Buying Guide
The Best Split Keyboards
We weighed five keyboards on layout and switches, and the Kinesis Freestyle2 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A split keyboard separates the two halves so your shoulders and forearms can stay wider, and some models add tenting. Every keyboard here is listed with a split layout and is not an Alice-style single board.
The order reflects layout, switches and connection from maker specifications; we did not test these keyboards ourselves, and a missing connection is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
Kinesis Advantage360
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys.
Best for: Buyers who want split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys and can spend more than the Kinesis Freestyle Edge costs.
Our take Check price for Kinesis Advantage360 (opens in a new tab)
Split Layout
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Plus
A split layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a split layout.
Our take Check price for Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Plus (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Perixx PERIBOARD-835BL II
A one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones.
Best for: Buyers who want one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones.
Our take Check price for Perixx PERIBOARD-835BL II (opens in a new tab)
Hot-swappable Switches
YIVU Corne Wireless
Hot-swappable switches.
Best for: Buyers who want hot-swappable switches.
Our take Check price for YIVU Corne Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Kinesis Freestyle2 (VIP3 Lifters)
Undercutting the YIVU Corne on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the YIVU Corne.
Our take Check price for Kinesis Freestyle2 (VIP3 Lifters) (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys. | Buyers who want split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys and can spend more than the Kinesis Freestyle Edge costs. | Check price for Kinesis Advantage360 (opens in a new tab) |
| A split layout. | Buyers who want a split layout. | Check price for Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Plus (opens in a new tab) |
| A one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones. | Buyers who want one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones. | Check price for Perixx PERIBOARD-835BL II (opens in a new tab) |
| Hot-swappable switches. | Buyers who want hot-swappable switches. | Check price for YIVU Corne Wireless (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the YIVU Corne on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the YIVU Corne. | Check price for Kinesis Freestyle2 (VIP3 Lifters) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
Kinesis Advantage360 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Kinesis Advantage360 is built around split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys, with adjustable tenting on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys and can spend more than the Kinesis Freestyle Edge costs.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Kinesis Freestyle2, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the only pick here with a split contoured layout; the Kinesis Freestyle Edge has a split layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers gateron Brown switches; compare the YIVU Corne, which has hot-swappable switches. No other pick in this guide offers a wired USB-C connection; compare the Kinesis Freestyle2, which has a wired connection.
You also get 9 on-board SmartSet profiles and a 3-year warranty. Another plus: PBT keycaps resist shine. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Kinesis Freestyle Edge.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Split contoured
- Switches: Gateron Brown
- Connection: Wired USB-C
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Gateron Brown switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys
- Adjustable tenting
Cons
- Costs more than the Kinesis Freestyle2 at the time of writing
Split Layout2 of 5
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Plus on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Kinesis Freestyle Edge brings to the table is a detachable palm support, plus fully programmable keys.
Best for
- Buyers who want a split layout.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Kinesis Freestyle2, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The halves are a split mechanical design with hot-swap sockets, so you can change the switches later. You get a split layout here, which sets it apart from the YIVU Corne and its a split 40% (46 keys) layout. Hot-swap linear switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Perixx 835BL II uses low-profile blue clicky switches.
It also comes with RGB lighting and Mac keycaps. When we checked, only the Perixx 835BL II and cheaper picks cost less, and the Kinesis Advantage360 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Split
- Switches: Hot-swap linear
Pros
- Hot-swap linear switches
- Detachable palm support
- Fully programmable keys
- RGB lighting
Cons
- Costs more than the Kinesis Freestyle2 at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Perixx PERIBOARD-835BL II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Perixx 835BL II brings to the table is a one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones, plus a 3000mAh battery rated for up to a month at 6 to 8 hours a day.
Best for
- Buyers who want one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Kinesis Freestyle2, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
A split (one-piece) layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Kinesis Advantage360 uses a split contoured layout. You get low-profile blue clicky switches here, which sets it apart from the Kinesis Freestyle2 and its low-force membrane switches. You also get 10 macros and rearrangeable keys.
Use the Perixx 835BL II's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. It was priced above the YIVU Corne and below the Kinesis Freestyle Edge at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Split (one-piece)
- Switches: Low-profile blue clicky
- Connection: Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth (2 devices)
Pros
- Low-profile blue clicky switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- One-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones
- 3000mAh battery rated for up to a month at 6 to 8 hours a day
Cons
- Costs more than the Kinesis Freestyle2 at the time of writing
Hot-swappable Switches4 of 5
YIVU Corne Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the YIVU Corne brings to the table is a columnar-staggered layout, plus an ultra-slim 1.72cm profile with low-profile PBT keycaps.
