Software
The DeFiant software allows you to assign shortcuts to keys, and set program macros. The only LED effect you will find is the Ripple Effect, and the ability to have the backlights switch off when you are AFK.
Key Removal
The keys are removed very easily with the key removal toll provided both with the DeFiant keyboard and the box of switches. Grip the pincers of the removal tool underneath the edges of the switches, and moderate pull and the switch will come off the keyboard. Placing a switch in the vacant slot is only a matter of clicking it into place.
Performance
With many gaming keyboard, its all one type of switch, so you can opt for it completely silent and soft, or completely tactile and clicky, whatever you buy you will end up with. The beauty of the DeFiant is that you can customize the feel of each individual keys to your liking. I’m currently using the Thermaltake Poseidon RGB gaming keyboard, and even though it is nice to type with, I’ve always wanted a much subtle silent feel when I’m using the cursor keys whilst gaming.
With the DeFiant, all I had to do was replace the switched under the cursor keys (I know, I just don’t like using the WASD keys) with the near silent grey linear keys, and I felt that I had much more control maneuvering in my gaming.
I really like the general feel of the DeFiant, its just no fuss and gets on with it. Within the Defiant software, pushing the USB rate all the way up to 1000hz meant super fast response times during gaming. For those of you who are constantly on a Monster energy drink binge, you might be inclined to keep the response rate at maximum all the time, for me, I had to switch it down when I was doing my regular typing.
Using the purple switches which has an audible click, the release point was very short, idle for those keys that you have to repeatedly press.
