"This will just not work for people who need to be using more than one keyboard during the day. Perhaps someone who is using the Freestyle Edge alongside with a typical keyboard for weeks in parallel can get used to using both of them at the same time, but that will undoubtedly take several weeks of training."
The first part of this quote simply isn't true. I use the Advantage keyboard, which is SIGNIFICANTLY "different" than the freestyle, and I can go back and forth between that and a normal keyboard, laptop keyboard, Microsoft ergonomic, etc, with ease. Yes, it took a few weeks to be perfectly comfortable, but saying that it "will just not work" is just not true.
I agree. I am typing on a Freestyle2 right now (non-gaming version of the reviewed keyboard) but will soon be heading to work where I have a Microsoft Natural. When I'm travelling I type on a Thinkpad X1 Carbon... I can switch between all three with no issues.
I also agree. The major part of keyboard is same as traditional layout and that made my transition quite easy. When I am on laptop, my brain immediately knows to not use any of the macros somehow and I had no problem switching between them. That has been said, I still switched to Freestyle Edge for both my work and home since that's the only decent programmable split keyboard I found so far. I will give UHK a shot once all their modules are out, but they are constantly delaying.
I also have an Advantage2 never saw any major "portability" problems.
Split keyboards are the way to go, ergonomically. It's a shame that so many fancy, expensive mechanical keyboards, that are so in vogue these days, suffer from the same layout problems that have plagued keyboards since the days of typewriters.
Sorry to say, but you're trolling with no source and the guy who responded below you is anecdotal evidence that you don't know what you're talking about.
Yes, that would be handy. And a 7 on the left and a 6 on the right half. I have the Freestyle 2 at work. Excellent keyboard, but I find myself hitting the blank space between the halves when doing numbers as I expect the 6 to be on the right half. Even after a few years with the keyboard. And occasionally hit the blank space when trying to hit B with my right hand.
I'm a touch typist, and a fairly quick one at that (80-90 WPM), but I do not use the "correct" "normal" "this is the the one-true-way" form (I'm more of a 5-finger typist, rarely using my pinkies or my right ring finger).
I'm typing this on a Matias Ergo Pro (another split keyboard that tries to have a mostly conventional layout), and my only complaint about the layout is that they should have a 6 on both sides so that nobody has an issue about that placement. My previous split keyboards (from both Logitech and Microsoft) both put the 6 on the left-hand side, but it didn't take long to get used to. The Matias also has a non-standard location for Esc, but even though I do spend some time in vim, that reach has never really bothered me.
Many years ago Kinesis did have a mechanical keyboard with 6 on both sides: the Kinesis Evolution. It was meant to be mounted in front of the desk, either on a special or on a special chair. It also had a numeric keypad and touch pad
And still nobody can make a keyboard with a detachable tenkey pad, something FAR more useful (no i dont mean a separate tenkey, I know these are available, I want one keyboard which slots the tenkey into the existing board, or unclips as its own unit)
as long as you aren't looking for a super cheap price I can think of a few detachable off the top of my head
**ASUS ROG Claymore **Aorus Thunder K7 (really more of a macro pad with ten key capability, I dont like the layout) **Tesora Tizona tenkeyless keyboard with purchasable 10 key pad that attaches to either side.
Microsoft Sidewinder X6. I just plugged mine back in after using a Logitech G710 (cherrymx Blues) for several months and forgot how good of a typing feel it still has for being a membrane keyboard.
1. he doesnt ship to my country 2. youre kinda proving my point when the only thing you can find is janky old second hand versions of an old terrible keyboard, I have checked my local Amazon/eBay, zero new ones available, what am I welcoming you for? 3. I thought the article here is a mechanical?
Just dump the whole thing entirely. It just slows you down moving your hands off the home row. It's faster just to type your numbers from the standard position.
That depends entirely on what you are using it for, how many numbers you are entering, and your skill level with a ten key. Ten key is a much easier skill to master than typing as a whole and can be much faster for large amounts of numbers and basic math functions.
I don't know why are these keyboards an exact split. Depending on the word I'm typing (and special keys I'm pressing), I'm sometimes reaching the "Y" column with my left hand and "T" column with my right hand. I'd love to see those two columns repeated on some ergonomic designs.
