After watching your review of this keyboard that I had never even heard of before, and despite having just bought a new split Keychron Q11, I went and bought a Dygma Raise on eBay (Dygma has no new ones to sell in February '24--the earlier 1.[x] models are sold out and the Raise 2 doesn't ship until October). So far, it appears to be the answer to my keyboard problems. My first impression is that it was the most comfortable keyboard I had ever put my hands on in my life. And I've had a long life-my first keyboard was an Adler Satellite 2001 typewriter. The tenting feature allows me to raise the right half higher than the left, which is comfortable for me. I really like it. Too early to say for sure, but I think it's likely that I'll keep it. The Q11 is on its way back. Just wanted to stop by and say thanks!
This reviewer hits the nail on the head again and again. The section called "Homing Keys" is so true--the Raise is completely programmable, so why doesn't it come with keycaps that can be switched between rows and homing keys for Colemak etc.? The ZSA Voyager is the only split keyboard that really does this right. I guess these are early days for next-gen keyboards, and they still have a lot of evolving to do. As a Raise 1 owner I end up typing Colemak with QWERTY legends staring up at me.
Wow! Thank you so much for the in-depth review! We really like honest reviews like this one. We'll make sure to take into consideration your feedback, like the home keys for DVORAK. Plus, we are working on an ortho keyboard that we'll announce realy soon. We hope you like that too :-) Just on a side note: the wobbling of the joint is intentional, because we wanted it to be easy to split. However, if your mainly going to use it non-split, you can tighten the joint if you want (ua-cam.com/video/WJ5i_Rhi0Kk/v-deo.html&ab_channel=DygmaLab)
Heard about this keyboard…. Saw your review…. Bought the keyboard. Oh, my god…. This thing is amazing. The feel of, well, everything is indescribable. Tactical keys feels just like you say. Quality!!! Easy to use rgb software. It’s worth every cent. I’d pay more.
This was a really great review! It was very helpful when I looking into buying one, which I did indeed end up doing. I've had the Raise for about 10 days, and it has been a complete game changer for me. I don't think I can go back to a standard key board. At the moment I'm not too concerned about not having an ortho layout, but that is a step that I want to take in the future. I will definitely be buying the Dygma's ortho key board in the future when I'm ready to spend big money on another keyboard.
Thanks so much for the amazing, comprehensive review. I've got Dequervain's Tensynovitis and I can't use standard keyboards anymore. Reviews like these are helping me to make the decision for which keyboard I'll need to resume using a keyboard with no pain from now on! This one in particular is looking good, the thumb area looks very sensible and like it doesn't need a lot of work from the thumb to make use of. Cheers, and take care.
It is easy to set back arrow keys with the three keys at the bottom right and with the shift key above with bazecor application. That why I picked this one instead of UHK. The equivalent of tap dance is superkey which allows you to do more.
@@benfrainuk To set back the arrow keys, you can use super key.On the right shift, you can put the up arrow when you tap and shift and when you hold it. You will get arrow keys like a regular keyboard
The theory behind this design is that you shouldn't have to move your hands away from the standard position. This only slows down your typing. Instead of trying to find a new position for the arrow keys and number pad, you should just move them to where your fingers are. I'm used to using the number pad with my right hand. I set the number pad to "uio jkl m,." and the arrow keys to "wasd".
Thank you for a comprehensive review, I’m tossing up between the Raise and an ortho layout. The Raise would probably be an easier transition from a standard full sized keyboard for me, however I use the number pad a lot. Do you find having the staggered number layout awkward?
Honestly, I think you could get used to either. With a columnar layout, having a number pad layout on one half may be an easier transition in that respect but you have to get used to everything else you expect to be staggered not and the inverse is true if you stick with staggered and need to get used to a staggered numpad. I’ve never been a big numpad user so can’t offer direct experience there I’m afraid.
Please please make this keyboard with an own arrow Key block, pag+ up+down, home row next to it! This keyboard is so awesome like ISO-DE Layout and and and that is just a dealbreaker for me, so sad
Awesome keyboard. I just listed my Raise with Speed Silver switches on Ebay if anyone is looking for a sweet deal. I'm upgrading to their wireless keyboard.
