Kinesis Freestyle 2 Split-Adjustable Keyboard for PC - UK Layout

Product Information

Was to be an upgrade over my 'go to' Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. It was time to get a little more serious about wrist health. I don't have an issue like I did more than a decade ago where I headed off an potential RSI situation with my wrists and hands starting to tingle and hurt. The Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue TM wireless keyboard combines our award winning split-adjustable ergonomic design with the convenience of bluetooth connectivity. No more sacrificing comfort when typing on your PC, Tablet, Smartphone. Multichannel technology lets you pair up to 3 three Bluetooth-enabled devices with the Freestyle2 Blue and instantly switch between them directly from the keyboard.

ADJUSTABLE TENTING: The Kinesis KB820 model keyboard is pre-assembled with the popular VIP3 tenting accessory which enables 5, 10, or 15 degrees of tenting with integrated cushioned palm supports to keep forearms neutral and wrists supports for an optimal typing posture. It was instant plug-and-play, I have the lifters in the halfway position, and am totally in love with it. Please note: keyboard images show the US layout, with the line drawing showing the UK layout for reference. All chairs are supplied with a 5-year guarantee against fault in manufacture, including structural parts, when used in normal office conditions.Ease To Type: The force required to type on the Kinesis is very minimal and the keys respond to just a light touch, something that is desired in any keyboard that you use for long durations.I’ve been using the Kinesis for over 2 years now and I’ve never had any discomfort in my hands after hours of use. English or French Canadian Layout: The Freestyle2 Keyboard is available in either US English or French Canadian (bilingual) layout. Ascent Accessory Kit: The more specialized Ascent Accessory independently tents the left and right modules of the keyboard in 10° increments, from 20° to a full 90°. The Ascent Accessory can be used with the Palm Supports at angles up to 40°. The 20" linking cable is generally advised when using the Ascent Accessory, as the longer cable facilitates better ergonomic positioning and allows greater flexibility. A linking plate, included with the Ascent Accessory, can be attached if desired to increase the stability of the two modules.

Atlas Ergonomics White Paper: Published in March 2010 by Atlas Ergonomics of Grand Haven, MI., this white paper reports on that company's intensive five-month study of a split keyboard design. The Freestyle Solo (the predecessor to the Freestyle2) plus the compatible VIP Accessory, was chosen for the project. Researchers studied the impact of the Freestyle Keyboard’s split design on the posture, discomfort, and performance of approximately 80 software manufacturing employees, focusing in particular on the positions of the hands and upper extremities during keyboard use. The study found that 92% of participants used the Freestyle in its split configuration, rather than splayed (i.e. with the two modules connected at the pivot point). The degree of ulnar deviation was reduced across all BMI levels and body types with no reduction in performance for the duration of the study. At the end of the study 96% of participants said they preferred the Freestyle over their previous keyboard. VIP3 Accessory Kit: The popular VIP3 Accessory allows the keyboard to be tented at 5°, 10°, and 15° to help reduce pronation. The VIP3 Accessory includes Palm Supports that move as the keyboard is tented, helping to reduce wrist extension by offering full support at all angles. If desired the tenting mechanisms can also be detached at any time with the palm supports being retained for a more traditional keyboard position.Either way, I think it's a good idea to go ergonomic before you need physiotherapy, not, like me, afterwards. Note: The Freestyle2 Keyboard comes with a component that secures the two modules together at a pivot point. Although this Pivot Tether is intended primarily to secure the two modules during transport, it can be used, to create a splayed (i.e. joined at the centre top) keyboard. However, this configuration will significantly limit the ergonomic benefits. V3 Accessory Kit: The V3 Accessory allows the keyboard to be tented to 5°, 10°, and 15° to help reduce pronation. The V3 Accessory does not include Palm Supports. (This accessory is worth considering if tenting is required, but the keyboard location is a tray with built-in palm supports.) This keyboard feels comfortable to rest your hands on. If you can deal with it, use the 'tenting' feature to raise it up to full height. If this is your first ergonomic keyboard, take it easy and get used to it before raising it up to a better angle.

Let’s talk about ‘ergonomic’ keyboards. What makes a product ergonomic? Well in my opinion it needs to be fully adaptable/adjustable to the user. In other words it needs to fit the user (not the other way around). Historically there has been a lot of ergonomic issues with a ‘conventional’ keyboard. Generally speaking these include mousing too wide due to the location of the keyboard’s number pad; a lot of force required to type; and a general design that is not aligned with what us as humans are designed to do. So, let’s get into the review! REVIEW OF THE KINESIS FREESTYLE 2 KEYBOARD The pillowed wrist rest contains a memory foam layer that, according to Logitech, offers 54% more wrist support and 25% less wrist bending when compared to your standard keyboard. It also has perfect stroke keys---slightly scooped key designs that match the shape of your fingertips, allowing for more fluid typing.Tenting:With optional tenting accessories you can laterally tilt the keyboard by 5, 10, and 15 degree to reduce forearm pronation that is caused by flat keyboards. Low-force, tactile key switches - The Freestyle2 utilizes a quiet, low-force, tactile membrane key switch. The typical average maximum key force of a switch is 45 grams. This is at least 25% less than most traditional and many ergonomic keyboards such as the Microsoft 4000 with maximum key forces of over 60 grams. From here, we followed the instructions in the provided instructional pamphlet and enabled Bluetooth on our iPad. After about a minute of scanning, the Kinesis KB800MB-BT keyboard appeared as an available device. We simply tapped to connect. From here, it prompted us to input a numeric code and press return. Once we’d done this, setup was complete. The hot-keys on the left side of the Freestyle2 will only work with the specific operating system it was designed for.