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

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.

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.