Kinesis, long time maker of outstanding ergonmic keyboards like the Kinesis KB500USB-BLK Advantage USB Contoured Keyboard, has finally dipped into the lucrative gaming market with the creation of it’s first gaming-focused keyboard. Gamers take note of the first gaming keyboard from Kinesis called the Kinesis Freestyle Edge.
Kinesis already sells a Freestyle model called the Freestyle2 that provides the market with an affordable ergonomic split keyboard. This new split gaming keyboard may share the name but is most definitely a new product designed for a new use and different market.
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge consists of two separate keyboards that are connected by a cable, just like the Freestyle2. However this new gaming keyboard includes tons of gamer-oriented features like eight extra keys intended for game-specific functions or macros and a double-width Esc key. The keyboard registers keypresses with Cherry MX mechanical switches and supports per-key backlighting, ten fully-remappable layouts, and complex macro programming.
Even better? The Freestyle Edge needs no extra software to run. You can use a configuration app that is available if you need it and the Edge appears as a flash drive so you can run the configuration utility directly from it.
Sounds great, right? But is it ergonomic? Of course! Products from Kinesis are guaranteed to be ergonomic during use and this gaming keyboard is no different. Kinesis concludes user comfort and improved ergonomics results from the ability to place the two halves of the keyboard anywhere you like (within the reach of the 20″ cable). Allowing you to tailor the setup to your exact body allows for more comfort while gaming, especially since a lot of games don’t really require the right half of the keyboard. You can utilize this to create the perfect setup whether that means bringing your mouse closer to your left hand, or placing a microphone or joystick right in the middle of the desk. Using the Freestyle Edge allows you to use everything you need without sacrificing typing comfort (very important in preventing problems like carpal tunnel and Repetitive Strain Injury).
Kinesis has built in other ergonomic benefits to the Edge gaming keyboard. Since awkward wrist positions cause lots of damage they offer a lift kit that allows you to angle the inner portions of the keyboard in order to provide a more natural angle for your wrist. The lift kit is an extra that you’ll have to purchase but the total kit is perfect for a gamers concerned about wrist position and problems like carpal tunnel.
Kinesis calls their keyboards “the keyboard” that fits to you. This is so important in creating proper ergonomics and it’s clearly seen in the design of the Edge gaming keyboard.
More details on the Kinesis Freestyle Edge:
- Up to 20” of separation for the ultimate in desktop freedom.
- Premium Mechanical Switches: Cherry MX Red (low-force, linear feel)
- Fully Programmable with the SmartSet Programming Engine
- 10 Custom Layouts with Dual Layers, Powerful Macros, Quick Remaps, 8 Game Keys, & No-Install Programming App for Windows
- Adjustable Blue LED Backlighting: 9 Brightness Levels and Breathe Mode for soothing pulses of light
- Detachable Palm Supports, Braided Cables, 4MB Onboard Memory, NKRO, 1MS Response Time
- Available Accessories: Lift Kit and Cushioned Palm Pads
Learn more about the Kinesis Freestyle Edge split gaming keyboard on Amazon or Kinesis website kinesis-ergo.com
