If you’re shopping for a premium mechanical keyboard, chances are you’ve come across Das Keyboard 4 and Das Keyboard 6. These are two flagship models from the legendary German-inspired brand known for its no-nonsense build quality and unmatched typing experience.
But which one should you buy — the classic Das Keyboard 4 or the modernized Das Keyboard 6?
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore everything from Das Keyboard 4 vs 6 build quality to performance, features, and price. Whether you’re a writer, programmer, or creative professional, this guide will help you make the right choice.
Design & Build Quality
Both models stay true to Das Keyboard’s premium aesthetic — sleek, minimal, and solid.
- Das Keyboard 4 uses a brushed aluminum top panel and features the iconic magnetic footbar ruler for elevation — practical and unique.
- Das Keyboard 6 refines this with a more modern anodized aluminum body and screw-in brass feet for extra stability.
While both are impressively sturdy, the 6 feels slightly more polished and contemporary in design.
Typing Experience & Performance
The core typing feel is nearly identical across both keyboards.
- Both use Cherry MX or MX2A switches — available in Brown (tactile, quiet) and Blue (clicky, loud) options.
- The Das Keyboard 6 features improved switch longevity (up to 100 million keystrokes), while the 4 averages around 50 million.
- Both support full N-Key Rollover, but the 6 offers it permanently, whereas the 4 requires toggling it on via shortcut.
Overall, typing on either keyboard is satisfying, accurate, and perfectly suited for long work sessions.
However, if you prefer typing in dim environments, the 6’s white LED backlighting is a huge advantage.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
While both keyboards share the iconic full-size layout and aluminum top panel, the differences are in the details. The table below outlines the critical specification changes between the Das Keyboard 4 Professional and the 6 Professional.
| Feature | Das Keyboard 4 | Das Keyboard 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Build Material | Aluminum top panel, plastic base | Full anodized aluminum enclosure |
| Switch Options | Cherry MX Brown/Blue (50M lifespan) | Cherry MX2A Brown/Blue (100M lifespan) |
| Backlighting | ❌ None | ✅ White LED backlighting |
| USB Hub | 2× USB 3.0 ports | 2× USB-C ports |
| Connectivity | USB-A | USB-C (with adapter for USB-A) |
| NKRO | Toggleable | Always on |
| Feet / Stand | Magnetic ruler footbar | Screw-in brass feet |
| Volume / Media Controls | Dedicated knob + media keys | Same design, refined build |
| Dimensions / Weight | 18″ × 6.8″ × 0.8″ / 2.9 lb | 17.5″ × 5.3″ × 1.1″ / 2.9 lb |
| Price Range (USD) | ~$139–$169 | ~$169–$219 |
| Ideal Users | Minimalists, classic typists | Modern users, night typers |
Quick Highlights Table
The most significant updates in the newer model focus on modernization and usability. Here are the core highlights of how the two keyboards compare:
| Model | Best For | Key Strengths | Main Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Das Keyboard 4 | Professionals wanting a classic, non-LED look | Excellent build, tactile feel, fast USB 3.0 hub | No backlight, older USB-A |
| Das Keyboard 6 | Modern users, coders, or gamers | LED lighting, USB-C, upgraded switches | Higher price, screw feet not adjustable |
- Connectivity: The Das Keyboard 6 fully embraces the modern era by swapping out all USB-A connections for the faster, more versatile USB-C standard on both the cable and the pass-through hub.
- Visibility: The lack of illumination was a common critique of the DK4. The Das Keyboard 6 remedies this with clean, white, single-color backlighting on every key.
- Longevity: The DK6 features the new Cherry MX2A switches, which are rated for up to 100 million keystrokes, double the lifespan of the original Cherry MX switches in the DK4.
- Design Shift: The memorable magnetic ruler footbar on the DK4 has been replaced with more traditional, albeit screw-in, feet on the DK6.
Price & Value
Pricewise, Das Keyboard 4 typically sells for around $139–$169, while Das Keyboard 6 is priced at $169–$219 depending on retailer and switch type.
If you can live without lighting and USB-C, the 4 offers incredible value and durability.
However, the 6’s modern updates — backlighting, switch lifespan, and connectivity — justify the price for most buyers looking toward future compatibility.
Key Takeaways
When deciding between these two productivity giants, these are the main points that will steer your choice:
- Backlighting is the biggest functional change. If you work in a low-light environment, the Das Keyboard 6 is the clear choice.
- The DK4’s USB-A hub is useful for legacy devices. If you still use older flash drives or peripherals with Type-A connectors, the DK4 offers more direct convenience.
- The DK6 is more refined in small details, such as the integrated click-to-mute on the volume knob versus the DK4’s separate mute button.
