Performance

The Durgod x HK Venus supports N-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either, and seen above are all the functions that get a dedicated key in the default layer.

When first connected and running, the keyboard lights up in a spiral rainbow lighting effect Durgod calls Radar; it is the default option for profile 1. The transition animation is smooth, and the effect is a good demo to also ensure the keyboard is powered on and working properly.


I then manually set all the keys to white using the software driver to test for color fidelity since RGB LEDs have a hard time depicting white, and it was a white with a light pink hue in this case. In a separate test via one of the preset multi-color options, I tested for light bleed, and it was not really an issue despite the floating keycaps, given the case extends upwards to where the keycaps are not floating as much as on most other such keyboards.

Here are some more of the lighting effects demonstrated, including a rainbow wave and breathing mode, making full use of the hardware and software alike.


Key assignment is critical for a smaller form factor keyboard, such as this 60% Durgod x HK Venus, with layers being the name of the game when it comes to accessing all the functions we take for granted on a full-size keyboard. There are four layers per profile, and profile 1 is the most decorated out of the box with the images above showing the corresponding layers; FN1+, FN2+, and holding both FN1 + FN2 are the toggles. As expected, the final layer is minimal as it is not easy to access, and the Hera Compiler does a good job of enabling more customization. Personally, I prefer a 68–75 % keyboard over a 60% one, but there is another offering from Durgod for those like me.



The key-assignment options in the software drivers allow users to also go with layouts other than QWERTY, and here, I used the source code from an older keyboard review in a layout tester (courtesy of Patrick Gillespie). The results above indicate that QWERTY is not even close to the most efficient layout for me, and very likely you as well. If you are willing, try out Colemak or Dvorak as they will result in lower finger travel and fatigue overall. As such, the driver offers a significant functional tool if you are willing to devote some time to adopting either Colemak or Dvorak. Here is the link to the full results if you are interested, including a detailed analysis on key presses and distances moved.


As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the Durgod x HK Venus sample at ~100 WPM as it comes out of the box with the Gateron Brown switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile switches. I did bottom out more often than not, but it is easy enough to train yourself not to with the tactile bump on these switches slightly more pronounced than the Cherry MX Brown. With so many other switch options, it is really hard to say what your specific typing experience will be, although the adoption of the thick PBT keycaps and the aluminium chassis does affect the sound profile across the board.