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Mac users don’t get much love when it comes to keyboards. You can have any keyboard you want but every time you plug in a new one you have to swap keys and make sure your splat and option keys are mapped correctly. It’s not a huge deal but no self-respecting Mac lover wants a Windows key on their keyboard.
That’s why the MacTigr from Das Keyboard is such a breath of fresh air. Marketed as the “reference keyboard” for Mac users, this 105-key beast features a full metal body, great switches, and even a numpad.
Let’s dig in a bit.
The Good
The keyboard features Cherry MX red low-profile switches with just enough clickiness to keep traditionalists happy while being quiet enough to use in a zoom call. When you’re not slamming the keyboard you can take a Zoom call without driving everyone crazy and when you’re really cooking the keyboard is amazingly responsive. This means you can offer minimal pressure – a light tap – or a nice key smash and get the same responsiveness.
The keycaps are doubleshot PBT and are not backlit. The case is made entirely of alumnum, including the keyboard surface, which means there is a bit of a clank when you hit the spacebar but nothing noticable when you hit the rest of the keys. There is multi-key rollover, as well, which means you can type a bit faster when you’re on a roll.
In all, this is a great keyboard and one that is well worth the $219 investment. It’s hard to find a good mechanical keyboard for Macs and Das Keyboards makes some of the best general-purpose devices. That they’ve come out with the MacTigr is a real treat.
The keyboard also comes with two USB-C ports on the back side which turns it into a hub. This is a great treat and extremely useful, especially if you’re using this with a Mac Mini or Studio.
The Bad
I honestly have few complaints about the MacTigr. Even my only complaint is a feature. The keyboard is quite slim. It maxes out at 27mm or about 1 inch. This means your traditional wrist rests won’t work with this super-flat keyboard. That hasn’t been much of a problem for me so far but if you’re suffering from carpal tunnel or need a special add-on to type, you might be slightly annoyed. That said, if you like something slimline, this is definitely your frield.
The Bottom Line
This is a clicky, usable keyboard made for Macs. It will also last you most of a lifetime so if you’re in the market for something to replace your Magic Keyboard or even your laptop’s keyboard, this is the call. At $219 you’re paying for quality, not frills, and I’m super pleased Das Keyboard is making this thing.
