The keyboard is also wired and sort of boring to look at, and lacks RGB and other customization options.One of the surprises during Apple’s October event was the lack of USB-C updates for Mac peripherals. The MacTigr is a sturdy, well-built keyboard with low-profile linear switches, full n-key rollover, and a layout only a Mac owner will love, but it’s also $20 more expensive than Apple’s own keyboard - I don’t know if Mac owners will love it that much. The weight of the MacTigr is probably one of the nicest things about it - Apple’s ultra-slim, ultra-lightweight Magic keyboard has its place, but I prefer something heavier when I’m sitting at a desk. Bottom Lineĭas Keyboard’s MacTigr is a solid piece of hardware - I mean that literally, it feels very solid. Considering most higher-end mechanical keyboards designed for both gaming and productivity usually make customization options readily available, it would’ve been nice to see something. However, I guess you’d better hope this keyboard just works for you, because Das Keyboard doesn’t provide any companion software for changing settings, remapping keys, or customizing RGB (well, there’s no RGB). The MacTigr’s main feature is that it “just works” when you plug it into a Mac - although many peripherals today are plug-and-play on both PCs and Macs, it’s not uncommon to run into compatibility issues, so this is definitely an important feature. Software and Features on the Das Keyboard MacTigr I’m not sure how many people are gaming on their Macs (just kidding, I know it’s more of a thing these days), but the MacTigr’s low-profile linear switches, full n-key rollover, passthrough USB-C ports, and sturdy, weighty construction make it a very attractive option for gamers. I tested the MacTigr’s n-key rollover on both a PC and a Mac, and it worked flawlessly on both. The keyboard notably supports full n-key rollover, which is particularly desirable in gaming keyboards, and which Apple’s Magic keyboards notably do not support. ![]() While the typing experience on the MacTigr isn’t perfect, the keyboard offers a much better gaming experience (linear switches are generally preferred for gaming, anyway). If you’re looking for pure typing experience, it’s hard to recommend this or any keyboard with linear switches - tactile or clicky switches are where it’s at. While I managed to keep my typing speed up, the keycaps were so flat that my fingers ended up slipping occasionally - this, combined with a lack of feedback, caused a pretty big drop in my typing accuracy. The Low Profile Red switches’ lack of tactile feedback, combined with the keyboard’s low-profile keycaps make for a so-so typing experience. The Low Profile Red switches have a pretty deep travel distance of 3.2mm (0.126 inches) for their 11.9mm (0.469 inches) total height (regular Cherry MX Red switches have a travel distance of 4mm (0.157 inches) and a 18.5mm (0.728 inches) total height), and require the same actuation force (45cN or 45.88g) as the regular Reds. If you’ve used Cherry MX Red switches before, the Cherry MX Low Profile Red switches aren’t too different. Linear switches feature smooth, consistent keypresses with no tactile bump or clicky audible feedback - making them generally better for gaming, not typing. ![]() The MacTigr maintains its flat figure with Cherry MX Low Profile Red linear switches. Typing and Gaming Experience on the Das Keyboard MacTigr To the right of this cable, you’ll also find two passthrough-enabled USB-C ports. ![]() The MacTigr connects via USB-C, and has a six-foot non-detachable USB-C cable attached to the center of the board. I guess this is why Apple’s Magic keyboard has ultra-flat chiclet keycaps: Anything less flat and higher-profile overwhelms such a minimal chassis design, and the result is a keyboard that kind of looks like a manufacturer freebie at first glance. The keycaps are pretty generic-looking (but so are many low-profile keycaps) - however, because the keyboard doesn’t do much else to distinguish itself, stylistically, it ends up being… pretty generic-looking. The MacTigr comes with low-profile, double-shot PBT keycaps in matte black with white legends. The Sleep and media buttons are much lower than the surrounding keys and knob - I found myself frequently bumping the top row of the number pad as I reached to use them - and look and feel a little cheap for a “premium” product. The volume knob is tactile, and clicks as you twist it it has a rubberized finish that grips easily but also picks up dust and fingerprints pretty easily. The MacTigr also sports a dedicated Sleep button, media buttons, and a volume knob in the upper right corner.
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