Das Keyboard Vs. Keychron: Which Mechanical Keyboard Is Best?

Mechanical keyboards have seen a resurgence in popularity among tech enthusiasts and gamers. Two of the most popular mechanical keyboard brands are Das Keyboard and Keychron.

But which one is better? This comprehensive comparison examines the pros, cons, features, and key differences between Das Keyboard and Keychron to help you decide which is the best option.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Das Keyboard	Keychron
Switch Types	Cherry MX switches	Gateron switches
Keyboard Sizes	Full-size and tenkeyless	Full-size, tenkeyless, 60%, 65%
Connectivity	Wired USB	Wired & wireless Bluetooth
OS Support	Windows, Mac, Linux	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Customization	Limited keycaps, switches	Hot-swappable switches, keycaps
Build Quality	Durable aluminum top plate	Plastic case, aluminum on premium models
RGB Lighting	Limited models	Most models per-key RGB
Extra Features	Volume knob on some models	Swappable plates, switch puller
Price	$120 – $170	$74 – $169

Overview of Das Keyboard

Das Keyboard is a brand known for its focus on high-quality mechanical keyboards geared towards productivity. Some of the notable features and characteristics of Das Keyboards include:

Cherry MX Switches: Das Keyboard uses genuine Cherry MX mechanical switches, which are made in Germany and known for their precision and reliability. They offer tactile feedback and last for over 50 million keystrokes.
Minimalist Design: Most Das Keyboard models have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with no fancy RGB lighting or branding. They focus on a solid typing experience.
Top-Plate Construction: Das Keyboard utilizes an anodized aluminum top plate for rigidity and durability. This makes them sturdy and stable on your desk.

N-Key Rollover: Full n-key rollover allows you to press as many keys as you want simultaneously and have them all register. Ideal for fast typists.
Magnetic Footbar: Many Das Keyboard models come with a smart magnetic footbar that can be used to adjust the keyboard angle in 4 positions.
Mac and Linux Models: In addition to Windows models, Das Keyboard makes specific models for Mac and Linux with compatible keys.

Volume Knob: Some Das Keyboard models feature an oversized volume knob for convenient audio control.
Limited Customization: Das Keyboards have standardized layouts and don’t offer hot-swap switches or custom keycaps. Limited to Cherry MX switches only.
Few Extra Features: Das Keyboard focuses on typing feel and essentials rather than lots of bells and whistles. Models with RGB tend to be more expensive.

Overview of Keychron

Keychron mechanical keyboards provide a more customizable and budget-friendly alternative with some smart features. Here are some of Keychron’s notable qualities:

Gateron Switches: Keychron uses Gateron mechanical switches rather than Cherry MX. Gaterons provide a smooth typing feel and sound profile.
Multiple Size Options: Keychron offers full-size, tenkeyless, 65%, and 60% layouts to fit different needs. Great portability.

Wireless Bluetooth: Most Keychron keyboards can connect via wired USB or Bluetooth wireless. Work across multiple devices easily.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Keychron keyboards work with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Extra OS-specific keycaps included.
Aluminum Frame: Some premium Keychron models feature a sturdy CNC aluminum frame for durability, but most utilize plastic.

Hot-Swap Switches: All Keychron keyboards have hot-swappable switches, making it easy to replace switches without soldering.
Customizable RGB: Per-key RGB backlighting can be customized with macros on many Keychron boards.
Budget-Friendly: Keychron keyboards are generally more affordable than Das Keyboard, starting at around $74. Great value.

Extras: Keychron includes switch/keycap pullers, extra keycaps, and plate mounting options for extra customization.
Thicker Frames: Keychron keyboard frames tend to be thicker than Das Keyboards, with more visible borders.

Key Differences Between Das Keyboard and Keychron

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s do a deep dive into how Das Keyboard and Keychron stack up across various categories:

Build Quality & Design

Housing Material: Das Keyboard uses thick aluminum top plates while most Keychron boards rely on plastic. The aluminum gives Das Keyboard more weight and rigidity. However, some premium Keychron models do offer aluminum frames.
Stabilizers: Many Keychron boards come with plate-mounted stabilizers that can rattle more. Das Keyboard utilizes more stable Costar-style stabilizers.
Frame Thickness: Keychron keyboards tend to have thicker plastic frames than Das Keyboard. This gives them a bulky look, but makes them more durable.

Minimalist Aesthetic: Das Keyboard has an understated, professional look. Keychron boards appear more gamer-oriented with bold font legends.
Feet & Angle: Both have flip-out rubber feet to adjust the typing angle. But Das Keyboard also offers a smart footbar for greater customization.
Edge Design: Das Keyboard has more rounded, sloped edges while Keychron edges are thicker and blockier. Comes down to aesthetic preference.

Overall, Das Keyboard wins out in terms of premium build quality and minimalist aesthetic. But Keychron still offers decent construction, especially on higher-end models.

