KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Keyboard | Cherry MX Linear Red Switches | RGB | Ergonomic | Detachable Palm Support | Fully Programmable | TKL | Available Tenting

Tried this because its rated best by WireCutter. I have a (cheaper) FreeStyle at work. I love the backlighting and that you can control the colors. Its nice that you can pick the Cherry MX switch you like best, but most people will have no idea which to pick. I chose brown as I use it for typing only. I think the brown is too loud for office work and unfortunately the reds are just as loud (silent red on the Pro model are really silent which is weird in a different way). I think the brown takes a little too much force to type compared to the FreeStyle. But the Cherry MX does provided a crisp feel missing on cheap keyboards. Oddly the keyboard layout is different/worse than the FreeStyle. The FreeStyle has larger ESC and Delete buttons. And as with all Kinesis keyboards, I really miss the numeric keypad. Also the built-in wrist rest is nice but it slopes down too much for my liking.

No soy gamer asi que no puedo opinar al respecto, pero siendo programador y pasando muchas horas en el computador y despues de unos 6 meses de uso puedo decir que este teclado ha complido con mis espectativas, no tengo ninguna queja y en general me ha parecido muy agradable, comodo y creo que no he vuelto sentir esas leves molestias en las manos que ya empezaba a sentir al usar teclados tradicionales. Aunque este mi primer teclado mecanico (solo habia usado teclados de membrana) para mi la calidad del producto es buena. (Ahora trabajo desde casa pero si tuviera que volver a la oficina sin duda compraria otro para tener uno en casa y otro en la oficina) -------------- No soy gamer asi que no puedo opinar al respecto, pero siendo programador y pasando muchas horas en el computador y despues de unos 6 meses de uso puedo decir que este teclado ha complido con mis espectativas, no tengo ninguna queja y en general me ha parecido muy agradable, comodo y creo que no he vuelto sentir esas leves molestias en las manos que ya empezaba a sentir mientras usaba teclados tradicionales. Aunque este mi primer teclado mecanico (solo habia usado teclados de membrana) para mi la calidad del producto es buena. (Ahora trabajo desde casa pero si tuviera que volver a la oficina sin duda compraria otro para tener uno en casa y otro en la oficina)

