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What's your thought on Dygma Raise (Split Keyboard)'s Kickstarter Project?
- Thread starter beyonddc
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GotNoRice
[H]F Junkie
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The whole split keyboard thing isn't a new concept. If there was significant interest, it would have become popular a long time ago. Instead it's basically just like a trackball - no one cares to use them except for a very small niche that mostly uses it for arthritis issues or similar.
DrLobotomy
Supreme [H]ardness
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I learned how to err, hunt-n-peck, err type on a red IBM Selectric II in high school.
I am already ruined with a single keyboard from decades of use.
I will pass.
I am already ruined with a single keyboard from decades of use.
I will pass.
sharknice
2[H]4U
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The biggest advantage these have for gaming is you can move the right side out of the way and have your mouse closer in. Then in the image they do the complete opposite. /facepalm
Seems like not a whole lot of interest in here.
I backed the project early and got the early backer discount. I am willing to give it a try.
I am in search of ergonomic keyboard solution for work especially I did develop carpal tunnel previously on my right hand. After usage of a vertical mouse, my carpal tunnel symptom gotten better and now I don't feel pain anymore.
Getting back to the keyboard....
Microsoft Sculpt and Surface keyboard seems like a good option but I want a mechanical keyboard so it doesn't fit my criteria.
The ErgoDox which is another split keyboard has weird keys layout, I prefer a keys layout that is more traditional like.
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge fits all my criteria but it is too pricey.
So I ended up backing this project. Let's hope for the best.
At the meantime while waiting for the fulfillment in Summer of '18, I need to buy a cheapo mechanical keyboard replacement for my CM Storm Trigger. Couple keys no longer work....
I backed the project early and got the early backer discount. I am willing to give it a try.
I am in search of ergonomic keyboard solution for work especially I did develop carpal tunnel previously on my right hand. After usage of a vertical mouse, my carpal tunnel symptom gotten better and now I don't feel pain anymore.
Getting back to the keyboard....
Microsoft Sculpt and Surface keyboard seems like a good option but I want a mechanical keyboard so it doesn't fit my criteria.
The ErgoDox which is another split keyboard has weird keys layout, I prefer a keys layout that is more traditional like.
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge fits all my criteria but it is too pricey.
So I ended up backing this project. Let's hope for the best.
At the meantime while waiting for the fulfillment in Summer of '18, I need to buy a cheapo mechanical keyboard replacement for my CM Storm Trigger. Couple keys no longer work....
A lot of people don't really care about their input devices until they either have problems with their hands, or discover that they're more productive with better tools. The entire keyboard niche is actually just a niche--a niche that has expanded considerably, but is still a niche. One the fanboys and 'me toos' have left, the core enthusiast will still be there. Kinda like how boys get into cars to get girls and then leave the hobby once they either have a girl or realize they can't get a girl with a car, lol.
Comixbooks
Fully [H]
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too kooky I'm a big fan of keyboards but don't know how to use them. I really want to use a Razer Ornata but worried about Chinas QC.
You should be concerned. Razer's QC isn't that good. It never has been. The Chinese switches feel like decent enough approximations of other switches on the market. However, the key caps they use make Razer keyboards feel incredibly cheap. Sadly, they aren't. In short, you can do better going with another brand. Not only will you get a better feeling keyboard, but one that's made better to begin with.
I swear by the split keyboard concept, however I not so sure about this one, seems very similar to the Mathias Ergo Pro, since it has a staggered layout with limited thumb functionality.
I own a number of ErgoDox (Infinity) keyboards, that I use for both home and office use. The split functionality makes it possible to change typing position to alleviate strain, as it allows you to tilt, twist and move each section seperately. It is fully programmable and offers vastly improved thumb functionality to normal keyboards (inspired by Maltron and Kinesis).
I own a number of ErgoDox (Infinity) keyboards, that I use for both home and office use. The split functionality makes it possible to change typing position to alleviate strain, as it allows you to tilt, twist and move each section seperately. It is fully programmable and offers vastly improved thumb functionality to normal keyboards (inspired by Maltron and Kinesis).
Yea, I know it is similar to ergo dox but ergo dox is fairly pricey and I was able to hop on the early bird discount on the raise so that's why I got it.
