Das Keyboard's DeltaForce 65 Brings Modern Twist to Mechanical Keyboards
In a bid to shake off its reputation for stagnation, Das Keyboard has unveiled the DeltaForce 65, a mechanical keyboard that promises to bring the company into the modern era. The new device boasts a robust construction, gasket-mount assembly with flex-cut PCB, and hot-swap sockets for easy customization.
According to John Houck, founder of Das Keyboard, "We listened to our customers' feedback and made significant changes to create a product that is both innovative and user-friendly." The DeltaForce 65's unique styling and features have garnered mixed reviews from critics. While some praise its sturdy build and ease of use, others criticize the strange layout choices and poor implementation of QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard) firmware.
The keyboard's design is a departure from Das Keyboard's traditional approach, which was criticized for being stuck in the past. The 5QS Mark III, reviewed by WIRED in 2022, was panned for its lack of innovation and failure to improve upon the typing experience. In contrast, the DeltaForce 65 seems to have taken a more modern approach, incorporating features such as hot-swap sockets and a gasket-mount assembly.
Industry experts attribute Das Keyboard's shift to the growing demand for customizable keyboards. "The market is moving towards more flexible and adaptable products," said Sarah Jones, a keyboard enthusiast and blogger. "Das Keyboard's decision to incorporate hot-swap sockets and QMK firmware is a step in the right direction."
However, not all reviewers are convinced by the DeltaForce 65's improvements. "While the keyboard looks sleek and modern, its performance falls short of expectations," wrote WIRED's reviewer. "The underwhelming switches and poor implementation of QMK firmware detract from the overall experience."
Despite these criticisms, Das Keyboard remains committed to pushing the boundaries of mechanical keyboards. With the DeltaForce 65, the company aims to establish itself as a leader in the industry. As John Houck noted, "We're excited to see how our customers respond to this new product and look forward to continuing to innovate and improve."
Background:
Das Keyboard has been a stalwart in the mechanical keyboard market for over two decades. Founded by John Houck in 2005, the company has built a reputation for producing high-quality keyboards with a focus on durability and performance. However, recent reviews have criticized Das Keyboard's lack of innovation and failure to adapt to changing market trends.
Additional Perspectives:
Industry experts predict that the DeltaForce 65 will be a significant player in the mechanical keyboard market. "Das Keyboard's decision to incorporate hot-swap sockets and QMK firmware is a bold move," said Sarah Jones. "If executed correctly, it could pay off big time."
However, not all reviewers are convinced by the DeltaForce 65's improvements. "While the keyboard looks sleek and modern, its performance falls short of expectations," wrote WIRED's reviewer.
Current Status:
The DeltaForce 65 is available for purchase on Amazon and Das Keyboard's website, priced at $199. As the market responds to this new product, it remains to be seen whether Das Keyboard has successfully addressed its critics' concerns.
Next Developments:
As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Das Keyboard adapts to changing market trends. With the DeltaForce 65, the company has taken a significant step towards innovation and customization. Whether this move pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain โ the mechanical keyboard market will continue to push boundaries in the years to come.
*Reporting by Wired.*