I bought this keyboard not for gaming but for its ergonomics, as someone whose wrists had become sore from typing a lot every day. I should say right away that a big plus of this keyboard is that the soreness in both wrists and some fingers disappeared almost immediately upon my using this keyboard, so its ergonomic design definitely helped me. I use the keyboard with its optional lift kit set to a 10 degree angle. (I think anyone using this keyboard for ergonomics needs to buy the lift/tilt kit.) I also place the two keyboard halves about a shoulder-width apart so my arms and wrists are about perpendicular to the edge of the table. I find the large palm rests sturdy and quite comfortable and I have no trouble typing for many hours without strain or pain. So a great job to the engineers for making a well designed, comfortable to use, reliable keyboard. But the big plus is balanced by a big negative which is that, even after two months of steady use and despite a lot of tinkering with the Kinesis software that lets one remap keys and adjust responses of keys (see below), my typing speed is still way below (about half) of my typing speed on my previous keyboard, and I continue to make many typing errors that are mainly related to having mapped the Ctrl modifier key to a long-press of the thumb keys. I should point out that, before using this Kinesis keyboard, I have used Thinkpad keyboards for many years as my favorite keyboard. I am also an experienced and fast touch typist on standard keyboards. I feel that four changes, in decreasing order of priority, would change this good keyboard into a great ergonomic keyboard: 1. Split the large space key of each keyboard half into two separate keys, giving four keys altogether that the thumbs could type. It would also be better to place the split thumb keys along a short arc of the thumb so one thumb key is a little bit to the right and closer to the wrist pad on the left keyboard half, and similarly for the right keyboard half. (Just splitting the thumb key in half as it currently exists would not be as ergonomic.) Two of these four thumb keys could then be mapped to modifier keys like control or shift, and perhaps the delete key could also be mapped to one, leaving a remaining thumb key for space. Having just one key under each thumb is a greatly missed opportunity to make the keyboard more ergonomic since the ctrl, Shift, Del keys are badly placed on most keyboards (activated by the weak pinky finger). I use emacs heavily for writing and coding and so having quick easy ergonomic ways to touch ctrl and to hit the Esc key are especially important for me. 2. Use half-height short-travel non-mechanical keys or even a mouse-click switch under the four thumb keys so that the thumb keys can be activated as rapidly as possible, with the least amount of travel. (Thumbs are strong but slow.) This is crucial for fast accurate typing if modifier keys like ctrl and Shift are to be activated by the thumbs. My most common error on the Kinesis keyboard is not pressing the thumb fast enough to ctrl or Shift another key. 3. Offer a version of this keyboard that uses half-height non-mechanical shorter-travel silent dome-based switches (similar to what Lenovo uses in its Thinkpad keyboards) for ALL of the keys. After trying several different mechanical keyboards like the Kinesis, I found that I simply type faster and more enjoyably with high-quality non-mechanical low-height quiet keys. (And it doesnt hurt that dome-based keys are nearly completely quiet, no clacking of the mechanical keys that can bother other people or that are heard while talking on the phone.) I think the ergonomic keyboard market is big enough to justify this choice economically, although I would guess many gamers would prefer mechanical keys. 4. Modify the Kinesis software to allow long-press overloading of keys for all keys (see below for more details) and to allow simple chords (say press 2 keys simultaneously to create a letter or to emulate Shift, Alt, Ctrl). Right now, the software allows a secondary long-press only on non-alphabetical keys like the space bars, Shift, CAPS, etc. But it would be extremely useful to allow long-presses on letters under the stronger faster fingers (letters d and f on the left, j and k on the right) so that, say, long-pressing an f on the left would be a ctrl modifier for the right keyboard letters, long-pressing a j on the right would be a ctrl modifier for left keyboard letters, and similarly long-pressing d or k would Shift the letters on the opposite keyboard half. If well implemented, this software fix would also get rid of the need to have multiple thumb keys. Since I believe the keyboard can be completely remapped configured in software, I just dont understand why Kinesis wont provide more flexibility for remapping, including providing some simple chords. The user can simply decide whether or not to take advantage of this more greater remapping capability. Here are some other miscellaneous comments: - To avoid making it too hard to switch back and forth between the Kinesis keyboard and my laptop keyboard (or using another desk keyboard when traveling), this is how I remapped just a few keys of my Kinesis keyboard (using the SmartSet app that works on MacOS or Windows but not Linux), especially to make it fast and easy to use when in the emacs editor: I used the Tap-and-Hold feature to add a secondary feature (long-press) to left space bar: short tap is space, long-press is ctrl right space bar: short tap is space, long-press is ctrl CAPS: short tap is Esc, long-press is ctrl (because I remap CAPS to ctrl on my regular keyboards) ;: key: short tap is Esc, long-press is Shift (so I dont have to move my right pinky for Shift) right Shift: is now the ;: key (a lower frequency key) But, again, using a long-press under the thumb keys for ctrl makes the timing difficult for activating the ctrl key quickly so is a major source of typing errors. This would be avoided by splitting each current thumb key into two separate keys (four thumb keys in all) since ctrl could be directly mapped to two of these thumb keys, also use a much shorter stroke to activate the thumb key. Or use simple chords for Shift, Alt, Ctrl like the original Fingerworks keyboard. Note: the SmartApp and the programming language allows one to adjust the number of milliseconds that have to pass for a long-press to be detected instead of a tap but I could not find a timing that removed my typing errors. I am using 250 ms for a long-tap detection. The extra thumb keys would also allow DEL to be mapped to a thumb, or simple chord like f and j pressed simultaneously could be mapped to DEL if the software were slightly modified. The DEL key on the Kinesis keyboard is really badly placed, far from the main row. - The IOS version of the SmartSet app works only on a large screen Mac, not on a Mac laptop, which is quite frustrating and should be fixed. - change firmware so lighting doesnt turn on and stay on when FN key is used, rather annoying. - redesign the plastic key caps so that the secondary characters are more clearly visible and readable when keyboard lit. Currently, secondary characters are dark when keyboard is lit. - add a 2nd B key to right side of keyboard so B can be typed with either hand. There is room for an extra B key on the right keyboard half. - a warning to future users: the Kinesis keyboard takes up a lot of desk space when the two halves are spread apart at shoulder width, there is little room to refer to documents on the table. Also tricky is where to place a mouse. Between the keyboard halves works but it is awkward to reach in between the keyboard halves over and over again. Maybe implement a Thinkpad-like finger mouse, so one can do some mousing without moving hands off the keyboard? - The tilt kit is overpriced as two simple pieces of plastic, although it is well designed. If Kinesis is finding that most people are buying the tilt kit at the same time as keyboard, include the tilt kit and reduce the total price.

