Das Keyboard today introduced MacTigr, a mechanical keyboard designed specifically for Mac users. The full-size keyboard is made from a high-quality black metal with a clean, modern look, and features Cherry MX low profile linear switches.
Design-wise, the MacTigr is slimmer than the average mechanical keyboard. It measures just under an inch long (27mm), so it’s classified as low profile for those who like that feel, although it’s not the thinnest mechanical keyboard on the market.
For Mac users coming from the Magic Keyboard or Mac’s built-in keyboard, even the 27mm height is a significant adjustment to what you might be used to if you’re not familiar with mechanical keyboards. With a longer keyboard, you need to keep your wrists in a different position, and this is definitely the type of keyboard that benefits from a wrist rest.
As someone used to the core travel of a MacBook Pro, it took me a few hours to adjust to the MacTeagra in my limited time to test it. In comparison, the keys have a slightly smoother feel rather than a clicky feel, with 3.2mm of total travel (1.2mm pre-travel). Mechanical keyboards are designed for high travel, and the key feel here will likely satisfy those who prefer full travel and more cushion when typing.
The MacTiger has a short bounce time so combined with 3.2mm of travel, I type as fast as I can on any Mac keyboard. The keys take a light touch and as far as noise goes, this is a mechanical keyboard that is on the quieter side. Obviously there’s still a noticeable typing noise and it’s far from a silent keyboard, but it’s less likely to bother anyone sitting nearby. Das Keyboard says it’s meant to simulate “typing in the cloud,” which is an apt description for the original feel.
As with any mechanical keyboard, the keycaps can be swapped out, but by default it uses low-profile PBT keycaps. There are a total of 105 keys, including a full row of function keys, a number pad, arrows and more, so it’s ideal for those looking for a complete keyboard.
There are media control buttons, dedicated keys for adjusting screen brightness and a dedicated sleep key with a useful volume adjustment knob which I appreciated. The volume knob is a particularly nice touch as it has a soft feel and is in an easy-access spot on the right side of the keyboard. There are no other bells and whistles like backlighting, so be aware of that. If you want RGB lighting and other fun features, this isn’t the Power Keyboard.
The MacTigr connects to a Mac via USB-C, and there are two USB-C ports built in so you can attach accessories. NKRO or N-key rollover is available in MacTigr and can be enabled with a keypress. With NKRO, all keys can be pressed at once for fast typing, gaming and other purposes
last row
For Mac users looking for a thin, practical mechanical keyboard designed for the Mac, the MacTigr is worth checking out. It has Mac-specific keys to adjust the volume and activate the sleep feature, a quality that aligns well with Apple products and provides a satisfying typing experience that allows for speed and accuracy.
how to buy
The McTigr can be purchased from the Das Keyboard website for $219.
Note: Das Keyboard provided MacRumors with a MacTigr keyboard for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received, and the keyboard was returned at the end of the testing period.