According to seller ErgoWarehouse, the lift kit is not included w/ the MX red version but cost the same. The kit cost an additional $32 with shipping from the same seller.
I’m appalled that Kinesis made a keyboard with a staggered layout. You can’t call this an ergonomic keyboard when you have to twist your fingers in weird ways to type on it. The current Planck keyboard offer on massdrop is much more interesting (and ergonomic).
My understanding is that the split keyboard design is to keep the wrists straight so that you don't have to bend them to get your fingers on the home row. The Planck is ortho-linear, which is supposed to be better so you don't do sideways reaches as much, but it doesn't do anything about the wrist-tilt, so some would argue that it too is not "ergonomic." Split ortho-linear keyboards do exist, and if you like the Planck, you might like the "Let's Split" keyboard design, which is basically like a Planck cut in half. ErgoDox and Kinesis Advantage are also ortho-linear split designs.
I started using the Freestyle2 (identical layout but membrane switches) because my shoulders were hurting from me having to narrow them in order to type on normal keyboards. I have the version with a 20" tether and usually keep the two halves at least 16" apart. I have no wrist or finger problems. Ergonomic means different things depending on your anatomy.
I find it silly to spend less on a keyboard and have to keep buying the same thing over and over again because you're wearing them out. I type a ton, and both of my kinesis advantage keyboards are going strong at around 10 years of age.
Getting a bit tired of manufacturers arbitrarily removing keys. while i don't see much value in right side windows key, i use the context menu key many many times a day during normal work. and no, shift f10 is not a viable replacement, you imbeciles. it requires two hands to press and doesn't work with my usual workflow. so these guys can make the most amazing keyboard they want, but no context menu key = no business from me.
Me uses UK layout, and has made an enquiry with kinesis about producing a UK/EU layout version. Unfortunately kinesis has no plan to do so yet. Me would buy at least two UK layout versions.
This is completely useless. I can already predict the number of times anyone would press Home when they wanted Backspace will tend to infinity. Enter will have a good amount of near miss cases too, despite its reasonable size, because of not being at the edge. Home/End/PgUp/PgDn are also terrible enough to exclude any editing work with this. And the arrow keys clumped up with the other keys just made their use of the term "gaming keyboard" illegal.
Pity that the connecting cable isn't longer, or the two keyboard halves made to connect to the computer separately. It would be neat to have them at the ends of a chair's arms, so a user could lean back and type.
Kinesis is a specialty keyboard company that's been in the business for at least two decades. Perhaps they can deliver a bit better value for money than the boutique makers selling custom parts in small batches.
I'm confused - "Two of the most prominent layout changes are those of the displaced Escape key and the omission of the right Windows and Menu buttons."
The Escape key isn't really displaced and there is indeed a Windows menu button in the pictures. Am I missing something?
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44 Comments
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Chapbass - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
"This will just not work for people who need to be using more than one keyboard during the day. Perhaps someone who is using the Freestyle Edge alongside with a typical keyboard for weeks in parallel can get used to using both of them at the same time, but that will undoubtedly take several weeks of training."The first part of this quote simply isn't true. I use the Advantage keyboard, which is SIGNIFICANTLY "different" than the freestyle, and I can go back and forth between that and a normal keyboard, laptop keyboard, Microsoft ergonomic, etc, with ease. Yes, it took a few weeks to be perfectly comfortable, but saying that it "will just not work" is just not true.
kmo12345 - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
I agree. I am typing on a Freestyle2 right now (non-gaming version of the reviewed keyboard) but will soon be heading to work where I have a Microsoft Natural. When I'm travelling I type on a Thinkpad X1 Carbon... I can switch between all three with no issues.voicequal - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
Give it 2-3 weeks and don't switch keyboards right before a deadline or competitive gaming session.wujj123456 - Tuesday, February 6, 2018 - link
I also agree. The major part of keyboard is same as traditional layout and that made my transition quite easy. When I am on laptop, my brain immediately knows to not use any of the macros somehow and I had no problem switching between them. That has been said, I still switched to Freestyle Edge for both my work and home since that's the only decent programmable split keyboard I found so far. I will give UHK a shot once all their modules are out, but they are constantly delaying.mode_13h - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - link
I also have an Advantage2 never saw any major "portability" problems.Split keyboards are the way to go, ergonomically. It's a shame that so many fancy, expensive mechanical keyboards, that are so in vogue these days, suffer from the same layout problems that have plagued keyboards since the days of typewriters.
