KINESIS USB Freestyle Pro Ergonomic Split Mechanical Keyboard (Cherry MX Brown Switches) - KB900-brn

Almost. This is a beautiful device that feels wonderful to type on. The keyswitches are as quiet and low-force as mechanical keys get, and if you don't bang on them, it is nearly as quiet as a membrane keyboard like the Freestyle 2. I won't bother touting the benefits of this type of switch; if you're buying this type of keyboard, you probably already know how they differ and why you'd want them vs. a membrane keyboard. I can say, as a fan of the old IBM M-series, that this keyboard is nearly as satisfying, a heck of a lot quieter, and a lot less painful.The only downside is Kinesis' baffling lack of a vertical mounting option for this keyboard. For those with carpal tunnel issues, there's really no substitute for a vertical configuration that keeps the wrists perfectly neutral. The Freestyle 2 gives you that with the Ascent adaptor, but the Freestyle Pro doesn't accept that adaptor.I understand that the mechanical switches occupy a lot of space, so the depth required for the screws for the Ascent isn't there, but come on -- the plastic risers they do provide snap on firmly, and a similar attachment would work just as well for a vertical mount. I also understand that vertical keyboards are a niche market, but I'm going to go ahead and guess that at the price of the Ascent mount, the R and D is covered.The good news is that Kinesis did at least provide a 20" connecting cable, so the separation is adequate if you want to fabricate your own mount. Furthermore, if you, like me, are upgrading from a worn-out Kinesis Freestyle 2, you already have a solution. Open up the Freestyle 2, and you'll find 2 metal plates which contain the threaded bosses for the Ascent adaptor. Remove those plates and discard the Freestyle 2. Pick up a roll of low-profile 3M Dual Lock (not plain Velcro - it moves around too much). Use it to attach those plates to the bottom of the Freestyle Pro in the right position, attach them to the Ascent adaptors, and Bob's your uncle.But really, Kinesis - throw us a bone here; you could have helped with that!

If you're new to split keyboards as I am you'll be spending some time fixing your typing habits. This is a very, very nice keyboard; I got 'red' switches and they are silent (there is a little gentle clacking from the keys themselves but it's not annoying); the key action is gorgeous - you can tell straight away this thing will support some demon typing speeds. As a programmer I find the DEL key is a little far away for comfort (as is ESC) but it's more a muscle memory thing ; if I wanted to train myself further to a npnstandard layout there are other keys that could be redefined (the programming utility / virtual drive thing is well done). I am using in conjunction with a rollermouse (meaning I don't have to move my right hand at all to do mousing, which was causing me pain) which is a great combo so far - I may also put a touchpad in the middle between the two kb halves when I've grown comfortable using kb with a larger center gap.As mentioned elsewhere you do want a 'tenting' option (which is undeniably a gouge by the manufacturer for two bits of plastic); I got the "V3 Pro Tenting Accessory for Kinesis Freestyle Pro" which is the one without wrist rests - you certainly _do_ want rests but as you see from pic I use the rollermouse rests, which, while I'm still experimenting and adjusting, seems to work well. Pictured is a Rollermouse Pro (available on ebay from office liquidators cheaply); will also try with a Rollermouse Red (which has a longer bar, this may be better or worse TBD)You can get used Freestyle kb's on ebay for a lot less money than I paid for this "Pro" but after reading the reviews waxing lyrical about the pro's mechanical key action I decided to splurge, and it's head and shoulders above my other dome keyboards. I will persevere with adjusting my typing habit to this and I expect it will be a productivity and ergonomic delight. However.. I can see I'll become adjusted to it and have to take it with me everywhere I goUPDATE: ok it's great. I thought the reprogrammable thing was a gimmick but then I noticed how much I'm moving my right hand to reach the cursor keys and backspace and delete (i.e. constantly).. - lightbulb moment!! made the left windows key "FN Shift" (i.e. shift to the alternate keymap the thing supports; initially set up so JKL etc are a numeric keypad - and switch them to be a cursor cluster... I put DEL and Backspace in there too; upshot is that with my left ring finger I can instantly turn the keys under my right hand into a cursor/delete cluster.... (see image, it'll be more clear) Just learning this setup right now but it appears to be a big improvement. I also got a Rollermouse Red (as opposed to the 'Pro' in the photo above) and it's waaaay nice. LOVE THIS KEYBOARD; with a rollermouse I'm barely moving my arms at all to get everthing speedily done.