KINESIS Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard for PC (9" or 20" Separation) (9" Separation)

UPDATE: I think the one real issue I have with this keyboard is the inability to map the three web-dedicated buttons on the left to something else. I'd LOVE an Enter key on that side. If that's not a dealbreaker for you, read on, because 99% of this keyboard is amazing. ORIGINAL: I've been dithering over getting this keyboard for a long time. I have RSI in both hands and have tried almost every other keyboard out there. I even looked at the Kinesis $300 one with the 'hand wells' but decided against it because people described the keys as needing force and there was no good option for 10-key number pad entry (Accounting major so std 10-key is a must). My RSI requires that I not need a lot of force to press the keys. Pros: The 20" cord between the keypads fits perfectly on my VariDesk 36" giving me plenty of room in the middle for my mouse (any of the 4 I switch around to keep those tendons from complaining at me!) and/or my drawing tablet. That 20" gap also allows me to sit in a relaxed, shoulders-back position to type which is worlds better than the hunch or crouch that happens when concentrating intently on what I'm typing on a regular, even ergonomic, keyboard. There is a group of buttons on the left-hand side that are Copy, Paste, Cut, Del, Undo, Web, and Forward/Back web buttons. These are SO USEFUL when using the mouse in the right hand. If you buy this with the tilt/wristpad accessory that Amazon 'recommends' with it it gets even better, with several good tilt angles for each side independently. The wrist pads are soft and comfy. You don't have to have it 20" apart, there's a way to link the two halves together and just tilt them out from each other if you're short on space. The keys are easy to press but still make a good clicky sound. I'm a gamer and I haven't had any issue with them. Cons: There's a little bit of a learning curve but if you're a touch-typist like me it's quite quick to get over. The accessory kit mentioned above does not have positive or negative tilt front/back, only left-right. I'd like to be able to tilt the top of the keyboard down and the back up, as well as the sides. The accessory kit tilt feet are kind of loose so it's easy to change the tilt when you move the keyboard, that's kind of a pro/con. The little rubber feet are pretty good at keeping the keyboard still under normal usage. Set it and forget it is the best way to work with this, I think. With the 20" cord in between, if you're not using the whole thing, it's in the way. I tucked mine under the VariDesk middle bit (see pic) and it fit perfectly. But not everyone has that option, so just be aware that the cord might be annoying unless you can tuck it under something else. The 10-key keypad is an extra buy. That's kind of annoying but I get that not everyone wants/needs it. Also with the main keyboards so far apart, putting the keypad on the far right like I'm used to was not an option. I put in the middle because while I do use it, I don't use it often enough to make a special place for it in my setup. I move it aside when I pull out my drawing tablet. Overall I highly recommend this keyboard to touch typists with RSI, or who want to avoid it, those with w/ back issues, shoulders, neck, etc. It really opens up your posture if you use it at the 20" and lets your whole body be in a more neutral position than a centralized keyboard setup. It actually makes me feel more relaxed overall with my posture more relaxed.

