KINESIS GAMING Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical USB Keyboard (MX Brown)

I had started to develop upper back pain a few years ago, and through physical therapy and specialists, determined it most likely was because of my arms/wrists being so curled forward to reach my standard mechanical keyboard. So change needed to occur. I used to use the older Microsoft style split keyboards but I really wanted something with proper cherry switches. I found this keyboard, took a gamble and ordered it despite the price feeling high.I was very surprised. The build quality is sturdy, they are heavy and won't slide around your desk. You're able to take all key caps off and deep clean if needed. You can setup color profiles (I opt for a simple RGB fading effect), and do some more advanced things I honestly haven't tinkered with. But typing on this, once you get it aligned for your hands, is a joy. And I cannot see myself going back to a "normal" keyboard again.Two years after purchase, and my "F" key broke - the cross-shaped plastic part that holds onto the switch cracked. I looked online, and I probably could've bought any ol' replacement key cap - but I wanted to see what was available that would work with this keyboard - so I contacted Kinesis support - and they were super helpful and even offered to ship me the "F" key for free. That's quality customer service there.So yes, I highly recommend this keyboard if you do any sort of long-term desk work/typing. It'll help save your back!

I love the keyboard -- it is very nice to type on. I got the tenting accessory, which feels comfortable, but then the keyboard slides around, so not sure if that is resolvable. The SmartSet program for programming the keyboard is just awful! The UI is crude (reminds me of DOS), and there's a a cryptic procedure for opening and closing it. Fortunately, it should be relatively rare to need to change the key programing. Got it with the Cherry Browns, thought it was too noisy, tried the Pro with Cherry Quiet Reds and liked the quietness, but went back to this one as I noticed that I would activate the wrong keys too often with the linear switches. The caps lock key is not stepped, so it is really easy to hit when you are typing "A" -- I disabled it. It is almost impossible to see the shift characters, as they are not illuminated and are in dark grey. No integrated numeric keypad legends like the PRO, and no quick way to program that functionality (I tried programming the 8 left-side keys as numbers and it made the keyboard crash -- had to unplug it to restore operation). The shift and function layer lights are really small and dim. Took some adjustment after using the Microsoft Ergonomic for 30 years, as the banks are straight and don't have the gentle curve between the side and center keys that the Microsoft has. But overall, I like the feel of the keys, and I don't do gaming, but the lighting is very cool!

I purchased this same keyboard three years ago with the red switches = and it is still going strong as my daily driver (full-time remote work). It took some getting used to as I came from a regular keyboard. Why this keyboard? I needed something that was more ergonomic to reduce pain in my wrists, elbows, and shoulders. With this keyboard with the tent kit, my arms remain close to shoulder width apart and closer to a neutral position. I'm even able to set each side on my recliner arm - supreme comfort. I stuck with the staggered layout because it's what I'm most comfortable with and didn't have the capacity for the learning curve that goes with the non-traditional layouts.While some things could use some improvement, as with anything, I did like the keyboard well enough to buy an extra one. This time with the speed silver switches. And I like it even better. I added some O-rings for a slightly softer (not mushy) feel to save some of the wear on my hands.The keys have a nice matte finish. (worn to a shine on my 3-year-old one). Linear switches aren't completely silent. The silver sounds quieter than the reds (I added o-rings to both).The SmartSet app is easy to use. There is an advanced guide for more complex configurations. Technical support is quick and provides detailed answers quickly.TIP: Save custom configuration files in a backup location, as it is possible for the confirmation files to be corrupted - especially if there is a system crash when the keyboard configuration files are open for configuration.TIP: Some docks don't handle programmable keyboards very well. If you plug this into a dock and experience issues, plug the keyboard directly into the computer.Could be better:I NEED a wireless version that also allows for a USB connection (preferably USB-C) during use &/or a standard cable that's available in many sizes for the PC connection and the connection between the two halves.I'd like more prominent bumps on home keys because I often misplace my hands on the keyboard.Option to purchase replacement keycaps - especially the space bar since it is a custom size. I have been happy with Kinesis customer service. Even though it was nearly 3 years after my purchase, they shipped a replacement keycap without charging me. All I had to pay was the shipping fee. I would have been willing to pay for a replacement set, so I could have spare ones.Overall, I highly recommend this keyboard. It's expensive for a keyboard but is very competitively priced for split keyboards.