Congratulations on your new Freestyle2!

 

This guide will help you get up and running on the Freestyle2 (USB version). Because the FS2 features a standard layout, adaption time is minimal. Incredible comfort and enhanced productivity are right around the corner.

 

USB Models: KB800PB-us | KB800PB-us-20 | KB800HMB-us | KB800HMB-us-20

Pre-Installed Tenting Models: KB820PB-us | KB820HMB-us

What's in the Box

Freestyle2 keyboard

Pivot Tether

Pre-Installed VIP3 Kit

(KB820 models only)

Connecting your
Freestyle2

Your Freestyle2 keyboard is 100% plug-and-play

Simply connect the USB cable to any available full-size port on your computer. Your computer will automatically recognize and “install” the keyboard in a matter of seconds.  There are no special drivers or software to install.

*For best results, we recommend connecting the keyboard directly to your PC rather than through a hub, dock, or KVM switch.

Pivot Tether

The optional pivot tether is designed to allow for adjustable splay of the key modules to keep wrists neutral, without separating the modules. To remove the pivot tether, slide the appropriate release button towards the outside of the keyboard and allow the pivot tether to detach from the keyboard. We recommend trying the keyboard without the pivot tether and separating the key modules to shoulder width. In fact, 92% of the participants in the Atlas usability study chose separation over splay.

Hotkey Compatability

The Freestyle2 is compatible with all major operatings systems (Windows, Mac, Chrome, Linux) but hotkeys are O/S specific. If you are connecting a Mac version of the keyboard to a Windows PC and vice versa, the hotkeys will not work.

Installing Accessories

Palm Supports

For added wrist support and enhanced comfort, connect the detachable palm supports. Peel the backing off the adhesive pads and apply to the palm supports underneath your palms. Pads are designed to last 6-12 months and then be replaced.

Tenting

Add one of our popular tenting accessories (3 adjustable heights) to your Freestyle2 to reduce harmful forearm pronation. Choose the VIP3 for tenting with palm supports, or choose the V3 for tenting without palm supports.

 

Get to know your Freestyle2

Standard layout makes adaptation easy

Thanks to its conventional tenkeyless layout, the Freestyle2 is easy to adapt to does not require “re-learning” to type. Most new users are up to full-speed in a matter of days, if not sooner. All the alphanumeric keys are in conventional locations, editing keys have been consolidated into a convenient column on the right to keep the layout compact, and handy hotkeys have been added to the left module to reduce awkward key combinations.

*PC Version: The numeric 10-key  has been moved to the embedded layer for access via the “Fn” key.

*Mac Version: Function keys F1-F12 have been moved to the embedded layer for access via the “Fn” key in favor of Mac-specific hotkeys like Mission Control, Dashboard etc.

If the Freestyle2 is your first split keyboard, we recommend that you start typing with the modules pushed together. As you get more comfortable, slowly separate and/or rotate the modules to achieve a more neutral wrist angle to reduce ulnar deviation.

Additional Ergonomic Resources

Not a cure for pre-existing injuries

If you currently have an injury to your hands or arms, or have had such an injury in the past, it is important that you have realistic expectations of your keyboard.

The unique split-adjustable design of Freestyle2 is intended to reduce the physical stress that all keyboard users experience by allowing the keyboard to adjust to your body type, but ergonomic keyboards are not medical treatments, and no keyboard can be guaranteed to cure symptoms or prevent injuries.

Your physical trauma has built up over months or years, and it may take weeks before you notice a difference. It is normal to feel some new fatigue or discomfort as you adapt to your Kinesis keyboard.

Always consult your health care professional if you notice discomfort or other physical problems when you use your computer. If any information provided by Kinesis contradicts the advice you have received from a health care professional, please follow your health care professional’s instructions.

Conventional Keyboard Risk Factors

Getting started with tenting

For best results, start at the lowest tenting height and work your way up until you find the sweet spot for your body

V3 Installation

VIP3 Installation

You're Ready to Type!

Layout

Familiarize yourself with the basic layout of the Freestyle2. Some keys have moved slightly but you’ll find that all the alphanumeric keys are exactly where you would expect to find them on a tenkeyless keyboard.

Fn Layer

The Freestyle2 is a dual-layer keyboard. Tap the “Fn” key in the lower left corner of the keyboard to toggle on the “embedded” Fn Layer to access the actions legended in blue including the embedded 10-key.

The Fn LED in the upper right corner of the keyboard will illuminate to indicate the Fn Layer is active.

Consider a Freestyle2 Dedicated Keypad

For those of you that extensively use a 10-key, you may want to consider purchasing the Freestyle2 Keypad. The FS2 keypad mirrors the same profile as the FS2 keyboard and utilizes the same low-force, rubber dome key switches. It also includes a 2-port USB Hub and helpful hot keys to boost productivity.

Videos

FAQs

How do I access the 10-Key?

To keep the footprint of the Freestyle Pro as small as possible, we have relocated the standard numeric 10-key into the embedded “Fn” layer. To access these actions simply tap the Fn key (lower left corner) to toggle to the Fn layer. *Note: Num-lock must be enabled on your PC.

Can I change the hotkeys?

No. The Freestyle keyboard is not programmable. If you are looking for a programmable split keyboard, checkout the new Freestyle Pro.

Do I need to install any software or drivers?

No. The Freestyle2 keyboard is recognized by the operating system as a standard USB device and thus loads the default keyboard driver on the operating system. The Freestyle2 keyboard is 100% plug & play on Windows and Mac.

Is the Pivot Tether required to use the Freestyle2?

No, the pivot tether does not need to be connected prior to using the keyboard. In fact, for many people, it is more comfortable for them to completely separate the keyboard to adjust to their shoulder width. That is why out of the box the pivot tether is only connected to one module. Separating the keyboard modules not only straightens your wrists but also keeps your elbows close to your body.

Alternatively, connecting the pivot tether to both modules allows for splaying the keyboard, thereby, reducing wrist deviation but potentially forcing your elbows away from your side versus comfortably resting.

It really comes down to user preference. If you do use the pivot tether please ensure to disconnect it from one of the modules when picking up or moving the keyboard to prevent accidental breakage of the pivot tether.

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