Good review! And you're right, the case is really nice. Just too bad, that the keyboard with the tenting kit mounted, doesn't fit in the case anymore. In the meantime, Dygma has announced a ortholinear version. Just too bad it came just a couple of weeks after I bought the Raise :)
Well, the Defy won’t be here for a few months yet so you’ll have plenty of time with the Raise before that would be a possibility. I joined the Kickstarter for that so will no doubt review that when it arrives too 👍
Dygma raise is the better product, I have moonlander, uhkv2 & raise. Raise is solid product. What moonlander doesnt tell you, is that there is mental switch when going to the regular laptop keyboard. THis causes problems if you are in meetings at all or use a seperate corporate laptop to meet with others.. all of a sudden you have relearn or switch mentally a keyboard layout. This switch happens alot, thus moonlander in my opinon was a good started but doesnt address corporate life.
I'd be very interested to hear your take on the UHK (Ultimate Hacking Keyboard). It's another 60%-ish keyboard that can be used as a regular keyboard or as a split keyboard. I only recently discovered Dygma Labs but I believe the UHK project has been around longer. I own a UHK v1 and awaiting my UHK v2, but now I'd love to try the Dygma Raise or perhaps the ortholinear split keyboard they have in the works.
I’m reluctant to go back to staggered now. Not because it made any comfort difference for me, just because I don’t want to re-train the muscle memory! The new Dygma ortho board looks far more my kind of thing. Look forward to that. The Dygma kit is very high quality so should be worth waiting for.
Personally I prefer the Moonlander. It’s not that it’s necessarily better, just my preference is columnar layout. I’ve built a wireless Dactyl Manuform board recently and that is nice and clean (no wires keeps desk nice and clean) but if you switch between multiple machines, pairing can be annoying occasionally. New Dygma looks interesting. Imagine it will be a fantastic product. If you want something now, I can’t imagine you would be disappointed with a Moonlander. And you can almost always sell it at a price close to what you paid for it in the first instance.
@@FelipeAlvesgnu No, I don't. But you need to solve the problems you have. There may be some people that suits the Moonlander better because it is flat and the built in hand wrests help. There will be others that prefer the the scooped shape of a Dactyl. I don't think there is a right or wrong definitively, just right or wrong for you.
I’ve just sold my Moonlander and bought a Rayse because I didn’t get used to the thumb cluster. The keys are not so comfortable to reach. And I missed larger modifier keys in left end.
I can see that you have another keyboard on your desk...? what board is that one? it looks interesting especially because it looks small and split.. Great reviews. I do have the Moonlander and I love it... I do not think I will use a staggered keyboard again... the only thing I wish the Moonlander had is wireless
That’s a Sofle. Will record a review of that shortly. I’ve since built a wireless Dactyl Manuform too which I’ll review soon. Been writing a book for the last 9 months and has to forgo doing videos while I got it finished. Will be back recording videos soon 👍
If wireless (Bluetooth), will I still get the cables in case I want to plug in and use? How many super keys can be there? Is there auto shift feature? Like that in moonlander/ergodox. - if no, can all my qwerty keys be super keys/ tap dance where on hold, I can assign the shifted version of the key?
You might be best downloading the Dygma software and taking a look. It’s been a few months since I’ve used it and they are always updating the software. Or send them an email to be sure. 👍
After watching your review of this keyboard that I had never even heard of before, and despite having just bought a new split Keychron Q11, I went and bought a Dygma Raise on eBay (Dygma has no new ones to sell in February '24--the earlier 1.[x] models are sold out and the Raise 2 doesn't ship until October).
So far, it appears to be the answer to my keyboard problems. My first impression is that it was the most comfortable keyboard I had ever put my hands on in my life. And I've had a long life-my first keyboard was an Adler Satellite 2001 typewriter. The tenting feature allows me to raise the right half higher than the left, which is comfortable for me. I really like it. Too early to say for sure, but I think it's likely that I'll keep it. The Q11 is on its way back.
Just wanted to stop by and say thanks!
This reviewer hits the nail on the head again and again. The section called "Homing Keys" is so true--the Raise is completely programmable, so why doesn't it come with keycaps that can be switched between rows and homing keys for Colemak etc.? The ZSA Voyager is the only split keyboard that really does this right. I guess these are early days for next-gen keyboards, and they still have a lot of evolving to do.
As a Raise 1 owner I end up typing Colemak with QWERTY legends staring up at me.