PeachNCream - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
The anger management lessons thing made this review for me.It's nice to see there still split keyboard development happening out there. My poor little arm and hand tendons like the idea of improved ergonomics.
mode_13h - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - link
You might do well to check out their Advantage2 keyboard.Old_Fogie_Late_Bloomer - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
If they would just put a Y on the left side and a B on the right side...I cannot be the only potential customer they're missing out on because they are a good, fast typist but not a strict, "Mavis Beacon teaches" typist.
negusp - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
Sorry to say, but you're in a vast minority.Old_Fogie_Late_Bloomer - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
Sorry to say, but you're trolling with no source and the guy who responded below you is anecdotal evidence that you don't know what you're talking about.phoenix_rizzen - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
Yes, that would be handy. And a 7 on the left and a 6 on the right half. I have the Freestyle 2 at work. Excellent keyboard, but I find myself hitting the blank space between the halves when doing numbers as I expect the 6 to be on the right half. Even after a few years with the keyboard. And occasionally hit the blank space when trying to hit B with my right hand.I'm a touch typist, and a fairly quick one at that (80-90 WPM), but I do not use the "correct" "normal" "this is the the one-true-way" form (I'm more of a 5-finger typist, rarely using my pinkies or my right ring finger).
alanh - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
I'm typing this on a Matias Ergo Pro (another split keyboard that tries to have a mostly conventional layout), and my only complaint about the layout is that they should have a 6 on both sides so that nobody has an issue about that placement. My previous split keyboards (from both Logitech and Microsoft) both put the 6 on the left-hand side, but it didn't take long to get used to. The Matias also has a non-standard location for Esc, but even though I do spend some time in vim, that reach has never really bothered me.Findecanor - Tuesday, February 6, 2018 - link
Many years ago Kinesis did have a mechanical keyboard with 6 on both sides: the Kinesis Evolution. It was meant to be mounted in front of the desk, either on a special or on a special chair. It also had a numeric keypad and touch padmode_13h - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - link
Maybe you could just get two minmalist keyboards - one for each hand - and plug them in at the same time.I think using the Freestyle wouldn't be a difficult adjustment to make, and doing so might even help your typing speed on conventional keyboards.
Flunk - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
You can retrain habits like that pretty quick.MadAd - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
And still nobody can make a keyboard with a detachable tenkey pad, something FAR more useful (no i dont mean a separate tenkey, I know these are available, I want one keyboard which slots the tenkey into the existing board, or unclips as its own unit)imaheadcase - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
Yes!The biggest complaint i have with any keyboard is that part is not detachable, and terrible wrist support.
masouth - Tuesday, February 6, 2018 - link
as long as you aren't looking for a super cheap price I can think of a few detachable off the top of my head**ASUS ROG Claymore
**Aorus Thunder K7 (really more of a macro pad with ten key capability, I dont like the layout)
**Tesora Tizona tenkeyless keyboard with purchasable 10 key pad that attaches to either side.
redhen - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...You're welcome?
redhen - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
Microsoft Sidewinder X6. I just plugged mine back in after using a Logitech G710 (cherrymx Blues) for several months and forgot how good of a typing feel it still has for being a membrane keyboard.MadAd - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
1. he doesnt ship to my country 2. youre kinda proving my point when the only thing you can find is janky old second hand versions of an old terrible keyboard, I have checked my local Amazon/eBay, zero new ones available, what am I welcoming you for? 3. I thought the article here is a mechanical?Flunk - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
Just dump the whole thing entirely. It just slows you down moving your hands off the home row. It's faster just to type your numbers from the standard position.masouth - Thursday, February 15, 2018 - link
That depends entirely on what you are using it for, how many numbers you are entering, and your skill level with a ten key. Ten key is a much easier skill to master than typing as a whole and can be much faster for large amounts of numbers and basic math functions.Grahm - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
I don't know why are these keyboards an exact split. Depending on the word I'm typing (and special keys I'm pressing), I'm sometimes reaching the "Y" column with my left hand and "T" column with my right hand. I'd love to see those two columns repeated on some ergonomic designs.Or maybe that's just me...
