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Tech Reviews

Tech Review: Kenisis Freestyle Edge RGB Keyboard

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I’ve done a lot of research to find an ergonomic setup that fits my lifestyle. I do a lot of typing and gaming on my computer, and I needed a keyboard that could transition from both seamlessly. I was using a cheap mechanical keyboard before that left my hands useless. I love mechanical keyboards and wanted to find an ergonomic version that also had a backlight. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB keyboard was my answer, but it might not be yours.

Before I continue with this review, I would like to take a moment to mention that I am not a doctor. This review is based on my experience. Please consult your doctor for any medical concerns. I will also be using affiliate links for the product. If you decide to purchase the product, I get a small commission, but these will be my honest thoughts on the keyboard.

The Kinesis Freestyle Edge is a split keyboard. The split design allows for more natural hand placement, ideally relieving unnecessary strain from your hands and wrists. I have wide shoulders, and the split design allows for a more ideal placement that better fits my frame.

As far as mechanical keyboards go, the Edge is on the quieter side. I did opt for the quieter brown switches because I wanted softer key presses, but you can get one with the louder and more tactile blue switches if that fits your style better. The brown switches aren’t completely quiet, and you do get some sound, but it isn’t as loud as some of the cheaper mechanical keyboards out there.

This keyboard comes with nine programable macro keys that can be easily adjusted on the keyboard or through the official software. You can save two different profiles, which is nice if you share a computer with someone else or if you need nine extra macro keys. I don’t have much use for the macros except for media keys at the moment, but setting them up was very simple. The RGB profile can also be adjusted easily through the software. Any changes you make to this keyboard whether it be macros, profiles, or RGB is saved to the keyboard directly. If you switch to a different computer, all your profiles and macros transfer with the keyboard. It’s nice to not have to have another account to access your preferences or lose them if your computer wipes.

I love this keyboard and have been daily driving it for nearly three years without any issues. My only complaint with this keyboard is that it doesn’t come with the lift kit. Kineses offers a separate kit which isn’t necessary, but I do recommend it getting one. I used the keyboard without the kit for about a week before giving in and buying one. There was nothing wrong with the flat setup of the keyboard, but I use my computer too much and needed the additional ergonomics. The lift kit offers a more natural position for your hands, and I honestly can’t go back to using anything else.

The keycaps are nice. They are very soft to the touch, but you can customize your keyboard with third-party caps if they fit MX switches. Be mindful of the measurements. You might have trouble finding spacebars that fit this board. If you have a mac, Kinesis offers a separate kit to change your command keys. Unfortunately, the kit is an additional $28, and you have to install it yourself. The installation is very easy, even if you have no prior experience.

The Freestyle Edge is an adequate keyboard for gaming. The keys are responsive and easy to press, but the function keys are a bit out of reach for me. I often had to stretch to hit these keys, and my performance suffered. Games where I needed to press these keys more often would also tire my hands out more quickly. This is possibly a personal problem for my short stubby fingers, but it is something to keep in mind. Games that don’t require the function keys are fine. I could play for a lot longer before feeling any discomfort. I still recommend taking regular breaks and doing stretches keyboard this won’t fix the issues completely. For people who play and work a healthy amount, the Freestyle Edge is a fantastic solution.

So is it worth it? Honestly, this keyboard is a bit pricey for what you get. I bought it because I liked the style and the RGB and didn’t mind the tax for both options. But if you are on a budget and only need the ergonomics, there are better options. The Kenisis Freestyle Edge has made a huge difference in my setup, and I do not regret my purchase. I understand that this keyboard isn’t for everyone, but for those interested, you can buy it on Amazon.

Tech Reviews

Tech Review: Logitech M570

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The Logitech M570 was the first mouse I purchased on my first attempt to make my setup more ergonomic. I have since upgraded to the Logitech MX Ergo, but the Logitech M570 is a valuable contender in your search for better ergonomics.

Please note that I am not a doctor, and any advice I give here is strictly based on my experience. Always consult your doctor with any ailments. Please note that I will be using affiliate links for this product. If you do choose to buy this mouse, I get some money as compensation. Regardless, these will be my honest thoughts on the product.

The Logitech M570 is a wireless rollerball mouse. This mouse is not rechargeable and requires AAA batteries. A set of these is included in the box, and I got about a year of continuous use before having to change them out. This mouse is not Bluetooth compatible and requires an included dongle to connect to your device.

