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

Product Information

The Freestyle2 Keyboard can be further customized with one or more of the Optional Accessory Kits described below (sold separately). With the addition of the appropriate Accessory Kit, this already highly configurable keyboard can be customized to provide even more ergonomic benefits. The Kinesis has a very low profile which means that its very likely that users will be able to use a natural wrist posture when it is just flat on the desk (without the tenting being engaged). Here’s a bonus: if you are using this product with a keyboard tray then you’ll be able to create a negative (keyboard sloping away from you) tilt which many people find to be ideal. The Kinesis is a typical split type of keyboard; itis literally split in half, between the ‘h’ and ‘g’keys. If you have never used this type of keyboard before it is UBER customizable with various working positions. In this post I’m going to give you an in-depth review of the Kinesis Freestyle 2 keyboard. Logitech's ERGO K860 is a shining star in the world of ergonomic keyboards. While priced a bit higher than other options on our list, it's for a good reason. This ergonomic keyboard boasts ample ergonomic-friendly features, plus it's compatible with a variety of operating systems and devices, including Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, and Linux. The two modules of the keyboard are connected by a flexible pivot tether which allow an infinite range of splay. You can disconnect the pivot tether to completely separate the modules and keep them at any desired position within the 9 or 20 inches reach of the connecting cable. Thus, the keyboard adjusts to your unique body type and shoulder width reducing ulnar deviation as well as arm and shoulder pain.

Battery life: Single battery charge should exceed 300 hours of actual typing or at least six months of use at 2 hours of typing per day Become familiar with the embedded numeric keypad. The embedded keypad gives you two additional layers, one for numbers, and one for navigation. These layers are accessed via the same keys on the right hand module of the keyboard.The guarantee is conditional in that it covers normal use and that misuse has not taken place and that the final decision rests with Online Ergonomics Ltd, their component and fabric suppliers. The guarantee is conditional on the chair being returned to Online Ergonomics Ltd for assessment. 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. Either way, I think it's a good idea to go ergonomic before you need physiotherapy, not, like me, afterwards. To use the number keys, simply press and release the ‘Fn’ key (bottom left of the keyboard) to toggle on and off. Q: Random keys aren’t working – how do I fix this?

Compact Design: The Embedded 10-key reduces overall width and places your mouse closer to your center reducing over-reach. Ergonomic Essentials is an online retailer that markets products to improve your comfort and productivty in the office. To enrich our members’ experience, we request and display some personal information. We never store Credit Card information, although it will be requested by NAB, our processing bank, to complete the transaction. Ergonomic Essentials members can change their profile information at any time and can control how we use and see their information. From an ergonomic standpoint, the K860 is impressive. It has a curved, split keyframe design, which is intended to help reduce muscle strain on your wrists and forearms. The split keyboard is fixed so it remains as one unit, but the keys are still designed to fall where your hands naturally sit. Consider the Ascent Accessory only if you must type with your hands in a more than 15° vertical orientation. (Note that you must be a skilled touch typist to use this more extreme solution effectively.) The Ascent Accessory can be used with Palm Supports (sold separately) at angles up to 40°. The 20" separation cable is typically recommended for this accessory, as it provides the needed flexibility. An optional linking plate (included with this accessory) may be used to connect the two tenting modules if desired for increased stability.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. The compact symmetrical layout is achieved by removing the numeric keypad found on the right side of most keyboards. This reduces the reach for the mouse for right-handed individuals and optimizes the workspace for everyone. The Freestyle2 Keyboard provides access to numbers along the top row, as well as via an easily toggled numeric layer embedded into the right-hand module. (Please see the Numeric Keypads category for external numeric keypads that are compatible with the Freestyle2 Keyboard.) Consider the Palm Support Accessory if you would like Palm Supports, but don't need to tent the keyboard.

Use with or without the pivot/tether. The pivot tether connects the two keying modules of the Freestyle2 keyboard together. Disconnect the pivot tether if greater separation is required. 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. Low Force Keys: Customer low-force, tactile key switches: offer 25% lower activation force than standard keyboards. Make sure the keyboard is properly positioned. Sit in your usual position at your desk and gently square your shoulders. Allow your upper arms to relax to your waist. Lift your forearms at the elbow and extend your fingers so that there is a straight line from your elbow through the centre of your wrist to your middle finger. Place the two halves of the keyboard on your desk or keyboard tray such that your arms and hands can maintain this position as you type. The modules ought to be shoulder width apart. Created with input from ergonomists and health professionals, the Freestyle adapts to the specific needs of each user, while providing a stylish accent to any workstation. Suitable for PC.From small to tall and body types in between, the Freestyle2 allows for maximum flexibility catering to each individual’s unique needs. Out of the box both modules are connected together by a flexible pivot tether allowing an infinite range of splay. Disconnecting the pivot tether allows up to 9 or 20 inches of complete separation of both left and right keying modules. Perfect for individual needs ranging from a narrow footprint to complete separation. This design greatly reduces and or/eliminates ulnar deviation. The cost of returning goods to us is to be at your own expense and we strongly recommend that you use an insured courier service (DPD, DHL, Yodel etc) for this and obtain a receipt of despatch as we will not be responsible for returned items which fail to arrive or which are damaged in transit. Please note: keyboard images show the US layout, with the line drawing showing the UK layout for reference.

The graphic below shows someone using a ‘conventional’ keyboard. Does the set-up look familiar to you? Well, it’s an extremely common set-up and most people are sacrificing their mousing arm (in the yellow area) to position the lettered portion of the keys optimally for them. So, what this means is that in most cases, a conventional keyboard is technically too long for most people. Using a keyboard shouldn’t mean that you need to sacrifice comfort in your mousing arm. Anytime we work outside what is considered to be a ‘neutral’ or natural working posture (the green zone here), it can increase the chances of developing discomfort over time. This is especially true if there are other ergonomic risks present. 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. Wrist Rest. The star of the Kinesis is the unique design of the keyboard. But, in saying that there is still a wrist rest included, which I mentioned above is a nice design compliment. However, it’s justOK. This is because there are only a few centimetres of padding on its surface. Although it is better than working on a hard surface or nothing at all if you are using a wrist rest periodically. However, if you really depend on a wrist rest to get you through the day you may need extra support.When you hit the wrong key, the results can be disconcerting, and I've never had problems like these before. Go to ‘System Preferences > Keyboard > Modifier Keys’, making sure the selected device is for the Freestyle2 keyboard Place the mouse on the side of your dominant hand. For most people, the compact design of the keyboard will bring the mouse close enough to the body. However, if your pain is more severe, you can prevent even more movement at the affected shoulder by positioning the mousing side of the keyboard closer to the centre of your body, and then turning it slightly so that your arm can remain perpendicular as you type. You will then be able to reach the mouse with very limited involvement of the shoulder muscles. Ian West, Managing Director, Online Ergonomics Ltd, Unit 18, Ellough Industrial Estate, Beccles, Suffolk, NR34 7TD.