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Gaming Keyboard that’s SPLIT in HALF? - Kinesis Freestyle Edge

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips845.2K viewsNov 25, 20177:10
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Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video! First 200 people will get a 2 month trial for free here: skl.sh Buy the CORSAIR Light Loop fans on Amazon: geni.us Can a mechanical keyboard have all the gaming features you asked for AND be super ergonomic all at the same time? Only if you won't miss RGB... Buy Kinesis Freestyle Edge on Amazon: geni.us Or get $20 off by going to KinesisGaming.com and using the coupon code 'linus'. Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Linus Tech Tips merchandise at designbyhumans.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Our production gear: geni.us Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk

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AI OverviewDefault language

The video introduces the Kinesis Freestyle Edge, marketed as the world’s first split gaming keyboard, and explains how its dual halves can be positioned up to fifty centimeters apart to tailor comfort for different games or tasks. The host emphasizes the flexibility of split layout, from tilting for shooters to bringing the mouse in close for reduced shoulder fatigue, and notes that the cable between halves is shortened in close configurations to minimize clutter. Build quality is highlighted with braided cables and Cherry MX switches available in red, brown, or blue, along with features like one millisecond response times and anti-ghosting. In addition to core gaming features, the keyboard offers extensive programmability, with every key capable of remapping to complex macros up to twenty four macros across up to nine layouts stored on the board itself. The host also discusses practical aspects like the lack of a lift kit at launch and how that affects ergonomics, making a case that for long sessions the Edge can become highly ergonomic when paired with the lift kit, which tilts the wrists and aligns the forearms more naturally. Price is noted at around $220, which the reviewer characterizes as high but not unreasonable given the feature set, while acknowledging that the absence of RGB lighting may turn some buyers away. Throughout, the video balances practical testing notes, such as screen-readable legends and a black matte finish, with candid opinions on whether the Edge justifies its premium by offering real ergonomic benefits, or if it remains more of a niche, high-end gadget. The conclusion leans toward strong mainstream appeal for an ergonomic keyboard, suggesting a sale would push consideration to “pull the trigger,” while reminding viewers that the lift kit is a key missing piece for the optimal experience. The segment also includes sponsor mentions and calls to action, linking viewers to purchase options and related Linus Tech Tips community resources.

Topics · ergonomics · split keyboards · gaming hardware · product review · mechanical keyboards · tech hardware

Questions answered

What makes the Kinesis Freestyle Edge unique compared to a traditional gaming keyboard?
Its two halves can be placed up to fifty centimeters apart, allowing users to tailor positioning for different games and reduce fatigue, and the device stores all programmable layouts directly on the keyboard for easy portability.
How programmable is the Freestyle Edge and what limits exist?
Each key can be remapped to a function or macro, with up to twenty four macros across up to nine layouts, and actions can run from four to three thousand actions per second. The software is built into the keyboard, so no download is required, though the full feature set may require more advanced knowledge for setup.