Atlas Ergonomics White Paper: Published in March 2010 by Atlas Ergonomics of Grand Haven, MI., this white paper reports on that company's intensive five-month study of a split keyboard design. The Freestyle Solo (the predecessor to the Freestyle2) plus the compatible VIP Accessory, was chosen for the project. Researchers studied the impact of the Freestyle Keyboard’s split design on the posture, discomfort, and performance of approximately 80 software manufacturing employees, focusing in particular on the positions of the hands and upper extremities during keyboard use. The study found that 92% of participants used the Freestyle in its split configuration, rather than splayed (i.e. with the two modules connected at the pivot point). The degree of ulnar deviation was reduced across all BMI levels and body types with no reduction in performance for the duration of the study. At the end of the study 96% of participants said they preferred the Freestyle over their previous keyboard. It’s estimated that 36% of adults in the U.S.A are considered to be obese today. Research has found that: obese workers file more than twice the number of worker’s compensation claims with costs that are dramatically more than that of average weighted workers; and o bese workers are more than twice as likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome when compared to average weight workers. This can be incredibly expensive for an organization to accommodate these workers in the long-run. For people that are experiencing forearm discomfort two tenting accessories are available to reduce forearm pronation. The VIP3 Pro (with palm supports) and V3 Pro (without palm supports) attach easily to the underside of the Pro keyboard providing 3 easily adjustable slope settings of 5, 10 and 15 degrees. In that context, the idea of buying a totally-split keyboard, like the Freestyle 2, is a little scary. Optional palm supports - Optional padded palm supports reduce wrist extension by keeping wrists neutral.

The Freestyle2 Keyboard features low-force, tactile membrane keyswitches. At only 45 grams, this is at least 25% less force than most traditional and even many other ergonomic keyboards. Rated at 10 million actuations, the keyswitches on the Freestyle2 will provide years of quiet, comfortable typing. The graphic below shows someone using a ‘conventional’ keyboard. Does the set-up look familiar to you? Well, it’s an extremely common set-up and most people are sacrificing their mousing arm (in the yellow area) to position the lettered portion of the keys optimally for them. So, what this means is that in most cases, a conventional keyboard is technically too long for most people. Using a keyboard shouldn’t mean that you need to sacrifice comfort in your mousing arm. Its split design is comfortable, following the natural arc of your fingers and hands as they rest upon its keys. Battery: Plenty of juice so you’re never in a bindVariable Separation: The two halves of the Freestyle2 can be separated up to 9" apart, a range which is sufficient for most. A 20" separation is also available for those with broader shoulders, or for use with the Ascent Accessory. The Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue TM wireless keyboard combines our award winning split-adjustable ergonomic design with the convenience of bluetooth connectivity. No more sacrificing comfort when typing on your PC, Tablet, Smartphone. Multichannel technology lets you pair up to 3 three Bluetooth-enabled devices with the Freestyle2 Blue and instantly switch between them directly from the keyboard. Pivot Tether: The left and right modules of the keyboard can be connected on the top edge by the Pivot Tether. With the Pivot Tether attached, the keyboard can be splayed at the pivot point (forming an 'A' shape), rather than fully separated. (Note, however, that this configuration sacrifices many of the ergonomic benefits of complete separation.) Ergonomic Essentialsusers may modify or remove any of their personal information at any time by logging into their account and accessing features such as Edit Profile and Account Info. The 2-port 2.0 USB hub enables you to easily connect other input devices such as mice without having to access USB ports on your computer.

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 or 20 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.Consider purchasing a separate numeric keypad if you key in a lot of numeric data. See the Numeric Keypads category. Accommodates a wide range of individuals- 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.

Logitech's ERGO K860 is a shining star in the world of ergonomic keyboards. While priced a bit higher than other options on our list, it's for a good reason. This ergonomic keyboard boasts ample ergonomic-friendly features, plus it's compatible with a variety of operating systems and devices, including Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, and Linux. Complete adjustability: The Kinesis is quite unique because you can really customize it for either 5, 10, or 15 degrees of angle so you can get quite specific on how it is set-up especially if you have wrist discomfort. This function is probably the main reason most people are interested in this keyboard; for some people it may resolve wrist pain associated with typing on a ‘conventional’ keyboard. The manufacturer refers to this angle adjustability (aka ‘tenting’) as either VIP3 (has the wrist rest already included) or V3 (no wrist rest is included) accessories. Wrist Rest. The star of the Kinesis is the unique design of the keyboard. But, in saying that there is still a wrist rest included, which I mentioned above is a nice design compliment. However, it’s justOK. This is because there are only a few centimetres of padding on its surface. Although it is better than working on a hard surface or nothing at all if you are using a wrist rest periodically. However, if you really depend on a wrist rest to get you through the day you may need extra support. Consider the Palm Support Accessory if you would like Palm Supports, but don't need to tent the keyboard.Embedded Numeric Keypad: In place of the separate numeric keypad found on traditional keyboards (which places the mouse outside of the comfort zone for right-handed individuals) 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 is an effective option for numeric input. ( Note: Standalone numeric keypads are available as optional accessories for those whose work involves numeric data entry. Look for these in the Numeric Keypads category.) To use the number keys, simply press and release the ‘Fn’ key (bottom left of the keyboard) to toggle on and off. Q: Random keys aren’t working – how do I fix this? 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.

Make sure the keyboard is properly positioned. Sit in your usual position at your desk and gently square your shoulders. Allow your upper arms to relax to your waist. Lift your forearms at the elbow and extend your fingers so that there is a straight line from your elbow through the centre of your wrist to your middle finger. Place the two halves of the keyboard on your desk or keyboard tray such that your arms and hands can maintain this position as you type. The modules ought to be shoulder width apart. Place the mouse on the side of your dominant hand. For most people, the compact design of the keyboard will bring the mouse close enough to the body. However, if your pain is more severe, you can prevent even more movement at the affected shoulder by positioning the mousing side of the keyboard closer to the centre of your body, and then turning it slightly so that your arm can remain perpendicular as you type. You will then be able to reach the mouse with very limited involvement of the shoulder muscles. English or French Canadian Layout: The Freestyle2 Keyboard is available in either US English or French Canadian (bilingual) layout. Go to ‘System Preferences > Keyboard > Modifier Keys’, making sure the selected device is for the Freestyle2 keyboard Consider the versatile VIP3 Accessory if you need to tent the keyboard, and also want palm supports. The VIP3 Accessory tents the keyboard modules by 5°, 10° or 15° and comes with removable Palm Supports included.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". Created with input from ergonomists and health professionals, the Freestyle adapts to the specific needs of each user, while providing a stylish accent to any workstation. Suitable for PC. The Freestyle2 features quiet, low-force, tactile membrane key switches with a maximum key force of about 45 grams. This is less than 25% - 30% of the force most traditional and many ergonomic membrane keyboards have - e.g. the Microsoft 4000 with over 60 grams maximum key forces.