the Blue switch (they both have noticeable volume)
- Glossy finish attracts dust, hair and fingerprints but if you take care of it and wipe it off sometimes then it's fine
- No characters on key caps is badass
- No you should not switch around keys if you have the professional version - the keys are sculpted and you can remap ANY keyboard with software so that has never been an issue for me (I've programmed some creative things with the LEDs actually - 'cause I'm awesome)
- Make sure you're fine with having a Numpad because it causes your mouse to be a little further away and less in line with your monitor/body (consider a tenkeyless keyboard if this concerns you, which Das does not have to my knowledge)
- Overall, very satisfied with the keyboard. I think my next keyboard (when I'm ready to spend $200-300 on a keyboard) will probably be a Realforce because I REALLY wanna try Topre switches

If you're curious about mechanical keyboards and any other thing relating to keyboards, check out geekhack.org. It's where I got hooked on keyboards.

Congratulations, the DAS is an awesome keyboard! 

From now on any type of rubber dome keyboard will feel sticky and cheap!

Generally: Topre > DAS >> rubber dome switch keyboard.

Topre vs Cherry MX Blue is largely a matter of preference which unfortunately one needs to try before buying.  The feel on two types of switches is very different and cannot be described adequately. Normally the high cost of Topre switch based keyboards settles the dilemma, but in my opinion its a one time purchase which is worth it, provided that you type a lot in your line of work.

Cheers.