Freestyle2 Convertible Keyboard

The Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard is one of the most versatile keyboard currently available. The low-profile keyboard is divided into two separate parts or modules connected by a 9" cable, and is dramatically thinner and more portable than the original version. The modular design allows the user to configure the keyboard in its optimal orientation, either by splaying the modules at any angle or by adjusting the distance between the modules up to 9". Different accessory kits can be purchased to provide additional keyboard configuration options, including tenting the modules at set angles of elevation, or adding a discrete matching numeric keypad. Models available (in both English and French Canadian dual-legended) are the standard Freestyle2 with a 9" separation cable and also a model with a 20" separation cable.

ACCESSORY KITS

The VIP3 Accessory Kit for the Freestyle2 allows the user to create adjustable lateral sloping or tenting of the keyboard modules at 5°, 10° or 15°. Palm supports are included with this kit and must be attached in order to use the tenting mechanism. If a tenting mechanism without integrated palm supports is desired, choose the V3 Accessory Kit. The V3 Accessory Kit offers tenting of 5°, 10° and 15° WITHOUT Palm Supports. The V3 Accessory Kit is an alternative for those users who either do not desire palm supports or whose workstation layout will not accommodate them. It attaches directly to the keyboard, providing tenting options of 5°, 10° and 15°. NOTE: The V3 Accessory Kit is not compatible with the optional Palm Supports.

The more specialized Ascent Accessory Kit provides two multi-angle tenting modules which attach to the underside of the keyboard's two modules. A linking plate may be used to connect the two tenting modules if desired. Tenting angles may be independently set for each tenting module in the range of 20° to 90°, in 10° increments. Left or right separation is limited only by the length of the keyboard's linking cable. The standard 9" separation cable may work for some users, but the 20" linking cable is generally recommended for greater flexibility.

If you require a discrete numeric keypad, the Freestyle2 keypad seamlessly matches the low-profile design of the Freestyle2 keyboard and features the same proven low-force, quiet and tactile membrane key switches. If a more heavy duty durable option is desired, the Kinesis Low Force Tactile Numeric keypad features a wider and higher profile that incorporates a low-force tactile mechanical key switch with a longer operating life. For more information see our Keypads category.

Compare the differences between the Freestyle2 and the original Freestyle Solo.

NOTE: With full separation on the 9" cable model, the distance between index finger to index finger on the home row is around 14".

• Portable Design: The Freestyle2 has a dramatically thinner design than most ergonomic keyboards, including the original Freestyle Solo, at a height of only 7/8". This thinner design makes the Freestyle2 highly portable.
• Narrow Foot Print for Comfortable Mousing and Keying: At only 15.375" wide the Freestyle2 provides for close placement of any pointing device reducing over reach issues.
• Accommodates Everyone: From small to tall and body types in between, the Freestyle2 allows for maximum flexibility catering to each individual's unique needs.
• Sleek, Ultra-Low Profile Design: Most keyboards including ergonomic models have a 10° positive slope from front to back. The Freestyle2 has a 0° slope which minimizes the height, effectively creating negative slope.
• Adjustable/Separated Keyboard: The Freestyle2 is a separated keyboard connected by a 9" (or 20") cable, allowing you to separate the two halves of the keyboard up to 9" (or 20"). The separated halves can also be joined together with a Pivot Tether, allowing the keyboard to be splayed at the joint.
• VIP3 Accessory: You can add the optional VIP3 accessory to the Freestyle2 to create tenting of the keyboard halves by 5°, 10° or 15°. The VIP3 accessory is comprised of two parts: detachable wrist supports with replaceable palm pads, and tenting mechanisms. This provides users with the option of using the keyboard flat on the surface with the wrist supports in place OR tented at 5°, 10° or 15° with the both the palm supports and tenting mechanisms employed. NOTE: Although the palm supports can be used alone without the VIP3's tenting mechanism, they must be attached when using the VIP3's tenting mechanism.
• Ascent Accessory: You can add the optional Ascent accessory to the Freestyle2 to create tenting of the keyboard halves by 20° to 90° (in 10° increments). The Ascent accessory can also be used with the optional palm supports, which are particularly suitable at angles of 20°, 30° and 40°.
• V3 Accessory: You can add the optional V3 accessory to the Freestyle2 to create tenting of the keyboard halves by 5°, 10° or 15°. The V3 accessory cannot be used in conjunction with the palm supports.
• Palm Supports: Palm supports come as part of the VIP3 accessory or can be added as an accessory by themselves. They cannot, however, be attached to the V3 accessory.
  • Want both palm supports and tenting? Get the VIP3 accessory.
  • Want just tenting and no palm supports? Get the V3 accessory.
  • Want just the palm supports? Get the Palm Support accessory which includes optional lycra-covered foam pads for extra comfort.
• Hot Keys: Driverless Hot Keys are provided for commonly used mouse actions: Internet Forward, Back, Undo, Web Home, Cut, Copy and Paste. In addition, the FN and Application keys have switched positions on the Freestyle2 due to customer feedback. (A new vertical raised ridge has also been added to the inside column of the Hot Keys to provide tactile notification to the user.)
• Double-Wide Keys: The keyboard employs double-wide Delete and Escape keys, providing an easier target for fingers to locate. On the bottom edge of the Delete key, a new horizontal ridge has been added for tactile notification to the user, which also helps distinguish the Delete and Back Space keys.
• Pivot Tether: Both modules can be connected together by attaching the included the flexible Pivot Tether allowing an infinite range of splay.
• Slide Release Button: Each keyboard module incorporates a slide release button that allows quick attachment and detachment of the pivot tether.
• Familiar Key Layout: Familiar key layout results in minimal adaptation time.
• Quiet, Tactile Key Switches: The Freestyle2 utilizes a quiet, low-force, tactile membrane key switch. Rated at 10 million actuations the Freestyle2 will provide years of comfortable typing. As the maximum key force of the key switches are 45 grams, the Freestyle2 keys require at least 25% less force than most traditional and many ergonomic keyboards (with maximum key forces of over 80 grams in some cases).
• Embedded Numeric Keypad: The compact design of the Freestyle2 eliminates the traditional numeric keypad on the right-hand side of the keyboard. In its place, the right half of the keyboard contains an embedded numeric keypad, giving you full access to a numeric keypad when needed (Here are instructions on how to activate the embedded numeric keypad). Simply press the "Fn" key to toggle between the embedded 10 number-key (when Num Lock is on) and the navigation keys (When Num Lock is off). If preferred, two different discrete numeric keypad accessories for intensive number crunchers are available.
• Volume Control and Calculator Keys: Embedded Volume Up, Down, Mute and Calculator keys.

• Freestyle Animation (popup window): Adobe Flash


• Freestyle Features (download video): WMV file

• Width: 15.375" (39.0 cm)
• Depth (front-to-back): 7.25" (18.4 cm) (10.0" [25.4 cm] with palm supports)
• Height: 0.875" (2.2 cm)
• Weight: 1.95 lbs (885 grams)
• Keyswitch Type: High quality quiet tactile membrane
• Keyswitch Rating: 10 million actuations
• Number of Keys: 94
• Key Pitch: 0.75" (1.9 cm)
• Cable Length: 9" or 20" (15.2 cm or 50.8 cm)
• Interface: USB only
• Warranty: 2 years
• Key Activation Force: 44 grams
• Compatibility: All versions of Windows including Windows 8 (32 & 64)
• Legends: Pad Printed with a clear UV coating