- Both maintain the legendary, heavy-duty aluminum build and the choice of Cherry MX Blue (Clicky) or Cherry MX Brown (Tactile) switches.
Pros & Cons of Das Keyboard 4 vs 6
Here is a quick breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of both the Das Keyboard 4 vs 6 Professional models:
Das Keyboard 4 Professional
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ USB-A 3.0 Hub for wide compatibility. | ❌ No Backlighting, making it poor for dark environments. |
| ✅ Unique Footbar/Ruler provides a useful desk tool. | ❌ Older Cherry MX switch generation (50M keystrokes). |
| ✅ Dedicated back track media button. | ❌ Older USB-A Host cable and hub ports. |
Das Keyboard 6 Professional
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ White LED Backlighting for working in any light. | ❌ USB-C Hub requires adapters for older USB-A devices. |
| ✅ Dual USB-C Pass-Through is modern and high-speed. | ❌ Screw-in Feet can be easier to misplace than the ruler. |
| ✅ Cherry MX2A Switches for 100 Million keystroke lifespan. | ❌ No Configuration Software for key remapping/macros. |
Buying Recommendations
For the Modern User & Night Owl: Go with the Das Keyboard 6 Professional. The combination of backlighting and the dual USB-C hub makes it a superior choice for contemporary setups, especially those using modern Macbooks or slim Windows laptops. The increased switch longevity is a bonus.
For the Budget-Conscious & Legacy User: Choose the Das Keyboard 4 Professional. If you don’t need backlighting and primarily use older USB-A peripherals (like a wireless dongle or flash drive), the DK4 is still a fantastic, durable mechanical keyboard, and you may find it available at a lower price point now that the DK6 is released.
For Mac Users: Both are primarily PC-layout (Windows/Linux) keyboards. The DK6 doesn’t offer a dedicated Mac version or Mac-specific key legends, so while it works, you’ll still be mapping keys manually in your OS.
💡 Who Should Buy Which?
Choose Das Keyboard 4 if:
- You prefer a clean, professional, no-light keyboard
- You want a durable, tactile typing experience at a lower price
- You mostly use USB-A peripherals
- You appreciate the iconic ruler footbar design
Choose Das Keyboard 6 if:
- You often type in low-light environments
- You want future-proof connectivity (USB-C)
- You care about longevity and improved switches
- You want an illuminated, premium look on your desk
Editor’s Verdict
Das Keyboard 6 is the clear winner for modern setups, offering LED backlighting, USB-C, and long-lasting MX2A switches — all while preserving the brand’s world-class typing feel.
Das Keyboard 4 remains a fantastic choice for traditionalists and professionals who prefer simplicity, no lights, and a lower price point.
Final Verdict
In the Das Keyboard 4 vs 6 showdown, both keyboards stay true to Das’s reputation for uncompromising quality. The Das Keyboard 6 simply brings those strengths into the present day with modern enhancements.
If you value USB-C, LED lighting, and longevity, choose the 6.
If you value simplicity, timeless design, and a lower price, stick with the 4 — it’s still a top-tier mechanical keyboard even years after launch.
FAQ Section
Q1: Does Das Keyboard 6 support the same layout and keycaps as 4?
A1: Yes, both use standard full-size layouts and interchangeable keycaps.
Q2: Are the switches identical between 4 and 6?
A2: Both use Cherry MX or MX2A switches; the 6 features newer variants rated for more actuations.
Q3: Can I toggle NKRO on Das Keyboard 6?
A3: No need — it’s always on.
Q4: Is USB-C on Das Keyboard 6 backward compatible?
A4: Yes. It includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Q5: Which model is better for gaming?
A5: The 6 edges out slightly thanks to full NKRO and lighting, but both are excellent for gaming.
Q6: Is the LED lighting adjustable?
A6: Yes, brightness can be adjusted, but it’s white-only (no RGB).
Q7: Are these keyboards noisy?
A7: Cherry MX Browns are quieter and suitable for offices; Blues are louder and clicky.
Q8: Are they compatible with macOS and Windows?
A8: Yes — both support macOS, Windows, and Linux without driver installation.
Q9: Do both models come with a warranty?
A9: Yes. Das Keyboard typically offers a 1-year limited warranty on both, though some regions may offer 2 years.
Short Conclusion
Both keyboards deliver the same signature Das typing excellence — the Das Keyboard 6 just modernizes it with lighting, USB-C, and longer switch life. If you want classic simplicity, go with the 4.
If you want modern connectivity and illumination, the 6 is absolutely worth it.
Bottom line: You can’t go wrong with either — it’s simply a question of how future-ready you want your setup to be.
If you have any questions about “Das Keyboard 4 vs 6: Which Keyboard Is Best”, then feel free to let us know through your comments.
