You would possibly do a double-take once you see the Dygma Increase’s worth, however the $349 buys you an amazingly versatile keyboard that may begin as a conventional compact mechanical gaming keyboard and find yourself a break up, tented, ergonomic powerhouse. Customizable together with your alternative of eight hot-swappable Cherry MX and Kailh switches, eight keycap languages (together with a few units with simply dashes and no characters in case you actually wish to showcase your elite touch-typing abilities), and an elective tenting equipment, the Dygma Increase is extremely tweakable.
At first look, the Increase seems to be a compact, 68-key mechanical keyboard with little distinctive about it in addition to a four-way break up area bar with a couple of additional keys under, and a pair of upscale wrist rests. Not like some ergonomic options, the format is 100% conventional, which ought to delight touch-typists and avid gamers who way back memorized the QWERTY format. Pull the 2 halves of the keyboard aside, although, and the Increase goes from conventional format to ergonomic consolation.
The Ace in Dygma’s hand, although, is its excessive programmability. The Dygma Increase appears to be like restricted for gaming or superior productiveness utilization–in any case, not solely are there no perform or web page navigation keys, there aren’t even cursor arrows. However with its Bazecor configuration software program, you possibly can outline as much as 10 layers of alternate keypresses for every key which you can simply entry by switching layers utilizing the keys under the break up spacebar.
It’s also possible to program “Superkey” combos that may be accessed by double-tapping or holding particular keys. Nonetheless, this strategy takes a little bit of apply. However when you grasp it, you possibly can entry nearly any doable key mixture with out having to stretch your fingers or transfer your hand from the house row. Tremendous-bright RGB keys and a surrounding RGB underglow across the base point out once you’ve swapped layers. You’ll be able to see seen reminders the place you’ve embedded your perform keys, cursor arrows and different absent keys.
All this performance suits in a package deal simply over half the width of the Cloud 9 C989 ErgoFS keyboard. It could have a Lexus worth, nevertheless it additionally has Lexus high quality, Ferrari efficiency, and the modability of a Civic road racer.
Dygma Increase Specs
| Switches | Kaith Velocity Copper |
| Lighting | Per-key RGB, plus base underglow |
| Onboard Storage | 10 profiles |
| Media Keys | None |
| Interface | USB C |
| Cable | 59-inch USB C to USB-A |
| Further Ports | None |
| Keycaps | Double-shot PBT |
| Building | Aluminum base |
| Software program | Bazecor |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 12.5 x 7.9 x 1.3 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 lb |
Design
In its closed configuration, the Dygma Increase is an unassuming 60-percent keyboard, missing perform keys, cursor arrows and a quantity pad. Although it’s compact width-wise at 12.5 inches, its vertical size is bigger than a typical 60-percent format as a result of built-in wrist rests, which embrace snug tender, leatherette-covered neoprene-and-foam pads that may be eliminated for cleansing. With its enticing aluminum base, high quality white keys, and wrist rests (a black mannequin can also be accessible), the Increase has an aesthetic, high-end look. The RGB-backlit Dygma Increase logos are hidden beneath the bottom, so the one seen branding are the Dygma logos on the Home windows keys.
In its closed configuration, it’s simply over half the width of the Cloud 9 C989 ErgoFS ergonomic mechanical keyboard. The format is conventional QWERTY with no uncommon ergonomic curves to the important thing placement. The one oddities are the 4 keys that sit the place you’d often discover the spacebar, and 4 extra immediately under it, that are totally programmable and can be utilized for layer shifting and so as to add often-used-but-missing keys again to the keyboard.
You may make the keyboard a lot wider by splitting it aside. Simply pull the 2 sides to separate them. Every half connects by way of a 7.8-inch USB C cable to the Neuron, a tiny, LED-lit Y-shaped gadget that holds the Increase’s controller and reminiscence. It connects by way of a 3rd USB C connector to your laptop utilizing an included 59-inch braided USB C-to-A cable. You’ll be able to set the 2 halves about 15 inches aside utilizing the usual cables, and a further 19.7-inch cable could be swapped in for one of many shorter cables, permitting you to position the halves simply over 27 inches aside. The Increase can possible accommodate no matter arm place you discover most snug for typing. For those who select to make use of it in a non-split configuration, 4 small rods securely maintain the 2 halves collectively when typing on the unified setup.
