Finally, a real mechanic for Mac

Zoom / Das Keyboard MacTigr mechanical keyboard.

Sharon Harding

Specifications at a glance: Das Keyboard MacTigr
keys Cherry Red MX Profile
keycaps PBT . plastic
Contact options USB-C cable
Backlight no one
size 17.16 x 5 x 1.06 inches
436 x 127 x 27 mm
Weight 2.43 lb (1100 g)
a guarantee One year
Price (MSRP) $219
else 2 x USB-C

mechanical keyboard Manufacturers have a habit of ignoring Mac users. All too often, mechanical keyboards come with Windows layouts and USB-A connectors, ignoring many MacBook users without USB-A ports and macOS users craving for option and command keys.

Das keyboard, A The methodology Sub-brand founded in 2005, issued MacTigr mechanical keyboard Today to help balance the scales, macOS is listed as the only supported operating system on the board. MacTigr doubles as a Mac layout, a USB-C cable, a pair of USB-C ports, and quality switches that will delight users who are used to paying a premium for lofty designs.

But that’s all MacTigr does. It lacks power features, such as ease of programming or interchangeable mechanical switches. It’s not bad, but rather boring and I expected this cat to have an unforgettable growl for $219 for an MSRP.

Mac Papa Compatibility Mac

Many mechanical keyboards say they’ll work with Macs, but Windows keys and USB-A cables paint Apple computer support as an afterthought. MacTigr was designed from the ground up to be a Mac keyboard.

Designed for macOS.
Zoom / Designed for macOS.

Sharon Harding

Mac users rejoice, as there are the original Command and Option keys — and no Windows, Alt, or Num Lock legend. As simple as this may sound as a simple consideration, it’s still not common among mechanical keyboards, although some keyboards do include keycaps for Windows and macOS users.

Unlike other first Mac keyboards I tested recently, like Kikron K14MacTigr has other important non-Apple controls, such as screen brightness controls, a sleep button, media control via flat buttons, and a grooved knob. These flat keys make cheap, plastic noises when pressed, but the grip has a soft rubber-like feel that’s pleasant to touch.

Please pardon the dust.Please pardon the dust.
Zoom / Please pardon the dust.

Sharon Harding

The handles are handy for tasks like zooming in and out or switching tools in creative apps. However, MacTigr does not have software to program its handle (or anything else), and pressing the key does not register an entry.

Oddly enough, there is also an Eject key, although Apple has not released a file Mac with optical drive Since 2012.

“Many creative professionals such as videographers and photographers still have a lot of old CDs and DVDs,” said Daniel Germyr, CEO of Das Keyboard and co-founder of Ars. “Since we had room for another key, we decided to add it.”

USB-C

MacTigr defines its territory with the rare use of a USB-C connector instead of USB-A, which Apple has abandoned in its MacBooks. I wasn’t immediately able to find any other full-size mechanical keyboards that include a Mac layout and connect to the system via USB-C (if you know of one, feel free to let me know in the comments). If you’re after a wired mechanical keyboard with a Mac layout, the options include C2 in Keychron’s (which starts at $54), the McCali BMKEY ($130 for MSRP) and Das ‘4 Professional for Mac ($170 for MSRP).

Does MacTigr work with Windows?

Das doesn’t recommend using MacTigr on any operating system besides macOS and lists the keyboard as “macOS only.”

A Das Ars representative told me, “The keyboard will work when connected to a Windows PC/machine, but the Mac keys won’t. Also, MacTigr does not have Windows or Ctrl keys, so we do not recommend using MacTigr on a Windows PC. “

I’ve used MacTigr with a Windows machine for several hours, with Command working like a Windows key, etc. Just don’t be alarmed if your keyboard doesn’t work as expected with an unsupported operating system.

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