tl;dr: Amazingly adjustable ergonomic keyboard with fantastic key feel that has a few slight quirks. I love this keyboard and would not knock off a star for a those minor quirks that I will likely adjust to over time. I have been in the software development industry for 15 years. Over the past year or so, I have noticed signs of it catching up to me and have started experiencing aches and pain in my wrists and forearms. I have used the Microsoft natural keyboard for the last 5 years in an effort to avoid those issues but apparently it only delayed it at best. When I actually looked at how I used the MS keyboard, I realized that it straightened my arms and wrists out a bit when compared to a traditional flat keyboard, but a combination of my desk layout and having wide shoulders resulted in my wrists needing to splay outward somewhat. In short, the angle provided by that keyboard was insufficient for my desk and body. When I saw the Kinesis, it was obvious that the independent halves would be completely adjustable in angle and separation to fit my needs at my current desk or future setups, so despite the much higher price tag than the MS keyboard I purchased it as well as the VIP3 accessory that adds wrist rests and angled adjustments. I've used it now for several weeks and am happy to report that pain from lots of daily typing has drastically reduced, almost to the point of elimination. I feel with continued use that problems will cease. Lots of people talk about the somewhat strange keyboard layout. While I agree that some of the keys are laid out in a way I am not yet used to, 95% of the keys that I use primarily are right where I expect them to be, and there was very little adjustment period. There are only two keys that have given me persistent problems over the two weeks I've been using it: the Delete key atop the Backspace and the toggle function of the Fn key. The Delete key I tend to hit when I'm trying to hit Backspace, and for a second I'm confused as to why the wrong characters are getting deleted. Not a huge deal. The Fn key I occasionally hit when going for the left Ctrl key, and the toggle nature of it then causes me to start typing numbers or alternate characters that I am not expecting. No big deal on either account and I'm sure that I will adapt over time just like I have when switching between Windows and Mac, or when I first started using the MS keyboard. Another minor gripe is it seems that the VIP3 accessory should just be included as standard on what is a premium ergonomic keyboard. However I don't feel the cost of the whole package is overpriced so it's probably nice for those that don't want angled adjustment to have it sold separately. There's a lot of things to praise about this keyboard. While I don't want to drag on and on, I would be remiss to a least mention the key feel. These keys are awesome. They require a light touch but retain a satisfying clicking mechanical sound and feedback. Typing on this thing is a pleasure. Secondly, I was concerned when I opened the box and attached the VIP3 attachment that it would not be stable and that the two halves would push apart from each other with use, but that has thus far proven to be an unnecessary concern. The little feet grip incredibly firmly and have not budged since I set it up. Other reviews have complained that the pads have fallen off...I will monitor mine as it ages and see if I have similar problems.

The keyboard appears to be of very good quality so far and functions perfectly. It takes some getting used to because of the split feature when doing certain applications or typing with one hand at times, but it's comfortable. I can space the pieces apart, up to 20", and I bought the tenting accessory for even better comfort and ergonomics. I can say that it makes a world of difference for my shoulders and wrists. They are now relaxed and in a natural position for all-day desk work. The buttons are the bulkier, high type of button. If you like the quieter and lower-profiled type, you won't like this. My husband immediately commented about that. I happen to like these buttons because they're more tactile. The wrist rest is great because my wrists and hands are at the same level when typing. One negative for me is that there is no keypad to this keyboard. I had to purchase that separately. I use a keypad for certain macro applications. The fact that the keypad had to be bought separately (additional cost) and isn't adjoined to the keyboard (no click in place or way to attach) makes it almost not worth having. However, I can't perform my job well without the macros created that use the keypad. Perhaps some Velcro will be my solution. Not having the keypad included and part of the keyboard also makes for some awkward maneuvering when using the mouse or reaching over to the keypad because it is at least an inch further over than it would be if it was where a keypad usually sits on a keyboard. Blah, blah, whine, whine. Anyway, the keyboard is great otherwise, and I would recommend the wider cord range of 20" (instead of the 9") because you have more room to spread out the two pieces, allowing you to find the spot that best fits your shoulder width and arms' range of motion for maximum comfort.

Pain and tingling in my shoulders, arms and wrists prompted me to look for an ergonomic keyboard. I have used other keyboards like the Logitech K350 and the Microsoft Sculpt, but neither of those keyboards provide the quality and flexibility of the Kinesis Freestyle 2. This review includes the VIP3 palm rest and tenting kit. I would not recommend purchasing the keyboard without the vip3 kit. The purpose of the keyboard is to improve ergonomics and without the vip3 kit, the keyboard is far less ergonomic. I understand why kinesis made the vip3 kit an optional accessory, because not all users may want to use it, and the main selling point of the keyboard is that is is customizable to each person. I use the keyboard with 5 degrees of tenting and with the palm rest attached without the sticker pads that come with the vip3 kit. What I like: The ability to split the keyboard at a distance that is customizable is the best feature of the keyboard. This differentiates it from other ergonomic keyboards with a fixed split. Tenting at different heights is also great. This allows you to find the height that works best for your body and setup. The key feel is excellent, the keys press with little force and have a satisfying feel and sound. The lack of a number pad makes my mouse easier to reach and puts less stress on my shoulders. The shortcut keys on the left are also helpful, I don't use them often, but if you need to copy and past repeatedly they are helpful. This keyboard solves nearly all of the problems with traditional keyboards, and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for an ergonomic keyboard.

