I also have Dygma Raise keyboard and love it. I got the tenting kit as well. While not cheap it is really worth it. It is rock solid, no bending, no give.
The split keyboard gave me an extra 20 wpm after 1 month of heavy use. It enforced better habits in my typing. It also changed what switches I like interestingly enough. I used to like heavy tactile switches. Now I like quieter and lighter linear switches.
I actually got about the same result just changing to very smooth linear switches. Which is weird to me because they're actually the heaviest switches I own. But once I adapted to my initial high error rate on that keyboard I was typing much faster.
Very nice. My favorite Keyboard was the MS Natural over 20 years ago. After that i forced me to use standard layout for easyer change to other systems. At last i tested a keyboard with smaller layout and imagine that i need full keyboard incl. numpad. I really use all the keys more often and hate the multiple occupancy.
Microsoft Natural/Ergonomic keyboards since 1993 (I was a beta tester for Microsoft as part of the early MSDN - that was a great deal!). Used all of them until there was no lettering and I had to use a Sharpie to re-letter or the micro-switches died. About 10 years ago, the cord going into the back use to be the first thing to fail... Anyhow, now they are either not available or cost hundreds of dollars or have tiny keys or no tilt feet (glued some on so that it feels right) on the Surface models. Been using my modified wooden peg leg Surface and a Perixx Periboard-612 wireless for a while now. I do wish they had a Periboard with a wire but at least I can change the batteries and turn it off when not using it for a day or two plus it works with the demonic Android cell phone so I am not pressing 4 keys at once or poking at it, venomously, with a stylus pen.
I use a Natural Ergonomic 4000 too. Best shape I ever had, keys still work, paint is awful and didn't last a week looking good, now they're barely visible. They make similar keyboards but not the same. Got another used of the same model but I didn't open it yet, might paint the caps with clear nail polish or varnish first in hopes it doesn't fade, though.
I got my white/silver Raise around the same time as you. Absolutely gorgeous, exactly what I needed for my neck and shoulders. Typing took awhile to get on to, but ended up a bit faster I think. As for price, I was lucky and got in on the offer before the dollars went up, so around $260 for me. Bought the tenting kit, using at lowest setting and it's already helping my wrists. Cost is relative...at $70 a pop for15 min at the chiropractors, this thing has paid for itself 10 times over so far. And honestly, have you looked at custom keebs these days? $300 is considered a "budget" board. I love that everything about the Raise is customizalbe, from the keycaps, the switches (easy/out), the software (which I never use once set), the rgb per key, the underglow...it's honestly the most beautiful board I've ever seen. Oh, and built in wrist rests...that adds dollars too.
Still using my PS2 MS ergonomic keyboard with a PS2 to USB adapter. I think it's version 2. It has a more compact footprint & the arrow keys are in a cross shape, not the Tetris T block shape. MS ergo keyboards are harder to come by now, but I used to find'em at Goodwill for like $5 or $6.
@@tonyf5869 It is again as of a week ago! I had it in storage & happened to find the USB/PS2 adapter. At work, it or a variant (the black MS ergo keyboard) was my daily for nearly 2 decades.
i've had mine for like 1.5 years. I also have the tenting kit at it's lowest setting. I find this to be pretty comfortable for me. My wrist and shoulder don't bother me anymore. My WPM is the same as other keyboards, around 80-90. I've gone down the rabbit hole and have a couple keycap sets that cover everything except the goofy choc v1 switches. I think the price is expected and falls right in line where I'd guess it to be. I have a couple custom keyboards and spent about 200 for one and 550 on the other. next keeb for me is going to be the wooting 60HE which is around 180-200. I really wanna try Hall Effect switches.
Great content as always. I am sure you are aware, but there are other option that are diy keyboards that are much less expensive. But, you are building the keyboard and programing it all yourself. However, there are more advantages to that option. The amount of switch, keycap, and build materials are way more than what you can get with any of the pre-build varieties that are on the market. Not to mention wireless and portable ones. I saw you typing and which key you used for your backspace. Have you ever considered using the standard caps-lock as your backspace instead?
