Dygma Defy review

The very best ergonomic keyboards all share some common characteristics, such as split keyboards, built-in tenting, and key arrangements to minimise finger and wrist stress. They're typically also very expensive as they're custom-made, low-volume sellers for a niche market. But when the Dygma Defy demands an asking price of $609 for a fully-equipped model, expectations are inevitably going to be extremely high.

I try not to have preconceptions when reviewing a new piece of hardware but it's hard to ignore the Defy's full price tag. While it's certainly not the most expensive keyboard I've ever seen, it's significantly more than any I've recently tested—over $180 more than the current price for the MoErgo Glove80, for example.

It's not helped that some of my first impressions weren't especially positive. The sample Dygma sent us has all of the optional extras (wireless connectivity, tenting, RGBW underglow, and replacement keys) and when all lit up, it shouts luxury, but some parts feel extremely cheap. The wireless dongle, which also serves as a hub to connect both sections to a PC via USB cables, is very cheap-feeling and more than a little flimsy.

But let's leave all that aside for the moment and concentrate on what the Dygma Defy is. It's a fully split ergonomic keyboard, with each section constructed from an aluminium key plate and plastic body.

 Switches: Gateron G Pro 2.0 Yellow, Kailh Silent Brown, or Kailh Box White
Keys: 80 in total, fully remappable
Connectivity: wired (USB Type-C) / optional wireless (Bluetooth + RF)
Split: fully separate halves, wired or optional wireless connection
Tenting: optional kit, 5 to 60 degrees
Tilting: optional kit, 5 or 10 degrees reverse
Lighting: RGBW per-key backlighting, optional underglow LEDs
Backlighting: per-key RGB
Media controls: shortcuts via alternate key mode
Weight: 1 kg / 2.2 lbs
Price: $369 (base price)

The build quality feels very solid and I especially like the fact Dygma sells the Defy with a choice of three