With Das Keyboard, you usually make a trade-off. You get exquisite typing experiences, so good that they've won passionate fans among programmers, gamers, and other PC power users. To get an idea of that, we gave the Das Keyboard 6 Professional an excellent review for its build quality, despite its lack of premium keyboard staples like RGB backlighting and a software utility.

But then there comes the trade-off. You got performance, but in terms of aesthetics? Well, unless you liked plain black keyboards, you were out of luck. Until now: With a choice of four color variants, the new Das Keyboard DeltaForce 65 ($219) delivers striking visual flair while packing in the brand's usual superlative tech.

To be sure, the DeltaForce 65 doesn't beat out other gaming keyboards in this price range, like the Alienware Pro, our current Editors’ Choice pick for premium compact gaming keyboards. Still, the DeltaForce 65 is a contender for its attractive color scheme and stellar sound profile. (See also our interview with Das Keyboard CEO Daniel Guermeur about the DeltaForce and other keyboard chatter.)

Design: This Camouflage Stands Out

The DeltaForce 65 comes in four color schemes, and the common theme is camouflage. Pictured throughout this review you'll see the Cyber Kamo variant, with its all-black frame, red volume dial, and smoky camo keycaps. The other versions include Jungle Kamo (green with orange accents), Desert Kamo (beige with lighter orange accents), and Urban Kamo (identical to Cyber Kamo, except with a more traditional camouflage pattern on its keycaps).

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

The differences, though, are only skin deep. Internally, each variant is identical to the others. And there's no wireless option for any of them; you'll need to plug in a detachable USB cable. We do appreciate detachable cables, but the port placement (on the top edge of the frame) limits cable management. The DeltaForce 65 could definitely use a setup like the Keychron C3 Pro, where the USB port is on the underside, and channels on the bottom of the frame let you route the cable through the middle, left, or right of the frame.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

The keyboards are all the same size, as well. The DeltaForce 65 lacks a full-size number pad, making it a "tenkeyless" device. That general group breaks down into two more-specific subclasses based on size: 60% and 65%. Although this keyboard is marketed as a 65% board—meaning it ostensibly has about 65% of the number of keys as a full-size model—its lack of a function row (F1 to F12) makes it look more like a 60% keyboard. But the size of the keyboard also matters when you're defining a keyboard: At 1.5 by 12.5 by 4.5 inches (HWD), the DeltaForce 65 comfortably fits in the 65% realm.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

We'll discuss the keys below in much more detail. For now, let's just say that the stock key switches are Gateron G Pro Reds, a linear switch with 43g of actuation force analogous to Cherry Reds. I’m not a fan of linear switches because of their lack of tactility, so I appreciate that the DeltaForce 65 is hot-swappable (a first for a Das Keyboard product) and can accept any traditional switch with a three-pin layout.

Features and Build Quality: Hot-Swappable Switches, Cool Aluminum

The aluminum frame is cool and pleasing to the touch, machined in two pieces that are joined via hexagonal screws underneath the keyboard. In a thoughtful design touch, the screws aren’t hidden beneath the four rubber footpads, making it easy to open up the keyboard for any mods or repairs. You'll need to supply your own Allen wrench, though: The tool isn't included.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

When you do get inside the DeltaForce 65, you won't find much space to work with. The bottom frame fits the internals of the keyboard with little to no wiggle room. On the one hand, it's not great for mods. But the tight design does make for an exceptional sound profile: There's not a lot space inside the board for echoes to bounce around in. The DeltaForce 65 also sports a layer of sound-damping foam, giving each keystroke a satisfying “thocc” sound that’s barely audible.

I went through some rounds of the MonkeyType typing test to get used to the keys on the DeltaForce 65. Smaller keyboards always take some acclimating, I find, but it didn’t take long to get back to my average of 68 words per minute. 

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

On the left and right sides, the DeltaForce 65 sports grooves reminiscent of mounting rails found on some firearms. Similar grooves are cut into the metallic red control dial at the upper right corner of the keyboard, giving it a look akin to the drum on a revolver. Both design choices strengthen the military aesthetic of this board, but the side grooves don’t offer any kind of functionality. The grooves on the dial at least offer a natural place to grip.

What else comes in the box? As I said, you won't get an Allen wrench, but you will find a combination key-switch/keycap puller and a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for connecting to your PC. This is pretty barebones for accessories in this price range. In contrast, the Keychron Q1 HE is also easy to open and includes a screwdriver, extra screws, and foam gaskets for a comparable price. See also the Asus ROG Falchion RX, which comes with a plastic cover that is useful for transport.

Software: Plenty of Customizable Options

One final plus: You can do lots of customizing with the DeltaForce 65 when you fire up the VIA web app. The app isn't from Das Keyboard; the company's own software utility is exclusive to its Q line of products. Instead, VIA draws on open-source firmware called Quantum Mechanical Keyboard (QMK). DeltaForce 65, needless to say, is compatible.

(Credit: VIA)

As with other QMK-based keyboards, launching VIA is as easy as visiting www.usevia.app and hitting the Authorize Device button. With the DeltaForce 65 paired, you can do everything from remapping keys to adjusting lighting settings to assigning macros for shortcuts.