RanceJustice
Supreme [H]ardness
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I'm intrigued. I was looking into another split keyboard bespoke project - www.keyboard.io - Model 01 . One thing about it that I was unsure of is the particular sculpted keycaps and unusual layout which has kept me from ordering. The Dygma Raise seems to be a more "typical" layout which is a benefit. It seems to hit many of my mech-keyboard requirements - open source software+firmware, RGB per-key backlighting, high quality (aluminum in this case) deck, choice of good switches and even better swappable switches. The one thing I'd be curious is the particular layout and key sizes/shapes. This is important for things like aftermarket keysets and whatnot . The other issue is the lack of ergonomic positioning - the wrist/palm rest is a good thing of course (hope that's a comfy, soft gel), but if you look at the KeyboardIO Model 01 and for that matter the ErgoDox EZ, there are different ways of angling each side of the board to fit the user's preference. Perhaps the Raise could offer the same "leg kit" that the ErgoDox EZ does?
Aside from the KeyboardIO Model 01, I was also looking into an ErgoDox model (ie ErgoDox EZ is the most "modern" with some stand upgrades - www.ergodox-ez.com , but I think the ErgoDox Infinity www.input.club model is actually better, if it could be updated; alas the Infinity model isn't currently for sale as a package or individually. ), but I am waiting for one to be upgraded for RGB backlighting on the keys themselves and perhaps a few other features. The Dygma Raise seems a reasonable competitor and certainly worth looking into . Thanks!
Edit: Can't believe I forgot I already pledged on this last week!
Aside from the KeyboardIO Model 01, I was also looking into an ErgoDox model (ie ErgoDox EZ is the most "modern" with some stand upgrades - www.ergodox-ez.com , but I think the ErgoDox Infinity www.input.club model is actually better, if it could be updated; alas the Infinity model isn't currently for sale as a package or individually. ), but I am waiting for one to be upgraded for RGB backlighting on the keys themselves and perhaps a few other features. The Dygma Raise seems a reasonable competitor and certainly worth looking into . Thanks!
Edit: Can't believe I forgot I already pledged on this last week!
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The Dygma Raise will have a tilt option according to their kickstarter's comment. Below the snippet of that particular comment but this is a kickstarter project so who knows how much promise they can keep.
>> It will have options to tent, just like Kinesis. It's not announced because we don't have the final solution yet, we are working on it. As soon as we have it we will share it.
This is a very interesting time to be a keyboard enthusiast. It's great to see this ergonomic designs getting some backing to bring them to the masses. I didn't even know about the erdodox ez or the Model 01 and try to stay on top of these things.
ajrettke33
Limp Gawd
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I'm forced to use a craptastic straight keyboard at work so I don't want to constantly jump back and forth..
BYOK! (Bring your own keyboard).
At one point I brought a Model M to work and had to do some visible pdf comparisons of thousands of files. I was alt-tabbing between two windows so far that all day it sounded like a machine gun. People would ask me what I'm doing and I'd say--my work.
RanceJustice
Supreme [H]ardness
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Just letting everyone know that the Dygma Raise fully funded on IndieGoGo a long time back and has done a LOT of upgrading as they come closer to production - including a brand new website!
https://dygma.com/
It is available for pre-order there (as well as still on IndieGoGo if you wish) it shows a bit more of the keyboard. I have to say I'm glad I backed - the developers at Dygma have been very courteous and responsive to any inquiries I've sent asking more about the keyboard, as well as asking for feedback and anything that could be done to make it better. For instance, I asked about the "split space bar" and other key sizes and they replied that they were going out of their way to make them standardized (ie 1.25u , 1.75u etc... ) on common sizes so that people using keycaps/sets would be more likely to find them fitting. They also reworked and upgraded the "huble" and are open to ways to actually expand the keyboard with additional plug-in modules for those who want expanded functionality (extra rows of keys, dedicated media keys, perhaps even an analog stick for those who want to replicate the left-hand "Gameboard" setup etc) and other features
It seems the Dygma Raise is an accessible and exciting ergonomic keyboard project and well worth a look- "doing it right" with lots of open (source, spec) user-focused features for function and aesthetic alike, easy to use and adapt to as you wish (ie you don't have to relearn ortholinear setups for those not interested), and granting the benefits of ergonomic typing and gaming!
https://dygma.com/
It is available for pre-order there (as well as still on IndieGoGo if you wish) it shows a bit more of the keyboard. I have to say I'm glad I backed - the developers at Dygma have been very courteous and responsive to any inquiries I've sent asking more about the keyboard, as well as asking for feedback and anything that could be done to make it better. For instance, I asked about the "split space bar" and other key sizes and they replied that they were going out of their way to make them standardized (ie 1.25u , 1.75u etc... ) on common sizes so that people using keycaps/sets would be more likely to find them fitting. They also reworked and upgraded the "huble" and are open to ways to actually expand the keyboard with additional plug-in modules for those who want expanded functionality (extra rows of keys, dedicated media keys, perhaps even an analog stick for those who want to replicate the left-hand "Gameboard" setup etc) and other features
It seems the Dygma Raise is an accessible and exciting ergonomic keyboard project and well worth a look- "doing it right" with lots of open (source, spec) user-focused features for function and aesthetic alike, easy to use and adapt to as you wish (ie you don't have to relearn ortholinear setups for those not interested), and granting the benefits of ergonomic typing and gaming!
