Freestyle2 Ascent Accessory Kit

The Freestyle2 Ascent Accessory Kit is a specialized accessory for the Freestyle2 Keyboard. The Freestyle2 Keyboard with Ascent accessory is an option for those who prefer or are unable to pronate (i.e. who cannot hold their hands in a "palms down" position without discomfort or pain). The Ascent Accessory allows the left and right modules of the Freestyle2 Keyboard to be tented independently of each other, in 10° increments from 20° to 90°. This provides a solution for those who require a keyboard tenting angle greater than the 15° offered by the V3 and VIP3 accessories.

Individuals who choose this solution must be touch typists (as they will be unable to see the keys). It is also strongly recommended that the arms be supported while typing to avoid straining the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the shoulders and upper back. Arm support is especially important at higher degrees of elevation, 40° and over.

The Ascent Accessory can be used with Freestyle2 Palm Supports (sold separately) at angles up to 40°. At higher elevations alternative types of arm support become necessary.

While the standard 9" separation will work for those who are using the Ascent at the lesser angles, the 20" separation model of the Freestyle2 is typically recommended for use with the Ascent accessory. The greater cable length offers much greater flexibility in positioning of the modules, especially if greater angles of tenting are desired.

The Ascent Accessory modules can be positioned completely independent of each other for the broadest range of positioning. If increased stability is desired the included width-adjustable linking plate can be utilized. The metal plate adds rigidity as well as increased mass to ensure keyboard stability, even at the greatest angles.
Note: The Ascent Accessory is compatible with the Freestyle Solo, the Freestyle2 Keyboard for PC, and the Freestyle2 Keyboard for Mac.
Note: The Ascent Accessory is NOT compatible with the Freestyle2 Blue (Bluetooth) models (KB800PB-BT & KB800MB-BT) due to a metal base in close proximity to the wireless transmitter, or with the Freestyle Pro (KB900-XXX) series.

• Adjustable Tenting up to 90°: The Ascent accessory can tent each Freestyle2 keyboard module from 20° to 90°, in 10° increments. Because the modules tent independently individual customization is easily achieved.
• Almost Limitless Variation in Arrangement: The two Ascent modules can be deployed without the optional linking plate. The means that not only is there freedom to choose the tenting angle that is most comfortable, but the keyboard modules can also be splayed in relation to each other to create as neutral a wrist alignment as possible.
• Locking Width Adjustment: The optional linking plate that is included with the Ascent Accessory can be used to create a more rigid, fixed width keyboard arrangement. Numerous width options are available, with the freedom to lock the plate at any chosen width.
• Weighted Base: The Ascent Accessory features solid metal construction, the result being that it provides a rigid and stable base when keying, even at the greatest of angles. The complete accessory, including the linking plate, weighs a significant 4 pounds.

• Maximum Separation: Measured between inside edge of each keyboard module.
  Freestyle2 keyboard 20 inch cable without linking plate installed:

  • 20 degree tent – 22.25" (56.5 cm)
  • 30 degree tent – 22.75" (57.8 cm)
  • 40 degree tent – 23" (58.4 cm)
  • 50 degree tent – 23.25" (59.0 cm)
  • 60 degree tent – 23.375" (59.4 cm)
  • 70 degree tent – 23.5" (59.7 cm)
  • 80 degree tent – 24" (61 cm)
  • 90 degree tent – 24.25" (61.6">

  
  Freestyle2 keyboard 20" (50.8 cm) cable with linking plate installed:

  • 20 degree tent – 8.375" (21.3 cm)
  • 30 degree tent – 9.5" (24.1 cm)
  • 40 degree tent – 11.25" (28.6 cm)
  • 50 degree tent – 13" (33.0 cm)
  • 60 degree tent – 10.375" (36.4 cm)
  • 70 degree tent – 12.125" <30.8 cm)
  • 80 degree tent – 14.5" (36.8 cm)
  • 90 degree tent – 17.5" (44.5 cm)

  
  Freestyle2 keyboard 9" (11.5 cm) cable with or without linking plate installed:

  • 20 degree tent – 8.375" (21.3 cm)
  • 30 degree tent – 9.375" (23.8 cm)
  • 40 degree tent – 9.75" (24.8 cm)
  • 50 degree tent – 9.75" (24.8 cm)
  • 60 degree tent – 10.25" (26.0 cm)
  • 70 degree tent – 10.375" (26.4 cm)
  • 80 degree tent – 10.625" (27.0 cm)
  • 90 degree tent – 11" (27.9 cm)

  
  Freestyle2 keyboard 9 inch cable with or without linking plate installed:

  • 20 degree tent – 8.375" (21.3 cm)
  • 30 degree tent – 9.375" (23.8 cm)
  • 40 degree tent – 9.75" (24.8 cm)
  • 50 degree tent – 9.75" (24.8 cm)
  • 60 degree tent – 10.25" (26.0 cm)
  • 70 degree tent – 10.375" (26.4 cm)
  • 80 degree tent – 10.625" (27.0 cm)
  • 90 degree tent – 11" (27.9 cm)

  
  
• Compatibility: The Ascent Accessory is compatible with the Freestyle Solo and the following Freetyle2 models:
  • Freestyle2 Keyboard for PC
  • Freestyle2 Keyboard for Mac
  Note: The Ascent Accessory is NOT compatible with the Freestyle2 Blue (Bluetooth) models (KB800PB-BT & KB800MB-BT) due to a metal base in close proximity to the wireless transmitter) or the Freestyle Pro mechanical Keyboard (KB900-XXX series).
  
  
• Weight: 4 lbs (1.82 kg)
  
  
• Warranty: 2 Year Limited Warranty View Details
• Package Contents: One set of Ascent Tenting Modules, One Linking Plate
• Tools Required: Phillips Screwdriver

• Assembling the Ascent Accessory requires a single Phillips screwdriver (to attach the keyboard modules to the tenting plates) and can be completed in a couple of minutes. Once attached the individual modules can be positioned as desired at any angle or distance from each other that the keyboard joining cable will permit (which is why the 20" model is generally recommended). Adjusting the linking plate distance between the modules is tool-free, using thumbscrews.
• Generally it is recommended that at the 20 °, 30°, and 40° angles that the Freestyle2 Palm Support Accessory be installed. This ensures that the wrists remain as neutral as possible when not keying. For more information on this see the Ergonomic Benefits section of this page. At higher angles these may as well be removed as they will be of no benefit and may interfere with keyboard use.
• If you are going to be positioning one or both of the keyboard modules at angles greater than 40° you will almost certainly need to find some kind of arm support that can support your forearms and hands at the appropriate height for keying (i.e. elbows at 90° and straight forearm/wrist alignment.) If your chair armrests are unable to provide appropriate support you may wish to consider something such as the ErgoRest Forearm Supports.
• At the greater angles you may also need to either lower your worksurface to bring the keyboard down to the optimum neutral position or elevate your chair slightly (which may require the addition of a footrest).