Kinesis Freestyle Pro Keyboard Review

by

Ever had your hands feel like they’ve run a marathon after a long day at the keyboard? Yeah, me too. That’s why I decided to dive into the world of ergonomic keyboards, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. After scouring the internet and reading reviews until my eyes glazed over, I landed on the Kinesis Freestyle Pro. So, let’s break it down: is this keyboard the magical solution to our ergonomic woes, or just another gadget destined to collect dust? Buckle up, this is going to be fun!

See Price On Amazon

What’s in the Box?

First things first, let’s talk about the unboxing experience. The Kinesis Freestyle Pro arrives in a pretty straightforward package – no frills, just business. Inside, you’ll find the split keyboard itself, a connecting cable, and some basic documentation. Sadly, no wrist rest or tenting accessories included, which, if you’re like me, makes you feel a bit like you’ve just opened a puzzle box missing a few pieces.

First Impressions

Once you lay eyes on the Kinesis Freestyle Pro, it’s clear that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill keyboard. The split design immediately stands out. It’s like the keyboard equivalent of buying a house with no walls between the kitchen and living room – liberating but a bit intimidating at first. The two halves of the keyboard are connected by a cable, which is quite flexible and can be adjusted to fit your desk setup. You can place the halves as close together or as far apart as you like, up to 20 inches apart.

Typing Experience: Cherry MX Brown Switches

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks – the typing experience. The Kinesis Freestyle Pro features Cherry MX Brown switches, which are known for their tactile feedback and moderate actuation force. If you’re unfamiliar with mechanical switches, the Browns are kind of like the Goldilocks of the keyboard world – not too heavy, not too light, just right.

Typing on this keyboard feels satisfying. There’s a nice tactile bump with each key press, which gives you a reassuring sense that your keystroke has registered. It’s like the keyboard is giving you a little high-five every time you type. But, fair warning: if you’re transitioning from a membrane keyboard, it might take some getting used to. Initially, I felt like I was learning to type all over again, but after a few hours, my fingers started to find their groove.

Ergonomics: Split Design and Customization

The main selling point of the Kinesis Freestyle Pro is its ergonomic design. The split keyboard allows you to position your hands in a more natural, relaxed posture. For those of us who have suffered from wrist pain or carpal tunnel syndrome, this is a game-changer. You can adjust the angle and distance between the two halves to suit your comfort, reducing the strain on your wrists and shoulders.

However, and this is a big however, the lack of included tilt settings and wrist rests is a bit of a letdown. These accessories can significantly enhance the ergonomic benefits, but they come at an extra cost. It feels a bit like buying a car and then being told the seat cushions are sold separately.

Programming and Customization

One of the standout features of the Kinesis Freestyle Pro is its programmability. This keyboard is like the Swiss Army knife of keyboards – it’s packed with tools and features. The SmartSet engine allows you to create up to nine custom layouts, remap keys, and record macros on the fly. There are also eight office hotkeys, and pre-configured Mac and Dvorak layouts.

The customization options are extensive, which can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you have the flexibility to tailor the keyboard to your exact needs. On the other hand, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. Luckily, the SmartSet app GUI for Windows and Mac makes the process a bit more user-friendly.

Compatibility and Connectivity

The Kinesis Freestyle Pro plays nicely with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Chrome. It’s a plug-and-play device, so you don’t need to worry about installing drivers or software – just plug it in and you’re good to go.

For those who switch between multiple devices, this keyboard is a dream come true. You can easily transition from your work PC to your personal MacBook without missing a beat. The keyboard’s onboard memory saves your settings, so you don’t have to reconfigure it every time you switch devices.

Gaming Performance

While the Kinesis Freestyle Pro is primarily marketed as an office keyboard, it can also hold its own in the gaming arena. The Cherry MX Brown switches are responsive and provide good feedback, which is essential for fast-paced gaming. However, there are a few caveats.

First, the lack of backlighting might be a deal-breaker for some gamers. If you often find yourself gaming in a dark room, you might miss the glow of backlit keys. Second, the keycaps, while functional, might not meet the aesthetic standards of hardcore gamers who prefer a more stylized look.

That said, one cool feature for gamers is the ability to use just the left half of the keyboard. This frees up more space for your mouse movements, which can be a significant advantage in games that require quick, precise actions.

Durability and Build Quality

When it comes to build quality, the Kinesis Freestyle Pro doesn’t disappoint. The Cherry MX Brown switches are rated for 50 million key presses, so you can expect this keyboard to last for years. The overall construction feels solid and durable, which is reassuring if you tend to be a bit heavy-handed with your typing (guilty as charged).

The keyboard’s design is sleek and professional, with a matte black finish that gives it a modern look. It’s not flashy, but it’s not meant to be – this keyboard is all about function over form.

The Downsides

No review would be complete without addressing the downsides, and the Kinesis Freestyle Pro has a few worth mentioning. First and foremost is the price. This keyboard isn’t cheap, and when you factor in the additional cost of the wrist rests and tenting accessories, it can become quite the investment.

Second, the initial learning curve can be steep. If you’re used to a traditional keyboard, the split design will feel foreign at first. It took me a few days to get comfortable with the new layout, and even now, there are moments when my fingers instinctively reach for keys that aren’t where they used to be.

Finally, the lack of backlighting is a bit of a bummer. While this might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it’s something to consider if you often work or game in low-light environments.

Recommendation: Is the Kinesis Freestyle Pro for You?

So, after spending some quality time with the Kinesis Freestyle Pro, here’s my take: this keyboard is a fantastic option for those who prioritize ergonomics and customization. If you spend long hours typing and want to reduce strain on your wrists and shoulders, the split design can make a world of difference.

The Cherry MX Brown switches provide a satisfying typing experience, and the extensive programmability allows you to tailor the keyboard to your exact needs. However, be prepared for a bit of a learning curve, and keep in mind that you’ll need to shell out extra for the wrist rests and tenting accessories.

For gamers, the Kinesis Freestyle Pro is a solid choice if you can overlook the lack of backlighting and the somewhat plain keycaps. The ability to use just the left half of the keyboard is a nice touch, giving you more room for your mouse.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and highly customizable keyboard that puts ergonomics front and center, the Kinesis Freestyle Pro is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to invest a bit of time and money to get the most out of it.

Happy typing, and may your hands thank you for the ergonomic upgrade!

Conclusion: The Verdict

Alright, let’s wrap this up. The Kinesis Freestyle Pro is a keyboard that’s not just about typing – it’s about changing the way you interact with your computer. It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car; there’s a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, there’s no going back.

From its split design and Cherry MX Brown switches to its extensive customization options, the Kinesis Freestyle Pro offers a typing experience that’s both comfortable and satisfying. It’s perfect for office use, decent for gaming, and built to last.

Sure, there are a few downsides – the price, the learning curve, and the lack of included accessories. But if you’re serious about improving your ergonomic setup and willing to invest in the extras, this keyboard is a game-changer.

So, there you have it – the Kinesis Freestyle Pro Keyboard Review. If you’re ready to give your hands the comfort they deserve, this keyboard is a worthy contender. Happy typing!

See Price On Amazon

You May Also Like