Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue Keyboard for Mac
Kinesis $89 U.S. Freestyle2 Blue For Mac ![]() ![]() The KinesisFreestyle2 Blue for Mac reinterprets the the traditional QWERTY keyboard model with two modular keypads. The keypads can either be used separately, or fused together to provide flexibility for touch typists or those who want an ergonomically favorable keyboard. Bluetooth connectivity allows three devices to be paired and selected with the press of a single key.
The use of a keyboard is a very personal things for most mac users, we all have distinct personal preferences for the typing we do on a daily basis. Traditional sprung keyboards with mechanical feedback, such as the Apple keyboard II, are still popular with many touch typists whereas the standard Apple keyboards have evolved into chicklet style shallow depth keyboards, particularly on the new macbook. If you are frequent writer, and/or a touch typist, the Freestyle2 Blue is a keyboard you may like.
Kinesis Freestyle2 KB800HMB (KB800HMB-US 27).Read reviews & buy a. Kinesis Freestyle 2 Convertible Keyboard (KB800HMB) for Mac.
The Freestyle2 Blue comes in a sturdy box with the components and instructions to hand. Setup is reasonably straightforward with the instructions provided and after an initial charge the keyboard can be paired through pressing the connect button on the rear and selecting one of the three channels. The selected channel is indicated by a blue indicator light and can be changed by pressing the key combination of function and the channel number. I paired the Freestyle2 Blue with my Mac Mini, my iPad Pro and my iPhone and was able to switch between them without problem. Although this keyboard is designed for use with OS X, I was also able to pair it with my Windows 7 bootcamp partition. In this situation it functions well as a basic keyboard, but the special function keys do not work (though there is a windows version of the keyboard if this is an essential feature).
The keyboard is split into two keypads through the middle of the keyboard (between the 6-7 and b-n keys), with the keypads mapping to the left or right hand. The ingenious aspect of this keyboard is the flexible arrangement of the keypads. Aided by the bluetooth connectivity, the relative positioning of the two keypads is limited only by the 30 cm tether cable between them. This ergonomic arrangement is excellent for minimising hand or wrist strain when typing. The keyboards can also be locked together if a single keyboard is required through a handy locking mechanism that is easily removed. Visually the keyboard is designed for function over form with a basic black plastic design that pales in comparison to Apple’s stylised keyboards, but this is a keyboard which was designed to be practical and not to look pretty.
I found that for the first couple of use I would often mistype the letters in the middle of the keyboard (there is certainly an adjustment period involved). Once adjusted though, I have come to appreciate the cleverness of arranging the keypads to reduce strain on the wrists. I have certainly noticed that after long periods of typing that my hands are less tired. The keys have a good amount of travel in them and are satisfyingly sprung if you enjoy feedback when typing.
The keyboard also has some nice extra functions as would be expected for a premium keyboard. There are dashboard, expose keys, and iTunes track controls on the top row of the keyboard. These are supplemented by a set of useful keys on the left of they keyboard (shown below) to save repeated mouse or key strokes. Once mastered the select all/cut/copy/paste keys can save time and effort. There is also a helpful ridge on the right hand side of these keys to aid with hand orientation.
Overall the Freestyle2 Blue is a premium ergonomic keyboard with a design that fits its intended purpose. It is certainly not for general use, and intended more for those with ergonomic requirements, or serious touch typists. Its sturdy, solid design which will appeal to those looking for these requirements in a keyboard.
My Mac rating 7 out of 10
One of the most versatile keyboards currently manufactured is now available for the Mac. The Freestyle2 Keyboard for Mac is an adjustable, separated keyboard offering considerable ergonomic benefits without sacrificing productivity. The Freestyle2 is divided into two separate modules connected by a 9' cable. (A 20' cable is also available, if greater separation is recommended for the user.) The separation of the two modules allows users to position the left and right sides of the keyboard shoulder width apart, allowing the shoulders, elbows, arms and wrists to relax in an anatomically neutral position. This greatly improves posture and blood flow in the upper body, prevents undesirable rotation at the shoulders, and eliminates ulnar deviation at the wrist. The symmetrical, compact design (achieved by eliminating the separate number pad found on the right of traditional keyboards) reduces the reach for the mouse for both left and right-handed users.