Out of the box, the cursor speed is slow, but this can be easily adjusted in your computer settings. A third-party application is not required to use this mouse.

One thing to keep in mind with Roller balls is that they do get dirty over time. To avoid a drop in sensitivity, clean regularly. Cleaning the Logitech M570 is incredibly simple. To clean the mouse, simply remove the ball from the socket and clean the inside of any debris.

This mouse is good for gaming. You don’t get any extra keybinds, nor will be ideal for high-end competitive play, but it will allow for a more comfortable gaming session. I didn’t notice any negative effects to my gameplay when I made the switch.

I used this mouse for about a year before making the change. It took me a couple of days to get used to the movement and find a sensitivity that met my needs. I had been struggling with repetitive stress disorder in my hands and wrists up to this point, and the pain made work difficult. Switching to this mouse helped tremendously with this issue, and I keep this mouse at the office for work.

I love this mouse and recommend it if you are looking to upgrade your mouse. The only reason I made the switch to the Logitech MX Ergo is because I spend too much time in front of a computer. While the M570 did address a lot of the issues I was having before, I found that the pain would return after a certain amount of hours. This shouldn’t be a problem for most people who use their computers a healthy amount. The M570 will be a fantastic upgrade to your ergonomic setup.

The Logitech M570 is currently $79.99 on Amazon.

Tech Reviews

Tech Review: Logitech MX Ergo

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I’d like to do something different with my reviews. My line of work and hobbies keep me stuck in front of my computer most days. As a result, I do have issues with repetitive stress disorder that has rendered my hands useless from time to time. It had gotten so bad that I had all but lost the function in my hands. Simple tasks like holding a pencil and writing became impossible due to the pain.

I have since done a lot of research and testing to find a setup that would save my hands from chronic pain, and I would like to share some of my findings. Please note that I am not a doctor, and these recommendations are based on my personal experience. Always consult your doctor with any ailments. I will also be linking affiliate links to any items I review which will give me a little bit of money if you choose to buy anything I recommend.

The first accessory I tried to change was the mouse. I tried a few different mice, but Logitech MX Ergo was by far my favorite. It is by far a bit on the expensive side, but it was worth it since I no longer endure that crippling pain.

The Logitech MX Ergo is a roller mouse, and it will come with a slight learning curve. The device is Bluetooth compatible, but it comes with a dongle that will help you pair it with your computer wirelessly. You can pair and switch between two different computers by default. There is a third-party application that you can use, it isn’t required, but I found that it makes configuring the mouse easier.

The software is pretty easy to set up. You download it from the Logitech website and configure the settings to your liking when it’s done. It asks for an account, but it isn’t mandatory. Every button on this mouse can be rebound as button presses, macros, and even gestures. You can create program-specific bindings that will switch automatically when using said program. If you have two different computers you work between, make sure you set up Flow. Flow comes with the software; it allows you to transfer files between two computers that are connected to the same wifi and have Logitech Connect installed.

Out of the box, I thought the sensitivity was too low. I raised it on the app for it to do what I needed. The mouse has a precision mode by default that can be activated by a side button that will slow the cursor speed when you need it. The mouse also has some insane battery life. I charge the mouse every 1-2 months with heavy use and never turn it off.

Ergonomically, this mouse is a godsend. You can adjust the tilt of this mouse by 20 degrees to better match the natural curve of your hands. I prefer having the full tilt for maximum comfort. This curve in combination with the right height will help reduce the strain on your wrist and hand. One thing to note, there is a learning curve to this mouse that you will need to adjust to. It requires a different range of moments that will tire a different set of muscles. It took me about a week to get used to the movement, so plan accordingly.

I have no issues gaming with this mouse. I mainly play MMOs and whatever games I get to review, but I have not seen any negative effect on my performance. I don’t consider myself a competitive gamer, but I can complete end-game content in all the MMOs I play. I’ve also had no problems with PVP content. Your mileage may vary. At the very least, this will make for a more comfortable gaming session.

I have been daily driving this mouse for two years and have noticed the difference. I no longer feel the crippling pain in my hands and wrists. This mouse isn’t a perfect fix, you should take regular breaks and look into stretches, but I don’t see myself going back to any other mouse. Do your hands a favor and start looking into the ergonomics of the tools you use.

The mouse is $97.50 usd as of writing this. Get yours today