Kinesis is a computer peripherals manufacturer solely focused on the design and manufacture of ergonomic input devices. They were one of the first companies in the field, with their earliest ergonomic products released nearly three decades ago. That makes Kinesis one of the oldest peripherals manufacturers, with the brand establishing a solid number of followers over the years.

Until recently, Kinesis designed and released products exclusively targeted towards professionals that work long hours in front of a computer. Despite their peculiar appearance and the narrow target group, virtually every one of their products has been a memorable success. Last year Kinesis took a huge leap of faith and started a crowdfunding campaign for an ergonomic mechanical gaming keyboard, giving birth to the Freestyle Edge, the world’s first ergonomic gaming mechanical keyboard. This summer Kinesis is giving the Freestyle Edge an upgrade via the release of the Freestyle Edge RGB, which we'll be looking at today.

Though before we even start, we should note that Kinesis did not merely add RGB lighting, as the keyboard’s name suggests. It is true that most companies just added an “RGB” suffix next to their keyboard’s original name and released virtually the same keyboard with RGB lighting added to it. Kinesis, on the other hand, took their time correcting issues and making improvements to the underlying Freestyle Edge design, making the Freestyle Edge RGB a true upgrade over the previous version.

Packaging and Bundle

Kinesis supplies the Freestyle Edge RGB in a well-designed cardboard box. The artwork is centered on the keyboard and its most prominent features. Inside the box, we found the keyboard very well protected with layers upon layers of cardboard packaging, plus nylon bags. The company has provided us with the optional Lift Kit as well, which we will examine alongside with the keyboard.

Save for the keyboard itself, there is nothing in the box but a simple quick start guide. The guide is very helpful to have handy due to the numerous advanced functions of the keyboard. Kinesis does not provide any other accessories. A keycap puller would have been nice but that is not the end of the world.

The optional lift kit allows for the keyboard to “tent”.  The mechanisms are large and plastic (ABS) but they are well designed, durable and practical. Their movements are very smooth, and their construction is very solid. Still, they are unlikely to survive excessive mechanical shock while the keyboard is fully elevated. Short-tempered users notoriously known for rage punching are advised to steer away from the lift kit (or take much-needed anger management lessons).

The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
Comments Locked

51 Comments

View All Comments

  • whatever223 - Wednesday, August 14, 2019 - link

    I use an Edge with a Mac and find the Alt key is in the same place as Left Command on a standard keyboard, That leaves the windows key to be 'Mac Alt'
  • AshlayW - Thursday, July 18, 2019 - link

    I was all for this keyboard until I saw the price :(

    Despite the fact that I use it literally for hours every day I have an aversion to spending a lot of money on a keyboard. So I'm just going to stick with my Logitech g413 carbon which I bought for about 40 quid last year
  • The_Assimilator - Thursday, July 18, 2019 - link

    > I was all for this keyboard until I saw the price :(

    The original was the exact same price, so it's kinda nice that they didn't levy a premium for the upgraded model. And compared to RGB crap like the Corsair K95 which is $200, this keyboard offers far more value for money.

    But yes, $220 is a hell of a lot of money to pay for a keyboard. I'm not saying it's not worth it, but if Kinesis could get the price to under the psychological $200 mark, they'd sell a lot more of these.
  • Powerlurker - Thursday, July 18, 2019 - link

    They sell the office-oriented version for $180: https://kinesis-ergo.com/shop/freestyle-pro/
  • Midwayman - Thursday, July 18, 2019 - link

    If I didn't already have a mechanical keyboard I might be more tempted. Its harder to make the argument that its okay to pay that much more than a membrane because it last so long when you keep buying new ones.
  • DrKersh - Thursday, July 18, 2019 - link

    I've been waiting for over a year to purchase this keyboard, but they still didn't release an european layout and seems like they will continue this way, shame.
  • Ronn91 - Friday, July 19, 2019 - link

    Really i appreciate the effort you made to share the knowledge. This is really a great stuff for sharing. Keep it up . Thanks for sharing. https://ataribreakout.online/
  • beautysystemsss - Wednesday, July 24, 2019 - link

    What people are truly acquiring and appreciating is what can truly set the tone in the domain of https://beautysystemonline.com/goji-cream-review-m...">Goji cream Reviews examples and thing headway. Have we stirred your bit of leeway yet?
  • Alexis32 - Saturday, August 3, 2019 - link

    Just received a new Capital One card and want to activate Capital One Credit Card? OK!!! Let’s get your card
    http://cardsactivations.org/
  • whatever223 - Wednesday, August 14, 2019 - link

    It's annoying that they put the '6' key on the left hand on the edge but the right hand for the fancier advantage keyboard.

Log in

Don't have an account? Sign up now