Kinesis is the market-leader in computer ergonomics and has been designing premium keyboards for more than 25 years. The award-winning Freestyle2 keyboard is perfect for those looking to increase their productivity or enhance their comfort, at home or in the office. Kinesis KB800HMB-US-20 Freestyle2 for PC Ergonomic Split Keyboard for PC With 20 inches Extended Separation - New Sleek, low profile design Most keyboards including ergonomic models have a 10 degree positive slope from front to back. Find great deals for Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard USB 2.0 Hub Mac Layout Kb800hmbus. Shop with confidence on eBay!
The Freestyle2 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 for Mac.) The Freestyle2 features low-force, tactile membrane keyswitches. At only 45 grams, this is at least 25% less force than most traditional and even many ergonomic keyboards. Rated at 10 million actuations, the keyswitches on the Freestyle2 will provide years of quiet, comfortable typing. Note: The Freestyle2 comes with an accessory that secures the two modules together at a pivot point.
Kinesis Kb800hmb-us Freestyle 2 Keyboard For Mac Download
This Pivot Tether Accessory is designed primarily to secure the two modules during transport. It may be used, if desired, to create a splayed (joined at the centre top) keyboard, however, this configuration will significantly limit the ergonomic benefits.
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. Optional Accessory Kits Palm Support Accessory: Palm Supports can be attached to the keyboard to provide support and to prevent wrist extension.
The Palm Support Accessory includes Lycra-padded Palm Pads that provide a soft surface for the Palm Supports and help to prevent pinch points on the underside of the palms. Note:Palm Supports will not fit on the V3 Accessory. Palm Supports will fit on the keyboard itself, or on the VIP3 accessory, below. V3 Accessory Kit: The V3 Accessory allows the keyboard to be tented to 5°, 10°, and 15° to help reduce pronation. (This accessory is worth considering if the user needs tenting, but uses a keyboard tray with built-in palm supports.) VIP3 Accessory Kit: The popular VIP3 Accessory allows the keyboard to be tented at 5°, 10°, and 15° to help reduce pronation. The VIP3 Accessory includes Palm Supports that move as the keyboard tents, helping to reduce wrist extension.
Ascent Accessory Kit: The more specialized Ascent Accessory independently tents the left and right modules of the keyboard in 10° increments, from 20° to a full 90°. The Ascent Accessory can be used with the Palm Supports at angles up to 40°. The 20' linking cable is generally advised when using the Ascent Accessory, as the longer cable allows greater flexibility. A linking plate, included with the Ascent Accessory, can be attached if desired to increase the stability of the two modules. Eliminates Overreaching for the Mouse - The Freestyle2 allows users to keep the mouse or other pointing device right beside the right or left edge of the keyboard.
By keeping the mouse well within the comfort zone, users can reduce the potential for shoulder, neck and wrist pain arising from repeatedly reaching over the number pad for the mouse. (A right-handed user with a conventional keyboard often must reach 12' for the mouse. The symmetrical, compact design of the Freestyle2 reduces this reach to under 6' for both left- and right-handed users.). Reduces Wrist Extension - Most standard, and even many ergonomic, keyboards are positively inclined (i.e. The number row is higher than the space bar). A positive incline forces the user to lift the hands by bending up at the wrists. Maintaining the hands in this position strains the wrists and the muscles along the top of the hands and the forearms.
The Freestyle2, even without added accessories, has a neutral, low-profile design (7/8') with 0° slope. The keycaps are negatively inclined at 10°. The result is an overall negative slope that helps to reduce wrist (and finger) extension when using this keyboard. Can Decrease Forearm and Wrist Pronation - With a tenting accessory attached (either the V3 Accessory or the VIP3 Accessory), the Freestyle2 Keyboard gives users the option of typing with the palms slightly facing each other, rather than in the traditional 'palms down' position that can often lead to fatigue or pain in the hands, arms, elbows and wrists.
