For context, the only other split keyboard I have used so far came in at $325 for the entire package with the Kinesis alternative coming in at a whole $100 less. There are a few things the ErgoDox EZ Shine does better, but the Freestyle Edge from Kinesis Gaming offers more features and is a better-rounded solution at a price point that is a lot more amenable to most wallets. Even the Truly Ergonomic keyboard, a one-piece take on a similar ergonomic layout of keys, came in at $300 before it went out of stock, and has not made another appearance since. This is not an easy market to get into, but Kinesis decided not to only get into the ergonomic keyboard market with another product as it has simultaneously entered the larger gaming keyboard market as well.

By starting Kinesis Gaming and using clever marketing to position the Freestyle Edge as something that gives tangible benefits to gamers, Kinesis has a product on their hands that has possibly the best chance to get the mainstream audience thinking more about ergonomics seriously. The split keyboard layout allows one to position the keyboard halves to best suit where one's hands naturally rest, and the ability to move one out of place to have a mouse closer also helps. Indeed, go further with the available 20" of cable (or 74" with the optional cable) and you can rest other items between the two halves as well. This is also where I really encourage you to get the lift kit, or perhaps wait for the new kit being developed that can be used without the wrist supports installed, and also let Kinesis know that having a lift kit included in the box is the best thing they could do here. I personally cannot fathom using the Freestyle Edge without one anymore.

The Freestyle Edge got a longer-than-average testing period to better reflect the user experience of people not used to the split keyboard configuration. Indeed, it had been nearly a year since I last used one myself, and I will note here that the use of staggered keys and the ~75% form factor helped with my transition time a lot. This is a mixed bag, however, as some will argue that Kinesis should have gone with ortholinear key columns and rows and perhaps also something smaller, such as a 60% form factor. To each their own, I say. I personally agree with the decisions Kinesis has made based on the customer base this product is catering to.

At $225 for the configuration best used, this is not going to be an easily justifiable purchase for most. It would have helped had Kinesis included better-quality stock keycaps since you will not be able to get a replacement set for the specific configuration used here either. Justifying the ergonomics and pricing for use over the long term would have been easier, but as it is, you have to decide for yourself whether the current option as it stands justifies the price. Consider also the various options for customization onboard via the SmartSet App or even direct programming. This is a significantly different keyboard from the run-of-the-mill "gaming keyboard" we see today, and it is perhaps just what the market needs as well.