There seem to be two possibilities for buying this gadget: either one easily makes enough money to spend like that, or one can write it off as a business expense. I bought a few used keyboards at $2 a piece at thrift stores. Then I tried them and kept the two quietest ones. There is one other thing, after living in Europe, I cannot use the limited QWERTY keyboard, I need an AZERTY. Depending on the language you choose to use, it has a lot of extra key possibilities for accented letters on them.
I got the Raise during the Kickstarter and I'm now waiting for the Dygma Defy. I'll keep both for a few weeks and see which one I like better and sell the other or give it to someone.
I've cheaped out on keyboards all my life, I can't think of a favorite keyboard. I think I like keyboards where all the keys do work. If it works in bios/uefi, it's a plus.
You should try a split keyboard with qmk programmable firmware. You need to know a bit of c but it essentially becomes almost like a secondary computer 🤣
I can't live without my Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 v1 + AutoHotkey for making context sensitive macros/shortcuts, and then some. I wish they made a mechanical version of v1 with tighter tolerances since the loose, mushy keys are my biggest complaint and cause of mistyping. I do not understand why any keyboard has rear feet for positive inclines... makes no sense. The front edge stand off of the MS Ergo 4000 v1 that gives it a negative decline (ie. the F keys are lower in Z height than the space bar) is a MUST HAVE for me.
since you re a tech guy anyways... why dont you just go with a custom keyboard? you can build whatever layout you want, including split keyboards and since they run of qmk on a hardware level, you can code/program them to do whatever the hell you want that goes way above anything you could possible do with a non qmk off the shelf keyboard. Alice Style cases are wonderful ergo options aswell
I wish I knew there were split keyboards before I made a switch to Dvorak 😆. For me personally typing comfortably is more important than typing fast. I type at average 85WPM (QWERTY) and it's very fatiguing. Then switched to Dvorak in 2015 and didn't care about the speed but felt so comfortable even with normal keyboard. Now the split ones are even pricier due to custom keyboards trends...
Dvorak is what I learned to type on but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone wanting a more efficient layout these days. Colemak has the less insane hotkey situation plus a much better left/right hand balance. After a while you can really feel your right hand doing 60%+ of the work on Dvorak.
Not sure about the Dygma Raise, but the ZSA Moonlander comes either with blank keys or with printed keys and let's you rearrange the key caps so you can use Dvorak, Colemak, qwerty, your own layout, etc.
Looks nice. Pretty much daily drive a Razer keyboard I've had for years, gaming, internet, daily tasks on it. Secondary keyboard is a simple Logitech K120.
@@DaveSomething It is honestly worth it if you type on a keyboard for 8+ hours a day. And if you look at the custom keyboard market, The Dygma Raise is priced fairly, especially against other split keyboards with as many features.
Check out "Kinesis Gaming Freestyle Edge" split keyboard if you want an alternate that's somewhat cheaper. I've been running the older version of the board for years now and love it! I only had to retrain my Y and B key finger memory.
I wonder if I could plug in two small keyboards, one for each hand and test the system. I'm sure two large keyboards would work since they have to be spread apart.
I would never go with a split ergo like that. I actually am enough of a typist to justify it but not enough of a programmer. Over half the time I spend on a keyboard is doing 3D or editing tasks with hotkeys and I will have my dedicated F-keys and Numpad or there will be blood. Cool keyboard tho.
You can map them all to be close to the home row on another level. Assuming it's like the Moonlander, you can even add additional function keys, num pad, mouse, media controls and modifier combo keys (eg Ctrl + alt + super + shift) to extend the number of custom shortcuts you can use with relative ease.
@@pealecrim Delux M618DB and Logitech lift, since I have medium-large hand and they fit my hand. For vertical mouse, it needs about a week to get used to. Another thing is, it's a bit difficult to lift it off the table compare to normal mouse. If you have limited space, it can be quite annoying. I've tried thumb track ball, it's just make my thumb sore.