RanceJustice
Supreme [H]ardness
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Just mentioning that they've closed the second-tier crowdfunding on IndieGoGo and now are taking orders exclusively via their site! Those of us who backed have been given their final survey to select their configuration for their Raise.
Since my last update the Dygma team has been very forthcoming with their development process and has on multiple occasions polled the backer community for certain features. For instance, the "Huble" is now called the "Neuron" and is the Y-shaped USB-C connector that is used to connect both halves of the keyboard so you need only use one USB port on your PC. There was a question about offering an extra USB hub port, but they discovered that to do so it would require a slightly larger device and slightly thicker cables for security and reliability. Not wanting to compromise on durability, they asked backers to choose between the larger option with thicker cables plus additional port, and a smaller/thinner option but removing the port. The users chose the latter by a significant portion and so now we have a Y-shaped Neuron connector). They've also honed and upgraded a number of features including the way both halves sit together, a more powerful ARM based controller for LEDs and brains of the thing, upgrades to the removable and cleanable wrist pads, and more. Of course all the core features like the RGB backlit keys/underbody lighting, drop-in switch swapping, open source firmware/software, the 4-way-split "space bar", extra low profile keys, and more are all present.
Those who are interested in purchasing via Pre-Order there is still a 10% discount held over from IGG and many of the backer extras were, thanks to the amount funded, made available for everyone across the board. Right now you can choose the following...
Either Black or Silver overall color aesthetic. This will mean the color of the anodized aluminum deck, colors of the cables, and keycaps (Note: the Silver edition comes with White keycaps, the black edition with black). As an enthusiast keyboard, I';ve been told it is made easy to disassemble so if you want to change the color of the deck later, you can do so.
Layout - They have a ton of different layouts and keycap sets, both ANSI and ISO, so international users should be set. Note that the EN US and EN UK keycaps (both white and black) are doubleshot PBT, but the remainder are ABS; high quality ABS,, but they didn't have enough volume to make it cost effective to set up doubleshot PBT for those keysets. One great thing about the Raise as I mentioned before though, is that it is fully compatible with most "standard" aftermarket keycap sets. The only differences are in the bottom row where you'll need a few extra (though standard sized) keys because of the 4-piece space bar, and the 4 under-row keys which need to fit Low Profile style switches Dygma plans to make other keysets available later on, themselves.
Switches - You can choose from a nice selection,of both Cherry MX switches and Kailh "Speed" switches which some feel are of equal if not better quality than Cherry. They offer Cherry MX Blue , Brown and Red, as well as Kailh Speed Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper! Of course, thanks to the switches being easily swapped, if you like something different you can easily customize. In addition, Dygma is very graciously letting buyers swap their switch set for free, if say.. they realized that the Cherry MX Blues were too loud for the office etc.
Here's an infographic detailing some of the choices - NOTE: Its large, so I'm sticking it under a spoiler. - that was set to the backers to help make their choices. Its worth noting that the blubs about the key switch type comes from Input Club, so they are sourcing good info.
Having my primary mechanical experience on Cherry MX Red, I'm trying to decide between the Kailh Speed Silver and Copper. The Silver is the closest to my Reds, given that its also Linear. However, the Copper is Tactile probably most closely related to the Cherry MX Brown. Since i've not used a Tactile switch before, I'm not sure if I'll llike the additional bump or not. Both Silver and Copper are going to be slightly less travel, faster activation, and otherwise an improvement at least on paper. My use is both for gaming (many genres) and general typing (like writing long posts like this!) Those with experience on both Cherry MX and Kailh Speed types, as well as specifically Silver / Copper, would be especially appreciated but any input would be welcome. Anyone have some advice?
When I receive my Dygma Raise I'll write up a little review on it if anyone is interested! I expect mine to likely ship in August or September., along with many of the Kickstarter / IndieGoGo backers. Later orders may range into October and November, at current. Things may change after the first production run of course. Any questions feel free to let me know!
