KINESISFreestyle2 Blue Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard for Mac (9" Standard Separation), Dark Gray

My main reason for considering an ergonomic keyboard is that the top of my shoulders are literally knotted and painful from using computers for many hours a day. I have a number of keyboards, one of which is the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 v1. While the MS 4000 helps a bit in opening up my shoulders compared to a regular keyboard, the key action is downright horrible (note that v1 is has stiffer key actions than later version of the MS 4000). I considered other one-piece ergonomic keyboards, but eventually decided that only a fully split keyboard will allow my shoulders to be laid back and not "rolled forward" as my chiropractor described it. After using it for a few days now, I can fully attest that the split position is truly better for me than a one-piece ergonomic keyboard.Other positives are the Kinesis Freestyle 2 Blue: (1) The key actions are really nice, with a fair bit of travel (not the laptop-like shallow travel), not noisy (though audible in a quiet room, it is quiet enough to use on a conference call on speaker phone without being distracting), and light enough so you don't feel like you have to "hammer" it like it does on the MS 4000. (2) The bluetooth connection is flawless: I have connected it successfully on first try to a linux system (Ubuntu 18.04), a Mac (even though this is a PC version; the key works fine too, with the "Windows" key automatically mapped to the Apple "Command" key), and of course a Windows machine. I had doubts about Bluetooth in general, but the implementation here is flawless, both in pairing and also in normal use. I never had a lag or missed letter issue, even after power savings mode had kicked in (it wakes up quickly). Another factor I considered is the size: it is small enough to toss into a computer bag to bring to a cafe or library, for the times when you want to spend a few hours pouring out your thoughts. A one-piece ergonomic keyboard would be awkward to bring outside the home or office, whereas this one can travel with me.Other users mentioned the row of keys on the left are not useful, or some keys are too far or not in expected places -- I don't have any issue with that. On the day that I received the keyboard, I paired it with my Linux machine and typed the first chapter of Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons of Physics in one sitting, in order to get a feel for the keyboard. Result: no slow down except for a few times I tried to hit the "b" key with my right hand and hit the table instead. Otherwise, no real adjustment needed, and this is now my daily keyboard.Any downsides? No wrist support or padding included, but for me it is not an issue. I also have a pair of Smart Glove that for me tend to work better when I want something under my wrist. As I mentioned, my main issue is shoulder tightness and pain, so sufferers of wrist or carpel tunnel issues might consider the accessory kit essential.When I consider the cost of the keyboard to be equivalent to a couple of chiropractor visits, the cost is a very fair price. I can now prevent my shoulder issues rather than spend the money to get it "fixed".(Kinesis also makes a version with mechanical keys -- you can even choose the type of Cherry switches, and with programmable key mapping as well. So for those who are willing to spend the bucks, I would highly recommend taking a look at it.)A word of praise about the vendor: my keyboard was sold by askergoworks.com, and while the listing did not say it'll be shipped by Amazon Prime, the keyboard arrived in 2 days. Kudos to them for such a quick shipment.

I already have used the older Freestyle 2 for years and love it. This keyboard has the same strengths -- and most of the same drawbacks. Strengths (apart from the obvious of the split keyboard and the wireless connectivity) include:- it is straightforward to pair this keyboard via Bluetooth (Linux and Windows both work; Linux can be a bit more troublesome)- the ability to switch "on the fly" from one Bluetooth pairing to another is a nice touch (really convenient if you work with two computers side-by-side)- the J and F keys have ridges (finding the correct hand position by touch becomes important given that the two halves of the keyboard can be spaced arbitrarily far apart)- nice LED indicators for 'Caps Lock', etc.- while the keys are not silent, they are not excessively loud either- the connector which can be used to hold/tether the two halves together is easily released using switches on each half- portability: the two halves can be conveniently packed into a backpack or bagReasons I'd give it a 4.5 instead of a 5 if that were an option: from my perspectives, shortcomings include:1. the absence of a physical insert key (only accessible using a Fn combination)2. the size of the keys (the keys are approximately laptop-sized keys, not regular full-sized keys)3. the keyboard itself is not backlit (I find this especially useful when working in relatively dark conditions)4. the placement of the 6 key on the left half of the keyboard (this is fine if one uses the LH for 6 but I find myself stabbing into empty space with my right hand... while this can be relearned over time, it is hardly ideal...)5. the wired USB connection is only for charging (if you're just trying to get something done, Bluetooth pairing can be a hassle -- e.g., this isn't the "go-to" keyboard if you want to plug into a headless server and quickly deal with something)Bottom line: overall, the wireless is well worth the minor price differential between this and the wired Freestyle 2-- well worth the additional money. If you want to take care of your hands and wrists, this keyboard should certainly be on your "short list" of those under consideration.