Ergonomic Bluetooth Keyboard For Mac

Microsoft's Sculpt keyboard Sarah Tew/CNET I've been waiting for years for Microsoft to come up with a worthy sequel to what once was my favorite keyboard, the company's swoopy ergonomic model. So I was excited about the arrival of.

Alas, it didn't take long for Microsoft to burst my bubble: it's got a wireless connection, but it doesn't use Bluetooth. Instead, the keyboard uses a tiny USB dongle that handles the wireless communications, which I feel is a technology choice that stopped being good a few years ago.

I still hold out hope that the keyboard will be worth my while. I've been using the older Microsoft keyboards continuously since the 1990s, am typing on one now, and have bought three or four over the years. I'm displeased with the current ones because I dislike the touch of the keys - a weird combination of resistant yet spongy. So I'm eager to try the Sculpt. But why, in this day and age, did Microsoft forsake Bluetooth for its ergo keyboard reboot? Today, I don't want to plug up a laptop's precious USB port, and I want to be able to use my keyboard with my iPad, Nexus 7, or some future mobile device.

When I asked why it went with a proprietary wireless technology, Microsoft told me it found that Bluetooth imposed an unacceptable lags when Bluetooth devices wake back up after idle periods: Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard uses a 2.4 GHz USB connection, which is better suited for desktop computing where a person may periodically step away from their computer. The 2.4 GHz USB connection instantly reconnects as soon as you touch the mouse. Bluetooth is particularly great for mobile scenarios since it offers wireless, dongle-free connection. However, it will go into sleep mode to conserve battery life if it's not used for several minutes.

When the user begins typing or mousing again, they will experience a brief lag before the Bluetooth reconnects. The 'lag' we talk about is very small - about a second or less. It's noticeable if you are in a hurry to jump online, and the USB connectivity alleviates that small delay. That all sounds very reasonable, but here's the deal.

I've been using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with a MacBook for more than three years now, and I have no trouble. When I wake my Mac up, it takes - and I'm estimating here - a quarter second between when I tap the keyboard and when I can start typing my password to log back in. Honestly, I never really noticed it, perhaps because I've been trained to expect a little pause while a napping computer wakes up. And I'm a pretty impatient person when it comes to keyboard and mouse response. You know what else? After Microsoft told me about its reasons for shunning Bluetooth, I did some other tests with the Mac. The wakeup lag time is exactly the same with the laptop's built-in keyboard.

So somehow Apple has managed to get a Bluetooth keyboard working just fine. No internet for vmware fusion for mac. It's not perfect. Maybe once every two or three weeks, my keyboard, mouse, or trackpad loses its Bluetooth connection while I'm actually using the computer, and it usually takes a tap and a couple seconds to re-initiate the reconnection. And when I go away for a couple weeks, the peripherals go into a deeper sleep state that makes them even drowsier. For the right keyboard touch, I'll be willing to sacrifice a USB port, so Microsoft's choice isn't a showstopper. I just wish I didn't have to.

With Microsoft's Surface tablet and impending Nokia acquisition making it more of a hardware company, perhaps it'll figure out how Apple got this to work.

Features The Kinesis® Freestyle2 Blue TM wireless keyboard for Mac combines our award winning split-adjustable ergonomic design with the convenience of bluetooth connectivity. Multichannel bluetooth technology allows you to pair the keyboard with up to three Bluetooth enabled devices (iMac, Macbook, iPad, or iPhone etc) and instantly switch between them, so you can type in comfort on any device. Most keyboards including ergonomic models have a 10 degree positive slope from front to back.

These designs tend to bend your wrists. The Freestyle2 has a zero degree slope which minimizes the height, effectively creating negative slope and reducing wrist extension. The slim design provides you a 2-in-1 office and travel keyboard. From small to tall and body types in between, the Freestyle2 allows for maximum flexibility catering to each individual’s unique needs. Out of the box both modules are connected together by a flexible pivot tether allowing an infinite range of splay.

Disconnecting the pivot tether allows up to 9 inches of complete separation of both left and right keying modules. Perfect for individual needs ranging from a narrow footprint to complete separation.