phoenix_rizzen - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
Nope, it's not just you. Having the middle keys repeated on each side of the split would be very handy.Ukyo - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
According to seller ErgoWarehouse, the lift kit is not included w/ the MX red version but cost the same. The kit cost an additional $32 with shipping from the same seller.prophet001 - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
This is a pretty horrible design for MMOs.Robotire - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
I’m appalled that Kinesis made a keyboard with a staggered layout. You can’t call this an ergonomic keyboard when you have to twist your fingers in weird ways to type on it.The current Planck keyboard offer on massdrop is much more interesting (and ergonomic).
alanh - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
My understanding is that the split keyboard design is to keep the wrists straight so that you don't have to bend them to get your fingers on the home row. The Planck is ortho-linear, which is supposed to be better so you don't do sideways reaches as much, but it doesn't do anything about the wrist-tilt, so some would argue that it too is not "ergonomic."Split ortho-linear keyboards do exist, and if you like the Planck, you might like the "Let's Split" keyboard design, which is basically like a Planck cut in half. ErgoDox and Kinesis Advantage are also ortho-linear split designs.
kmo12345 - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
I started using the Freestyle2 (identical layout but membrane switches) because my shoulders were hurting from me having to narrow them in order to type on normal keyboards. I have the version with a 20" tether and usually keep the two halves at least 16" apart. I have no wrist or finger problems. Ergonomic means different things depending on your anatomy.tamalero - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
I always find it silly to expend more than 100 USD on a keyboard. Specially for people who work a lot and burn thru keyboards once or twice per year.Chapbass - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
I find it silly to spend less on a keyboard and have to keep buying the same thing over and over again because you're wearing them out. I type a ton, and both of my kinesis advantage keyboards are going strong at around 10 years of age.Flunk - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
If you're constantly typing wouldn't you want a better keyboard? Not a cheaper one?What do I know, I'm just a software developer.
Flunk - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
If you're constantly typing wouldn't you want a better keyboard? Not a cheaper one?What do I know, I'm just a software developer.
mode_13h - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - link
Don't know what kind of keyboards you're using, but I just replaced a Kinesis Contoured model I'd been using for more than 15 years.Yeah, I had to replace parts, a couple times (mostly due to spills), but they're built for that.
twtech - Monday, February 19, 2018 - link
How much does carpal tunnel surgery cost these days?timecop1818 - Monday, February 5, 2018 - link
Getting a bit tired of manufacturers arbitrarily removing keys. while i don't see much value in right side windows key, i use the context menu key many many times a day during normal work. and no, shift f10 is not a viable replacement, you imbeciles. it requires two hands to press and doesn't work with my usual workflow. so these guys can make the most amazing keyboard they want, but no context menu key = no business from me.beebbeeb - Tuesday, February 6, 2018 - link
Me uses UK layout, and has made an enquiry with kinesis about producing a UK/EU layout version. Unfortunately kinesis has no plan to do so yet. Me would buy at least two UK layout versions.mode_13h - Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - link
Are you an lolcat, by any chance?Visual - Thursday, February 8, 2018 - link
This is completely useless. I can already predict the number of times anyone would press Home when they wanted Backspace will tend to infinity. Enter will have a good amount of near miss cases too, despite its reasonable size, because of not being at the edge. Home/End/PgUp/PgDn are also terrible enough to exclude any editing work with this. And the arrow keys clumped up with the other keys just made their use of the term "gaming keyboard" illegal.tenchymuyo2 - Monday, February 12, 2018 - link
Pity that the connecting cable isn't longer, or the two keyboard halves made to connect to the computer separately. It would be neat to have them at the ends of a chair's arms, so a user could lean back and type.vanilla_gorilla - Monday, February 12, 2018 - link
Spend a little time on r/mechanicalkeyboards on reddit and you'll understand that $200 barely gets you a set of nice key caps.mode_13h - Wednesday, February 14, 2018 - link
Volume probably has something to do with it.Kinesis is a specialty keyboard company that's been in the business for at least two decades. Perhaps they can deliver a bit better value for money than the boutique makers selling custom parts in small batches.
tazz602 - Friday, February 8, 2019 - link
I'm confused -"Two of the most prominent layout changes are those of the displaced Escape key and the omission of the right Windows and Menu buttons."
The Escape key isn't really displaced and there is indeed a Windows menu button in the pictures. Am I missing something?