Both tenting accessories raise the inside edge of each keyboard module, offering tented angles of 5°, 10° and 15°. The V3 allows tenting alone; the VIP3 allows tenting with integrated palm supports. Can Support Vertical Typing Positions - With the addition of the Ascent Accessory, the Freestyle2 provides an option for those whose forearm pain is unusually severe, or whose arm may be immobilized due to injury. The Ascent Accessory allows the keyboard to be tented in 10° increments from 20° all the way to a fully vertical 90°. (Note: for the majority of users there is little ergonomic benefit to typing in a fully vertical position. Users who choose this option must be touch typists (as they will be unable to see the keys), and they must have arm support while typing to avoid straining the muscles of the shoulders and upper back.). Variable Separation: The two halves of the Freestyle2 can be separated up to 9' apart, a range which is sufficient for the majority of users.
A 20' inch separation is available for users with broader shoulders, or for use with the Ascent Accessory. Quiet, Tactile Key Switches: The Freestyle2 features quiet, low-force, tactile membrane keyswitches. Rated at 10 million actuations the keyswitches on the Freestyle2 require only 45 grams of force. Familiar Mac Key Legends: mean minimal adaptation time for experienced typists. Sleek, Ultra-Low Profile Design: The Freestyle2 has a substantially thinner and narrower design than most ergonomic keyboards, with a height of only 7/8' and a width of 15.375'. Embedded Numeric Keypad: In place of the separate numeric keypad found on traditional keyboards (which keeps the mouse outside of the comfort zone for right-handed users) the Freestyle2 provides a numeric keypad embedded into the right-hand module as a second layer.
Along with the number keys on the top row of the keyboard, this embedded number pad gives the majority of users ample options for numeric input. (Note: Standalone numeric keypads are available as optional accessories for those users whose work involves numeric data entry. Look for these in the category.).
Browser, Editing, and Multimedia Hot Keys: Easily accessible, driverless hot keys offer users the option of decreasing the number of mouse clicks and increasing productivity. These hot keys include volume control and mute keys, a calculator key, multimedia keys, commonly used browser functions such as forward, back and home, and application functions such as cut, copy and paste. A vertical raised ridge on the inside columns of the hot keys provides tactile feedback to the user. Pivot Tether: The left and right modules of the keyboard can be connected in the centre of the top edges by the Pivot Tether Accessory.
Attaching the Pivot Tether allows the keyboard to be splayed at the pivot point (forming an 'A' shape), rather than fully separated.
Features Most keyboards including ergonomic models have a 10 degree positive slope from front to back. These designs tend to bend your wrists. The Freestyle2 has a zero degree slope which minimizes the height, effectively creating negative slope and reducing wrist extension.
Kinesis Kb800hmb-us Freestyle 2 Keyboard For Mac Mac
The slim design provides you a 2-in-1 office and travel keyboard. 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 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. Compare Feature Freestyle, PC Freestyle, Mac Optional VIP3 Accessory Optional V3 Accessory Optional Ascent Accessory 5, 10 & 15 deg 5, 10 & 15 deg 20-90 deg 20” version: 20” of complete separation of both keyboard modules to reduce ulnar deviation (measured from the inside edge of each module).
Kinesis Kb800hmb-us Freestyle 2 Keyboard For Mac Free
Maximum distance between F & J Keys: 25.75 inches. 9” or 20” 9” or 20” (20” recommended) Splay (with pivot tether connected) Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited USB hub 2.0 Non-US language version, & Yes Yes Optional Optional Included (Required) Not Supported Optional Compatibility PC Mac. Testimonials Testimonials Freestyle Keyboard (All Versions) Consultant Diane R (USA) Freestyle2 for Mac Kinesis user since 2014I have used an ergonomic keyboard since the late 90’s. I have arthritis in my hands and cannot use a regular keyboard. I had previously used the Microsoft Natural keyboard but the lettering wore off within months. Now I use the the Kinesis Freestyle2 which I prefer because it is adjustable and can be customized for my needs. I acclimated to the Freestyle2 immediately and the quality is excellent.