I got my intro to computers as a very young man in the USAF. I'm talking DOS, 5.25 floppy disks, the real floppy ones, etc. And in the many years to follow, I have had a cold addiction to the various styles of computer keyboards. I've had the MS Ergo types, with the little hill in the middle, you name it, I've owned it. Now, that I am a UPS data entry guy, and 55 years old, I am SURE that I have found THE keyboard config that I will STAY with for the long haul!! And trust me, I have done my homework, read a bunch of reviews, etc. Your all's keyboard is THE ONE I am staying with as long as I am blessed to have a computer related job!! Now I am not rich, so I couldn't get the MOST up to date item you offer, but the one I bought, the older model, I am totally satisfied with it's performance, great button response, and the EXTRA features, the left hand added buttons, copy, paste, etc., I LOVE IT. Just like WIndows@ itself, there's always several ways to get the same process accomplished. These added key features on the left and right, are just very awesome! I read reviews where people were complaining about this feature. I am now like...WHY?? When you are a keystroke fanatic like I am, those exra buttons HELP. As with any keyboard change, it takes a little time to get the feel and layout of it. So, why people were complaining because they kept hitting the wrong buttons by accident, need to ADJUST to the change, because it's BETTER! Muscle memory will eventually take over, and you will get the layout down without thinking about it eventually. I love the construction, the quality, the added features, it's just what I need for my long shifts typing constantly. It makes my work more enjoyable, and productive as well! I couldn't afford the tenting, so as per my pic, you can see I had to get creative with some mouse pads with wrist support to get the final ergonomic element complete! I clock in fairly soon, and I look forward to it! I love the work, and my gear is complete! I sure do thank you all for making an old man's keyboarding life even more enjoyable! I didn't rate Tech Support, as I have not even had to consult anyone there! But I am sure the crew is just as outstanding as their products! Thank you SO much!!

For context, I am a senior level software engineer so keyboards are of high important and I'm tried quite a few. Right panel of the keyboard, awesome, no. Perfect immitation of a traditional keyboard, making the transition easy. Left hand panel, WTF. Prime real estate on the far left is filled with completely redundant keys like a dedicated undo, cut, copy, paste, etc., any competent keyboard user already knows the Ctrl or cmd + (z,x,c,v) shortcuts for these. These 8 useless keys also cause the escape key to fall in a completely unnatural location in comparison to a traditional keyboard. This move also made f keys also fall in a completely unnatural location since each one is NOT above the corresponding number (seriously WTF). Because the actually useful keys are crammed on the right of the left panel, your thumb will rest off the keyboard, causing extreme repetitive stress for your abductor if you are used to using the spacebar or any modifier keys with your left hand. I used the keyboard for 2 weeks and now I can barely look a up cardboard box without pain when normally I am someone who can lift a 50 lb block one handed with ease. If kineses took a few moments to actually think about actually practical ergonomics insteading of going for looks and saving a few pennies on repeated key sizes then they would shift the actually needed keys to the left side of the panel, widen the spacebar, and realign+mark each third f & number key with brail. Then they could use the freed up right side of the left panel real estate for complicated hotkeys that people don't already know like screen swap and thumb heavy hotkeys like switch window (alt+tab on win & cmd+tab on mac). For the small subset of users who don't know essential hotkeys like copy+paste they could just include a sticker that hugs the copious empty space around the f keys. Or better yet, they could eliminate the useless empty space (as it makes the keyboard not work great on tilted keyboard trays) and just include a nice foldable cheat sheet with the keyboard instead. I hope they incorporate feedback because this is one of the very few reasonably priced true split keyboards on the market that doesn't require soldering and programming. I'll update my review if they do. Unfortunately this keyboard will become a toy for my children since I wouldn't curse anyone to my current hand pain.