If you wish to take ergonomics to the following stage, Dygma affords an elective $89 tenting equipment. This stable metallic, exquisitely designed equipment screws onto the again of the Increase (it even consists of the wanted screwdriver) and supplies a sturdy base for utilizing the keyboard in a ten, 20, 30, or 40-degree tenting angle. You’ll be able to retract the legs totally to make use of the keyboard in a flat configuration, however they add a couple of half-inch of thickness. Whereas the equipment is costly, the sturdy metallic building and grippy rubber ft preserve the keyboard solidly in place a lot better than the flimsier plastic tenting options on keyboards just like the Kinesis Freestyle 2.
The Increase’s doubleshot PBT keys are enticing and cleanly go by means of the RGB lighting. My assessment mannequin had normal English QWERTY lettering, however you may also select keycaps with nothing however dashes on them, which you would possibly take into account in case you’re going to dramatically customise your format otherwise you simply actually wish to showcase your epic touch-typing abilities. They embrace dashes relatively than being totally clean as a result of the RGB backlighting on the Increase isn’t only for present–it’s very helpful for highlighting customized key layouts (comparable to making the keys that double as cursor arrows orange) in numerous programming layers.
Together with vivid, constant per-key backlighting behind every key, there’s additionally RGB lighting across the base, visually indicating once you’ve shifted the keyboard to a distinct layer format.
When you’re used to utilizing your break up, presumably tented, extremely programmed keyboard, after all, you won’t be proud of returning to a conventional design when touring or heading to the workplace. Dygma has you coated by together with a sturdy, compact, padded carrying case for the keyboard and cables. You’ll additionally get one other small field containing Dygma’s Enhancement Equipment, which features a tilde and menu key, swap puller, two units of o-rings you possibly can place between your switches and keys, and a pattern of every of the eight switches Dygma affords for the Increase so you possibly can examine their really feel and sound.
Typing Expertise
Whether or not you want the graceful motion of linear, the confirming really feel of tactile, or the audible suggestions of clicky switches, Dygma has you coated. You’ll be able to specify Kailh Velocity Silver, Copper, or Bronze; Kailh Silent Pink or Brown; or Cherry MX Crimson, Brown, or Blue switches once you order your keyboard. Our assessment unit got here with tactile-but-quiet Kalh Velocity Copper switches put in, and we additionally ordered a set of ultra-clicky Kailh Velocity Bronze switches to swap in and check out. (Dygma affords full units of switches for $45-69, relying on mannequin.)
The factory-installed Kailh Velocity Copper switches is perhaps my new favourite swap after I want a keyboard that doesn’t audibly alert everybody inside 30 ft that I’m writing. With 3.5mm of complete journey and particular tactile suggestions as you go the 1.1 mm set off journey utilizing 50 grams of drive, they’re actually snug to sort on for lengthy intervals. Typically, I’m most correct with a clicky keyboard, however the tactile suggestions was adequate with the Velocity Coppers that I managed related accuracy to what I get with the noisy Cherry MX Blues on the Corsair K70 RGB Mk 2 that’s my every day driver.
To check the hot-swapping and the distinction in really feel with clicky keys, I used the important thing puller included with the keyboard to rigorously swap in Kaith Velocity Bronze switches. The method was simple, simply requiring endurance to rigorously pull out and substitute every swap with out bending the contacts on the again. The Velocity Bronze switches have the identical journey and actuation because the Coppers, however they’re loud. Critically loud. It’s like connecting an amplifier to Cherry MX Blues. They’re simply as snug because the Coppers for high-speed typing, and also you’d be arduous pressed to search out stronger audible suggestions. As a author who loves audible suggestions, these could be my swap of alternative, however they’re a very poor choice in case you share an workplace.
The double-shot PBT keycaps really feel nice. They’re thick, with a delicate curve on the high, and sufficient area between them that they don’t really feel crammed in like on some compact keyboards.
Whereas the texture is nice and could be personalized to your style, the method wanted to get essentially the most out of the Dygma Increase can take a while to grasp. As we’ll cowl in depth within the Software program part, the keyboard makes use of the “One-Shot Layer” (OSL) keys across the area bar to swap between layers, that are alternate units of capabilities for every key. As well as, you possibly can program keys to react in a different way in the event that they’re double-tapped or held down. The result’s that, with slightly tweaking, it’s possible you’ll discover that you simply don’t miss lots of the devoted keys which might be absent on the Increase.
