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Kinesis Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard
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Kinesis Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard
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Product Description
Kinesis has been a leader in split keyboards for over a decade. Its latest, the Freestyle Edge is a split keyboard outfitted with your choice of Cherry MX switches for just the feel you want Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downspr0k3t
181
Jan 23, 2018
I had an ErgoDox and I wasn't too happy with the ortholinear layout even after using it for over a month as my only keyboard. I have a similar issue with carpal tunnel... it gets pretty bad when you are a programmer.
vortexau
24
Jan 25, 2018
spr0k3tI agree on the ErgoDox; at work (software dev) I've used a Kinesis Freestyle as my daily driver keyboard for ~8y (it has helped my carpal tunnel massively) so I picked up an ErgoDox thinking it would be the next level of comfort. I didn't find it that way at all, and actually found it downright annoying.
I jumped on this buy, I was considering buying one just last week but wanted cherry browns. I almost bought two, one for home and one for work!
krio
69
Jul 25, 2018
I have this board and use it as my daily driver for work and also while gaming. Here are the pros and cons to it that come to mind while typing (not a full review).
It's very programmable. Full macro suite built in. Software doesn't require install. Just press a button on the keyboard. The combination of it being split, plus the tenting kit you can optionally buy make it the only keyboard I've ever really thought was comfortable. I keep the two pieces together, but angle them out a bit with a very high tent.
Keycaps are abs. I've swapped the keys on the majority of the board to PBT, but I don't know what I'm going to do about the spacebars. I don't even know what size they are. 3.25U??? It's not just that they are abs, it's also the profile. I could've got used to them, but just decided to swap since I don't like abs anyways. Only blue backlighting and only 3 switches to choose. I wonder how difficult a switch swap would be for this? The USB cables are thick and don't have much flex.
I love this keyboard. I have a few duckys, pok3rs and coolermasters that I don't use anymore. My next keyboard must have a split design and tenting after using this.
It's very programmable. Full macro suite built in. Software doesn't require install. Just press a button on the keyboard. The combination of it being split, plus the tenting kit you can optionally buy make it the only keyboard I've ever really thought was comfortable. I keep the two pieces together, but angle them out a bit with a very high tent.
Keycaps are abs. I've swapped the keys on the majority of the board to PBT, but I don't know what I'm going to do about the spacebars. I don't even know what size they are. 3.25U??? It's not just that they are abs, it's also the profile. I could've got used to them, but just decided to swap since I don't like abs anyways. Only blue backlighting and only 3 switches to choose. I wonder how difficult a switch swap would be for this? The USB cables are thick and don't have much flex.
I love this keyboard. I have a few duckys, pok3rs and coolermasters that I don't use anymore. My next keyboard must have a split design and tenting after using this.
Aphoid
60
Jul 26, 2018
krioI bought this on a previous drop and I agree with the above completely. The spacebars are 3.5U and I haven't seen compatible ones either. Maybe someday someone will have them. . It's great overall and it's my daily driver at the office. I have a couple tiny issues in addition to the weird keycap sizes. the case feels light and cheap with some sharp feeling edges (e.g. where the palm rests attach). Also, it would be better if it had detachable cables and a USB port or two.
It replaced a Matias Ergo Pro. I preferred the feel of the Matias, but it had keychatter issues and was out of warranty. The Kinesis is much more programmable than the Matias, which is useful. E.g. macro 1 types "$PWD" and I've replaced the right spacebar with "backspace" as the normal key, and it brings up Spotlight when I hit alt-space. It took a couple weeks to get used to the fact that the right edge of the Kinesis is home/end/pgup/pgdn while the Matias is backspace/backslash/enter/shift. The moved 6 key didn't affect me at all.
It replaced a Matias Ergo Pro. I preferred the feel of the Matias, but it had keychatter issues and was out of warranty. The Kinesis is much more programmable than the Matias, which is useful. E.g. macro 1 types "$PWD" and I've replaced the right spacebar with "backspace" as the normal key, and it brings up Spotlight when I hit alt-space. It took a couple weeks to get used to the fact that the right edge of the Kinesis is home/end/pgup/pgdn while the Matias is backspace/backslash/enter/shift. The moved 6 key didn't affect me at all.