Last post I wrote about the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Keyboard, an ergonomic gaming keyboard that is nice but expensive. Know that if you are purchasing the Freestyle Edge, you are paying for the luxury of RGB backlighting. You can see my full review of the Freestyle Edge here. For a more affordable option, consider the Kinesis Freestyle2. Before I begin, I would like to mention that I am not a doctor, and this review is based on my personal experience. For medical advice, always consult a doctor. This is not a paid review, but I will be using affiliate links to the products. If you choose to purchase anything I recommend, I get a small commission if you buy using my links. It isn't much, but every little bit helps. The Kinesis Freestyle2 is a wired split keyboard designed for ergonomics. The keyboard comes in a nine-inch split and a 20-inch split variation. I have the nine-inch split version, and I don't feel like I need any more. Plan for your setup. I have wide shoulders, and the split design has allowed for a more comfortable position. My only complaint about the Kinesis split keyboards is that they do not come with the optional tenting kit. Kinesis offers an optional tenting kit for all their split keyboards for a more ergonomic experience. I used the Freestyle2 without the kit, but I am so used to the tilt that I had to buy the kit for this one as well. Most people should be fine using the keyboard without the kit, but personally, the tenting kit makes long typing sessions a lot more comfortable. The Freestyle2 has two options for tenting, a 15-degree variant ($40 on Amazon) and a 90-degree variant ($200 on Amazon). I use the 15-degree variant and think it is perfectly fine, but the 90-degree is a solid option if you prefer a vertical keyboard. I don't have any experience with the 90-degree version and can't speak on how sturdy it is. The main differences between the Freestyle Edge and the Freestyle 2 are the switches and backlight. The Freestyle2 is a membrane keyboard with no backlight and it honestly doesn't need either. The key presses are soft and responsive, but they aren't customizable. I have been using this keyboard regularly for two years and haven't seen any visible signs of wear and tear. Unfortunately, Kinesis doesn't offer keycap replacements keycaps or mac conversions for this keyboard. The Freestyle2 also comes with a few preprogrammed macro keys for productivity. I haven't found too much use for these with my workflow. I used to use a cheap flat keyboard for work that left my hands useless by the end of my shift. There were days when I couldn't finish my work because the pain would be unbearable. Since making the switch to the Freestyle2, I haven't had any issues with pain in my hands and wrists. I recommend taking regular breaks and looking into stretches for added comfort. My only other complaint about this keyboard is that there is no number keypad. I don't really need one for my workflow, the number line works well enough, but the split design makes using numbers a slower experience. It isn't unmanageable, but people who work with numbers should look into getting a separate keypad. Kinesis offers a Numeric Keypad for those interested. If you are looking to make your setup a bit more ergonomic, consider the Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard. This is the perfect option if you don't care about a backlight, customizations, or key switches.

