The mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard from Kinesis Corporation will look very familiar to those familiar with the discontinued Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard. Visually it features the same familiar layout (but with the key addition of an FN key - a known weakness of the Microsoft Sculpt layout), very similar contours, and a slightly narrower footprint. Kinesis has added a number of subtle improvements that may not be readily apparent.
While visually very similar to the Microsoft Sculpt the mWave is equipped with more traditional crowned keycaps, with a secondary colour for home row keys as a visual cue for finger placement. In addition, the home row and arrow keys have a more distinct concave surface, providing a tactile indicator to enhance finger placement. The keyboard is also equipped with white backlighting when in the wired mode, with laser-etched shine-through keycaps for typing in low-light environments. The backlighting can be set to three levels of intensity, or turned off.
Below the keycaps are the most important feature, the Gateron Brown mechanical keyswitches offer a 55 gram activation and provide both tactile and a low-level audible feedback upon activation. With a full travel of 3 mm and 1.3 mm of post-activation movement these switches offer a greatly enhanced and more responsive typing experience. Paired with all of the features above is the option of driverless advanced programming. Whether there is a desire to customize a single key function or to entirely re-program the entire layout, the Kinesis Clique web-based programming interface (requires Chrome or Edge browser) provides access to almost unlimited custom programming options. Once programmed the mWave is completely browser and driver free, perfect for deployment where additional software is not permitted.
The mWave has a soft integrated cushioned palm support with a washable surface and includes three legs that attach magnetically to elevate the front of the support to create a 5° negative tilt. This can aid in reducing the risk of wrist extension. However, because this elevates the keyboard typists need to ensure that they are able to adjust the keyboard position to an appropriate height or they may actually be moving to a "less" ergonomic position when attaching the riser. There is also an Up-Arrow indicator that flashes when the FN layer is active and glows solid when the embedded numpad is activated.
The mWave Mechanical Keyboard is able to function either as a fully wired keyboard by using the included data cable or as a wireless bluetooth device able to support simultaneous connections to two bluetooth devices. Switching between the three connections is done using the Profile Switch centrally located between the hands. When set to the wired mode the bluetooth radio connection is disabled for full data security.
Reduces Risk to the Elbow and Forearm - The fully pronated "palms down" position adopted by the majority of typists puts a considerable strain on the tissues of the elbow and forearm. The result can be fatigue, inflammation and long-term injury. The wavelike orientation of the keys on the mWave Mechanical Keyboard can help reduce this strain by elevating the thumbs and thus rotating the forearm back towards a more natural relaxed posture. Learn More About Pronation.
Reduces Risk of Wrist Injury - Typing on a conventional keyboard requires experienced typists to bend the wrists outward towards the little finger in order to keep the fingers in the correct position on the home row. This posture, known as "ulnar deviation", puts considerable strain on the joint and tissues of the wrist. The nominal fixed "splay" on the mWave Mechanical Keyboard can somewhat reduce this strain by aligning the keys to better match the natural posture of the body and decrease the degree of deviation. Learn More About Ulnar Deviation.
Can Reduce Wrist Extension - The incorporated palm rest can assist in reducing the risk of Wrist Extension by keeping the wrists from dropping down to the desk or keyboard tray surface. The included negative-tilt legs can address this even further by creating a "negative inclination" that actively directs the wrists towards a more neutral alignment. However care needs to be taken to ensure that other issues are not created (see Usage Tips for more detail regarding this). Learn More About Wrist Extension.
Can Assist in Reducing Over-Reach - The mWave Mechanical keyboard offers a reduced footprint that permits mouse placement much closer on the right side. The numeric keypad that is embedded in the right-hand keys provides convenient access to this function with any need to move the hand from the home row. Learn More About the Comfort Zone.
Familiar Layout: The mWave Mechanical Keyboard will look very familiar to anyone who has seen or used the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop Keyboard but includes numerous subtle design improvements and functional enhancements.
Embedded Numeric Keypad: The mWave keyboard is equipped with an integrated numeric keypad that is embedded in the righthand keys and activated using the FN key in the upper right corner of the keyboard. The FN indicator arrow in the middle of the keyboard glows solid when the integrated keypad is activated.
Mechanical Keyswitches: The mWave is equipped with 3.0 mm travel tactile mechanical switches. With a maximum activation force of just 55 grams these switches will provide a crisp responsive typing experience. This tactility provides an indication of activation, with the switches providing a 1.3 mm travel post-activation. This will let the fingers slow and halt downward pressure to avoid bottoming out that is not uncommon with lower travel scissor-switch keyswitches.
Fully Programmable: The mWave Mechanical Keyboard takes full advantage of the Kinesis Clique web-based programming interface. This lets each individual customize their keyboard for optimal performance. This means there is no software to download, drivers to install, files to transfer, firmware to flash or account to create. All that is required is a current Edge or Chrome browser and the mWave functions can be customized effortlessly.
Preset Fixed "Splay": The keys are arranged with a limited preset degree of splay to help reduce ulnar deviation.
"FN" Key for Access Secondary Functions: A complaint about the Microsoft Sculpt was that it failed to include an "FN" key that typists commonly use to access secondary alternate functions on the F-Key row, replacing it with an awkward switch that would turn alternate function access on or off. Kinesis restored the FN key to the upper right corner, for rapid and momentary access to the alternate functions. Combined with the advance programming capabilities this offers greatly enhanced function for the F-Key row. An "Up Arrow" indicator in the middle of the keyboard flashes when FN mode is active.
Fully Wired & Bluetooth Modes: The mWave is capable of operating as a standard Wired keyboard via the included USB-A cord. The mWave is also able to connect to and remember connections with 2 bluetooth devices, with input between all 3 modes switchable via the central Profile Switch. When in wired mode the bluetooth radio function is disabled and all data transfer is via the cable.