I bought this to replace a Kinesis Freestyle Edge (non-RGB with blue keys) that met an unfortunate accident. Ive been using Kinesis split keyboards for years as they are the most comfortable for my wrists and shoulders. Standard keyboards force my arms to angle inward in a way that is not quite natural, and causes some fatigue. Though you mostly get used to the standard keyboard arrangement, it is always so much better to be in control of the angle as you can when your keyboard is split in half. The older Kinesis split keyboards were membrane keyboards, so I had switched to a standard mechanical once mechanicals were available, as I prefer the feeling. Also, I like backlit keys as I tend to keep my office dark to reduce glar. When Kinesis started offering mechanical, backlit, split keyboards, that was excellent as they combine the three main features I look for in a keyboard. This RGB has a bit different layout to the previous Freestyle, so if you are switching there will be some learning as the ESC key is now small and placed next to the F keys instead of being big at the top of the macro keys (though you can reprogram that top large macro key to be ESC if you want, but youll have to avoid accidentally hitting the real ESC key when you reach for F1). Also 7 is now moved to the other side. Overall, they are very similar. Some points of interest: -when the keyboard is in FN mode, by default, there are no LEDs. This is normal. You can use the configuration utility to assign LEDS (I recommend a different color scheme so you can easily see if your keyboard is in FN mode or normal mode). -the keys themselves have a slightly dusty coating on top for better traction. My previous Freestyle either didnt have that (or maybe it had but wore off over years of use) -this keyboard comes with a wristrest, so you do not need to buy it separately. It is detachable should you not want to use it or use a different one. This wristrest has cushions built in instead of the flat plastic Kinesis ones. They feel nice, though it took a little adjustment as I switched from my old keyboard due to it raising my hands just a little. -You can turn LED backlighting on/off with a toggle switch -The arrow keys are in proper inverted-T layout and have a raised bump on the up arrow for touch placement. This is a small but nice feature; no keyboards Ive used before have had the touch bump on these keys. This keyboard is great not just for gaming but for general computer usage and typing when you want something that is easier on your wrists and shoulders, and has mechanical switches for accuracy.

Keyboard was easy to use and onboard but more than that I like their web interface where it is easy to get product support through videos, and easy to interact with customer service very quickly. I got my keyboard 6 months ago and this morning had an issue with a key not working. Thankfully, i found the support site, FAQ, and contact link in a flash; it was then easy to get test data to send to Kinesis, and I received extremely quick customer service response on my question — including clear directions on how to remap to fix the an accidental key remapping I had made. I clearly haven’t worked to get the most out of this keyboard - I really only bought it for the ergonomics, but based on the quality of the keyboard, the service, and my accidental experiment, I am looking forward to more effectively using its programmable features! As for ergonomics, the keyboard is a joy to use. I did get the lifts which make it much better for me. I like that the keyboard separates which allows me to have a clear space to place a snack while I am working, and I can work with a very comfortable arm position throughout the day.

This is an awesome keyboard, I love it. You can program it for Mac easily with a click of a button once you plug it in! which has Cmd, Opt, and multimedia controls with Fn, configured automatically at once. (though you have to eject and disconnect the keyboard hard drive first before you can use them. more on that below) I wanted the most top left key to be Mission Control, and it took me a bit to figure out how to do it, since this is my first programmable keyboard. The idea is, the keyboard itself has a hard drive on it so it saves your key mapping to it. To use them after saving the profile, youll have to properly eject the hard drive as youd normally do. Then press SmartSet button + F8 to disconnect the hard drive. the app will guide you. - download the SmartSet app first from https://gaming.kinesis-ergo.com/fs-edge-rgb-support/ youll find the manual there too, they really stress you read it :) - click on the button you want to remap, select Macro, click on the Macro text box On the keyboard, press the key(s) you want the new mapping to be. Save the macro, save the profile, then follow app directions to refresh the updated profile, eject keyboard hard drive then disconnect it. And youre done! For me, Mission Control was Ctrl+up arrow, it can be F3 for you. Find out from System Preference -> Misson Control on your Mac, you can change it to whatever you want. I changed it to F3 so I can program the Macro, otherwise every time I was trying to press the combination Ctrl+up arrow it would show the Mission Control and the macro wouldt register.

