I've been watching quite a few of your videos now. Dutchie here, by the way. I've been typing for almost 30 years (blind), starting on a typewriter and have only used the 'default' row-staggered layout. I'm not thinking about learning a new layout like a column-staggered layout. I would love to have a Dygma Raise, considering it has a thumb cluster. But I think it is too much money to spend on a keyboard. However, if you would compare the Dygma Raise, the UHK, the Keychron Q11 and the Nocfree Lite, how would you say they compare? I'd love to see a comparison video on them if you still have them. And if you are looking to sell in the Netherlands, I'm open to buy to try 'em out. Thanks for the great videos up until this point. Love the transparency and the non-commercial direction that seem to be working in. Keep it up!
Comparison videos are in the works! I already sold my Keychron boards and am planning to sell some other boards in the new year after the comparison videos are done. Keep an eye on marktplaats though, there's a good ergo board there every month.
Nice review, very comprehensive. I have a zsa voyager but I'm looking for a more traditional layout, so I can swap easily between split and non-split keyboards. In your opinion which one would you buy, NocFree or Keychron Q11? Thanks
We love that split keyboards are becoming more popular and more affordable versions are coming out, even though they are missing some feature (like per-key RGB, better tenting...) or making some compromises in the design (like those micro USB cables or the thing with the 5-pin switches). If you're looking to try aggressive tenting, the Dygma Raise and Dygma Defy go up to 60º 😊
I could be wrong, but the RGB thing could be remedied by writing your own QMK code. If it supports VIAL, I think it also supports QMK by default. Could be wrong on that. I honestly wouldn't mind having a look at the Defy, but it might take a while since these keyboards can be pretty expensive 😅. If you you are willing to sponsor one for review I will certainly be more than happy to give it an extended review. It does seem like there are things to like about it.
does it have prop cross functionality? when holding shift on the left side and pressing a letter on the right does it capitalize? same for custom layers?
@@calmcode-io sorry i mean propper cross functionallity, a lot of wireless split boards without cable dont support cross layer support (shift, CRT, FN etc)
@@shoop9274 I have not experienced any of that, but I have also been using this board wired in mostly. The wireless seemed fine though when I briefly tried.
Totally! It is very welcome to see more affordable options. The build quality honestly feels pretty premium too. The main thing to be aware of is that 5 pin switch situation, probably not a dealbreaker for everyone, but maybe to some.
You can totally still source a mini usb cable if need be, but I do agree. USB-c would have probably been the best fit for this keyboard. The cable does feel premium though, it looks perfectly fine when it is plugged in.
We totally understand your concern. If you primarily use it in wireless mode, you'll only need the bridge cable for charging. And if you do lose it, you can always contact us for a replacement.
As in, the video would be better if you see me type live? I could mention typing experience, but unless there is something very out of the ordinary it is very hard to convey something that in the end is mostly personal preference. Especially because the switches are hot swappable.
I've been watching quite a few of your videos now. Dutchie here, by the way. I've been typing for almost 30 years (blind), starting on a typewriter and have only used the 'default' row-staggered layout. I'm not thinking about learning a new layout like a column-staggered layout. I would love to have a Dygma Raise, considering it has a thumb cluster. But I think it is too much money to spend on a keyboard. However, if you would compare the Dygma Raise, the UHK, the Keychron Q11 and the Nocfree Lite, how would you say they compare? I'd love to see a comparison video on them if you still have them. And if you are looking to sell in the Netherlands, I'm open to buy to try 'em out. Thanks for the great videos up until this point. Love the transparency and the non-commercial direction that seem to be working in. Keep it up!
Comparison videos are in the works!
I already sold my Keychron boards and am planning to sell some other boards in the new year after the comparison videos are done. Keep an eye on marktplaats though, there's a good ergo board there every month.
vial support out of the box is pretty neat
Yeah I agree. A bunch of hobby boards do this, but it is nice for a paid product to also support it directly.
Nice review, very comprehensive. I have a zsa voyager but I'm looking for a more traditional layout, so I can swap easily between split and non-split keyboards. In your opinion which one would you buy, NocFree or Keychron Q11? Thanks
I think the NocFree is a way better deal than the Q11 because the configuration software is better and so are the palmpads/tenting options.
We love that split keyboards are becoming more popular and more affordable versions are coming out, even though they are missing some feature (like per-key RGB, better tenting...) or making some compromises in the design (like those micro USB cables or the thing with the 5-pin switches). If you're looking to try aggressive tenting, the Dygma Raise and Dygma Defy go up to 60º 😊
I could be wrong, but the RGB thing could be remedied by writing your own QMK code. If it supports VIAL, I think it also supports QMK by default. Could be wrong on that.
I honestly wouldn't mind having a look at the Defy, but it might take a while since these keyboards can be pretty expensive 😅. If you you are willing to sponsor one for review I will certainly be more than happy to give it an extended review. It does seem like there are things to like about it.
Is there a way to make the spacebar longer so that it can replace fn key on bottom left ?
Not to my knowledge.
does it have prop cross functionality? when holding shift on the left side and pressing a letter on the right does it capitalize? same for custom layers?
Not 100% sure if I follow since what you describe sounds like normal shift behavior. What makes prop cross different?
@@calmcode-io sorry i mean propper cross functionallity, a lot of wireless split boards without cable dont support cross layer support (shift, CRT, FN etc)
@@shoop9274 I have not experienced any of that, but I have also been using this board wired in mostly. The wireless seemed fine though when I briefly tried.
Perfect keyboard for me just need a flat version.
I have this and UHK. Both the keyboards are good. This is good for entry level split keyboard users.
Totally! It is very welcome to see more affordable options. The build quality honestly feels pretty premium too. The main thing to be aware of is that 5 pin switch situation, probably not a dealbreaker for everyone, but maybe to some.
I think they lost me on the bridge cable could be usb c or TRRS cable, much more common to find a replacement
You can totally still source a mini usb cable if need be, but I do agree. USB-c would have probably been the best fit for this keyboard. The cable does feel premium though, it looks perfectly fine when it is plugged in.
We totally understand your concern. If you primarily use it in wireless mode, you'll only need the bridge cable for charging. And if you do lose it, you can always contact us for a replacement.
@@NocFree Will you also release a black (or grey) version at some point in time?
@@tver Yes, we want a black version too, but unfortunately, it won’t be available very soon-not within the next 2 months.
What about the sound for this?
What do you mean?
Nice review, but why is no reviewer actually sharing their typing experience/give a demo?
As in, the video would be better if you see me type live? I could mention typing experience, but unless there is something very out of the ordinary it is very hard to convey something that in the end is mostly personal preference. Especially because the switches are hot swappable.
does sponsored mean that you keep the keyboard?
In this case, yes. Some may prefer that I send it back, but this one was mine to keep.