Das Keyboards have a reputation for making great quality keyboards that seem to last a lifetime. The Das Keyboard 4 root edition is a high quality mechanical keyboard with a solid set of features for general or office use. If you do need the USB 3.0 hub of the Professional model, the root edition is better valuey. It is available with either Cherry MX Brown or Blue switches. It is a shame that Das Keyboards do not include a backlight, something that is common across most of their keyboards.
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Please find further details on Das Keyboard 4 root edition in the following articles:
Summary
A high quality mechanical keyboard with a solid set of features for general or office use. If you do need the USB 3.0 hub of the Professional model, the root edition is a better buy. Available with either Cherry MX Brown or Blue switches. Shame no backlight.
Criteria
Usage
- Fantastic build quality.
- Choice of either Cherry MX Brown or Blue switches.
- Replaces the USB 3.0 hub of the Professional model with USB 2.0.
- Lack of backlight is disappointing.
- No wireless support.
- Expensive.
- Only available in full size.
Features : 70%
The Das Keyboard root edition is one of the most 'sensible' mechanical keyboards you can buy. It does the basics very very well. It is not really aimed at gamers though and is best served by typists or for those looking for a robust and reliable mechanical keyboard. It is only available in full size and whilst Das Keyboard does offer a smaller Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, I did not find it to be as solid as the root edition. The more expensive 4 Professional model includes a USB 3.0 hub, the root edition only has USB 2.0. The lack of backlight is disappointing, whilst many users would not need RGB lighting, simple white backlighting is handy in dimly lit or dark environments.
Build Quality : 90%
The Das Keyboard root edition, as with most other Das Keyboards feels very solid and should last you a long time. It retains the aluminium top plate of the more expensive Das Keyboard 4 Professional.
Typing Experience : 94%
The Das Keyboard can be purchased with either the tactile Cherry MX Brown or the clicky Cherry MX Blue key switches.
Value : 70%
The Das is currently retailing for USD 149. A cheaper Model S keyboard is available that forgoes the aluminium frame.
Gallery
Specifications
Physical Specifications | |
Length | 45.72 cm |
Width | 17.272 cm |
Height | 2.032 cm |
Weight | 1.3 kg |
Cable Type | Braided USB-A |
Cable Length | 6.5 feet |
Removable Cable | No |
Keyboard Layout | 104-key US layout, 105-key for UK, NO, and DE layouts |
Keyboard Features | |
N-Key Rollover | Full |
Keycaps | |
Removable Keycaps | Yes |
Backlit Keys | No |
RGB Lighting | No |
Media Hotkeys | Yes |
USB Passthrough | 2 x USB 2.0 |
Wireless Support | No |
Charging Port | N/A |
Battery Capacity | N/A |
Key Switches | |
Type | Mechanical |
Key Switch Model(s) | Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX Blue |
Removable Key Switches | No |
Support Software | |
Windows | No |
Mac | No |
Linux | No |