What's in the Box
Freestyle2 keyboard with pre-installed VIP3 Lifters
Pivot Tether
Adhesive Palm Pads
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.
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.
Optional Accessories
Pivot Tether: We recommend using the keyboard without the optional pivot tether and separating the key modules to shoulder width, but some users may prefer to use it to 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 it to detach.
Palm Pads: For enhanced comfort, peel the backing off the adhesive pads, match the pads to the appropriate palm support based on their shape, and apply to the plastic palm supports. Pads are designed to last 6-12 months and then be replaced. The Palm Supports are specifically designed to support your palms, not your wrists, for optimal ergonomics.
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.
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.
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
Adjusting Tenting
The VIP3 tenting accessory is already pre-installed on the keyboard for your convenience. The v-Lifters can be adjusted to 3 different heights to suit your body type and preferences. We recommend starting with the lowest height (5 Degrees), and experiment with the other 2 heights to find the right balance between comfort and familiarity.
The legs come unsnapped from the factory. Remove the pieces of tape holding the legs and place them flat on the desk to achieve the lowest (5˚) height. To access the two higher settings, snap the legs together (you will hear an audible “click”). Swivel the legs in under the keyboard for the intermediate height (10˚), and swivel the legs out of the keyboard for the maximum height (15˚). Note: The keyboard will be stable at each height so if it is collapsing, confirm that the lifters are installed on the appropriate key module and the legs are locked firmly.
Removal of V-Lifters
The v-Lifters can be removed if you would prefer to type in a flat configuration. Unplug the keyboard and flip it over. Gently press the squeeze tabs on each of the v-Lifters and then lift straight up until the two end-tabs can be disengaged from the keyboard.
Removal of Palm Supports
Once the v-Lifters have been removed, you can remove the Palm Supports if you would prefer a more compact keyboard footprint. Grasp the keyboard in one hand and the Palm Support in the other. Gently wiggle the Palm Support up and down while pulling it away from the keyboard until it releases from the tabs on the underside. Note: Do not attempt to remove the Palm Supports while the v-Lifters are attached to the keyboard.
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 detachable palm support to keep wrists straight.
Quick Start Guides
Videos
Accessories
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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Need Help?
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