This is a review after a month of almost daily use. First I had an adaptation week or maybe a bit longer, but after that I feel amazing typing on this keyboard. I can have my hands well positioned, separated and tilted (because I purchased the tilting kit separately) and its a nice comfortable experience. I have the mouse in the middle of the two halves and it works well enough. The build is all plastic of good quality except the palm rests hinges, those seem a bit wobbly and it gives the impression they could break with time, but maybe they dont. The palm rest cushions are made of plastic and I think they would improve substantially if they were made of cloth, specially with sweating in the summer. The Cherry MX Blue switches work well as expected. I give it 4 starts because although its a great keyboard I had to purchase the tilting kit separately. This is a problem because I couldnt find the one designed for palm rest and I had to manually saw a part of the kit to make it work. Otherwise I would have bought the correct one but it wasnt in stock. This problem would be solved by including tilting accesories that worked regardless of palm rests being installed or not. I dont think it would entail a super complex design to do that, ot would work if they just included the regular kit with a foldable tilting support on the palms too, it would be just a plastic leg. And if Kinesis doesnt want to bundle the keyboard with a tilting kit at least unify both compatible kits with 1 model compatible with 2 modes like I suggested. Itd a shame that such great product has to be a pain to set up with tilting. But besides that, I love it.

One of the engineers reviewing the Kinesis keyboard said it worked well for writing, and it had the qualities I was looking for, though I was wondering if something labeled for gaming had some special qualities making it unusable for other purposes. Fortunately, that was not the case. The lighted keyboard and being able to see the letters and numbers in low light and at night when I write was of special appeal. It is still fairly new to me, and I am going with the default changing color scheme, which I like. At some point I plan to try programming individual keys to make it easier to find the right place to put my hand, as too often I get gibberish from faulty hand placement. But that is happening less and less often, as I get a better feel for the keyboard each passing week. After a dozen years of mostly using a laptop keyboard, it took some time getting back to what reminds me a bit of the typewriter keyboard type of key response which I used to love. As some reviewers note, there is a sound, but after a day or two I got used to it, and now mostly like it, as it is the typewriter keyboard sound without the banging of the keys against a platen. One reason I chose this particular keyboard was that the two halves separate, which works for me ergonomically and is a better fit for a cramped desktop space than the horizontal keyboard that came with my new ultra-compact desktop unit. First thing I did was remove the wrist rests so the keyboard could fit in a space with only 8 inches. Indeed, being able to remove the wrist rests was a key selling point, along with the separability of the two keyboard halves and the lighting. Every week I use this keyboard, I like it more and more.

Two months into healing from two broken wrists I was still unable to use a keyboard and missing way too much work. On the advice of my occupational therapist, I looked into a split keyboard and vertical mouse. This keyboard, when used with the lift kit/tenting kit, has been my saving grace. I can split it as wide apart as needed and usually use it tented all the way up. Thanks to this positioning, I can finally put in a 6 to 8 hr day. I was concerned about the keyboard not tilting up/down at the front but realized that doesnt matter (and actually only makes things worse for my wrists). Im not a gamer and use this exclusively for typing but I love it. The wrist rests are incredibly comfortable and the keys offer the perfect amount of bounce (I got the brown). I do miss having a 10-key pad, but figure I can add an external one if I need to do a lot of number entry. I did look at the kinesis freestyle pro (or whatever--the one designed more for typing) but the wrist rests on this one seem superior and the backlit keys make me smile. Important note- I am a home row typer. If you are not, the split keyboard will be challenging to get used to. It took me a day to get used to it, but when my spouse tried it for a day, he hated it as he doesnt use home row. Otherwise, I highly recommend (with lift kit though....which it does suck you have to pay extra for).

I had tendinitis due to being a software engineer and gamer. I bought this keyboard and the Freestyle 2 for mac and both have been amazing with respect to relief from repetitive strain. Having said that, this keyboard, in particular, is amazing. Why is it amazing? Ive actually improved in FPS games significantly. Not having to strain makes my reaction times quicker. The keyboard has a premium feel when typing and has great response time. The wrist rests are comfortable and the RGB lighting is really nice to look at. I like that you can rotate the left side of the keyboard a bit when gaming, it makes it easier to reach all the keys you want to use without straining. I recommend buying the elevation stands that are sold separately for even less strain. Pros: Premium feel Fast response times Reduces strain Great ergonomics Cons: High price Some of the keys are sometimes hard to reach when gaming You have to buy the elevation stands that are sold separately to really benefit from the intended ergonomics and reduced strain. Update Jan 1, 2020: The S key broke off the keyboard. I dont use this keyboard for anything other than gaming, and I dont game that much for it to explain how it broke. I really liked this keyboard too, so its a big disappointment. Ive reached out to Kinesis support since its only been 3 months to see if the warranty will cover the fix. Once I have an update on that Ill post it here.