KINESISFreestyle2 Blue Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard for PC (9" Separation), Dark Gray

The gold standard

Does exactly what I want it to do which is keep my forearms and wrists more neutral and not forcing as much ulnar deviation all of the time. I did reach out to Kinesis directly and they helped me order a 20" link cable so I can widen the split. the 9" cable it comes with is just a tad bit short for me, but very well could work for most people. another reason I want the wider split is so my mouse can sit between the split instead of way far outside of the keyboard.setup was easy it connected to my windows laptop and iphone right away and switching between devices is easy. The keys feel good, doesn't require as much force as other keyboards I have had. even though it is still a traditional layout there is still some learning curve because of the split, but not nearly as much as an non-traditional layout kind of keyboard.

I have been using this keyboard at work for 2 1/2 years, and like it a lot. Charge seems to lasts a while, but not quite as long as advertised. Using the tent add-ons I'm able to get the lift and separation how I want it. I would definitely recommend this keyboard for anyone that wants a split, more ergonomic keyboard. Only detractor for me was not being able to get the split exactly the same every day, but I solved that with a bent paper clip hooked underneath at exactly the spread I want.

My main reason for considering an ergonomic keyboard is that the top of my shoulders are literally knotted and painful from using computers for many hours a day. I have a number of keyboards, one of which is the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 v1. While the MS 4000 helps a bit in opening up my shoulders compared to a regular keyboard, the key action is downright horrible (note that v1 is has stiffer key actions than later version of the MS 4000). I considered other one-piece ergonomic keyboards, but eventually decided that only a fully split keyboard will allow my shoulders to be laid back and not "rolled forward" as my chiropractor described it. After using it for a few days now, I can fully attest that the split position is truly better for me than a one-piece ergonomic keyboard.Other positives are the Kinesis Freestyle 2 Blue: (1) The key actions are really nice, with a fair bit of travel (not the laptop-like shallow travel), not noisy (though audible in a quiet room, it is quiet enough to use on a conference call on speaker phone without being distracting), and light enough so you don't feel like you have to "hammer" it like it does on the MS 4000. (2) The bluetooth connection is flawless: I have connected it successfully on first try to a linux system (Ubuntu 18.04), a Mac (even though this is a PC version; the key works fine too, with the "Windows" key automatically mapped to the Apple "Command" key), and of course a Windows machine. I had doubts about Bluetooth in general, but the implementation here is flawless, both in pairing and also in normal use. I never had a lag or missed letter issue, even after power savings mode had kicked in (it wakes up quickly). Another factor I considered is the size: it is small enough to toss into a computer bag to bring to a cafe or library, for the times when you want to spend a few hours pouring out your thoughts. A one-piece ergonomic keyboard would be awkward to bring outside the home or office, whereas this one can travel with me.Other users mentioned the row of keys on the left are not useful, or some keys are too far or not in expected places -- I don't have any issue with that. On the day that I received the keyboard, I paired it with my Linux machine and typed the first chapter of Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons of Physics in one sitting, in order to get a feel for the keyboard. Result: no slow down except for a few times I tried to hit the "b" key with my right hand and hit the table instead. Otherwise, no real adjustment needed, and this is now my daily keyboard.Any downsides? No wrist support or padding included, but for me it is not an issue. I also have a pair of Smart Glove that for me tend to work better when I want something under my wrist. As I mentioned, my main issue is shoulder tightness and pain, so sufferers of wrist or carpel tunnel issues might consider the accessory kit essential.When I consider the cost of the keyboard to be equivalent to a couple of chiropractor visits, the cost is a very fair price. I can now prevent my shoulder issues rather than spend the money to get it "fixed".(Kinesis also makes a version with mechanical keys -- you can even choose the type of Cherry switches, and with programmable key mapping as well. So for those who are willing to spend the bucks, I would highly recommend taking a look at it.)A word of praise about the vendor: my keyboard was sold by askergoworks.com, and while the listing did not say it'll be shipped by Amazon Prime, the keyboard arrived in 2 days. Kudos to them for such a quick shipment.

I won't comment on looks, conform or ergonomics. These are a matter of taste. Suffice to say that I prefer typing on my MacBookPro. But what really drives me slightly nuts with this keyboard is the key mapping.Down below is a rough outline of the issue, but first you should know (1.) that the keyboard has a FN-Key that works by locking; that is, you turn FN Keys ON and OFF (so you can't just hold it and press other key to use it as function/special key). And as you all probably know, (2.) the MacOS system also has an option in the keyboard configurations menu that allow you to choose whether to use the function keys as function keys or as special Mac keys that control brightness, sound and so forth.Now can you imagine how these two settings play along? Right... not well.## System option for function keys ON, Keyboard FN-Key OFFF3 (should be mission control) but does nothingF4 (should be launchpad) but does nothing## System option for function keys ON, Keyboard FN-Key ONF1-F12 work, but now I got 3 dead keys laying around, namely the 3 keys on the edge of the keyboard that will set the keyboard to connect with other devices.## System option for function keys OFF (so special keys ON), Keyboard FN-Key OFFF3 (should be mission control) but becomes left control + uparrowF4 (should be launchpad) but becomes volume UP.## System option for function keys OFF (so special keys ON), Keyboard FN-Key ONF3 now works as mission controlF4 now works as launchpadF5 (should be rewind) but does nothingF6 (should be play/pause) but does nothingF7 (should be fast forward) but becomes rewindF8 (should be mute) but becomes play/pauseF9 (should be volume down) but becomes fast forwardF10 (should be volume up) but becomes muteF11 (should be show windows) but becomes volume downF12 (should be "dock") but becomes volume upVerdict: I wouldn't buy it again. As a matter of fact, I would return it if I could.