Das Keyboard X50Q is a gaming-oriented keyboard, building upon the cloud-connectivity known from Das Keyboard 5Q.
Keyboard and Cloud
What is a cloud-connected keyboard? It means, that notifications and status information can be forwarded to the keyboard’s software, which then triggers certain predefined illumination effects on the keyboard. This way, you know whether you got a new email or someone wrote you a message, just by looking at your keyboard. There are applets for several popular applications, but you can also program your own by utilizing the keyboard’s REST-API.
Das Keyboard X50Q vs 5Q
Das Keyboard X50Q and Das Keyboard 5Q are very similar, they differ in just a few attributes. Both keyboard feature Gamma Zulu switches from Omron, RGB illumination and N-key rollover. Overall, Das Keyboard 5Q was created for work, while Das Keyboard X50Q is meant for gaming. This distinction is mostly visual: the design and labelling of the 5Q looks more professional and the X50Q looks rather like a gaming keyboard. But ultimately, you can use either one for gaming or typing. The actual hardware differences between the two keyboards are:
- Media controls: different shape and size
- Wrist rest: The one from the 5Q is made of silicone, the one from X50Q is made of plastic
- Keycaps: 5Q features PBT keycaps in the U.S, X50Q and the rest of the world gets ABS
- the contents of the X50Q include additional textured keycaps for W-A-S-D
A little bit weird are the differences regarding key detection: The 5Q is said to detect key presses within a millisecond, while the X50Q takes up to 20 ms. Considering the focus work vs gaming of these keyboards, one would assume, that it should be the other way around.
Tech Specs for Das Keyboard X50Q
Further Information on Amazon.com
(Read customer reviews)
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Mechanical Keyboard Score
The mechanical keyboard score is our overall score for a keyboard. The score is based on the available ratings and critics and makes an easy comparison between different mechanical keyboards possible. It is also used for our mechanical keyboard ranking.
Reviews
October 4, 2018
"What Das Keyboard has achieved with their X50Q is pretty amazing, and a step in the right direction as the performance is great, and the smart features blend seamlessly with both work and play."
September 7, 2018
"The X50Q's sports impressive build quality and interesting features, making it a great overall keyboard."
September 6, 2018
"So, in the end, are the keyboards worth the money? It's tough to say, because their value is largely dependent on how much use you think you could get out of the cloud features."