Love me a split, from the old membrane MS keyboard, to my new portable R-GO ... they're great. But you're right, I absolutely can't afford a split mechanical ... they're just insanely priced. So I'm getting a Perrix ergonomic from work, for work, and I shelled out the most I've ever spent on a Keychron K3 for home. 😩 *EDIT* - I actually also have a long term project, too, which is based on those gaming key pads. I had an old Belkin Nostromo knocking about, and wondered why none of these things (maybe one) had a *proper* analogue / analog thumbstick on them. Because I always thought that it made sense to have analogue running, with mouse aiming, and then plenty o' keys. So I'm about 33% of the way there. I've tested it a little, and I can't remember, but I *think* I've managed to get the TEENSY 4 to recognise the keyboard via USB host ... but I can't remember at all whether I got the analogue stick running.
I don't have an affiliate link for this keyboard and it can't be purchased on Amazon. You have to go direct to dygma. I just like the keyboard.
Chris what are your thoughts on kiwi browser Android.
I also have Dygma Raise keyboard and love it. I got the tenting kit as well. While not cheap it is really worth it. It is rock solid, no bending, no give.
The split keyboard gave me an extra 20 wpm after 1 month of heavy use. It enforced better habits in my typing. It also changed what switches I like interestingly enough. I used to like heavy tactile switches. Now I like quieter and lighter linear switches.
I actually got about the same result just changing to very smooth linear switches.
Which is weird to me because they're actually the heaviest switches I own.
But once I adapted to my initial high error rate on that keyboard I was typing much faster.
Love to see fellow Dygmates that love the Raise keyboard!. Are you getting the Defy??
Very nice. My favorite Keyboard was the MS Natural over 20 years ago. After that i forced me to use standard layout for easyer change to other systems. At last i tested a keyboard with smaller layout and imagine that i need full keyboard incl. numpad. I really use all the keys more often and hate the multiple occupancy.
Microsoft Natural/Ergonomic keyboards since 1993 (I was a beta tester for Microsoft as part of the early MSDN - that was a great deal!). Used all of them until there was no lettering and I had to use a Sharpie to re-letter or the micro-switches died. About 10 years ago, the cord going into the back use to be the first thing to fail...
Anyhow, now they are either not available or cost hundreds of dollars or have tiny keys or no tilt feet (glued some on so that it feels right) on the Surface models. Been using my modified wooden peg leg Surface and a Perixx Periboard-612 wireless for a while now. I do wish they had a Periboard with a wire but at least I can change the batteries and turn it off when not using it for a day or two plus it works with the demonic Android cell phone so I am not pressing 4 keys at once or poking at it, venomously, with a stylus pen.
I use a Natural Ergonomic 4000 too. Best shape I ever had, keys still work, paint is awful and didn't last a week looking good, now they're barely visible. They make similar keyboards but not the same. Got another used of the same model but I didn't open it yet, might paint the caps with clear nail polish or varnish first in hopes it doesn't fade, though.
i'm a keyboard enthusiast (I know that sounds very weird), and i'm happy your sharing you're experience with it
I have the same keyboard. its great. i recommend getting the tenting kit tho, it elevates the ergonomics to another level.
I got my white/silver Raise around the same time as you. Absolutely gorgeous, exactly what I needed for my neck and shoulders. Typing took awhile to get on to, but ended up a bit faster I think. As for price, I was lucky and got in on the offer before the dollars went up, so around $260 for me. Bought the tenting kit, using at lowest setting and it's already helping my wrists. Cost is relative...at $70 a pop for15 min at the chiropractors, this thing has paid for itself 10 times over so far. And honestly, have you looked at custom keebs these days? $300 is considered a "budget" board. I love that everything about the Raise is customizalbe, from the keycaps, the switches (easy/out), the software (which I never use once set), the rgb per key, the underglow...it's honestly the most beautiful board I've ever seen. Oh, and built in wrist rests...that adds dollars too.
Still using my PS2 MS ergonomic keyboard with a PS2 to USB adapter. I think it's version 2. It has a more compact footprint & the arrow keys are in a cross shape, not the Tetris T block shape. MS ergo keyboards are harder to come by now, but I used to find'em at Goodwill for like $5 or $6.