Switch Options

Switch Brand: Das Keyboard exclusively uses Cherry MX switches made in Germany. Keychron provides smoother, budget-friendly Gateron switches made in China.
Switch Feel: Cherry MX switches have a more distinctive, tactical bump feel and audible click sound. Gaterons give a softer, quieter typing experience preferred by some.

Switch Choices: Das Keyboard limits you to Blue, Brown, Red options. Keychron offers Blue, Brown, Red, Silver, Silent Red Gateron switches. More choice.
Hot-Swappable: All Keychron boards have hot-swappable switches to easily change switches without soldering. Das Keyboards don’t have this customization.

Clearly, Keychron wins out in terms of switch flexibility with hot-swap boards and a wider range of Gateron switch types to choose from.

Features & Customization

Keycap Material: Both use ABS plastic keycaps. Das Keyboard keycaps feel thicker and more durable, but Keychron has Doubleshot PBT caps on some models.
Keycap Customization: Das Keyboard has standardized keycaps that can’t be replaced. All Keychron boards allow you to customize and replace keycaps easily.
RGB Lighting: Most Keychron models feature bright per-key RGB lighting with effects. Only select premium Das Keyboards have simple RGB zones.

Mac/Linux Support: Both brands offer Mac and Linux compatible models. But Keychron includes extra keycaps for easy switching between OS layouts.
Wireless & Wired: Keychron boards can connect over Bluetooth wireless or USB-C wired. Das Keyboard is wired USB-only.
Extra Accessories: Keychron provides switch and keycap pullers and extra keycaps in the box. Das Keyboard offers none.

Keychron is the clear winner when it comes to customization and features. Das Keyboard offers a no-frills experience focused purely on typing feel.

Typing Experience

Tactile Responsiveness: Cherry MX switches in Das Keyboard offer a more tactile, responsive feel and audible click sound. Gaterons are quieter and smoother.
Keypress Firmness: Both brands allow you to choose softer or firmer keys using Red, Blue, Brown switch types. Comes down to personal preference.

Ergonomics: Das Keyboard’s minimalist slope encourages a more ergonomic wrist position. Keychron’s thicker frames have a higher profile some may not like.
Key Layouts: Das Keyboard uses a standard 104-key ANSI layout. Keychron offers more compact 60%, 65% layout options better for portability.
N-key rollover: Both have full n-key rollover for fast typing. Das Keyboard seems more responsive when typing very quickly.

Overall, Das Keyboard provides a superior typing experience for those who value tactile feel and a traditional keyboard slope. But Keychron offers unique compact layouts.

Pricing & Value

Base Price: Keychron keyboards start around $74, making them very budget-friendly. Das Keyboard pricing begins around $120, which is moderate for premium boards.
Sales & Deals: Keychron regularly offers sitewide sales and deals that lower costs further. Das Keyboard discounts are less common.

Premium Models: Flagship RGB models can cost up to $169 for Keychron and $170 for comparably equipped Das Keyboards.
Included Accessories: Keychron provides more value by including switch/keycap pullers and extra keycaps in the box.
Build Quality: Das Keyboard aluminum tops justify some of the price premium over Keychron’s all-plastic construction.

Overall, Keychron clearly wins out in terms of overall value for money. But Das Keyboard still provides a decent value for those wanting a premium typing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What keyboards are better than Keychron?

Top keyboards that can compete with or beat Keychron in certain areas include Drop keyboards, Ducky, Leopold, Varmilo, Filco Majestouch, Vortexgear, and Happy Hacking keyboards. Many enthusiast brands provide stiffer build quality, more switch choices, and uniquelayouts. But they lose out on Keychron’s great features and value.

Is Das keyboard worth it?

For those wanting an understated, high-quality typing experience, Das Keyboard is worth the price. The sturdy build, responsive Cherry MX switches, and smart design details make for an excellent productivity keyboard. But for those wanting lots of customization and extras, Keychron or other brands are a better choice.

Are Keychron keyboards good quality?

Considering their reasonable pricing, most would agree Keychron boards provide very good quality. They may not be as premium feeling as more expensive brands, but they utilize decent materials with practical features. Opting for aluminum frame Keychron models provides even better quality.

What competes with Keychron keyboard?

Some of the biggest competitors with Keychron that offer similar feature sets and quality in the mechanical keyboard market include Royal Kludge, Akko, Ducky, Glorious, Vissles, Epomaker, and Feker. Each has minor advantages but Keychron stands out for value and flexibility.

Final Thoughts

When choosing between Das Keyboard and Keychron mechanical keyboards, Keychron wins out overall for most users due to the greater customization, unique layouts, and cheaper pricing. It offers an unparalleled mix of value, quality, and flexibility.

However, for those who care strictly about a premium typing experience and minimalist aesthetic, Das Keyboard still holds its own with its focus on sturdy aluminum build quality and precision German engineering.

You can’t go wrong with either brand, but your preferences for features, switches, and price will determine which is a better fit. Both companies make some of the best options available for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and typists.