Kinesis Advantage360 vs. Freestyle2: Which Split Keyboard?

Kinesis has been designing ergonomic keyboards for decades, and two of its best-known split keyboards take very different paths to the same goal: helping you type with straighter wrists and more relaxed shoulders. The Advantage360 is a fully contoured, tented keyboard with concave key wells and thumb clusters. The Freestyle2 is a flat, low-profile split keyboard with a familiar layout that lets you separate and angle the two halves.

This comparison is based on our product listings for the Kinesis Advantage360 Split Ergonomic Keyboard and the Kinesis Freestyle2 Split Keyboard for PC (KB800PB-us-20), with notes on the wireless Freestyle2 Blue for PC.

Quick answer: Choose the Advantage360 if you type for long hours, want the most comprehensive ergonomic design, including concave key wells, vertical columns, thumb clusters and built-in tenting, and are willing to learn a new layout. Choose the Freestyle2 if you want a flatter, familiar keyboard with a quick learning curve, a built-in 10-key on the KB800PB-us-20, and wide separation between halves.

Advantage360 vs. Freestyle2 at a Glance

Kinesis Advantage360

The Advantage360 takes Kinesis' classic contoured design and splits it into two fully separate modules. According to its listing, "Concave keywells are scooped into a bowl shape to reduce hand and finger extension and relax muscles," and "The keys are arranged in vertical columns (rather than staggered) to reflect your fingers' natural motion better."

Tenting is built in. The listing explains that the keywells are "tented" to "moderately raise the thumb side of the hand," and you can "Choose from one of three heights." Thumb clusters hold "frequently-used keys such as Enter, Space, Backspace, and Delete," shifting work from your little fingers to your thumbs. There is no number pad, which Kinesis says gives it "a smaller footprint than most keyboards" so you can keep the mouse closer.

The Advantage360 Professional uses "Gateron Brown stem low-force tactile key switches" and "open-source ZMK firmware," programmable through a "web-based configurator or simple text syntax." The listing notes that the base model uses Kinesis' proprietary SmartSet Engine instead.

Pros

• Comprehensive ergonomic design in one keyboard
• Built-in tenting with three height options
• Thumb clusters redistribute frequently used keys
• Integrated palm supports
• Highly programmable
• No number pad, so the mouse sits closer

Cons

• Significant learning curve due to vertical columns and thumb clusters
• No built-in number pad for heavy numeric entry
• Function keys are accessed via the Fn key from the number row
• Taller, sculpted shape may need a lower keyboard surface

For a hands-on perspective, read our full Kinesis Advantage360 review.

Kinesis Freestyle2

The Freestyle2 keeps a familiar key arrangement and splits it into two halves connected by a tether. The KB800PB-us-20 version allows "Up to 20" between modules (F to J: 3.5"–25.75")," and its "Pivot tether allows any degree of splay." Kinesis notes that this wider separation leaves "space for a trackball, touchpad or keypad in the middle while each half aligns with your shoulders."

It lists "Low-force keys; embedded 10-key," "Hot keys for cut, copy, paste and more," a "0.875" max height" and a "6' USB cable," and is "Windows, Sun and Linux compatible."

If you prefer wireless, the Freestyle2 Blue for PC (KB800PB-BT) pairs "with up to three Bluetooth devices." Its halves "separate up to 9" via linking cable," and it has a "flat, zero-degree profile." The listing notes that "Tenting to reduce forearm pronation requires an accessory kit, sold separately." A Mac version, the Freestyle2 Blue for Mac, is also available.

Pros

• Familiar layout with a short learning curve
• Wide, adjustable separation and splay
• Embedded 10-key on the KB800PB-us-20
• Low profile at 0.875" max height
• Room between halves for a trackball or touchpad

Cons

• No concave keywells or thumb clusters
• Tenting on the Freestyle2 Blue requires a separately sold accessory kit
• KB800PB-us-20 is listed as Windows, Sun and Linux compatible, so Mac users should look at the Mac version of the Freestyle2 Blue

How to Decide

How much do you type? Writers, programmers and others who type for most of the day may appreciate the Advantage360's comprehensive design. Moderate typists may find the Freestyle2 delivers meaningful improvement with less retraining.

Do you need a number pad? The Freestyle2 KB800PB-us-20 includes an embedded 10-key; the Advantage360 omits one.

How much time can you spend learning? The Freestyle2's familiar layout is quick to adopt. The Advantage360 rewards patience.

Whichever you choose, set your keyboard at elbow height. Our Workspace Calculator can recommend a keyboard height for your body.

Who Should Choose Which

Choose the Advantage360 if: you are a heavy typist, want built-in tenting and thumb clusters, and are comfortable with a programmable, contoured keyboard.

Choose the Freestyle2 if: you want a split keyboard that feels familiar on day one, need wide separation or an embedded number pad, or prefer a flat, low-profile design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Freestyle2 support tenting?

The Freestyle2 Blue listing states that tenting "requires an accessory kit, sold separately." Tenting is not listed in the KB800PB-us-20 description.

Is the Advantage360 mechanical?

Yes. The Advantage360 Professional listing specifies Gateron Brown low-force tactile mechanical key switches.

Which is easier to learn?

The Freestyle2, because it keeps a familiar key arrangement. The Advantage360's vertical columns and thumb clusters typically take longer to adjust to, so practice in short sessions at first.

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