After utilizing the Increase for a few weeks, I instinctively knew to carry down the OSL key and use the keys within the decrease proper nook as cursor arrows, or to press OSL and a quantity key for a perform key. It’s very easy to place generally used keys a faucet or two away, however getting used to utilizing these combos will possible take some time. Once you’ve mastered it, although, you’ll possible discover {that a} fast OSL combo with out having to maneuver your hand is extra snug and sooner to sort than reaching a couple of inches to the correct for a key like Print Display screen after which discovering the house row once more.
Gaming Expertise
The Dygma Increase’s programmability and break up design make it a versatile gaming resolution. For FPS video games like Name of Responsibility: Warzone, which principally use the left aspect of the keyboard because you’re mousing with the correct, you possibly can push the correct aspect of the Increase fully out of the best way. Alternatively, you possibly can disconnect it, offering extra desk area for mouse motion (or snacks). The extensive choice of hot-swappable switches means you can also select the throw and linearity that works finest to your gaming fashion.
Whereas it took me some time to get used to typing on the Increase (these arrow key instincts are arduous to retrain when typing and enhancing on the fly), I tailored far more rapidly to utilizing it in video games, which are inclined to give attention to the core letter keys. However what actually unleashed it was after I broke out the Bazecor software program and did some customized programming. The power to arrange customized layers makes it simple to place keybinds for a selected recreation on their very own layer in a logical association. For Digital Fight Simulator, for example, I left the highest two layers at my typing default, however created a 3rd layer (accessible with a press of one of many OSL keys under the spacebar) with keys laid out for fast and logical entry: Digicam views throughout the highest row, the second row dedicated to arming and choosing weapons, radar modes under that, and the all-important chaff and flares on the break up spacebar the place they are often rapidly accessed when below risk.
The power to arrange “Superkeys” accessible by holding or tapping-and-holding a key’s nice for organising macro-like capabilities that may be in a short time accessed throughout a recreation. For instance, I arrange double-tapping the key to ship Home windows-Alt-PrintScreen, to seize a screenshot from the sport; this takes two fingers on a conventional keyboard. I additionally configured the ] key subsequent to it to ship Home windows-Alt-R on a double-tap, to begin and cease display recording.
Software program
To get essentially the most out of the Increase, you’re going to wish to spend a little bit of time within the Bazecor configuration software program. Out of the field, it has two layers programmed, the bottom layer and the second layer that’s accessed by means of a faucet of a One-Shot-Layer (OSL) key. You’ll be able to arrange a number of OSL keys, making the most of the 4 additional keys under the spacebar, and probably the far proper and left edges of the spacebar as properly.
The default Layer 2 setup possible covers wanted “lacking” keys for many customers, with a cursor arrow set for every hand, perform keys, web page navigation keys, and an embedded keypad. Once you faucet the OSL key to shift to layer 2, the RGB lighting sample shifts to focus on the varied capabilities by altering their colours. (Orange for cursor arrows, purple for perform keys, and so forth.) The default setup is straightforward to be taught, and once you order, Dygma will even ship you an e-mail providing to generate a customized configuration tweaked for a way you’ll use the keyboard.
The layer editor is straightforward to make use of, with a illustration of a full keyboard with keypad and media keys under the picture of the Dygma Increase, in addition to selectors for macros, superkeys, mouse inputs, and layer assignments. Simply select a layer, click on a key, and choose the important thing or perform you need it to signify, and optionally add a modifier comparable to Shift or the Home windows key. For those who don’t outline a key on a layer, it’s “clear” and can go by means of the default keypress from the underside layer.
For those who press and maintain the OSL key, it should work like a Shift key for that layer. Faucet it as soon as and the following keypress will likely be from the brand new layer, you then’ll be again to the preliminary layer. For those who double-tap the OSL key, you’ll keep on the brand new layer till you faucet the OSL key once more. You’ll be able to outline particular keys or key combos to leap on to any of the ten layers. I can’t think about remembering key assignments for 10 totally different layers and utilizing all of them collectively without delay, however the wealth of layers is useful if you wish to, for instance, set one layer up for FPS video games, one other to your video editor, and a 3rd with macros for an MMO.
And the layers aren’t the one approach so as to add further key performance. After I first began utilizing the keyboard, the one essential key I seen lacking was Pause, which is used often in Microsoft Flight Simulator. As an alternative of redefining a key on a distinct layer as Pause, I used the Superkeys Editor so as to add it. Superkeys permits you to outline as much as 5 totally different capabilities for a single key, accessible by tapping, holding, faucet & maintain, double-tapping, or double-tapping & holding.