Tactile Indicators for Home Row and Arrow Keys: The keycaps for these keys have a higher degree of concave curvature that immediately telegraphs to the fingers that they are in correct position. The F, J and Up Arrow keys also have tactile bar indicators.
White Backlighting (in Wired Mode only): The mWave is equipped with shine-through laser-etched keycaps and white backlighting. The backlighting has 4 settings including three levels of intensity as well as OFF. To optimize battery life the backlighting feature is only available when the mWave is operating in Wired mode.
Visual Indicator for Home Row Keys: The homerow keycaps on both sides are a different colour, providing contrast with the remainder of the keys. This provides a visual indicator to quickly guide the fingers into typing position.
Partially "Tented" Flowing Design: The keycaps transition from a slight incline on the innermost column down to almost 0° of tent on the outermost column of keys. This elevates the thumbs and reduces stressful pronation of the forearms.
Compact Tenkeyless design: By eliminating the dedicated numeric keypad the reach to a mouse on the right is greatly reduced. To provide 10-key access, the mWave incorporates a convenient embedded numeric keypad that is easily accessed without moving the hand off the keyboard (or one can use the dedicated upper rank numeric keys)
Negative (5°) Slope Accessory legs): Three legs attach magnetically to the underside of the palm support to elevate the front edge of the keyboard. This creates a moderate 5° "negative inclination" to improve ergonomic positioning. (see notes in Usage Tips)
Integrated Fixed Palm Support: The mWave Mechanical Keyboard incorporates a moderately deep padded palm support. The palm support offers a comfortable place to rest the heels of the hands when not typing, reducing the potential for Wrist Extension and pressure against the carpal tunnel. The palms will move across the washable velvety surface with ease.
Vertically Oriented Double Height "Delete" Key: The Delete key on the mWave Mechanical Keyboard is a vertically oriented double height key, directly adjacent to the "Backspace" and "\" keys, making for easier and quicker access.
Secondary Media Controls and Windows Functions: The upper row of keys by default serve as ESC, F1-F12, Home, End and Insert. The FN key in the upper right corner provides access to secondary functions, with the Media controls on the left. The right side secondary functions are Keyboard Backlight Toggle, Desktop, Snapshot Tool, Show All Windows, Search, and Clear current Bluetooth Profile (for re-pairing). These are all full-height keys, using the same Gateron switches so the response is exactly the same on all keys. In addition, the dedicated FN key lets typists rapidly switch back and forth between the primary and secondary functions
Images (Click on any thumbnail to view larger image)
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard - Top View
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard in Wired Mode
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard - Coloured Home Row Keys
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard - Side Profile
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard - Negative Tilt Legs Installed
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard - Flowing Wave-like Profile
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard - Brown Gateron Mechanical Key Switches
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard - Battery Compartment
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard - Positions Fingers Naturally
mWave for PC Mechanical Keyboard - Integrated Padded Palm Support
Keyswitch Type: Gateron Low Profile Brown Mechanical Switches (Tactile and Audible feedback)
Keycaps: Low Profile ABS with shine-through laser legends, Home row keys are a secondary colour with more pronounced concave curve to provide both visual and tactile feedback for home row location.
Backlighting: Wired Mode Only - Universal White (3 intensity settings and OFF)
Key Operating Force: 55 grams
Key Travel Distance:
Pre-activation: 1.7 mm
Post-activation: 1.3 mm
Total Travel Distance: 3.0 mm
Keyswitch Rating: 60 million activations
Key Layout: 85 key split layout with dual space bars
Programmability: KINESIS CLIQUE web-based interface facilitates a wide and expanding range of customization. There is (NO: software to download, driver to install, file to transfer, firmware to flash, or account to create) *Note: Chrome or Edge browser required
Interface:
Wired (via USB A-to-C data/power cord) *If only USB-C ports are available the mWave can be connected using any 3rd party USB-C to USB-C cable that supports both data and power or a USB-A to USB-C Adapter
Bluetooth (simultaneously supports 2 devices) - switchable between devices using the "Profile Switch" Note: When the switch is moved to wired position the bluetooth radio connection is disabled and all data communication is via the cable.
Power Supply:
Wired Mode (supports Wired & Bluetooth connections): USB-A (via included 6'/1.83 m Charging/Data cable)
Bluetooth Only Mode: 2 x AA Alkaline(included) - up to 18 months based on 6-8 hours per day and powering down when not in use.
The included 3 magnetic negative tilt legs that are included with this mWave can be installed below the palm support to create a 5° negative slope. This is generally considered a desirable ergonomic feature. However this can be a potential concern because it elevates the front edge of the keyboard. Because the front of the keyboard is now elevated the edge of the keyboard palm rest may come in contact with your wrists, creating a potential pinch point. The only ways to address this are by either elevating your chair to compensate for this increase in height (which may require additional adjustments to the workstation) or by lowering your keyboard tray (if used) to where it is sitting just above your lap. In the case of a height-adjustable workstation the surface should be lowered enough the let the wrist maintain a straight line through the new angle.
The permanently affixed palm rest is about 3.75" at the middle and can potentially move this keyboard too far away from those of smaller build, forcing them to "reach forward" to access the keys. This can put unnecessary strain on the shoulders as the arms are no longer able to hang in a neutral position with the elbows below the shoulders. If you find that your elbows are positioned ahead of your keyboard the first thing you should do is to ensure that your keyboard and your body are positioned at appropriate heights (see above). If you still find yourself reaching forward it may be that your forearms are not long enough to comfortably reach across the palm support. In that case you may wish to find a suitable keyboard solution that requires less forward reach.