Transciptionist Pam D (USA) Freestyle2 for PC with VIP3 Accessory Kinesis user since 2009I have owned the Freestyle and now also the Freestyle2, both with the lifters, for more years than I can count. I have tried many keyboards over the 20 years I’ve owned my transcription business, but since I found this one, I never use any other. Typing as much as I do, I have to use a keyboard that really is ergonomic, not one that just says it is. I hope you continue to make it forever! Writer and Teacher Leland L (USA) Freestyle2 for PC with VIP3 Accessory Kinesis user since 2016I am a writer and teacher.
For nearly 20 years I have suffered from episodes of debilitating tendonitis in my shoulders. I also have the beginnings of cubital tunnel syndrome (numbness in my ring fingers and pinkies which is now progressing on to weakness.) I recently purchased a Kinesis Freestyle2 keyboard with the VIP 3 accessory bundle. I generally don’t wax particularly emotional over technology, but your product brought me real tears of joy and palpable relief. This keyboard has enabled me to move my arms down and around to my sides and angle my wrists in a more natural (and less painful) position.
My sincerest compliments to your design staff. I am now able to remain on task longer and with a huge reduction of pain and fatigue.Unfortunately, this means I will be making fewer visits to my (cervical) chiropractor. After I described your product to him, he displayed great interest and even seemed authentically happy for me. Though he evinced joy at my purchase, I detected a certain wistfulness. I can only interpret this to be a little sadness at his future decreased revenue. If the relief I feel from your product facilitates me missing two office visits to him, the keyboard will have paid for itself.Thank you for making my life much easier and less painful.
I remain a happy and satisfied customer. Absolutely free downloadable resume templates. Software Developer Justin C (USA) Freestyle2 for Mac with VIP3 Accessory Kinesis user since 2014I use my keyboard for lots and lots of programming and I wore out my previous ergonomic keyboard. Kinesis was recommended to me by other programmers and it only took me two hours to adapt to the split design.I have experience with other ergonomic keyboards but I really like the quality and feel of the keys on the Freestyle2. They are easy to press and have a smooth consistent actuation point while proving to be quite durable. The unlimited positioning of the right and left key modules and the palm supports are wonderful. They keyboard can be positioned to fit any size hands and accommodate in any angled position.
I spend 8 to 12 hours a day typing code and have come to rely on the Kinesis Freestyle for comfort.Thank you so much for making such a fine keyboard. It has honestly improved the comfort and safety of my work and I greatly appreciate it. Writer Mark G (USA) Freestyle2 Blue for Mac Kinesis user since 2006I’m a broad shouldered guy and typing on a regular keyboard is awful. My elbows stick out like chicken wings and I’m hunched over, causing me to mistype a lot. Even so-called ergonomic keyboards were too cramped for me.Split keyboards like the Freestyle2 are a godsend for bigger people with broad shoulders.
I adjusted instantly to the Freestyle2 and now I even like to move the two halves to different positions for different kinds of projects. The Freestyle2 lets me kick back and type. Kinesis builds quality, solid products. Software Developer Julian H (USA) Freestyle2 Blue for Mac Kinesis user since 2014I sought out the Kinesis Freestyle2 keyboard because I was suffering from repetitive stress injury (“RSI”) and back / shoulder pain. I also considered the ErgoDox keyboard but I chose the Freestyle2 because the ErgoDox is hard to source, and may require building it from parts yourself.It took me about 2 weeks to really get into the flow of things with the Freestyle2. I wasn’t a perfect “home-row” typer prior to using the Freestyle2. For example I found that I had been hitting the “b” key with my right hand so that was the hardest adjustment for me.
I’m still not a perfect “home-row” typer, but my typing has improved after acclimating to this keyboard.Using the Freestyle2 significantly reduced my RSI pain, when combined with adjustments to my posture and work habits. I love the split-keyboard, and I have switched to keeping my Apple Trackpad in the center of my desk, which allows me to use either right or left hand for mousing, which helps reduce overall mouse using hand/arm fatigue. After adjusting to the Kinesis Freestyle2, I drastically prefer it over traditional keyboards. Battery life for the bluetooth is really, really good.The Kinesis Freestyle2 is the absolute best keyboard there is! While it may take a small amount of acclimation, it is absolutely worth it.
![]() Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
December 2022
Categories |