Wow! Thank you so much for the in-depth review! We really like honest reviews like this one.
We'll make sure to take into consideration your feedback, like the home keys for DVORAK. Plus, we are working on an ortho keyboard that we'll announce realy soon. We hope you like that too :-)
Just on a side note: the wobbling of the joint is intentional, because we wanted it to be easy to split. However, if your mainly going to use it non-split, you can tighten the joint if you want (ua-cam.com/video/WJ5i_Rhi0Kk/v-deo.html&ab_channel=DygmaLab)
Thank you so much for the review. Keep up the great work.
Heard about this keyboard…. Saw your review…. Bought the keyboard. Oh, my god…. This thing is amazing. The feel of, well, everything is indescribable. Tactical keys feels just like you say. Quality!!! Easy to use rgb software. It’s worth every cent. I’d pay more.
Fantastic. Glad you like it 👍
Your review convinced me to get on the VIP list for the Raise 2, are you going to review that one as well?
This was a really great review! It was very helpful when I looking into buying one, which I did indeed end up doing. I've had the Raise for about 10 days, and it has been a complete game changer for me. I don't think I can go back to a standard key board. At the moment I'm not too concerned about not having an ortho layout, but that is a step that I want to take in the future. I will definitely be buying the Dygma's ortho key board in the future when I'm ready to spend big money on another keyboard.
Yes! Glad it helped 👍 Agree that new ortho board looks *chefs kiss*
Thanks so much for the amazing, comprehensive review. I've got Dequervain's Tensynovitis and I can't use standard keyboards anymore. Reviews like these are helping me to make the decision for which keyboard I'll need to resume using a keyboard with no pain from now on! This one in particular is looking good, the thumb area looks very sensible and like it doesn't need a lot of work from the thumb to make use of. Cheers, and take care.
It is easy to set back arrow keys with the three keys at the bottom right and with the shift key above with bazecor application. That why I picked this one instead of UHK. The equivalent of tap dance is superkey which allows you to do more.
Hi, yes, I mentioned both those points in the review 👍
@@benfrainuk To set back the arrow keys, you can use super key.On the right shift, you can put the up arrow when you tap and shift and when you hold it. You will get arrow keys like a regular keyboard
The theory behind this design is that you shouldn't have to move your hands away from the standard position. This only slows down your typing.
Instead of trying to find a new position for the arrow keys and number pad, you should just move them to where your fingers are.
I'm used to using the number pad with my right hand. I set the number pad to "uio jkl m,." and the arrow keys to "wasd".
This is a great review. Thanks
Any chance you can do a review with the Dygma Defy?
Got one in order so as soon as it arrives and I’ve used it enough to form an opinion I’ll endeavour to do so 👍
Great review!!
3:50 keyboardio has keycap options for the model 100 Dvorak and colmak
From the website, it looks like the software has gotten way better now
Yes, the Dygma crew put out quality stuff, both software and hardware 👍 Imagine it will continue to improve too
Thank you
Thank you for a comprehensive review, I’m tossing up between the Raise and an ortho layout. The Raise would probably be an easier transition from a standard full sized keyboard for me, however I use the number pad a lot. Do you find having the staggered number layout awkward?
Honestly, I think you could get used to either. With a columnar layout, having a number pad layout on one half may be an easier transition in that respect but you have to get used to everything else you expect to be staggered not and the inverse is true if you stick with staggered and need to get used to a staggered numpad.
I’ve never been a big numpad user so can’t offer direct experience there I’m afraid.
I wish the white balance was better on this video to see the keyboard.
Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind for the next review. Always trying to improve 👍
Great review, very interesting facts. Just wondering, are you related to James Frain?
Ha. No, but to confuse matters, he does have a brother called Ben, and both he and I both used to be actors!
@@benfrainuk Lol! Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the review!
You excited for the newest keyboard they announced? The Dygma Defy
I have one on order!
Please please make this keyboard with an own arrow Key block, pag+ up+down, home row next to it! This keyboard is so awesome like ISO-DE Layout and and and that is just a dealbreaker for me, so sad
Awesome keyboard. I just listed my Raise with Speed Silver switches on Ebay if anyone is looking for a sweet deal. I'm upgrading to their wireless keyboard.
