Introduction

WASD Keyboards is a USA based brand that specializes in customization of keyboards and keycap sets alike, in particular their WASD V.2 with full color customization and even keycap sets, allowing a user to upload a custom design that gets integrated into the whole keyboard. But there is another product they manufacture and sell, and that is the CODE. It is today's review subject, and thanks must be given to WASD for providing the review sample.


The CODE keyboard is a collaboration between WASD and Jeff Atwood, aka Coding Horror. For the sake of the review and giving the brand its due recognition, I will refer to it as the WASD CODE here and henceforth. Targeted at typists or simply those who type a lot, the CODE too offers customization. However, unlike the WASD V.2, the customization here is in the form of typing layouts. I have covered the inherent issues of the QWERTY layout before, and how Dvorak and Colemak are much more efficient, and the CODE caters to these and more with the simple use of dipswitches on the back. Let us find out more by beginning with a look at the specifications below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

Since WASD Keyboards also maintains a webshop, their entire packaging will be covered. I requested the full size 104-key CODE, and it was sent in a box that was barely larger than the product box with no packing materials around it either. Poor packaging here, although I will note that the product itself arrived in perfect condition in this specific instance.


The product packaging itself is very clean, with a white color cardboard style packaging and minimalist branding in black. The keyboard name is spelled out on the front, dictionary style, which was a neat touch. An inventory label on the side aside, there is nothing else. WASD really wants the keyboard to speak for itself, and I can appreciate that. There is a single flap in the middle keeping the contents in check, and when we open the box, we see what looks like three separate compartments inside.


The accessories are in the two compartments in the top, and you get a decent set of them. Included with the CODE is a detachable cable with male microUSB to male Type-A USB, a female Type-A USB to male PS/2 adapter, and a nice wire-style keycaps puller. The keyboard itself just needs USB 2.0, so there will be minimal compatibility issues here. Below the keyboard is a quick user guide, an online copy of which is here, and despite the label mentioning it is for their V2 keyboard, the guide still applies for the CODE and is very useful.