Use a split keyboard to protect your wrists during work and PC gaming

Within the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I confronted a dilemma that is likely to be acquainted to many pc customers: My wrists have been killing me. I used to be pulling eight-hour shifts at work, then taking part in extra video games on PC than ever on the identical setup to remain related to pals throughout a bleak time. I hadn’t skilled wrist ache from typing earlier than, nevertheless it was so unhealthy that I couldn’t go on with out discovering a extra snug various that had no less than a few of the bells and whistles I anticipated from a contemporary gaming keyboard.

I finally discovered an answer that met my standards for a gaming keyboard in addition to an ergonomic one, a mix of wants that I supposed would by no means intersect — at an inexpensive worth, no less than. I discovered the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB, and whereas $199.99 won’t be “cheap” to some, it’s extra reasonably priced than different cut up keyboards which have comparable options.

The principle function that distinguishes the Kinesis from most different keyboards is that it’s cut up into two components, with every chunk related by a cable. In case you have been questioning, sure, there’s a studying curve to typing on this type of keyboard. How robust it’ll be will depend upon what your typing is like on a standard keyboard. If you happen to use the keyboard’s residence rows, such as you may’ve discovered in pc class as a child, it most likely received’t take you lengthy to acclimate, however in the event you hunt and peck for keys, the cut up format could also be extra of a problem.

For the reason that Freestyle Edge RGB is cut up, you possibly can place every half precisely the way you need so long as the 2 sides don’t stretch past the cable’s 20-inch size. So, as an alternative of bending my wrists outward to sort on standard layouts, my arms and wrists may be extra relaxed, typing at a place and angle that feels extra pure. On my desk, the keyboard halves barely contact one another. It’s bliss. If you happen to play video games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, you possibly can even transfer both half out of the way in which to make room in your desk for a HOTAS controller.

Picture: Kinesis

Regardless of its appears, the Freestyle Edge RGB is just like different gaming keyboards. It has mechanical keys with the choice to pick out Cherry MX Blue (clicky), Pink (linear), Silver (quick linear), or Brown (tactile) switches in case you will have a desire, and every secret’s backlit with RGB LEDs that may be custom-made in Kinesis’ SmartSet app. This mannequin additionally contains removable palm rests that carry your wrists up for an excellent cozier typing expertise.

That’s all nice, however this keyboard is a star as a result of it has N-key rollover (NKRO), a function that permits the person to press any variety of keys without delay. I came upon the arduous method that my earlier cut up keyboard didn’t assist it in the course of the heyday of Halo Infinite’s very enjoyable on-line multiplayer; I couldn’t concurrently maintain down shift to dash, hit area to leap, maintain W to maneuver ahead, and toss a grenade with the G key. NKRO is a primary gaming function in lots of reasonably priced gaming keyboards, however you’ve bought to go looking somewhat tougher for it in ergonomic fashions. Fortunately, it’s obtainable with the Freestyle Edge RGB, which is simply as responsive and succesful as the subsequent gaming keyboard, prepared for any sequence of key presses.

Photograph: Cameron Faulkner/Polygon

This Kinesis keyboard helps an add-on ergonomic function that leaves different gaming keyboards within the mud. The $29.99 Elevate Package is available in two items, every snapping onto the underside of the Freestyle Edge RGB to supply some carry, so your wrists may be opened (oriented extra such as you’re entering into for a handshake as an alternative of laying flat). These let the keyboard halves be tented independently of one another at a number of angles. The bottom 5- and 10-degree angle choices tilt all sides upward barely, whereas the 15-degree angle gives a steeper pitch that will look unusual, however in my expertise, shortly felt regular to sort on.

One small criticism I’ve with the Freestyle Edge RGB is that, in comparison with pricier choices just like the ErgoDox EZ and the Matias Ergo Professional, it doesn’t assist sloping, which might elevate your palms in order that they’re greater than your fingers. It will have been very best if the add-on V3 Professional Lifters equipment enabled this. Nonetheless, for the cash, the Freestyle Edge RGB affords simply sufficient for full- or part-time players and desk employees who need to catch a break from wrist ache.