Is there a wireless mechanical _split_ keyboard with tilt and wrist support?
I currently have a Kinesis Freestyle Pro, which is fine for me, but they do not support a wireless version. This has helped with my wrist issues, but it's not practical for traveling.
Please consider split keyboards with raisers for future advanced models, I have a Kinesis Freestyle 2 with VIP3 kit, and this is the best keyboard I've ever used as far as ergonomics -- and it doesn't have to have such a large footprint or long travel keys to be ergonomic, though the riser and the wrist rests are almost indispensable.
The Goldtouch Go!2 tried to go in the direction of an ergonomic mobile keyboard, but the layout is crap and the separation of the two pieces and wrist rests make the Freestyle 2 vastly more ergonomic. You could also make 2 pieces that are separated completely wirelessly.
I used to have a model M-type keyboard, and I would disagree that these are the pinnacle of good keyboard design. Typing on a flat keyboard is not natural/good for your hands as you are almost constantly near the limit flexibility of your wrists and arms.
Do you happen to have an opinion on the best split keyboard for someone who uses and likes a Kinesis Advantage but would like a more portable alternative?
Or even suggestions on what I'd need to google to find opinions of people in that group?
The Kinesis Freestyle keyboards are also split, but have a more traditional layout. They come both wired and wireless, with the bluetooth Freestyle 2 version allowing you to connect to multiple devices with the press of a button. It's also much cheaper.
The benefit to these keyboards is they have a more traditional layout. This makes it easier to move to different keyboards. While the 360 is really nice, it also means you have to learn a new way of typing that doesn't map well enough to more traditional keyboards.
My wrists don't hurt since using the split keyboard, and find that using the split during the day is enough where when I do use a non-split keyboard, I'm fine.
I use a Kinesis Freestyle Pro and love it. https://kinesis-ergo.com/shop/freestyle-pro/. The split keyboad allows me to keep my sholders back which enables many more hours of keyboard use.
Seconded. It's almost painless split keyboard for normal user but also has great software and some advanced features. Kinesis Freestyle Pro is almost same.
The Kinesis Freestyle Pro is a pretty boring (in a good way) mechanical split keyboard. It has an (optional) tenting kit, which I guess could be seen as zany, but it really adds quite a bit of comfort.
Maybe you've already ruled it out, but it might also be worth considering the Kinesis Freestyle line too. I've been using one for many years now after trying it at work and have been pretty happy with it. Since the layout isn't too different it's also easy to switch back and forth with regular keyboards. They have new bluetooth/mechanical versions now too.
I use it tented up in the middle at about 30 degrees with an accessory. The setup isn't very portable though.
I am owner of Kinesis Freestyle Pro too. I bought the keyboard with a tilt kit and pads. I am using it with macbook and I must admit that mac layout could be better (option and command keys are too small). Besides that the keyboard itself takes a lot of space on my desk, it is really huge compared to other keyboards that I had (including The Code keyboard).
Split design is definitely a win, but I needed some time to get used to it. After about a month keyboard started to feel natural. To be honest I would like to see a medical research on using various keyboard types. Personally I don't feel much difference compared to typing on macbook. Most problems that I had with my wrists where always connected to using mouse.
Kinesis Freestyle Pro is a decent option, although not cheap. You can get tilt brackets for it, which relieve you from having to rotate your wrists quite as far.
My dream keyboard would be a Kinesis advantage with some significant modifications to make it good for taking it on the go, since I travel a bunch and work from public places. In order of importance:
1. more compact. No extra surface, instead just have separate wells connected either by a wire like the Kinesis Freestyle, or fully wirelessly ideally. Kinda like the ErgoDox keyboard.
2. lightweight. Don’t want to be carrying a brick in my backpack. I’m totally fine with using low travel keys like how a MacBook or any decent chiclet keyboards feels, I mostly just want the layout.
3. wireless. Bluetooth with ability to switch multiple inputs like the Logitech K811 would be incredible.
If anyone knows how someone would start to hack something like this together, please tell me! I have never done hardware but I would love to mess around with something like this as a project.
I've been using a Kinesis Freestyle Pro for over a year. The wristpad they sell is pretty bad, so I attached the wristpad from my Matias Ergo Pro (the keyboard kept breaking).
I also upgraded to a split keyboard and I love it. I really liked the Microsoft Natural keyboard, but slamming my mouse into the number pad was driving me crazy, so I decided to get a split keyboard without one. I have the Kinesis Freestyle Pro. As a bonus the mechanical keys are nice to type on! My only complaint is it takes a moment to get it dialed in for placement if it's been moved.
A properly designed split keyboard is aimed at improving the placement of the wrists though.
I found a minor but noticeable benefit many years ago switching to the Kinesis Advantage. I've recently switched to the Truly Ergonomic keyboard; I've yet to decide if it's better or worse overall than the Kinesis.
I used the microsoft natural keyboard for years and now the kinesis freestyle. I don’t know why split keyboards aren’t more popular. Proper ergonomics are important or your career could be interrupted due to RSI.
I currently have a Kinesis Freestyle Pro, which is fine for me, but they do not support a wireless version. This has helped with my wrist issues, but it's not practical for traveling.
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