Kinesis keyboards are tenkeyless but design… but that doesn’t mean 10-key users are out of luck. Learn what Kinesis can offer you.
If you’ve been searching for a “full-size” Kinesis keyboard you may have noticed you’re out of luck. This isn’t an accident, Kinesis doesn’t design full-size conventional 104 key keyboards with built in keypads. And the reason is quite simple. A built-in 10-key increases the overall width of the keyboard and the wider your keyboard, the further from your body you have to position the mouse. When you have to extend your forearm and shoulder to reach for the mouse, you put unnecessary strain on your forearm, neck, and shoulders. We call this “mouse overreach” and its one of the most common causes of various repetitive strain injuries. But fortunately, its also one of the easiest to solve!
Learn More about Mouse Overreach
If you are frequent keypad user, you can still make the switch to a “tenkeyless” keyboard and not compromise your productivity for the sake of health.
Option 1: Integrated keypad
Almost all of our keyboards features an integrated keypad that makes it easier (and more ergonomic) than ever to input data. The keypad will reside in a secondary layer that is accessed to by tapping or holding a layer key (typically called the Fn or Kp key depending on keyboard model). By using layers, you can access secondary 0-key actions without ever leaving the home row. To resume normal keyboard operation, simply release the Fn/Kp or tap it again. Many Kinesis keyboards are programmable which allow you to customize exactly how you interface with this integrated keypad to boost your comfort and productivity.
Option 2: Detached keypad
Many individuals prefer the conventional columnar keypad layout, which is why Kinesis has 2 great standalone keypad models at different price points. Position the keypad in the ergonomically optimal position while doing data entry, and then move it out of the way when you are typing and mousing. That will reduce overreach without sacrificing productivity.
- Freestyle2 design
- Low-force membrane keyswitches
- Wired USB Connectivity
- Detachable Palm Support
- Extra Windows Hotkeys but not programmable
- mWave design
- Low-force mechanical keyswitches
- Wired USB or Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity
- Integrated Palm Support
- No extra hotkeys fully programmable with Clique
