CONCLUSION

   Das Keyboard grew to become a popular brand name not because their keyboards came with exciting features aimed at gamers but because of their high build quality something especially important for professionals and demanding consumers alike (we still have their Pro S model in the lab). The brand new X50Q model aims to change that by combining high build quality with RGB per-key illumination and an innovative notification system. Granted the IFTTT/Zapier based smart notifications may not appeal to gamers and mainstream users but as more smart devices get introduced into the market and end up finding a place in our homes Das Keyboard may just be on to something here. Unfortunately the X50Q lacks certain things we’d like to see including the ability to program all of its keys (macros, shortcuts, commands – perhaps a future firmware update could change that) and a USB passthrough (I wouldn’t say no to a few extra lighting effects either – again a future firmware update could bring more).

   So just how much are you required to pay in order to get your very own X50Q RGB Mechanical Keyboard by Das Keyboard? Well one of the drawbacks of focusing in high-quality products has always been price and so Das Keyboard was never aimed at people on a tight budget. Still the new X50Q is one of the most expensive models ever released by them (probably only beneath the 5Q) and so it currently retails for UD199 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 199.99Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de). This is pretty much the single largest issue with the brand new X50Q and although we expect a good number of potential buyers to be look elsewhere because of this (perhaps one of their non “smart” models) thanks to its build quality and features it’s certainly worth of our Golden Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality (Aluminum Top)
- Gamma Zulu Mechanical Switches (100 Million Actuations/Silent)
- Per Key RGB Illumination With 6 Effects And 10 Brightness Levels
- RGB Illuminated Sides
- Q Smart Notifications (IFTTT/Zapier)
- Full N-Key Rollover (NKRO) With 100% Anti Ghosting
- Dedicated Media Keys
- Detachable Soft Touch Wrist Rest
- 2 Meter Long Braided Cable With Gold Plated Plug

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Keys Aren’t Programmable (For Now)
- No USB Passthrough