The FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard from Kinesis Corporation is a compact all-in-one input device that offers both ergonomic benefits and performance features. The primary ergonomic benefit arises from the "split" keyboard layout which reduces wrist deviation and inward shoulder rotation by moving the hands out towards shoulder width. With a large Windows Precision Touchpad positioned in the space between the hands this keyboard becomes an ambidextrous portable (or desktop) data input device that is just 16" wide, 5.25" deep, and 0.75" high. The touchpad being centrally located means either hand can be used for cursor control, while requiring minimal movement from either home row position. And with the central location there is no outward reaching for a mouse and no reach forward as is common with most other all-in-one keyboards. Despite having compact dimensions the FORM still offers standard key spacing of 0.75" and an integrated touchpad for mouse input. This makes the FORM well-suited for travel use with laptops, especially when the laptop keyboard has a compact keyboard with reduced keypitch/spacing or where a laptop stand is being utilized to improve viewing ergonomics. The central position of the integrated touchpad also addresses the issue of unintended touchpad activation during typing that can occur when using laptop keyboards where the touchpad is positioned directly below the keyboard spacebar.
The FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard also has performance features that make it suitable for service ranging from everyday computer data entry to serving as a home entertainment controller. The machined aluminum case ensures rigidity and durability on desk or lap to support the key action of the low profile Gateron KS-33 Red Linear keyswitches. These low profile mechanical switches have a 1.3 mm post-activation travel to reduce potential fingertip impact that is especially common with common membrane and scissorswitch key switches. The low profile switches let the FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard offer the superior performance of mechanical switches while still presenting a height profile of just 0.75 inches. While being mechanical these switches have a low noise level that will not interfere with entertainment enjoyment.
The layout on the FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard is a standard Windows laptop layout but features Full-size function keys (F1-F12), Full-size Arrow keys (ideal for gaming), and Full-size Navigation Keys (Home/End, Page Up/Page Down). It also offers Media Actions (Volume Control, Track Selection, Screen Brightness) and SmartTV Actions (Launch TV, Launch Browser, Launch Menu). The large centrally-positioned Windows Precision Touchpad supports multi-finger gestures in Windows 10 and 11 and will provide basic touchpad functions in other OS. Connection to devices can be either Wired (via the included six-foot USB-A cord), or Bluetooth (Dual channel switchable to support 2 Bluetooth-enabled devices up to 30 feet away). Convenient 4-level white backlighting further enhances the potential for use as a home entertainment controller, with the rechargeable Lithium Ion battery able to provide 1-2 weeks of service with the backlighting active, or 2-3 months with backlighting disabled.
Note: For visual compatibility in the Mac environment the FORM includes 6 Mac Keycaps and a Keycap puller.
Ergonomic Split Layout - The split layout of the FORM offers a 5.75" separation between the "F" and "J" keys, moving the hands outwards to reduce wrist deviation.
Reduces Strain from Overreaching - The FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard eliminates any reaching for the mouse. The central location virtually eliminates the risk of injuries to the shoulder and upper arm that can be arise from, or be aggravated by, repetitive reaching to the side to access a mousing device, especially to areas beyond the comfort zone. Learn More About Overreaching.
No Static Grip - Cursor control is performed by simple contact with the Touch Pad surface meaning there is no necessity to "grip" anything. The lightest touch will give complete cursor control. This means that any finger can be used to control the cursor, encouraging natural hand flexing and movement. Learn More About Static Grip.
Moderate Key Activation Force - The Gateron KS-33 Red Linear Mechanical switches offer a 50 gram activation force. While not quite as low as some mechanicals this is still in the mid-range for force requirements. The linear switch continues to offer increasing resistance after the key activation, encouraging individuals to discontinue downward force, permitting the key to rebound for the next activation. Once the fingers have achieved the necessary muscle memory, this will for many become an instinctual action.