Damn, I haven’t thought about those in a long time. That’s your daily driver?
@@tonyf5869 It is again as of a week ago! I had it in storage & happened to find the USB/PS2 adapter. At work, it or a variant (the black MS ergo keyboard) was my daily for nearly 2 decades.
Seems like it would be a dream keyboard for a gamer. Thanks for sharing.
i've had mine for like 1.5 years. I also have the tenting kit at it's lowest setting. I find this to be pretty comfortable for me. My wrist and shoulder don't bother me anymore. My WPM is the same as other keyboards, around 80-90.
I've gone down the rabbit hole and have a couple keycap sets that cover everything except the goofy choc v1 switches.
I think the price is expected and falls right in line where I'd guess it to be. I have a couple custom keyboards and spent about 200 for one and 550 on the other. next keeb for me is going to be the wooting 60HE which is around 180-200. I really wanna try Hall Effect switches.
Great content as always. I am sure you are aware, but there are other option that are diy keyboards that are much less expensive. But, you are building the keyboard and programing it all yourself. However, there are more advantages to that option. The amount of switch, keycap, and build materials are way more than what you can get with any of the pre-build varieties that are on the market. Not to mention wireless and portable ones.
I saw you typing and which key you used for your backspace. Have you ever considered using the standard caps-lock as your backspace instead?
There seem to be two possibilities for buying this gadget: either one easily makes enough money to spend like that, or one can write it off as a business expense. I bought a few used keyboards at $2 a piece at thrift stores. Then I tried them and kept the two quietest ones. There is one other thing, after living in Europe, I cannot use the limited QWERTY keyboard, I need an AZERTY. Depending on the language you choose to use, it has a lot of extra key possibilities for accented letters on them.
I got the Raise during the Kickstarter and I'm now waiting for the Dygma Defy.
I'll keep both for a few weeks and see which one I like better and sell the other or give it to someone.
I've cheaped out on keyboards all my life, I can't think of a favorite keyboard. I think I like keyboards where all the keys do work. If it works in bios/uefi, it's a plus.
You should try a split keyboard with qmk programmable firmware. You need to know a bit of c but it essentially becomes almost like a secondary computer 🤣
I like that type of keyboards, but I don’t like those pillows and idk if it would work for gaming too
Have you tried the beta Bazecor builds this year?
I can't live without my Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 v1 + AutoHotkey for making context sensitive macros/shortcuts, and then some.
I wish they made a mechanical version of v1 with tighter tolerances since the loose, mushy keys are my biggest complaint and cause of mistyping.
I do not understand why any keyboard has rear feet for positive inclines... makes no sense.
The front edge stand off of the MS Ergo 4000 v1 that gives it a negative decline (ie. the F keys are lower in Z height than the space bar) is a MUST HAVE for me.
Great work 🥳 Thank you 💜
I love ergonomic keyboards. I especially like the microsoft silver and black ergonomic keyboard. I woud probably like this split keyboard.
I have the cloudnine split keyboard and love it.
since you re a tech guy anyways...
why dont you just go with a custom keyboard? you can build whatever layout you want, including split keyboards and since they run of qmk on a hardware level, you can code/program them to do whatever the hell you want that goes way above anything you could possible do with a non qmk off the shelf keyboard. Alice Style cases are wonderful ergo options aswell
Yeah guess who just met his next keyboard? *points at self* Thanks for the recommendation.
I wish I knew there were split keyboards before I made a switch to Dvorak 😆. For me personally typing comfortably is more important than typing fast. I type at average 85WPM (QWERTY) and it's very fatiguing. Then switched to Dvorak in 2015 and didn't care about the speed but felt so comfortable even with normal keyboard.
Now the split ones are even pricier due to custom keyboards trends...
Dvorak is what I learned to type on but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone wanting a more efficient layout these days.
Colemak has the less insane hotkey situation plus a much better left/right hand balance.
After a while you can really feel your right hand doing 60%+ of the work on Dvorak.