Since my last update the Dygma team has been very forthcoming with their development process and has on multiple occasions polled the backer community for certain features. For instance, the "Huble" is now called the "Neuron" and is the Y-shaped USB-C connector that is used to connect both halves of the keyboard so you need only use one USB port on your PC. There was a question about offering an extra USB hub port, but they discovered that to do so it would require a slightly larger device and slightly thicker cables for security and reliability. Not wanting to compromise on durability, they asked backers to choose between the larger option with thicker cables plus additional port, and a smaller/thinner option but removing the port. The users chose the latter by a significant portion and so now we have a Y-shaped Neuron connector). They've also honed and upgraded a number of features including the way both halves sit together, a more powerful ARM based controller for LEDs and brains of the thing, upgrades to the removable and cleanable wrist pads, and more. Of course all the core features like the RGB backlit keys/underbody lighting, drop-in switch swapping, open source firmware/software, the 4-way-split "space bar", extra low profile keys, and more are all present.
Those who are interested in purchasing via Pre-Order there is still a 10% discount held over from IGG and many of the backer extras were, thanks to the amount funded, made available for everyone across the board. Right now you can choose the following...
Either Black or Silver overall color aesthetic. This will mean the color of the anodized aluminum deck, colors of the cables, and keycaps (Note: the Silver edition comes with White keycaps, the black edition with black). As an enthusiast keyboard, I';ve been told it is made easy to disassemble so if you want to change the color of the deck later, you can do so.
Layout - They have a ton of different layouts and keycap sets, both ANSI and ISO, so international users should be set. Note that the EN US and EN UK keycaps (both white and black) are doubleshot PBT, but the remainder are ABS; high quality ABS,, but they didn't have enough volume to make it cost effective to set up doubleshot PBT for those keysets. One great thing about the Raise as I mentioned before though, is that it is fully compatible with most "standard" aftermarket keycap sets. The only differences are in the bottom row where you'll need a few extra (though standard sized) keys because of the 4-piece space bar, and the 4 under-row keys which need to fit Low Profile style switches Dygma plans to make other keysets available later on, themselves.
Switches - You can choose from a nice selection,of both Cherry MX switches and Kailh "Speed" switches which some feel are of equal if not better quality than Cherry. They offer Cherry MX Blue , Brown and Red, as well as Kailh Speed Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper! Of course, thanks to the switches being easily swapped, if you like something different you can easily customize. In addition, Dygma is very graciously letting buyers swap their switch set for free, if say.. they realized that the Cherry MX Blues were too loud for the office etc.
Here's an infographic detailing some of the choices - NOTE: Its large, so I'm sticking it under a spoiler. - that was set to the backers to help make their choices. Its worth noting that the blubs about the key switch type comes from Input Club, so they are sourcing good info.
Having my primary mechanical experience on Cherry MX Red, I'm trying to decide between the Kailh Speed Silver and Copper. The Silver is the closest to my Reds, given that its also Linear. However, the Copper is Tactile probably most closely related to the Cherry MX Brown. Since i've not used a Tactile switch before, I'm not sure if I'll llike the additional bump or not. Both Silver and Copper are going to be slightly less travel, faster activation, and otherwise an improvement at least on paper. My use is both for gaming (many genres) and general typing (like writing long posts like this!) Those with experience on both Cherry MX and Kailh Speed types, as well as specifically Silver / Copper, would be especially appreciated but any input would be welcome. Anyone have some advice?
When I receive my Dygma Raise I'll write up a little review on it if anyone is interested! I expect mine to likely ship in August or September., along with many of the Kickstarter / IndieGoGo backers. Later orders may range into October and November, at current. Things may change after the first production run of course. Any questions feel free to let me know!
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N4CR
Supreme [H]ardness
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Look cool but that white will grot up really fast.
Still adjusting to it or is it pretty easy to get in to?
What I've been keen to try is a slimblade setup (for the detachable numpad) but they are rare and I can only find a single NOS in the world, without the numpad.
Quite a few professionals use trackballs as they are better for them and far less stress. I don't have RSI but far prefer a trackball... I'm a better shooter with them too, don't think I'll ever go back to a mouse. 3 year warranty to boot on the kensington expert too... Try a decent one someday.
RanceJustice
Supreme [H]ardness
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Crowdfunded over a year ago, the first retail units are finally shipping! Despite delays, one thing that gave me great confidence in the project was how Dygma both A) offered refunds to those who wished to cancel because of delays, rather than pulling the bullshit refusal justifications that many shifty hardware crowdfunding projects employ and B) had phenomenal communication all along the way. If there was going to be a delay , backers always knew specifics of what and why (one time a component's manufacturer did a shoddy job and they needed to have them replaced etc) which clearly showcased they cared about quality above all else.