Minimal Learning Curve - The FORM features standard key pitch/spacing for ALL keys. This means that anyone with touch typing capability should be able to adapt very quickly to the split keyboard concept. And, for those who have not learned to type by touch, this keyboard is a great way to learn this skill. The integrated central touchpad is a cursor control method that is familiar to anyone who has used a laptop.
Ambidextrous - The central location of the Touch Pad provides both hands with equal access to cursor control, enabling load-balancing usage throughout the day.
Reduces Wrist Deviation - The FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard reduces wrist deviation by inserting the touchpad "between" the hands. With the home row positions moved to the right and left there is less need for the wrists to have to angle to align to the keyboard. Other keyboards from Kinesis offer a full separation which permits much wider separation and free splay that can be used to fully eliminate wrist deviation as well as forward should roll.
Integrated Windows Precision Touchpad: The touchpad integrated into the FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard will identify as a fully functional Window Precision Touchpad with gesture support in both Windows 10 and 11. While not providing the gesture functions with MAC OS, it will still provide standard touchpad functions.
Low Travel Mechanical Keyswitches: The FORM is equipped with Gateron KS-33 Red Linear mechanical switches that feature an activation force of 50 grams. These low profile switches have 1.7 mm of pre-activation travel with a 1.3 mm post-activation buffer to reduce "bottoming out".
Slightly Concave Keycaps: Unlike many low-profile keyboards, the keycaps on the FORM have slightly concave tops to aid in key targeting. The edges of the tops are very distinct to encourage central placement of fingertips.
Low Profile: Despite having mechanical key switches the FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard still has a height of just 0.75". Whether used at a desk or on the couch, the low profile reduces the amount of wrist extension to minimize associated risks.
Optimized for Media and Smart TV applications: The standard Windows laptop layout features Full-size function keys (F1-F12), Full-size Arrow keys (ideal for gaming), and Full-size Navigation Keys (Home/End, Page Up/Page Down). It also offers Media Actions (Volume Control, Track Selection, Screen Brightness) and SmartTV Actions (Launch TV, Launch Browser, Launch Menu).
Compact Footprint: At just 16.0" wide and 5.25" deep, the FORM is compact enough to serve as a portable keyboard to offer enhanced ergonomics when paired with a laptop stand to elevate the screen for enhanced viewing ergonomics. The compact dimensions and integrated touchpad also make the FORM ideal for use on the couch as an entertainment centre controller.
Backlighting: The FORM is equipped with 4-level white backlighting to enhance use in low-light environments while watching TV or Gaming. Backlighting can, of course, be disabled to increase battery life.
Rechargeable: The integrated Lithium Ion battery is able to provide 1-2 weeks of service with the backlighting engaged, or 2-3 months with backlighting disabled. Recharging is as simple as connecting to a computer or other USB power source using the included 6 foot USB-A cable.
Wired Option: The FORM ships with a six foot USB-A cord that lets the keyboard function as a traditional Wired keyboard. It also serves as the charging cable for the internal Lithium Ion battery pack.
Bluetooth (Dual Channel): The FORM is capable of simultaneously maintaining bluetooth connections with two devices, and is instantly switchable between them.
Multi OS Compatibility: The FORM supports: Windows (Gestures on Win10+), macOS, iOS, iPadOS (No Gestures), Linux, Android and Chrome.
Smart TV Compatible: Android TV OS, Amazon Fire OS, Tizen OS (Firmware update may be required)
* Check your manufacturer for support for Bluetooth Keyboards and Mice
Mac and PC Functionality: The FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard is fully functional for both PC and Mac environments.
MAC Keycaps: The FORM ships with 6 Mac-Legended keycaps and a keycap puller to make conversion to the Mac layout a quick and simple process.
Images (Click on any thumbnail to view larger image)
FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard
FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard - Profile
FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard - Side Profile
FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard - Mechanical Key Switches
FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard - All-in-One Input
FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard - Ambidextrous Design
FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard - Bluetooth or Wired Functionality
FORM Split Touchpad Keyboard - Compact and Portable
