Freestyle2 Blue Keyboard

The Freestyle2 Blue Multichannel Bluetooth Keyboard combines the full range of ergonomic benefits offered by one of the most versatile keyboard designs currently manufactured with convenient multi-channel Bluetooth functionality. The Freestyle2 Blue Keyboard is divided into two separate modules connected by a 9" cable. This separation enables individuals to position the left and right sides of the keyboard shoulder width apart, allowing the shoulders, elbows, arms and wrists to relax in an anatomically neutral position (with full separation the distance between index finger to index finger on the home row is approximately 11.5"). This greatly improves posture and blood flow in the upper body, prevents undesirable rotation at the shoulders, and eliminates ulnar deviation at the wrist.

The compact symmetrical layout is achieved by removing the numeric keypad found on the right side of most keyboards. This reduces the reach for the mouse for right-handed individuals and optimizes the workspace for everyone. Of course, access to numbers is retained via the top row.
Note: Unlike the wired Freestyle2 for PC, the Freestyle2 Blue does not include an embedded numeric keypad.

The Freestyle2 Blue 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.

Note: The Freestyle2 Blue ships with a Pivot Tether that secures the two modules together at a pivot point. Although intended primarily to secure the two modules during transport, it can be used to create a splayed (i.e. joined at the centre top) keyboard. However, this configuration will significantly limit the ergonomic benefits.

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.

Optional Accessory Kits

• Multichannel Bluetooth Technology: Kinesis' unique Multichannel technology enables users to instantly switch keyboard input between up to three Bluetooth devices (smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) The Freestyle2 Blue eliminates the wait while a connection is established and paves the way to increased efficiency and improved productivity. Two models, one for PC and one for Mac, ensure that users on both platforms benefit equally.
• Variable Separation: The two halves of the Freestyle2 can be separated up to 9" apart, a range which is sufficient for most. If the 9" separation is not enough the Wired Freestyle2 is available with a 20" cable for both PC and Mac.
• Quiet, Tactile Key Switches: The Freestyle2 features quiet, low-force, tactile membrane keyswitches. Rated at 10 million actuations the keyswitches on the Freestyle2 require only 45 grams of force, significantly reducing the effort required to activate each key and below that of most common keyboards, even below that of many other advertised ergonomic models.
• 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".
• Familiar Key Layout: Standard key layout means minimal adaptation time for experienced typists.
• Browser, Editing, and Multimedia Hot Keys: Easily accessible, driverless hot keys offer users the option of decreasing the number of mouse clicks and increasing productivity. These hot keys include volume control and mute keys, a calculator key, multimedia keys, commonly used browser functions such as forward, back and home, and application functions such as cut, copy and paste. Hot keys on the inside columns have vertical raised ridges to provide tactile feedback and help the user remain oriented on the keyboard. Note: PC and Mac models each have hot key functions specific to their OS platform.
• 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.)

• Width:
  Standard version (9 inches of separation):

  • Minimum: 15.375" (39.0 cm)
  • Maximum: 23.5" (59.7 cm)
  • Distance between F & J Keys: Min: 3.50" (8.9 cm); Max: 11.50" (29.2 cm)
• Depth (front-to-back): 7.1" (18.0 cm) , 10.0" (25.4 cm) with palm supports
• Height: 0.875" (2.2 cm)
• Weight: 1.95 lbs (885 grams)
• Keyswitch Type: Rubber Dome, Membrane (Quiet, Tactile)
• Keyswitch Rating: 10 million actuations
• Key Activation Force: 35 grams
• Peak Key Force: 45 grams
• Key Travel Distance: 3.9 mm
• Number of Keys: 94
• Key Pitch: 0.75" (1.9 cm)
• Cable Length: 9" or 20" (22.9 cm or 50.8 cm)
• Interface: Bluetooth - 3 Channels
• Compatibility:
  PC Model: Compatible with Windows, Linux and Android Bluetooth enabled devices*
  Note: Hot Keys for Android & Linux, remote access, and terminal emulation: Hot keys on theFreestyle2 Blue for PC are designed for Windows and may not be supported by Android & Linux systems or by some browsers. Some hot keys will not work if you are using terminal emulation or remote access. If you have questions about hot keys, contact Kinesis Technical Support: tech@kinesis.com
  
  Mac Model: OS X 10.4 and newer, and iOS devices*
  Note: * Driverless hot keys on the Freestyle2 Blue for Mac are designed for OS X 10.4 and newer and may not be supported by iOS systems or by some browsers. Some hot keys will not work if you are using terminal emulation or remote access. If you have questions about hot keys, contact Kinesis Technical Support: tech@kinesis.com
• Legends: Pad Printed with a clear UV coating
• Power Source: Rechargeable lithium polymer battery (USB charging cable included)
  
  
• Warranty: 2 Year Limited Warranty View Details
• Package Contents: Freestyle2 Blue Keyboard, Pivot Tether, Charging Cable, Quick Start Guide

• 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.
• Become familiar with the embedded numeric keypad. The embedded keypad gives you two additional layers, one for numbers, and one for navigation. These layers are accessed via the same keys on the right hand module of the keyboard. Learn More About Operating the Embedded Numeric Keypad.
• Purchase the Palm Support Accessory if you would like Palm Supports, but don't need to tent the keyboard.
• Purchase the V3 Accessory if you need to tent the keyboard, but don't want palm supports. The V3 Accessory can tent the Freestyle2 to 5°, 10° or 15°. Note that the V3 Accessory cannot be used in conjunction with the Palm Supports. Common situations where this accessory is recommended include using the Freestyle2 on a keyboard tray, or with an inline pointing device that has non-removable Palm Supports.
• Purchase 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.
• Purchase the Ascent Accessory only if you must type with your hands in a more than 15° vertical orientation. (Note that you must be a skilled touch typist to use this more extreme solution effectively.) The Ascent Accessory can be used with Palm Supports (sold separately) at angles up to 40°. The 20" separation cable is typically recommended for this accessory, as it provides the needed flexibility. An optional linking plate (included with this accessory) may be used to connect the two tenting modules if desired for increased stability.
• Purchase a separate numeric keypad if you key in a lot of numeric data. See the Numeric Keypads category.