At first, I attempted organising double-tapping the Backspace key as Pause, nevertheless it seems you typically double-tap Backspace when typing, so this was a poor default as I might set off Pause when which means to delete characters. As an alternative, I assigned it to double-tap-and-hold P. You’ll should be selective about the way you assign Superkeys, as there are keys you would possibly double-tap or maintain throughout common typing, however the double-tap is timed by default in such a approach that you simply gained’t sometimes have interaction it in regular typing, and you’ll alter the sensitivity to match your typing fee. You’ll be able to assign a number of keypresses to a single superkey, and I discovered it actually helpful for organising a single key to ship multi-key combos for in-game screenshots and recording that might usually require me to take away my hand from the mouse or joystick to provoke.
There’s additionally a full macro editor that allows you to create macros that ship any mixture of textual content strings, particular person keypresses (and specify both key press-and-release or simply key-press or key-release if you should simulate holding down a key whereas doing one thing else), media capabilities comparable to pause and quantity management, mouse button presses, and mouse wheel actions. It’s also possible to add delays between presses if wanted. You’ll be able to simply transfer entries inside a macro, and create a duplicate if you wish to create a modified model of an present macro.
The Bazecor software program is intuitively designed, however in case you do run into questions, Dygma has an intensive assist part on its web site. The assistance isn’t restricted to troubleshooting–you’ll additionally discover issues like downloadable Dvorak keyboard layouts and funky hacks like a script that allows you to assign the often-used-by-developers tilde (~) and beauty accent (`) characters to Shift-Esc presses. The Dygma Labs YouTube channel additionally has a sequence of Bazecor tutorials and updates on new options. I examined utilizing the publicly accessible Bazecor 1.0 beta and didn’t run into any performance points.
Backside Line
It’s apparent from Dygma’s web site that the Increase was designed by keyboard lovers. The corporate’s completed a superb job providing common enhancements to its Bazecor software program and preserving prospects posted on the progress of latest merchandise like its just lately launched tenting package deal and the next-generation wi-fi Defy keyboard that was within the Kickstarter section when this was written.
The Increase is without doubt one of the most versatile, configurable keyboards I’ve ever used, each from mechanical and software program standpoints. The eight keys within the spacebar space do quite a bit to alleviate the restrictions of typical 60-percent format keyboards, as a result of you possibly can dedicate a few them to most-used keys and swap layers to simply get to different capabilities that aren’t current by default. It took a little bit of getting used to the tenting, however I discovered a 10-degree tented place was extra snug on my wrists for prolonged typing, and didn’t require the numerous adjustment like a extra extreme 40-degree angle.
Actually, the largest challenge with the Increase is that in case you like it, it’s possible you’ll find yourself getting quite a lot of use from the bundled carrying case. Its multi-layered setup is admittedly environment friendly and cozy for prolonged typing classes. And when you construct the reflexes you should reap the benefits of it totally, you’ll have a tough time switching again to a laptop computer keyboard or a conventional keyboard on a piece PC. It solely took a couple of days to get used to double-tapping the layer key and utilizing ESDF as cursor motion keys, but when I switched again to a conventional keyboard it then required readjustment to get used to utilizing the devoted arrow keys once more. The Increase labored finest for me when it was the one keyboard I used.
For those who’re keen to be unique with the Increase and cease seeing different keyboards, you’ll discover it packs a ton of flexibility and luxury into a really compact package deal.
There aren’t many options in case you’re searching for a break up, mechanical gaming keyboard. Cloud 9’s C989 ErgoFS is a wonderful, switch-configurable full break up keyboard full with a numeric keypad, nevertheless it’s so massive it’s possible you’ll not have room in your desk to separate it very far. The Final Hacking Keyboard is one other separable break up keyboard choice that’s even smaller than the Increase, because it lacks wrist rests by default, nevertheless it additionally lacks backlighting and the software program solely permits you to assign three complete layers to compensate for the 60-percent format. For those who’e keen to step away from conventional layouts fully, the ErgoDox 76 ‘Sizzling Dox’ V2 is a customizable break up design that makes use of the bizarre ErgoDox format. It’s optimized for consolation, however comes on the expense of a really steep studying curve, particularly given its clean keys.
At $349, the Increase is costly as heck. Nevertheless it’s snug, configurable, and a tweaking fan’s dream. The stable construct and stylish look, together with good touches just like the helpful carrying case and Enhancement equipment with samples of alternate switches, assist ease the sticker shock. For those who can decide to a single keyboard for all of your gaming and work, you could possibly be shopping for into an extended, completely happy relationship.
