April 16, 2007
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I have always admired the original Kinesis keyboards now referred to as their Family of Contoured Keyboards. They always looked really comfortable to type on all day and they even had foot pedals. Even though some of the earlier adopters of these keyboards had software issues (which I expect have long been rectified by now) I always wanted one but couldn’t ever justify the $300+ price tag. Apparently at some point Kinesis released their Maxim line but just looking at them, I think my Microsoft Naturals are superior and much cheaper. Kinesis’s Freestyle line looks a bit more noteworthy however. The base keyboard halves are only attached by a single wire allowing the keyboard to merely rest on the desk yet still be split, transformed into a more traditional split keyboard with the incline accessory or to be further split with the VIP accessory. Still this keyboard is also somewhat pricey with the base keyboard costing $99 and both of the accessories going for $40 a piece. They are all available for pre-order now with shipping beginning the week of April 23. |
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I prefer my old MS Natural Elite. Clickier keys than later models. The white plastic doesn’t clash with my MacBook either.
The only problem is that the MS driver software doesn’t support it. The mini hated it, but the MacBook works fine, except it switches the Command and Option keys. (Which, of course, you can switch in Preferences, but you need to remember to switch ‘em back when using the laptop’s keyboard.)
Why can Apple make a nice ergo keyboard? Why why why?
Comment by Tommy — April 16, 2007 @ 9:42 am
The first USB MS keyboard I used was the MS Natural Pro which is supported by the MS driver. On the natural keyboards, I just got used to the command and alt keys being switched. I actually get annoyed when they aren’t switched now. Yet another way I am owned by Microsoft :/
I am not sure why Apple doesn’t get bigger into the peripheral market. For now, MS hardware is serving me well.
Comment by roclar — April 16, 2007 @ 5:29 pm
It’s sad. Not only an I using an MS keyboard, but the worthless Mighty Mouse has been replaced by an MS mouse that cost $14.95.
But at least they’re both white, so they match the MacBook. Because that’s the important thing.
Comment by Tommy — April 17, 2007 @ 9:37 am
I’ve posted a full review of this product here:
http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/anderkoo/2007/05/02/product-review-kinesis-freestyle/
If you want a fully-split keyboard at under $100, this is your best option. For another $50, though, I would seriously consider the Ergoflex (much uglier).
Why they can’t create a wireless split keyboard is beyond me.
Comment by Anderkoo — May 3, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
Kinesis has updated its Freestyle line (Engadget Referrer) adding the Ascent which takes the keyboard vertical and the V3. They even released white versions of their original offerings. Pricing for the black PC models and pricing for the white Mac models is available.
Comment by roclar — July 22, 2008 @ 5:13 pm