Mac users are probably feeling a little left out when it comes to mechanical keyboards. best gaming keyboard, but you’ll need to adjust your layout — if possible (more likely you’ll have to adapt to your PC layout). If you’re looking for something more mechanical than Apple’s Magic keyboard for your Mac, your options are somewhat limited.
Das Keyboard’s new MacTigr is a full-size, low-profile wired mechanical keyboard (includes Option and Command keys) designed specifically for Mac users.
MacTigr has almost everything an Apple fan (who wants a mechanical keyboard) could want. This includes a virtually flat aluminum chassis, low-profile linear mechanical switches, USB-C connectivity with two USB-C passthrough ports, and full n-key rollover. It uses the same layout as Apple’s full-size Magic Keyboard, which Macbook users may find unfamiliar (the Fn key moves from the bottom left to the navigation block). PC keyboard his layout — according to my husband who only uses Macs.
The $219 Das Keyboard MacTigr is available now.
specification
| switch | Cherry MX Low Profile RGB Red |
| lighting | none |
| Onboard storage | none |
| media key | yes |
| game mode | No |
| connectivity | Wired (USB-C) |
| additional port | 2x USB-C |
| key cap | Low Profile Double Shot PBT |
| construction | stainless steel, aluminum |
| software | none |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 17.16 x 5 x 1.06 inch / 436 x 127 x 27mm |
| weight | 2.43 lbs (1100g) |
Designing and building the Das Keyboard MacTigr
The MacTigr isn’t silver and white (or silver and black) like Apple’s Magic keyboard, but it has a vaguely Apple-inspired design. The keyboard is housed in a slightly wedged, sturdy aluminum chassis. The chassis without keycaps is 0.31″ (8mm) at its thinnest and 0.55″ (14mm) at its thickest.
The MacTigr’s 105-key layout is very similar to that of Apple’s current full-size Magic keyboard. This includes Option, Command, Eject keys, and modified navigation blocks. The top navigation row has the F13 key and brightness controls (F13, F14, F15 on Apple’s Magic Keyboard; PrtScr, ScrLk, Pause on PC). keyboard). The Fn key is also part of the navigation block (Ins on PC layouts). It’s not the bottom left corner like Macbook keyboards.
MacTigr also has a dedicated sleep button, media button, and volume knob in the upper right corner. The volume knob is tactile and clicks as you twist it. It has a rubberized finish that is easy to grip, but also picks up dust and fingerprints fairly easily. The sleep and media buttons sit much lower than the surrounding keys and knobs — I found myself frequently bumping into the top row of the number pad when trying to use them — and the “premium” product It looks a little cheap for what it is.
MacTigr comes with discreet double-shot PBT keycaps, matte black with white legends. The keycaps have a fairly generic look (although so do many thin keycaps) — but the keyboard doesn’t do much else to distinguish itself, so stylistically… pretty generic I think that’s why Apple’s Magic Keyboard has ultra-flat chiclet keycaps. Not flat, but high-profile dominates such a minimalist chassis design, resulting in a keyboard that at first glance looks like a maker’s giveaway.
The MacTigr looks more premium and Apple-inspired on the underside — it’s flat, with four small round rubber feet and a brushed aluminum plate with the keyboard’s only visible branding. Of course, this doesn’t make sense since most users don’t often stare at the bottom of the keyboard.
There’s no built-in tilt adjustment, but it’s no different — Mac users are probably used to ultra-thin Apple keyboards. It’s ergonomically unsound as it requires you to bend your wrist. (The keyboard tilt adjustment exists to improve the visibility of the key legend for non-touch typists.)
MacTigr connects via USB-C, with a 6-foot non-detachable USB-C cable attached to the middle of the board. On the right side of this cable are two passthrough USB-C ports.
Typing and gaming experience with Das Keyboard MacTigr
MacTigr maintains a flat profile with Cherry MX Low Profile Red Linear Switches. Linear switches feature smooth, consistent keypresses, no tactile bumps or ticking audible feedback, and are better suited for gaming than typing.
If you’ve used Cherry MX Red switches before, the Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches have not. that too Wrong. The Low Profile Red Switch has a fairly deep travel of 3.2 mm (0.126″) for an overall height of 11.9 mm (0.469″) (normal Cherry MX Red Switches have 4 mm (0.157″) of travel, 18.5 mm (0.728 in) overall height) and requires the same actuation force as a regular red (45cN or 45.88g).
The lack of tactile feedback on the low-profile red switches is combined with the keyboard’s low-profile keycaps for a decent typing experience. I used to slip. This, combined with the lack of feedback, made my typing much less accurate. If you’re looking for a pure typing experience, it’s hard to recommend this keyboard or any keyboard with linear switches.
The typing experience on the MacTigr isn’t perfect, but this keyboard offers a much better gaming experience (I generally prefer linear switches for gaming anyway).keyboard specifically supports Full N-key rolloverwhich is especially desirable in gaming keyboards, especially Apple’s Magic Keyboard do not do support. I’ve tested MacTigr’s n-key rollover on both PC and Mac and it works fine on both. I don’t know how many people game on their Macs (just kidding, I know it’s happening more these days), but MacTigr’s low-profile linear switch, full n-key rollover , a pass-through USB-C port, and a sturdy, heavy construction make it a very attractive option for gamers.
Das Keyboard MacTigr software and features
MacTigr’s main feature is that it works “out of the box” by simply connecting it to your Mac. Many of today’s peripherals are plug-and-play on both PCs and Macs, but compatibility issues are not uncommon. So this is definitely important. feature.
However, Das Keyboard doesn’t come with companion software for changing settings, remapping keys, or customizing RGB (no RGB), so you better hope this keyboard works. prize. Given most high-end mechanical keyboards designed for both gaming and productivity, customization options are usually readily available. Something.
Conclusion
Das Keyboard’s MacTigr is solid hardware. So it literally feels very solid. The MacTigr’s weight is probably one of the best things about it. Apple’s ultra-thin, ultra-light Magic Keyboard has its place, but I prefer something heavier when I’m sitting at my desk.
The MacTigr is a solid, well-made keyboard with discreet linear switches, full N-key rollover, and a layout only Mac owners will love, but it’s $20 more expensive than Apple’s own keyboard. Mac owners will love it that many. The keyboard is also wired and boring looking, lacking RGB or other customization options. There are plenty of full-size keyboards out there that are prettier, more customizable, and cheaper. Origin of HyperX Alloy or SteelSeries Apex Pro — but how much are you For real Want a command key?
more: How to choose keycaps for a mechanical keyboard
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