Hello,

After using de IBM Model-M for years (since about '91) I was forced to switch to something else. In '10 I bought me the DasKeyboard Model S Ultimate and in '20 the 4 Ultimate. Now after 16 years the model S is showing it’s age and some switches are starting to give up.

I can buy me another 4 Ultimate, but it could also be a good time to look at alternatives, as I kinda start to prefer hotswap switches ( so I can replace them when they fails) and would prefer an EU company that makes the keyboard. (or at least develops it, while it’s made in China, like almost all other products)

Requirements:

  • Fullsize (100%), as muscle memory of decades is harder to retrain)
  • Cherry MX(2A?) Blue
  • Wired
  • When backlight is unavoidable, it should be able to turn off without software. (or turned off by default)
  • Available via a shop in EU (pref NL)

Very nice to have:

  • Blank caps
  • No backlight
  • Media keys
  • Price below € 200,=
  • Non US company (pref EU)

Alternative is to get me a final DasKeyboard 4 Ultimate and a few switches to try to replace the failing switches on the model S or a separate windows key so I can use my Model Ms (have 4 of them) for work.

  • ExperiencedWinter
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 day ago

    I can’t believe Das keyboards is still soldering switches in 2026. I don’t have an EU recommendations but hot swap has already saved me 2 keyboards

    • TheInsane42OP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      7 hours ago

      It’s their business model, switch dies, sell new keyboard. I have to admit, it took the dying keys 16 year, but still.