Amp300
14
Apr 29, 2018
I managed to score the Cherry MX Brown version during the Kickstarter and I've been very pleased with my purchase. I find a 10° tent from the lift kit substantially more comfortable than my old flat board, especially for WASD games. The only thing I would've preferred is detachable cables, so I could customize the length of the link cable and replace either if they ever fail.
JesseArt
69
Nov 27, 2018
I already have the Freestyle Edge, and I love it. But, I am interested in finding a set of keycaps to replace the stock ones. I don't care for the blue LEDs as my setup is mostly green (varying shades) and gold themed, so if any of you guys have any ideas of a green themed set that might fit well on this board, then I'm all ears. Thanks!
Lighten
120
Nov 29, 2018
hasuesThe one I have is the rainbow gradient pbt key cap, light through. something similar to this https://www.massdrop.com/buy/keycool-rainbow-keyboard
pott
145
Nov 26, 2018
I can't leave a review as I did not buy mine through Massdrop but I wanted to call-out a few issues:
1) Keys are VERY rattly. I got mine with Blues, and I am definitely hearing two sounds with each stroke: the rattle, and the click. It's not the rattle you get from bad stabiliziers: this impacts any and all keys. Wiggling the keys without pressing them reproduces the issue. This is very disappointing to me...
2) The macro functions do not work on my work PC; the internal HDD does not open. I did not bring mine home yet, so I've not tried it on my personal laptop or computer. This is disappointing but not a deal-breaker personally. If the issue also happens on my personal PCs however, it will be a problem with the keyboard and not my work laptop. I cannot test it out, however
The first issue really ruins the board for me... I'd love to find similar keyboards with higher overall quality, but I have 3 Split keyboard kits to finish (Keebio Iris, Keebio Viterbi, rgbk Sol) and I can't justify it.
pott
145
Nov 27, 2018
Yes it's most-likely driven by my work PC, as I mentioned; IT said there was no USB-drive blocker though, and I've not been able to test it on a persona PC. I'm already in touch with your CS who have been very responsive so far :)
Thanks for the warranty info; as soon as I confirm what's causing the V-drive issue I'll have more info on whether I will return it or not.
Frederico
39
Jul 27, 2018
Just occurred to me to ask, given how many keyboard experts are here, if I’m in love with Alps White SKFS switches for 23 years, which Cherry would you suggest?
krio
69
Jul 27, 2018
The blues are going to take a little bit more force than browns and a little bit more travel distance. So if you don't mind the clicking, that might be the better choice for you since you want to avoid accidental keystrokes.
The good thing about the o-rings is that they aren't that expensive. So if you don't like them you can just remove them (check ebay and wasdkeyboards.com). I have tried o-rings in the past. I tried both a softer weight and a harder one. The softer ones make things feel mushy to me, so I immediately removed them. If you have sensitive hands they might help lessen the blow if you are a hard typist. I did like the harder o-rings on my keyboard with linear switches. I have never tried them on one of my keyboards with a tactile switch. There's so much involved with keyboards that depend on personal preference that it can be really difficult to dig through and choose one. In terms of this drop for you I would go with blues based on your descriptions (as long as you don't mind them being loud!).
If you wanted to experiment even more (and for a lot more money and possible headache with learning a new keyboard layout) you could even look at something like the ergodox-ez.com and use an even heavier switch with more tactility. They even support the ability for you to remove the switch and swap them with a different one. You're going to pay a lot more though and the keyboard layout it different. Personally I'm actually saving up for one of those after feeling the awesomeness of split keyboards with this one.
Just giving you some options completely based on my opinions... hopefully I'm not making things worse, lol. I do highly recommend this Kinesis Edge. It's awesome!
The good thing about the o-rings is that they aren't that expensive. So if you don't like them you can just remove them (check ebay and wasdkeyboards.com). I have tried o-rings in the past. I tried both a softer weight and a harder one. The softer ones make things feel mushy to me, so I immediately removed them. If you have sensitive hands they might help lessen the blow if you are a hard typist. I did like the harder o-rings on my keyboard with linear switches. I have never tried them on one of my keyboards with a tactile switch. There's so much involved with keyboards that depend on personal preference that it can be really difficult to dig through and choose one. In terms of this drop for you I would go with blues based on your descriptions (as long as you don't mind them being loud!).
