Choosing the right Kinesis keyboard depends on your unique needs and preferences. Let's break it down:

Freestyle2:

• Popular Choice: Widely embraced for its split-adjustable design and affordability.
• Versatility: Modular accessories cater to various preferences.
• Options Galore: Available in different layouts, configurations, and connections (USB and Bluetooth).
• Tenting Delight: Can be ordered pre-assembled with popular tenting accessories for enhanced comfort.

Advantage2:

• Flagship Excellence: A favorite among ergonomic enthusiasts for 25 years.
• Contoured Comfort: Features a contoured layout that rewards a short learning curve with exceptional comfort and productivity boosts.
• Mechanical Mastery: Boasts mechanical switches for a premium typing experience.
• SmartSet Engine: Onboard programmability with the new SmartSet Engine.
• Compatibility: Designed to work seamlessly on all major operating systems.

Freestyle Pro:

• Best of Both Worlds: Integrates the popular Freestyle split-adjustable design with premium features from the Advantage2.
• SmartSet Power: Equipped with the SmartSet Programming Engine for robust configurability.
• Mechanical Marvel: Cherry mechanical key switches provide a top-tier typing feel and durability.
• Upgrade Ready: Ideal for those looking to upgrade from a Freestyle2 or not quite ready to transition to the Advantage2.

Advantage360:

• Next-Level Ergonomics: Merging the trusted Advantage2 principles with modular adaptability, the Advantage360 offers innovation in design.
• Default Layers: Features three default layers—Top, Keypad, and Fn—with additional programmable layers (Fn2 and Fn3) for SmartSet Model users.
• Enthusiast's Choice: Tailored for ergonomic enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge design and modular flexibility in their keyboard setup. The Advantage360 is a powerful choice, delivering both form and function in one sleek package.

Each keyboard offers a distinctive set of features, so whether you prioritize versatility, contoured comfort, or a blend of both, there's a Kinesis keyboard tailored to your ergonomic journey.

Adapting to the Advantage2 keyboard is quicker than you might expect. Studies and extensive user experience reveal that most touch typists achieve around 80% of their full typing speed within the first few hours and reach full speed within 3-5 days. Mastery of editing and navigation keys may take an additional 1-2 weeks.

Post-adaptation, users often experience a notable boost in average typing speed, thanks to enhanced comfort and the optimized key layout. Every key on the Advantage2 is programmable, allowing customization to suit individual workflows.

The Kinesis contoured design, cherished by typists and programmers for over 25 years, tends to create a lasting preference—you may never want to type on another keyboard again after making the switch.

Opting between the MX Brown and MX Quiet Red mechanical key switches offers excellent choices.

For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, the typing feel of both Brown and Red switches is notably similar. Boasting low activation force and exceptional typing feel, either switch provides a satisfying experience.

Consider the MX Quiet Red switches, especially if you're in an office environment. These switches come equipped with built-in sound-dampeners, significantly reducing the noise commonly associated with mechanical key switches. It's the perfect blend of tactile response without the unnecessary clatter.

What's the big deal about mechanical keyboards?

The distinctive muscle memory cultivated with the Advantage2 keyboard proves remarkably adaptable. Users typically find it seamless to switch back to conventional keyboards when necessary. It's a common practice for Advantage2 enthusiasts to invest in a keyboard for each workstation and even bring it along during travel. This way, they ensure consistent comfort with the contoured shape, regardless of the setting.

Choosing Your Advantage2: The right Advantage2 model for you depends on your preferences in key switches, styling, and key legends.

• For first-time Advantage2 users, the basic KB600 model is recommended, available in our shop with US and German Layout. Reach out, if you are interested in different versions (e.g. UK, Swedish, or Japanese)
• If you're a fan of Cherry MX Red stem switches, the new Quiet LF (KB600LFQ) model is tailored for you.
• Dvorak typist or considering the switch? The QD (KB600QD) model features dual legended keycaps, displaying both QWERTY and Dvorak actions.

Note: All Advantage2 keyboards come equipped with an onboard Dvorak layout. Stand-alone keycap kits, with dual QWERTY-Dvorak or solely Dvorak legends, can be separately purchased and easily installed at home for LFQ, Silver, or Graphite models. Choose the Advantage2 that aligns perfectly with your typing needs and preferences.

In 1992, Global Ergonomic Technologies undertook a groundbreaking study comparing the Kinesis "contoured" keyboard with a traditional keyboard. The study aimed to assess if the Kinesis design delivered reduced muscle load, enhanced performance, and greater user preference.

Key Findings:

1. Postural Benefits: Postural analysis revealed significantly less hand deviation and extension on the Kinesis keyboard compared to the traditional counterpart.
2. Muscle Load: Analysis of muscle load indicated a substantial reduction in load on muscles controlling hand deviation, extension, and pronation with the Kinesis keyboard.
3. Elbow Abduction: While subjects exhibited almost the same muscle load for elbow abduction at the end of each test, the Kinesis keyboard showcased advantages in other key areas.
4. Performance: Although there was a statistically significant increase in throughput for test entry with the traditional keyboard, error frequency showed no significant difference between the two keyboards.
5. User Preferences: Subjects expressed substantial preferences for the Kinesis keyboard in terms of comfort, fatigue, and usability. The Kinesis was overwhelmingly favored by almost two to one as the overall choice.

This pioneering study provided crucial insights into the ergonomic benefits of the Kinesis contoured keyboard, setting the stage for its continued popularity and acclaim among users seeking enhanced comfort and performance.