Dygma Defy vs Raise 2Split vs Traditional Layout Comparison
Choose the Dygma Defy for a split ergonomic layout or the Dygma Raise 2 for a more traditional, compact form factor.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Dygma Defy
Split
- Split ergonomic design promotes a more natural typing posture.
- Includes 110 RGBW underglow LEDs for extensive lighting effects.
- Case construction uses both plastic and aluminum for a blend of weight and durability.
- The split layout requires a significant adjustment period for most users.
- The larger overall desk footprint when halves are spaced apart.
- Base keycaps are laser-etched ABS, which may develop shine over time.
Get the
Dygma Raise 2
Traditional Layout Comparison
- Traditional, more compact layout is familiar and easier to adapt to.
- Offers both ANSI and ISO layout support from the factory.
- Includes PBT double-shot keycaps for English US and UK layouts for better durability.
- Case material is listed as plastic only, lacking the aluminum mentioned for the Defy.
- The layout is less ergonomically radical than a split design.
- Underglow is listed as having over 100 LEDs, slightly fewer than the Defy's specified 110.
Your primary workflow and willingness to adapt should guide your choice. If you are seeking to reduce strain with an ergonomic split layout and value lighting aesthetics, the Dygma Defy is the clear pick. If you prefer a proven, compact form factor with ISO support and more durable stock keycaps, the Dygma Raise 2 will serve you better. Both are equally capable in terms of wireless performance and hardware customization.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Dygma Defy
Dygma Raise 2
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
Plastic
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO
Keycaps
ABS, PBT
PBT
Dimensions
35 x 210 x 164 mm
36 x 332 x 202 mm
- Dygma Defy
- Dygma Raise 2
- Performance
- 8383
- Build quality
- 5043
- Productivity
- 7780
- Customizability
- 6871
- Portability
- 5758
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,740 mAh
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Weight: 1,000 g
- Plate material: Aluminum
What will you mostly use it for?
The Dygma Raise 2 holds a slight edge for office use due to its ISO layout support and more traditional form. The Dygma Defy is better suited for travel and content creation, leveraging its split design for portability and ergonomics. For gaming, programming, and modding, the keyboards are effectively tied, sharing nearly identical core technical capabilities and customization options.
It's a tie
- Both offer N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both support low-latency RF wireless and wired connectivity.
- Both have hot-swappable sockets for switch customization.
Dygma Defy vs Raise 2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 17 specs differ
Dygma Defy
Dygma Raise 2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Dygma Defy vs Raise 2: your questions
The Dygma Defy is a split keyboard where the two halves are separate, while the Raise 2 uses a traditional, compact single-body layout. The Defy measures 210mm wide per half, and the Raise 2 is 332mm wide as a single unit.
Yes, both the Defy and Raise 2 offer wireless connectivity as an add-on option. According to Dygma, this includes Bluetooth and a proprietary low-latency RF connection. Both can also be used in a wired mode.
Both keyboards have the same total battery capacity. The manufacturer states the wireless version for each model uses a 2370 mAh battery in each side, totaling 4740 mAh.
Yes, both models are hot-swappable. They support standard MX-style switches and also have dedicated sockets for Kailh Choc low-profile switches, allowing for easy switch replacement without soldering.
Yes. According to the included box contents, both keyboards come with a keycap and switch puller, O-rings, test switches, a microfiber cloth, and a 'crap remover' tool for maintenance.
The Dygma Defy's split design is inherently more ergonomic, allowing you to position your hands shoulder-width apart. Both keyboards offer optional built-in tenting kits that adjust from 0 to 60 degrees, which can help reduce wrist strain.
The Dygma Raise 2 includes PBT double-shot keycaps for its English layouts. The Dygma Defy comes with high-end laser-etched ABS keycaps, though PBT keycaps are available as an optional extra for both models.
Yes, both the Dygma Defy and Dygma Raise 2 include a dedicated travel case in the box, according to the manufacturer's listed contents.
Dygma lists compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android for both the Defy and the Raise 2 keyboards.
For both models, the RGBW underglow is an add-on feature. For the Defy, it requires adding both the Wireless and Tenting kits first. For the Raise 2, it requires adding the Tenting kit.
The Dygma Raise 2 has 64 (ANSI) or 65 (ISO) main keys plus 4 low-profile keys. The Dygma Defy has 62 main keys and 8 low-profile keys. Both are fully programmable via software, so the number of physical keys is the main differentiator.
Not sold on either?
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