---
product_id: 53808752
title: "KINESIS Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard"
brand: "kinesis"
price: "$68"
currency: NZD
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 2
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/53808752-kinesis-freestyle-edge-split-mechanical-keyboard
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# 1ms response Cherry MX Red RGB Model KINESIS Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard

**Brand:** kinesis
**Price:** $68
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> Type Your Way to Victory! 🎮

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** KINESIS Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard by kinesis
- **How much does it cost?** $68 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/53808752-kinesis-freestyle-edge-split-mechanical-keyboard)

## Best For

- kinesis enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted kinesis brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Rapid Response:** Enjoy a lightning-fast 1ms response time for gaming and productivity.
- • **Ergonomic Design:** Maximize comfort with adjustable module separation.
- • **Fully Programmable:** Customize your experience with 9 layouts and powerful macros.
- • **Detachable Palm Supports:** Enhance your typing posture with cushioned support.
- • **Cross-Platform Compatibility:** Seamlessly switch between Windows, Mac, and Linux.

## Overview

The KINESIS Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard (Model no. KB975) combines cutting-edge RGB technology with ergonomic design, featuring genuine Cherry MX Red switches for a smooth typing experience. With its fully programmable capabilities and detachable palm supports, this keyboard is perfect for gamers and professionals alike, ensuring comfort and performance across all platforms.

## Description

The Freestyle edge is the first split keyboard designed specifically for gaming. It was engineered with input from hardcore gamers to meet the strictest standards for quality and design. An adjustable 20" Braided cable links the Key modules to give you unparalleled freedom to customize your rig. There is no wrong way to set up the Freestyle edge, just dial in your favorite configuration for the ultimate desktop freedom. The edge was designed to maximize your comfort, control, and performance.

## Features

- RGB Model now available with all-new cushioned palm supports and much more. Shop Freestyle Edge RGB (Model no. KB975)
- Move the right half out of the way and bring your mouse in close for one-handed play to maximize comfort, control, and performance. Separate the modules to shoulder-width for an ergonomic typing posture.
- Genuine Cherry MX Red mechanical switches (low-force, linear feel)
- Fully programmable with the SmartSet programming engine: 9 custom layouts with dual layers, powerful macros, quick Remaps, 8 game keys, & No-Install programming app for Windows & Mac
- Detachable Palm Supports, braided cables, 4MB onboard memory, NKRO, 1ms response time & much more

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Brand | KINESIS |
| Series | Freestyle Edge |
| Item model number | KB950-RED |
| Hardware Platform | Laptop, PC, Linux |
| Operating System | Mac,Windows |
| Item Weight | 2.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 10.25 x 15.5 x 1.25 inches |
| Item Dimensions  LxWxH | 10.25 x 15.5 x 1.25 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Power Source | Wired |
| Manufacturer | KINESIS |
| ASIN | B06XSRGK1V |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | March 22, 2017 |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** KINESIS
- **Compatible Devices:** Gaming Console
- **Connectivity Technology:** USB
- **Keyboard Description:** Ergonomic
- **Special Feature:** Ergonomic
- **Color:** Black
- **Number of Keys:** 95
- **Keyboard backlighting color support:** RGB
- **Style:** Cherry MX Red
- **Included Components:** 1 x Braided Cable

## Images

![KINESIS Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81W5hLd-LIL.jpg)
![KINESIS Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Q3SKsot+L.jpg)
![KINESIS Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rPHrTuMmL.jpg)
![KINESIS Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rnQDZhFFL.jpg)
![KINESIS Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81bnE1qM-oL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Does this come with the lift kit or wrist pads?**
A: It does not really come with wrist pads. It has the rests, but there is no padding to them, just hard plastic.

**Q: How difficult would it be to change the blue led lights to red leds?**
A: Extremely. You would need to unsolder old and solder new ones in their place. It will void your warranty and take you a whole day to do it. And if you are not skilled in this...well if throwing away 200usd is your thing...

**Q: Can you enter ascii codes using alt+number keys or do you need the keypad for that?**
A: Yes you can. By default, there isn't a numeric 10-keypad, however you can easily program an embedded numeric 10-keypad on the right side of the the keyboard (or left if you prefer).  The quickest way to do this is by using the "SmartSet App" since under Remap>Special Actions there is an option for a Numeric 10-keypad. Here is a screenshot showing the 10-keypad location and programmed into the layout:
 https://imgur.com/a/QbWR3

Once the 10-keypad is programmed into the keyboard, simply tap the "Fn" key to activate the embedded layer (also refereed to as "Fn layer"), and now hold the Alt key and type the appropriate numbers to generate the ascii codes. 

You can also create macros with these codes if you'd like so that a single key can generate the ascii character. Let's say for example you want to program Ñ which is normally generated by holding "Alt+165". You can create a macro anywhere in the keyboard (both top and bottom layers) for keyboard commands, so for example you can create a macro in a single key for "Alt+165" which will generate Ñ.