I own two of these keyboards -- one for home and one for the office, both with the VIP3 attachment (highly recommended). I've been through several ergonomic designs, and for me, this is the best on the market, by far. The low-pressure, rubber-dome keys are pleasant to type on, and the 20" separation means that i can position the sections in such a way that i can keep my arms by my side and my shoulders relaxed. I have zero complaints about build quality, and i feel that my money was well spent. At this point, i should be clear: I do recommend this keyboard (see above). Despite its shortcomings, i bought a second, and i would buy a third if i had a third location of on-site programming work. But for the remainder of this review, i will be lambasting the designers for some unfortunate decisions that cause me daily grief. Given the attention that Kinesis gave to most areas of this keyboard, i find it perplexing that they included some truly brain-dead "features" for a modern piece of equipment. Firstly, the placements of several keys are questionable. The escape key may as well be in the upper atmosphere -- it's large, but i have to completely remove my hand from the keyboard and issue a shoulder movement to be able to reach it. As a programmer and a vim user, i press the escape key a lot. This keyboard has forced me to remap it to another key. The 'home', 'end', 'page up', 'page down', and 'delete' keys are nearly impossible to navigate efficiently without looking down at the keyboard. Somehow, 'insert' wound up as a function key (that is, you have to use the Fn-modifier to access it), along with 'scroll lock' and 'num lock', whereas 'pause/break' and 'printscreen' get center stage. Was this keyboard designed in the late '80s? Speaking of the Fn-modifier, the Fn key is a locking modifier. You can't hold it and press the key you want (e.g. 'insert') -- when you press Fn, the keyboard locks in Fn mode, and you have to press Fn again afterwards to revert. I get that they're trying to make life easier for people who use number pads a lot (which, um, you need Fn mode to access, even with 'num lock' on), but i can't imagine that it would have taken more than ten seconds' thought to realize that this would be a bad idea. The "convenience keys" (web keys, copy/cut/paste keys, etc.) are also poorly placed. I'm constantly accidentally hitting them, either at random or when i mean to press, say, the 'grave' key for a backtick or tilde (as a programmer, i use these a lot as well). This is frustrating, yes, but i could have easily disabled them or remapped them to something more benign, were it not for my next, and perhaps biggest, complaint. The "convenience keys" are not actually media keys. They cannot be remapped, because Kinesis made assumptions about your running operating system and hard-coded them as key combinations. I practically excreted a brick upon discovering this. A little background (skip this paragraph if you know how key events are handled by the OS): On a typical keyboard, if you press 'a', the operating system receives an event with a certain keycode. Your operating system knows that, since you told it you have a US keyboard, this keycode is associated with the letter 'a', per the US qwerty keyboard map. Typical US keyboard maps have keycodes for media keys, as well, which are interpreted as special key symbols. When you press a "web forward" key, the OS would look at the keymap and see that it lines up with the WebForward event. If a web browser then sees that you pressed WebForward, it knows how to handle it. Similarly, there's a WebHomePage event, a VolumeUp event, MediaPause, etc.. I use Linux/X, so my events are called things like 'XF86Forward', 'XF86HomePage', 'XF86AudioRaiseVolume', and others, respectively, but it's the same idea. Even if you buy a special keyboard with some newfangled media key that has no entry in your operating system's keyboard map, you can still map the key to do whatever you want, because a unique keycode is issued when you press it. That is, except on this keyboard. Here, the 'web forward' key does not issue its own (standard!) keycode, but instead issues an "alt+right arrow" key combination. 'Web backward', similarly, issues "alt+left arrow". "Web home" issues "alt+home". "Copy" issues "control+c" and "paste" issues "control+v". Actually, since it issues them by keycode, and i switched the 'control' and 'caps lock' keys in my keymap, for me, these latter events issue "capslock-c" and "capslock-v", instead. In what seems to have been an effort to combat what they knew was horrible placement for these failures of convenience keys, they put raised ridges on them (and on the home/end/pgup/pgdn keys) , so you can tell what key you're on. You know, like the raised ridges on the 'f' and 'j' keys. However, they put these ridges on _all_ of the right-edge keys, so they don't help you know which key you're fingering _at all_. The ridges are thus completely useless, since you already know that your fingers are at the rightmost edge of a column of keys with a gap beside it due to, well, the gap that's beside it. This last point feels like a nitpick in comparison to my previous complaint, but since it's also related, i'm including it as well. In summary: The day that someone comes along with something comparable, without the stupidity listed above, i will buy it. The day that Kinesis releases a Freestyle3 that's identical to this one, but fixes all of the above, i'll buy two. But until that day, this is, begrudgingly, my keyboard of choice.