Below are a handful of "unboxing" pictures I've taken of my Raise in the Silver / White option. (Note: The keycaps, white PBT doubleshot, are a bright white color with no yellowing or anything ; the difference in shades between pics has to do with lighting).
---
Crowdfunding and pre-orders of the Raise come packed in this included carrying case! I am unsure if it will be included in later purchases, but if not i'm sure it will be available as an accessory.
Case opened, the Raise itself is present with a nice little cloth pull tab (in red) to help remove it. Below is the Neuron, the Y-shaped central connector to which both sides of the Raise connect, and in turn connect to your PC. My Raise is the Silver chassis option that comes with white keycaps in my case, PBT doubleshot US English in the ANSI layout. Other languages are also available, as is the ISO layout when required. Note that the US English and UK English are PBT doubleshot, while other languages offered (Japanese, Spanish etc) were, laser etched legends on ABS, as the lower volume made PBT cost prohibitive, at least at first.
Removing the keyboard itself, the bottom layer has compartments for many cables and accessories. I've placed the included quick-start guide and decals on the lid. The top compartment includes the double-sided key cap / switch removal tool, as well as 2 USB-C cables for connecting both halves of the Raise to the Neuron. Next compartment down is the USB-C > USB-A cable connecting the Neuron to your PC All cables/accessories will be color-matched. The removable wrists rests are prominently visible in white, below. In the bottom compartments are an assortment of key switches, one of each that Dygma sells with their keyboards. This is a nice little bonus allowing owners to try out each switch type and freely compare with each other as well as the one originally selected for their board ; replacement is easy given hotswap, solder-free sockets. I personally went for the Kailh Speed Silver as I'm used to typing on CherryMX Red, a fellow linear type switch, though I am curious to compare with some tactile types.
The Raise sitting on my table, with wrist cushions in place. I have them just sitting there loosely, though there is a backing that can be peeled off allowing them to be sticky yet without residue ; they can be removed and washed if need be. Overall the whole keyboard feels solid and well made, heavy enough to stay in place when intended yet light enough to move when you wish.
With a small amount of force, the ergonomic keyboard splits into two. Its perfectly viable to only use one half, gamepad style if you so choose, by the way. Note that Dygma is working on a tilt/tent angle adjustment kit to add yet another option to positioning.
A close up of the connectors that hold the Raise securely together ; a combination of magnets (not visible of course) and pin-and-socket
So for the moment that concludes the unboxing! I am considering doing a more comprehensive review (possibly video?) in the future so please let me know any questions or things you wish to see. If nothing else I'll definitely take a few pics with it set up and ready to go, showcasing the lighting options Other backers who's keyboard has shipped feel free to throw in your experiences too! Thanks!
Edit: Pics are pretty large, so I hid them behind spoilers so you can collapse them and/or save bandwidth if need be.
Edit 2: Merging with this necro'd thread. Please keep in mind that some of the parameters of the final design/features are different from the original Kickstarter version!
Below are a handful of "unboxing" pictures I've taken of my Raise in the Silver / White option. (Note: The keycaps, white PBT doubleshot, are a bright white color with no yellowing or anything ; the difference in shades between pics has to do with lighting).
---
So for the moment that concludes the unboxing! I am considering doing a more comprehensive review (possibly video?) in the future so please let me know any questions or things you wish to see. If nothing else I'll definitely take a few pics with it set up and ready to go, showcasing the lighting options Other backers who's keyboard has shipped feel free to throw in your experiences too! Thanks!
Edit: Pics are pretty large, so I hid them behind spoilers so you can collapse them and/or save bandwidth if need be.
Edit 2: Merging with this necro'd thread. Please keep in mind that some of the parameters of the final design/features are different from the original Kickstarter version!
Comixbooks
Fully [H]
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Looks good but the wrist rest looks excessive.
N4CR
Supreme [H]ardness
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Chassis is alu?
Ya chassis is alu. So the white actually wipes clean very easily and everything on the board is easily replaceable (even comes with the tools). As far as the wrist pads go they are the only ones I have ever liked and the comfort is amazing. I had been using a GPro TKL for a while and didn't have any complaints other than actually doing work on it sucked. Unfortunately last night in the middle of a game I ran into a problem with the keyboard not responding, just contacted support so we will see how it goes. I don't see anyone else having issues on twitter so I'm chalking it up to my terrible RNG.