Good review! And you're right, the case is really nice. Just too bad, that the keyboard with the tenting kit mounted, doesn't fit in the case anymore.
In the meantime, Dygma has announced a ortholinear version. Just too bad it came just a couple of weeks after I bought the Raise :)
Well, the Defy won’t be here for a few months yet so you’ll have plenty of time with the Raise before that would be a possibility. I joined the Kickstarter for that so will no doubt review that when it arrives too 👍
one more question mate... what keycaps are you using on your Moonlander? the color combination looks great!
They are from Signature Plastics. Alchemy if I recall. Gone back to the standard ones now though
Dygma raise is the better product, I have moonlander, uhkv2 & raise. Raise is solid product. What moonlander doesnt tell you, is that there is mental switch when going to the regular laptop keyboard. THis causes problems if you are in meetings at all or use a seperate corporate laptop to meet with others.. all of a sudden you have relearn or switch mentally a keyboard layout. This switch happens alot, thus moonlander in my opinon was a good started but doesnt address corporate life.
Hey, I like your reviews alot ! Have you had the chance to get yours hands on the new Dygma Defy?
No but have had one on order for roughly 8.2 light years so hopefully not too much longer to wait!!
@@benfrainukgreat, looking forward to it!
I'd be very interested to hear your take on the UHK (Ultimate Hacking Keyboard). It's another 60%-ish keyboard that can be used as a regular keyboard or as a split keyboard. I only recently discovered Dygma Labs but I believe the UHK project has been around longer. I own a UHK v1 and awaiting my UHK v2, but now I'd love to try the Dygma Raise or perhaps the ortholinear split keyboard they have in the works.
I’m reluctant to go back to staggered now. Not because it made any comfort difference for me, just because I don’t want to re-train the muscle memory!
The new Dygma ortho board looks far more my kind of thing. Look forward to that. The Dygma kit is very high quality so should be worth waiting for.
What did you like more, Dygma Raise or Moolander ? Would you advise me to wait for the Dygma Defi ? Could you give some pros and cons ?
Thanks
Personally I prefer the Moonlander. It’s not that it’s necessarily better, just my preference is columnar layout. I’ve built a wireless Dactyl Manuform board recently and that is nice and clean (no wires keeps desk nice and clean) but if you switch between multiple machines, pairing can be annoying occasionally.
New Dygma looks interesting. Imagine it will be a fantastic product.
If you want something now, I can’t imagine you would be disappointed with a Moonlander. And you can almost always sell it at a price close to what you paid for it in the first instance.
@@benfrainuk Do you believe Dactyl is far superior of Moonlander in terms of ergonomics and typing speed?
@@FelipeAlvesgnu No, I don't. But you need to solve the problems you have. There may be some people that suits the Moonlander better because it is flat and the built in hand wrests help. There will be others that prefer the the scooped shape of a Dactyl. I don't think there is a right or wrong definitively, just right or wrong for you.
I’ve just sold my Moonlander and bought a Rayse because I didn’t get used to the thumb cluster. The keys are not so comfortable to reach. And I missed larger modifier keys in left end.
@@joaomarcus3160 interesting. How are you finding the Raise in comparison?
I can see that you have another keyboard on your desk...? what board is that one? it looks interesting especially because it looks small and split.. Great reviews. I do have the Moonlander and I love it... I do not think I will use a staggered keyboard again... the only thing I wish the Moonlander had is wireless
That’s a Sofle. Will record a review of that shortly. I’ve since built a wireless Dactyl Manuform too which I’ll review soon. Been writing a book for the last 9 months and has to forgo doing videos while I got it finished. Will be back recording videos soon 👍
If wireless (Bluetooth), will I still get the cables in case I want to plug in and use?
How many super keys can be there?
Is there auto shift feature? Like that in moonlander/ergodox.
- if no, can all my qwerty keys be super keys/ tap dance where on hold, I can assign the shifted version of the key?
You might be best downloading the Dygma software and taking a look. It’s been a few months since I’ve used it and they are always updating the software. Or send them an email to be sure. 👍
@@benfrainuk Will do that. Thank you.
Have you received the Defy yet?
No, I haven’t.
Lol “if your friends come over and you don’t want them to know you’re a closet keyboard nerd.” 😂
You worry too much about what other people think.
Eh? Could you expand on that a little?
Great review!