FAQ

"How long do I have to wait?"

The typical turnaround time is roughly 1-2 weeks from order to arrival for one of the "standard" models on the front-end website. Occasionally we may have a keyboard or two already assembled so it's possible to have a keyboard in just a few days.

"Can I get one for my Mac?"

Yes, you can, but there are a few small differences from a standard Mac keyboard. Due to the highly proprietary layout of Mac products, we don't stock a separate keyboard core for Mac. Our keyboards are multi-OS USB units and will technically work on anything, but since we use a more PC-oriented keyboard core, there are a few quirks for Mac users. For instance, depending on the Mac OS version you are using, you may have to swap the "Operating System" key and "Alt" key in your keyboard settings. The keyboards also do not have a built-in USB port in them like some Mac keyboards, so you'll have to run your mouse cord down to the PC instead. Mac also only utilizes 1 out of the 3 indicator lights on our keyboard. For text input and average day-to-day use, our keyboards will work fine on a Mac, but there may be some small adjustments Mac users will have to make, like for instance a shortcut function might be located on F13 now instead of F14, etc. Please do an internet search for "using a PC keyboard on a Mac" for more information about this.

"What languages are available?"

We currently offer over 50 languages in 104 and 105-key layouts. 105-key layouts take slightly longer to build.

"What do the keys feel/sound like?"

The mechanical keys give the keyboards the slightest bit of a tactile "click" or "snap" to them, which lends itself nicely to the "typewriter" theme of the keys and provides a nice sense of touch-feedback. They are slightly louder than a "soft touch" style membrane keyboard, but not obnoxiously so.

"How are the ergonomics?"

A number of our customers are writers and computer professionals who use their keyboards all day long with no complaints, but the keyboards do sit a little bit higher than a normal keyboard, so if you are very particular about your keyboard ergonomics you might want to use a padded wrist support with the keyboard.

"What LED colors are available?"

Ruby (Red)
Sapphire (Blue)
Emerald (Green)
Amethyst (Purple)
Crystal (White)
Amber (Yellow)
Pearl (Opaque White)

Each LED is matched up with a Fender Jewel Lamp of the same color. So, even when the LEDs are off, the colors are still visible.

"What's the connection format?"

All of our Keyboards are USB 2.0 native and USB 3.0 compatible.

"Can you tell me what "mechanical keyboard" actually means?"

Most "soft-touch" style keyboards (like the one they give you for free when you buy a new PC) are called "membrane" keyboards, meaning that, underneath the keys are two thin plastic sheets, or "membranes", that each have half a circuit printed on them with a conductive material. When you press a key down, the key squishes these two flimsy membranes together, which momentarily connects the two halves of the circuit. This design is effective but not very robust and is very vulnerable to dirt, dust, liquids, aging, and is not exactly supposed to last anyone more than a year or two. Datamancer Keyboards are "mechanical switch" (alps or cherry) designs, meaning there is a separate physical electronic switch on each key which provides a much more reliable connection and is rated to industrial specifications (something like "over 20 million" duty cycles, or key presses). Comparable retail keyboards are the Matias Tactile Pro and the Das Keyboard.

"I have questions that are not answered here. How can I contact you?"

Click the CONTACT button at the top of the site, or click here
CONTACT US.
You may also drop us an email at
Custom@Datamancer.com