@@thumbwarriordx Exactly, I would recommend Colemak too should I knew of the layout back then lol. It's too late for me now though 😓
Not sure about the Dygma Raise, but the ZSA Moonlander comes either with blank keys or with printed keys and let's you rearrange the key caps so you can use Dvorak, Colemak, qwerty, your own layout, etc.
I use the small Lenovo Thinkpad keyboard with the mouse in the middle
During your typing test the site was covered with ads. Why don't you block all those ads with either a Pi-Hole, a browser extension, or both?
I love it when things are "OS AGNOSTIC"
The worst part is you cannot get underglow without tenting, making the underglow feature nearly $200 which is ludicrous.
Looks nice. Pretty much daily drive a Razer keyboard I've had for years, gaming, internet, daily tasks on it. Secondary keyboard is a simple Logitech K120.
I've wanted one of those for decades...
and tree-fitty is a big nope... I'm rather abusive to keyboards.
@@DaveSomething It is honestly worth it if you type on a keyboard for 8+ hours a day. And if you look at the custom keyboard market, The Dygma Raise is priced fairly, especially against other split keyboards with as many features.
Are you going to try the new Defy ortho keyboard from Dygma when it comes out in June?
Completely off topic, but where did you pick up that epic star wars canvas behind you? (I’m assuming it’s canvas anyway)
Is this better than egro dox less thick and clunky?
Check out "Kinesis Gaming Freestyle Edge" split keyboard if you want an alternate that's somewhat cheaper. I've been running the older version of the board for years now and love it! I only had to retrain my Y and B key finger memory.
I wonder if I could plug in two small keyboards, one for each hand and test the system. I'm sure two large keyboards would work since they have to be spread apart.
Fellow Dygmate here!!!! Are you looking to get a Defy?
0:35 Does it install drivers, im curious?
You should have called it: " The keyboard porn"
I would never go with a split ergo like that.
I actually am enough of a typist to justify it but not enough of a programmer.
Over half the time I spend on a keyboard is doing 3D or editing tasks with hotkeys and I will have my dedicated F-keys and Numpad or there will be blood. Cool keyboard tho.
You can map them all to be close to the home row on another level. Assuming it's like the Moonlander, you can even add additional function keys, num pad, mouse, media controls and modifier combo keys (eg Ctrl + alt + super + shift) to extend the number of custom shortcuts you can use with relative ease.
I get stuck with ergodox and vertical mouse, it's really great experience for me.
Hey, which Vertical mouse do you have, and what are your thoughts on it?
@@pealecrim Delux M618DB and Logitech lift, since I have medium-large hand and they fit my hand. For vertical mouse, it needs about a week to get used to. Another thing is, it's a bit difficult to lift it off the table compare to normal mouse. If you have limited space, it can be quite annoying. I've tried thumb track ball, it's just make my thumb sore.
Is everyone using arch or some variant of it here?
Damn, for the love of your eyes, please use an ad blocker...
For me, Logitech (switch) still the best for typing
Damn my phone is cheaper than that phone
Your keyboard isn't in your affiliated amazon link. 😬
I'll go through and update this and all my newer equipment. I have a new preamp, mic, and some other equipment. Thanks for letting me know!
Good for you -- not for me. Too many years as a touch typist as a programmer.
give UHK a look
Love me a split, from the old membrane MS keyboard, to my new portable R-GO ... they're great.
But you're right, I absolutely can't afford a split mechanical ... they're just insanely priced. So I'm getting a Perrix ergonomic from work, for work, and I shelled out the most I've ever spent on a Keychron K3 for home. 😩
*EDIT* - I actually also have a long term project, too, which is based on those gaming key pads. I had an old Belkin Nostromo knocking about, and wondered why none of these things (maybe one) had a *proper* analogue / analog thumbstick on them. Because I always thought that it made sense to have analogue running, with mouse aiming, and then plenty o' keys.
So I'm about 33% of the way there. I've tested it a little, and I can't remember, but I *think* I've managed to get the TEENSY 4 to recognise the keyboard via USB host ... but I can't remember at all whether I got the analogue stick running.
Product Affiliate Link?
They don't have an affiliate program
its straight across now its not an analog monitor. lol.
Very cool
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Nice
I want :D