PAX West 2017: Kinesis Gaming offers ergo split mechanical gaming keyboard

PAX West 2017: The Kinesis Gaming Freestyle Edge keyboard is (as far as I know) the first of its kind: An ergonomic split style keyboard with mechanical keys that offers features specifically designed to meet the needs of PC gamers.

And now, after a successful Kickstarter campaign and sell-through of their first production run, Kinesis Gaming is ready for round 2: Saving more PC gamers from fatigued, painful wrists and crippling Carpal Tunnel.

Features and specifications

In addition to its divided and compact, ten-keyless design you can add an optional Lift Package if you want to angle each half of the keyboard upwards (‘tent-style’) in 5-degree increments.

• Blue LED backlighting
• Cherry MX Keys (Red, Brown, Blue)
• 8 dedicated programmable macro keys
• 100% anti-ghosting
• Dedicated multimedia controls
• NK Rollover Mode
• 1MS Response Time
• 4MB Onboard memory with built-in GUI driver and configuration software
• Gaming Mode
• Braided cables

Another interesting feature is that the Freestyle Edge has its driver and configuration software built into its own internal 4MB flash memory, so no driver installation required. (Credit: Bryan Edge-Salois)
Another interesting feature of the Freestyle Edge is its onboard configuration software, which means you don’t need to install any software drivers because they are built into the keyboard’s onboard memory. Press a button and bring up a GUI (Graphical User Interface) where you can program macros, configure profiles, and more.

At PAX West 2017 I spent only a little time with the Freestyle Edge in a limited capacity, but I can still say I was impressed, at the very least because I don’t think I’ve ever seen a gaming keyboard quite like it. To the best of my knowledge, Kinesis Gaming is the first company to truly target gamers by delivering a keyboard that combines quality mechanical keys, an ergonomic form factor, and gaming-specific features (such as dedicated programmable macro keys and backlighting).

The Freestyle Edge is backed by Cherry MX Brown switches, and the next production run will be available in Red or Blue switches as well.

The only downside to the Freestyle Edge is that it carries a hefty price tag. At PAX West 2017 it was ‘on sale’ at a hefty $175 (it’s normally $219). And the Lift Package will set you back another $24.95; the Palm rests another $12.

Kinesis is just gearing up now for another production run, so if you’re in the market for possibly the only ergonomic mechanical gaming keyboard in existence, you can pre-order one now through September 4th.