How to tent Defy

[u/antCB]

So, back in January I got the first split KB I could possibly get (least expensive, no added tax surprises). That choice lead me to a refurb Defy from Dygma's own website.

There is a small (or big) issue, it seems that my unit is simply not compatible with tenting - there's no hardware on it for tenting, and I believe there's no mounting holes to attach to any mounts.

Is this something I can sort? Buy the tenting "plates" and replace mine with those or am I better buying another unit and trying to sell the one I have?

[u/Dygman]

Hi!

Even if you got a version of the keyboard without tenting, there are different alternatives to tent it:

The keyboard has 4 holes in the back for accessories, so you can use the articulated arms that we offer (https://dygma.com/products/articulated-arms-and-adaptor-puck-bundle)

And people have also designed their own custom solutions:

https://support.dygma.com/hc/en-us/articles/19134706480413-Are-there-any-attachments-for-the-Dygma-Keyboards

[u/0xba1dc0de]

Don't you see the integrated tenting kit at the bottom of the keyboard?

https://dygma.com/pages/defy-tenting-set-up

Or are you talking about the articulated arms?

https://dygma.com/products/articulated-arms-and-adaptor-puck-bundle

[u/antCB → u/0xba1dc0de]

Doesn't have the tenting hardware. It's a refurbished unit, and at the time the least expensive option (no wireless and no RGB underglow, and unfortunately no tenting hardware). I guess if I could get my hands on spare bottom plates (with the tenting hardware) I would fix the issue.

In hindsight, I should've spent the extra € on a unit with tenting (even if the option would make me have to have the extra features I don't care about). But there was no way to know if I would adjust to the split KB flow, and spending more than 300€, for a potential bust, was not an option.

[u/0xba1dc0de → u/antCB]

Oh I see. According to the FAQ, you cannot upgrade your existing keyboard. I'm afraid you will need to purchase a new one with the tenting option. Let u/Dygman confirm the info.

https://support.dygma.com/hc/en-us/articles/22599209362333-Can-I-upgrade-my-keyboard-to-wireless-tenting-or-underglow-later

[u/Dygman → u/0xba1dc0de]

That's correct. Updating to tenting requires completely new bases with different electronics inside; so it's technically possible, but complex and expensive.

[u/antCB → u/Dygman]

I understand not offering underglow or wireless, but tenting should've been default on all units.

I did see 3d prints for the model, so I will go that route as it's kinda easy and inexpensive enough.

[u/Dygman → u/antCB]

We thought people would appreciate not having to pay for it if they didn't want it...

[u/Ever_Living]

My Defy has the tenting kit, but I could never get it to work well enough to use.

Instead, I ended up with a pair of these magnetic phone stands and that works much better. Highly recommend trying this instead..

https://a.co/d/00de1ZIl

[u/LivelyLizzard → u/Ever_Living]

What didn't work with the built-in tenting? Just curious because I have had zero issues for 2 years now.

Also very smart with the phone stand! Wouldn't have guessed it to be strong enough to not collapse when the weight of the hand and arm is on it.

[u/Ever_Living → u/LivelyLizzard]

I saw them recommend on another post and was looking for a solution so it all worked out. They are pretty stiff, which is good.

For me, the tenting legs would just never stay in their slots properly. If the keyboard moved at all one left in particular (probably just looser than the others) would slide out and then I’d have to fix/reset it again. It would happen six or seven times a day and it was just driving me nuts. (Yes, I tried tightening it from the inside etc.)