This design greatly reduces and or/eliminates ulnar deviation. Testimonials Testimonials Freestyle Keyboard (All Versions) Consultant Diane R (USA) Freestyle2 for Mac Kinesis user since 2014I have used an ergonomic keyboard since the late 90’s. I have arthritis in my hands and cannot use a regular keyboard. I had previously used the Microsoft Natural keyboard but the lettering wore off within months. Now I use the the Kinesis Freestyle2 which I prefer because it is adjustable and can be customized for my needs. I acclimated to the Freestyle2 immediately and the quality is excellent. Transciptionist Pam D (USA) Freestyle2 for PC with VIP3 Accessory Kinesis user since 2009I have owned the Freestyle and now also the Freestyle2, both with the lifters, for more years than I can count.

I have tried many keyboards over the 20 years I’ve owned my transcription business, but since I found this one, I never use any other. Typing as much as I do, I have to use a keyboard that really is ergonomic, not one that just says it is. I hope you continue to make it forever! Writer and Teacher Leland L (USA) Freestyle2 for PC with VIP3 Accessory Kinesis user since 2016I am a writer and teacher. For nearly 20 years I have suffered from episodes of debilitating tendonitis in my shoulders.

I also have the beginnings of cubital tunnel syndrome (numbness in my ring fingers and pinkies which is now progressing on to weakness.) I recently purchased a Kinesis Freestyle2 keyboard with the VIP 3 accessory bundle. I generally don’t wax particularly emotional over technology, but your product brought me real tears of joy and palpable relief. This keyboard has enabled me to move my arms down and around to my sides and angle my wrists in a more natural (and less painful) position. My sincerest compliments to your design staff. I am now able to remain on task longer and with a huge reduction of pain and fatigue. Unfortunately, this means I will be making fewer visits to my (cervical) chiropractor. After I described your product to him, he displayed great interest and even seemed authentically happy for me.

Macbook Ergonomic Keyboard

Though he evinced joy at my purchase, I detected a certain wistfulness. I can only interpret this to be a little sadness at his future decreased revenue. If the relief I feel from your product facilitates me missing two office visits to him, the keyboard will have paid for itself. Thank you for making my life much easier and less painful. I remain a happy and satisfied customer. Software Developer Justin C (USA) Freestyle2 for Mac with VIP3 Accessory Kinesis user since 2014I use my keyboard for lots and lots of programming and I wore out my previous ergonomic keyboard.

Kinesis was recommended to me by other programmers and it only took me two hours to adapt to the split design. I have experience with other ergonomic keyboards but I really like the quality and feel of the keys on the Freestyle2. They are easy to press and have a smooth consistent actuation point while proving to be quite durable. The unlimited positioning of the right and left key modules and the palm supports are wonderful.

They keyboard can be positioned to fit any size hands and accommodate in any angled position. I spend 8 to 12 hours a day typing code and have come to rely on the Kinesis Freestyle for comfort. Thank you so much for making such a fine keyboard. It has honestly improved the comfort and safety of my work and I greatly appreciate it. Writer Mark G (USA) Freestyle2 Blue for Mac Kinesis user since 2006I’m a broad shouldered guy and typing on a regular keyboard is awful. My elbows stick out like chicken wings and I’m hunched over, causing me to mistype a lot. Even so-called ergonomic keyboards were too cramped for me.

Split keyboards like the Freestyle2 are a godsend for bigger people with broad shoulders. I adjusted instantly to the Freestyle2 and now I even like to move the two halves to different positions for different kinds of projects. The Freestyle2 lets me kick back and type. Kinesis builds quality, solid products. Software Developer Julian H (USA) Freestyle2 Blue for Mac Kinesis user since 2014I sought out the Kinesis Freestyle2 keyboard because I was suffering from repetitive stress injury (“RSI”) and back / shoulder pain.

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I also considered the ErgoDox keyboard but I chose the Freestyle2 because the ErgoDox is hard to source, and may require building it from parts yourself. It took me about 2 weeks to really get into the flow of things with the Freestyle2. I wasn’t a perfect “home-row” typer prior to using the Freestyle2. For example I found that I had been hitting the “b” key with my right hand so that was the hardest adjustment for me. I’m still not a perfect “home-row” typer, but my typing has improved after acclimating to this keyboard. Using the Freestyle2 significantly reduced my RSI pain, when combined with adjustments to my posture and work habits.

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I love the split-keyboard, and I have switched to keeping my Apple Trackpad in the center of my desk, which allows me to use either right or left hand for mousing, which helps reduce overall mouse using hand/arm fatigue. After adjusting to the Kinesis Freestyle2, I drastically prefer it over traditional keyboards. Battery life for the bluetooth is really, really good. The Kinesis Freestyle2 is the absolute best keyboard there is! While it may take a small amount of acclimation, it is absolutely worth it.