Das Keyboard Professional Model S

Retro Keyboard Makes Us Yell, 'Das Ist Good!'

People have practically written poetry and love songs to the prince of keyboards, the IBM Model M. Its mechanical, spring-loaded switches gave it legendary durability and a distinct clacking sound that dominated computer labs in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Although IBM and Lexmark have long since abandoned the Model M, Das has done them one better, creating an updated version of the classic, complete with modern flourishes. This keyboard, called the Professional Model S, is much like the Model M, with mechanical switches and gold-plated contacts. The switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes, and are just as clackity-clacktastic when pressed. Typing is actually fun on a Das, not a mushy chore like it is on the typical "slimline" keyboard.

When you push a key on the Das Keyboard, just as with a Model M, you know the stroke has registered. By comparison, with today's pathetic keyboards, with their flimsy rubber domes beneath the pads, there's no telling whether any single keystroke has been a success.

Set up for the current era, the Das Keyboard Professional Model S offers a much smaller footprint than the Model M, an extremely long USB cable, and an integrated two-port USB hub. Gamers will also appreciate that the Das Keyboard Professional can recognize up to 6 simultaneous key presses. Hands down, it's the best keyboard on the market today.

Still jonesing for the original? You can buy restored Model M keyboards or get in touch with Unicomp, a small company that still manufactures Model M keyboards.

WIRED A keyboard like dad used to use: Gold-plated mechanical switches let you type with a loud and forceful clack instead of that unsatisfying thwish when keys are pressed; you know when you've hit a key. Can recognize up to six simultaneous key presses. Includes two USB ports. New version includes keyboard-based volume controls.

TIRED Can no longer type on the sly while you're on conference calls. Zero ergonomic features. New version requires two USB ports to connect to PC.

• Style: Accessories and Computer Parts
• Manufacturer: Das
• Price: $130