**Q: Detatch the pieces?**
A: I am not sure what you mean by detach the pieces, but the two halves do not attach, there is no need to, The Lift Kit that clips to the bottom to give adjustable tenting can be attached and detached with ease. The Keyboard is full Cherry MX, so you can also remove the keycaps with relative ease.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ MY FAVORITE (split + mech + Mac)
*by J***S on March 13, 2019*

tl;dr I love it very much, and it does have some quirks if you're a Mac user, but still my preferred solution so far for Mechanical + Split keyboard for Mac over the Matias Ergo Pro.I used a Matias Ergo Pro for two years before it severely bit the dust after warranty. I had repeated key issues with the Matias Ergo Pro multiple times, had to get it replaced once, and I not fond of its bulkiness, so I was looking for something new to replace it. I had the specific requirements of needing a split keyboard that works well with Macs, and after a brief tango with the Kinesis Freestyle2, I was depressed to realize that I am also a person who Desperately Needs the clickiest and clackiest of keyboards to feel like I'm not dying every time I type a letter, and since I type a lot all day for work, avoiding the deathfeelings is pretty clutch. And so, with all these specific needs, my options were limited from the start.Given that I live closer to the Arctic Circle than most people might by choice, I also experience darkness in abundance. The backlighting of this keyboard set it apart from my other option[s], and it seemed like an added bonus, for I would have to learn this subtly different keyboard layout in the depths of winter, when assisted keyboard vision can be necessary. The Kinesis Gaming Freestyle Edge checked all of my boxes in theory, and so I bit the bullet to see how it would roll out in practice. The outcome: I was pleased.For mac users, there *is* the annoyance of key alignment for the Command and Alt/Option keys with respect to the bottom row keys (ZXCV especially), as the placements are slightly shifted from the native Mac keyboard. The X on the MacBook Pro is completely above the Command key, but on the Freestyle Edge, the Z and X share equal space above what will typically be the Command key when you configure for Mac. Also, if you want to swap out those special keycaps to be Macish (as I have done with custom printed keys I found online), you can't easily get all the right keycaps for all the right places, as the *right* half of the keyboard has a non-standard Alt/Option key width compared to other mechanical keyboards out there. I couldn't find a keycap seller that would provide the correct size right Option key without ordering something completely custom. Fortunately for me, though, I never use right Option, so I left it as an extra right Control instead. What made this choice all the easier was the full programmability of the Freestyle Edge. All my worries had evaporated. What a beautiful day.I got the Cherry MX Blue key switches for maximum clack, and I love the feel. It was not a dramatic change from my experience of the Matias Ergo Pro key response, and if anything felt like an improvement. Having standard (Cherry MX) key switches also sets the Freestyle Edge apart from the Ergo Pro in that, hey, yo, it's not proprietary.The sequence of steps required to program the keyboard itself was moderately unintuitive as a first-time user, but once I wrapped my brain around the instructions, it was very easy to program and reprogram the keys. I do find that the Blue switches *can* be a bit abrasive on the ears when I am using my keyboard tray fully out from under my desk, but keeping it shielded by my desk's top does wonders for making the sound acceptable. I haven't tried rubber dampening rings, but I don't think they're necessary for me. My proximity to the Arctic Circle also means I'm not near anyone else while I work, so, no one's complaining.I do use the tenting accessory on my keyboard with a 15° pitch. The 10° pitch takes some fiddling to get it right, if you want to try that, too. I've found that the grip of the feet on this setup (keyboard + tent kit) does not hold the keyboard in place on my keyboard tray quite as firmly as the Matias Ergo Pro, but the Ergo Pro occupied twice as much vertical space and weighed twice as much and hurt my soul about 300 times as much, so having to reposition my keyboard halves from time-to-time is not the worst thing in the world. The tenting accessories leave a *little* bit to be desired when it comes to overall stability, but I've found the Edge tent kit, being slightly smaller, is a bit more stable than that for the Kinesis Freestyle2, so there's that.Also, it took me probably a month to realize I could toggle the backlighting with a single key. It's the one that looks like a sun. Godspeed.Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Programmers Beware
*by C***R on September 4, 2018*

This is a beautiful keyboard. The cherry keys are excellent and the design makes it easy to blow hair, dust and hand-jam out from under the keys. I bought the tenting kit and would recommend it. The tent kit is not absolutely necessary but it enhances the comfort of the split design. The split design definitely helped with shoulder tension and back issues for me. Programming the keyboard was implemented perfectly. It can act as a USB drive, and on that USB drive there is a program that you can use to program the keyboard. If you're doing something simple, you can also just hit a few buttons and program it manually. Once programmed the keyboard maintains that programming even if you plug it into another computer. The Corsair k95 keyboard that I have does not behave like this. It depends on a program running in the tray for any programmed macros to work. When you lock the computer, the programming reverts to the default and you lose any custom keys, which is annoying if you remap the ctrl, alt, and caps lock keys.This is a gaming keyboard so I can't blame Kinesis for what turned out to be a significant problem for me. The condensed design is a nightmare if you're coding. I thought I'd be able to learn the new placement of all the keys but I found once my hand left the home row, and it was floating around hoping to hit the delete, home, page up, or any of the arrow keys, I would be lucky to hit it half the time. Don't underestimate the necessity of space around the inverted-T arrow keys and the space around the Pg up/down, Home/End and Ins/Del on a normal keyboard. The split design exacerbates the issue unless you never, ever change the position or distance between the keyboad halves even a tiny bit. My muscle memory just never had a base to lock in on so I would fumble around looking for keys. The lack of a ten-key number pad was far less of a problem than having the arrow keys in the middle of a sea of other keys. Trying to find the home row afterwards was also pretty hit-or-miss so I would fumble around twice any time my finger came off the J key. It wound up being so frustrating I gave up and went back to the standard layout keyboard. If they ever come out with a full size split keyboard I'll give it a try, but this style sadly does not work for me. It really is a beautiful keyboard though. :'(

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-03-13*