If you wanted to experiment even more (and for a lot more money and possible headache with learning a new keyboard layout) you could even look at something like the ergodox-ez.com and use an even heavier switch with more tactility. They even support the ability for you to remove the switch and swap them with a different one. You're going to pay a lot more though and the keyboard layout it different. Personally I'm actually saving up for one of those after feeling the awesomeness of split keyboards with this one.
Just giving you some options completely based on my opinions... hopefully I'm not making things worse, lol. I do highly recommend this Kinesis Edge. It's awesome!
Frederico
39
Jul 27, 2018
krioI've looked at the Dox a few times, and it is definitely intriguing; the price is definitely up there, too, but not really a concern since it's specifically to extend what is left of my health. I just am not certain about the key layout; it's gotten some pretty controversial reviews. And even though it's programmable, I'm somewhat nervous; learning anything new at my age with very real cognitive degeneration already occuring is my biggest concern. I could just spend $175-$225 for another AA, but that kinda irks me to pay that much for a used ADB board with no warranty (new, I'd jump on it). I should've snagged one or two a couple years ago when they were available nearly every day for ~$50, but I've been able to just fully disassemble any key switch and clean it over the years -- until now; the springs have just become too weak on most of the vowels and common consonants; Shift and Return are also very weak. Twenty three years is pretty good for a board that sees 120-130WPM day in and day out, I'd say. Major kudos to both Apple and Alps.
All I know for sure is I absolutely need a split board. Tenting and tilt is a bonus (I've previously hacked an AA to do just that; it was pretty good, but not critical).
I really appreciate your feedback and advice; I'm still waffling 'twixt Blue and Brown, but I've got two days to make the call. Worse case, I hate it and lose some money on eBay learning what I should've researched in advance by ordering test switches or easily returnable boards. I wish I'd seen this drop even a week earlier. Doh.
Cheers
Frederico
All I know for sure is I absolutely need a split board. Tenting and tilt is a bonus (I've previously hacked an AA to do just that; it was pretty good, but not critical).
I really appreciate your feedback and advice; I'm still waffling 'twixt Blue and Brown, but I've got two days to make the call. Worse case, I hate it and lose some money on eBay learning what I should've researched in advance by ordering test switches or easily returnable boards. I wish I'd seen this drop even a week earlier. Doh.
Cheers
Frederico
Kinesis
156
Kinesis
Jul 25, 2018
Hi guys,
Here is a quick run-down of the accessories because there is always some confusion.
Palm Supports = Hard Plastic that clips into the bottom of the keyboard (detachable). These are included with every Freestyle Edge in the box. Palm Pads = Soft cushioned foam pads that stick (removably) to the clip-in Palm Supports. These are extra. Designed to last for about 6 months, replace when they get scuzzy:). Lift Kit = 5/10/15 degree Tenting accessory that is only compatible when Palm Supports are ATTACHED. V3 Pro Kit = 5/10/15 degree Tenting accessory that is only compatible when Palm Supports are DETACHED.
Here is a quick run-down of the accessories because there is always some confusion.
Palm Supports = Hard Plastic that clips into the bottom of the keyboard (detachable). These are included with every Freestyle Edge in the box. Palm Pads = Soft cushioned foam pads that stick (removably) to the clip-in Palm Supports. These are extra. Designed to last for about 6 months, replace when they get scuzzy:). Lift Kit = 5/10/15 degree Tenting accessory that is only compatible when Palm Supports are ATTACHED. V3 Pro Kit = 5/10/15 degree Tenting accessory that is only compatible when Palm Supports are DETACHED.
werDd
0
Jul 26, 2018
I think they still sell palm supports separately for the other model. So you can buy just palm supports if you don’t want to tent, tenting support for use without palm supports, or a kit for tenting with palm supports. 🤷♂️I can see why they just included the supports with the edge, simplifies the conversation a lot.
