By Das Keyboard typically requires a trade-off. You receive beautiful typing experiences, so amazing that programmers, gamers, and other PC power users have become ardent devotees. Despite the absence of high-end keyboard essentials like RGB illumination and a software tool, we rated the Das Keyboard 6 Professional highly for build quality to give you a sense of that.
However, there is a trade-off. You have performance, but how does it look? Well, you were out of luck unless you wanted plain black keyboards. Thus far, the new Das Keyboard DeltaForce 65 ($219), which comes in four color options, packs in the brand’s signature exceptional technology with a bold visual flair.
The DeltaForce 65 isn’t superior to other gaming keyboards in this price bracket, such as the Alienware Pro, which is now our Editors’ Choice for high-end, small gaming keyboards. Nevertheless, because of its amazing sound profile and appealing color design, the DeltaForce 65 is a contender. (Refer to our discussion with Daniel Guermeur, CEO of Das Keyboard, regarding the DeltaForce and other keyboard jargon.)
However, the distinctions are superficial. Every variation is the same on the inside. Additionally, none of them have wireless capabilities; instead, you must connect them via a detachable USB cord. Although we value detachable cables, cable management is limited by the port’s location on the upper border of the frame. A configuration similar to the Keychron C3 Pro, which has a USB port on the underside and channels on the bottom of the frame that allow you to route the cable via the center, left, or right of the frame, would be ideal for the DeltaForce 65.
Additionally, all of the keyboards are the same size. The DeltaForce 65 is a “tenkeyless” gadget because it does not have a full-size number pad. Based on size, the broad category is further divided into two subclasses: 60% and 65%. Despite being advertised as a 65% board, which theoretically contains roughly 65% as many keys as a full-size model, this keyboard appears to be more of a 60% keyboard due to the absence of a function row (F1 to F12). However, while defining a keyboard, its size is equally important: The DeltaForce 65, measuring 1.5 by 12.5 by 4.5 inches (HWD), is a good fit for the 65% range.
The keys will be covered in much greater detail below. Assume for the moment that the stock key switches are Gateron G Pro Reds, which are linear switches, analogues of Cherry Reds with an actuation force of 43g. The DeltaForce 65’s ability to take any conventional switch with a three-pin configuration and be hot-swappable—a first for a Das Keyboard product—is something I value because I dislike linear switches due to their lack of tactile feel.
