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Compare Dascom DAS 320 vs X-Bows X Bows Knight Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a unique piece of keyboard history and a purpose-built modern ergonomic tool. The decision is difficult because both are wired, enthusiast-focused keyboards in a similar price range but serve fundamentally different goals. The Dascom DAS 320 offers a nostalgic, pre-built terminal experience with specific vintage switches, while the X-Bows Knight is a contemporary, highly customizable ergonomic keyboard designed to reduce strain.

[NIB] DASCOM DAS 320 Terminal Mechanical Keyboard Vintage Black Switch
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X-Bows® Knight | Aluminum Unibody Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a Numpad layout
  • Released in 2026
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIAL configuration
  • Made with a Aluminum case
Scores
  • Performance: 47.5
  • Build Quality: 49.7
  • Productivity: 47.4
  • Customizability: 46.8
  • Portability: 63.1
Scores
  • Performance: 51.8
  • Build Quality: 79.5
  • Productivity: 68.7
  • Customizability: 87
  • Portability: 43.8
Name
Dascom DAS 320
Name
X-Bows X Bows Knight
Release year
2025
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Numpad
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
-
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on whether you value vintage character or modern ergonomics and customization. The X-Bows Knight is a forward-looking investment in comfort and personalization, suited for long-term daily use. The Dascom DAS 320 is a niche collector's item or conversation piece for those specifically seeking the feel and history of a terminal keyboard. For most users, the Knight's adaptable, health-focused design provides more practical value.

Dascom DAS 320

  • +Includes genuine Cherry Vintage Black linear switches, offering a specific vintage typing feel.
  • +Comes as a new-in-box vintage terminal keyboard with a unique historical aesthetic.
  • +Includes a coiled RJ11 cable and optional RJ11 to USB-C adapter for modern compatibility.
  • +Supports VIA firmware customization for key remapping and macros when using the optional adapter.

  • Requires an optional RJ11 to USB-C adapter for use with modern computers.
  • Limited to 6-key rollover, and four specific keys (P1-P4) cannot be held down.
  • Only available with linear Vintage Black switches, with no hot-swap capability to change them.
  • Uses a non-standard terminal layout which may lack keys found on modern keyboards.

X-Bows X Bows Knight

  • +Features a premium, heavy 1100g CNC-machined 6063 aluminum unibody case.
  • +Hot-swappable sockets support a wide variety of 3-pin MX-style switches (linear, tactile, clicky, silent).
  • +Full open-source firmware support with QMK, VIA, and VIAL for deep customization.
  • +Patented ergonomic layout designed to reduce ulnar deviation and promote a neutral wrist position.

  • The unique ergonomic layout requires a significant learning period, noted as up to two weeks.
  • Heavy weight (1100g) and larger footprint make it less portable.
  • Does not include a numpad, which some users may require for data entry.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The X-Bows Knight is the clear choice for modern productivity use cases like office work, programming, and gaming due to its ergonomic design, hot-swappable switches, and robust firmware support. It also dominates for modding enthusiasts. The Dascom DAS 320 wins only for travel, based on its implied portability, and ties for content creation where macro support is key. For most buyers seeking a daily driver, the Knight's modern features outweigh the DAS 320's vintage appeal.

GamingX-Bows X Bows Knight
  • The X-Bows Knight supports N-key rollover, which can prevent key ghosting during complex inputs.
  • Its hot-swappable sockets allow for switch customization, including lighter linear options for faster actuation.
  • The Dascom DAS 320 is limited to 6-key rollover and has four keys (P1-P4) that cannot be held down, which is a significant limitation for gaming.
OfficeX-Bows X Bows Knight
  • The X-Bows Knight's ergonomic design is specifically marketed to reduce wrist pain and promote career longevity.
  • It offers silent switch options like the Silent KS-9, which are better suited for shared workspaces.
  • The Dascom DAS 320 uses clicky Vintage Black switches and lacks a standard USB connection without an optional adapter, making it less practical for a modern office.
ProgrammingX-Bows X Bows Knight
  • The X-Bows Knight features full QMK, VIA, and VIAL support for extensive key remapping and macro creation, which is valuable for coding workflows.
  • Its ergonomic layout is highlighted by user reviews from developers reporting reduced pain.
  • The Dascom DAS 320, while supporting VIA via an adapter, has a non-standard terminal layout that may lack dedicated keys common in programming.
TravelDascom DAS 320
  • The Dascom DAS 320 is implied to be more portable based on its relative scoring, though specific dimensions are not provided.
  • It includes a coiled RJ11 cable, which may be shorter and easier to manage than a standard USB cable.
  • The X-Bows Knight is explicitly noted as heavy at 1100g with a full aluminum body, making it less travel-friendly.
ModdingX-Bows X Bows Knight
  • The X-Bows Knight is hot-swappable, supporting any standard 3-pin MX-style switch for easy customization.
  • It has a CNC-machined aluminum unibody case, offering a premium foundation for modifications.
  • The Dascom DAS 320 is a pre-built vintage unit with soldered Cherry Vintage Black switches, offering little to no modding potential beyond keycaps and the external adapter.
Content CreationTie
  • The X-Bows Knight's ergonomic design can benefit users during long editing sessions to reduce fatigue.
  • Its support for layers and macros via QMK/VIA can be programmed for software shortcuts.
  • The Dascom DAS 320's VIA-compatible adapter also allows for macro and media key programming, providing similar software customization potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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