Kinesis
156
Kinesis
Jul 26, 2018
Thats a very good question! The" VIP3 Pro" kit is a bundle designed specifically for the Freestyle Pro (non-backlit version of the Edge that does not come with the Palm Supports).
VIP3 Pro: 1) Palm Supports 2) Lift Kit (aka v-"lifters") 3) Palm Pads
Edge purchasers would not the VIP3 because you'd have two sets of Palm Supports.
VIP3 Pro: 1) Palm Supports 2) Lift Kit (aka v-"lifters") 3) Palm Pads
Edge purchasers would not the VIP3 because you'd have two sets of Palm Supports.
2-bits
26
Apr 26, 2018
Is there a reason, other than price, that I would get the V3 Pro Lift Kit rather than the Lift Kit with Palm supports?
Kinesis
156
Kinesis
May 15, 2018
Sorry we missed this before the drop ended, hopefully you got it figured out. For future reference, Palm "Supports" = Hard Plastic and are included but detachable. Palm "Pads" = cushioned foam that adhere to the Supports for an extra layer of comfort. The Pads are designed to be replaced every 6-12 months when they get scuzzy but are totally optional.
Stpn
22
Jan 24, 2018
I have it for 2 months or so. It's great. I am using it for Mac. AMA lol.
Overall - it's great.
At first I was a bit uncomfortable with the CMD being too far to the left compared to the Mac layout (where CMD is in line with the "x" key) but now I am comfortable typing on it.
I got a set of PBT keycaps from pimpmykeyboard but USPS of course messed all up and can't deliver it for a month already.
Overall - it's great.
At first I was a bit uncomfortable with the CMD being too far to the left compared to the Mac layout (where CMD is in line with the "x" key) but now I am comfortable typing on it.
I got a set of PBT keycaps from pimpmykeyboard but USPS of course messed all up and can't deliver it for a month already.
Stpn
22
Feb 22, 2018
that's what i wanted to do - i got a bigger Alt keycap, but still need to remove the stem and re-glue it which is quite a project
jrrr
1
Aug 10, 2018
This is the closest I've seen to a matching set of caps on this board. Looks great!
I had entirely given up on the spacebar situation, but hadn't considered a wider cmd key and a narrow spacebar. I too wish the cmd key were a bit rightward. Two birds with one stone!
So, stock is 1.25+3.5=4.75. I guess the idea would be to swap that with 1.75+3.0. I wonder if a 1.75 key with an off-center stem would be stable enough. Also do your spacebars have stabilizers?
Maybe a future rev of this board could just be designed this way to begin with. So close to standard key sizes!
https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/015/519/353/d702b00421b0b7e10f10249dda1f2e80_original.png?w=680&fit=max&v=1487185183&auto=format&lossless=true&s=c9fb9582ceae1b48093cd176f10d4c48
I had entirely given up on the spacebar situation, but hadn't considered a wider cmd key and a narrow spacebar. I too wish the cmd key were a bit rightward. Two birds with one stone!
So, stock is 1.25+3.5=4.75. I guess the idea would be to swap that with 1.75+3.0. I wonder if a 1.75 key with an off-center stem would be stable enough. Also do your spacebars have stabilizers?
Maybe a future rev of this board could just be designed this way to begin with. So close to standard key sizes!
https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/015/519/353/d702b00421b0b7e10f10249dda1f2e80_original.png?w=680&fit=max&v=1487185183&auto=format&lossless=true&s=c9fb9582ceae1b48093cd176f10d4c48
Kinesis
156
Kinesis
Jan 23, 2018
Hey folks, We're excited to be able to team up with Massdrop again to bring you the Edge. We'll try to check in regularly and answer any additional questions that come up and you can always ping us at tech@kinesis.com.
1) Keycaps are ABS Plastic.
2) Unfortunately we do not have a set of Mac modifier keycaps for the Edge at this point. Agree with spr0k3t above that Max Keyboard is a good option for custom legended shine-through caps (http://www.maxkeyboard.com/custom-backlight-compatible-keycap-for-backlit-keyboard.html)
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