Das Keyboard Prime 13 - Small Review

The Back Story


I've been doing some programming at home (or trying to) since this last February of 2017. During that time I'm grown to dislike the keyboard that came with my HP PC. I've had it for quite a  few years but that's not the issue. I just have never liked how flimsy it felt, missing the old, sturdier keyboards I used in the 80's. The old IBM electric typewriter quality action.

Sure, the newer "stock" keyboards might be quieter and have less travel and may be great for laptops, but I miss the old school sound and feel.

In addition, the HP keyboard has it's INS, DEL, etc., keys in a weird configuration, squeezed in between the QWERTY and the NUM PAD rather than the more typical ANSI layout. I use an ANSI layout keyboard at work and am used to, and prefer the layout of, the INS, DEL, etc., keys in their 2 rows of 3 keys.

In with the new Das Keyboard

Das Keyboard Prime 13
With just a bit of research online I decided to get a Das Keyboard Prime 13.

The quality is reported to be outstanding, and they offer different models all using varieties of the same Cherry switches which I'd never heard of.

I opted for this Prime 13 model from Amazon for about $150 instead of the Pro 4 because I don't use or need the multi-media controls. I wish the Prime 13 had the USB 3 hub on it instead of the single USB 2.0 plug but my HP keyboard didn't have either. I am plugging my Logitech Unifying Receiver into the keyboard and now it's right where it needs to be for my right handed layout.

The keys are backlit and I've wished for that for a long time. I rarely have much ambient light on in my studio room (especially if I'm editing photos) and have had to switch on a flashlight or move the desk lamp temporarily to see some of the keys - especially the INS, DEL, etc., keys since I can never remember where they are compared to the more familiar ANSI keyboard layout. The backlighting brightness is adjustable in 7 steps according to my count, including off.

The keyboard also features full NKRO although I am not sure if it will make a difference to me. I am a touch typist but I'm not the fastest in the world. I do, however, have times when I believe I'm typing faster than my keyboard can handle - little spurts when I'm typing something that I've typed a lot. In just this short relationship I've noticed it does handle different.

But basically the Das Keyboard Prime 13 is a no-frills, adjustable backlit, sturdy keyboard that should last 10 years or so.

I've only had the board about an hour but I already like it and am not missing the HP board. My only caution is that it was delivered from Amazon in the Das box; there was no outer packaging so no privacy. If someone saw it sitting on the front porch and thought they might like it there was no guessing as to what was in the box.

To make up for it, the Das box claims that this is "The Ultimate Keyboard for Badasses". How funny and appealing to my sense of humor! I may write more later but for now I'm digging it!


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