Best for
- Buyers who want hot-swappable switches.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Kinesis Freestyle2 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has 46 keys in a columnar-staggered layout, so numbers, function keys and most symbols live on layers you set up in QMK or VIA. The maker gives the thickness as 1.72cm, which keeps it easy to carry. You get a split 40% (46 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the Kinesis Advantage360 and its a split contoured layout.
Hot-swappable switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Kinesis Freestyle Edge uses hot-swap linear switches. It also offers QMK and VIA remapping with no app install. When we checked, only the Kinesis Freestyle2 cost less, and the Perixx 835BL II cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Split 40% (46 keys)
- Switches: Hot-swappable
- Connection: 2.4GHz
Pros
- Columnar-staggered layout
- Ultra-slim 1.72cm profile with low-profile PBT keycaps
- QMK and VIA remapping with no app install
- Split 40% (46 keys) layout, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Kinesis Freestyle2 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Kinesis Freestyle2 (VIP3 Lifters) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Kinesis Freestyle2 is built around key modules that rotate and separate up to 9 inches, with VIP3 tenting with 5, 10 or 15 degrees pre-assembled on top.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the YIVU Corne.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when membrane switches, not mechanical is a problem.
Why we like it
No other pick in this guide offers low-force membrane switches; compare the Perixx 835BL II, which has low-profile blue clicky switches. No other pick in this guide offers a wired connection; compare the Kinesis Advantage360, which has a wired USB-C connection. It also offers a standard Windows layout with an embedded number pad.
The Kinesis Freestyle2 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It makes the most sense for buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the YIVU Corne, since it offers undercutting the YIVU Corne on price when we checked. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the YIVU Corne was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Split (up to 9 inch separation)
- Switches: Low-force membrane
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Key modules that rotate and separate up to 9 inches
- VIP3 tenting with 5, 10 or 15 degrees pre-assembled
- Standard Windows layout with an embedded number pad
- Low-force membrane switches, the only one here
Cons
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
How We Chose These Split Keyboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five keyboards on layout, switches and connection as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out connection.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Kinesis Advantage360 to the Kinesis Freestyle2, state layout and switches.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Kinesis Freestyle Edge gives no connection.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Kinesis Freestyle2 ($100 to $150) to the Kinesis Advantage360 ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Split Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Setup checks
Use the Perixx 835BL II's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. The Kinesis Freestyle2 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Extras that separate them
The Perixx 835BL II: a 3000mAh battery rated for up to a month at 6 to 8 hours a day. The YIVU Corne: an ultra-slim 1.72cm profile with low-profile PBT keycaps. The Kinesis Freestyle2: VIP3 tenting with 5, 10 or 15 degrees pre-assembled.
How much to spend
$100 to $150 buys the Kinesis Freestyle2 and the YIVU Corne; $150 to $250 buys the Perixx 835BL II and the Kinesis Freestyle Edge; $250 to $500 buys the Kinesis Advantage360 at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who want split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys and can spend more than the Kinesis Freestyle Edge costs: the Kinesis Advantage360. Buyers who want a split layout: the Kinesis Freestyle Edge. Buyers who want hot-swappable switches: the YIVU Corne.
Wired, dongle or Bluetooth
A 2.4GHz dongle is fine for games; Bluetooth adds latency and suits typing on other devices. Wired boards never need charging.
How to Choose a Split Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys and can spend more than the Kinesis Freestyle Edge costs | Kinesis Advantage360 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys |
| Buyers who want a split layout | Kinesis Freestyle Edge | A split layout |
| Buyers who want one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones | Perixx 835BL II | A one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones |
| Buyers who want hot-swappable switches | YIVU Corne | Hot-swappable switches |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the YIVU Corne | Kinesis Freestyle2 | Undercutting the YIVU Corne on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Kinesis Advantage360, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kinesis Advantage360 | Split contoured | Gateron Brown | Wired USB-C |
| Kinesis Freestyle Edge | Split | Hot-swap linear | Not listed |
| Perixx 835BL II | Split (one-piece) | Low-profile blue clicky | Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth (2 devices) |
| YIVU Corne | Split 40% (46 keys) | Hot-swappable | 2.4GHz |
| Kinesis Freestyle2 | Split (up to 9 inch separation) | Low-force membrane | Wired |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Kinesis Freestyle2 was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Kinesis Advantage360 the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Kinesis Freestyle2, YIVU Corne |
| About $150 to $250 | Perixx 835BL II, Kinesis Freestyle Edge |
| About $250 to $500 | Kinesis Advantage360 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the YIVU Corne our Hot-swappable Switches pick?
It carries the badge for hot-swappable switches. It suits anyone who wants hot-swappable switches.
Do the Kinesis Advantage360 and the Kinesis Freestyle Edge differ on switches?
The Kinesis Advantage360 uses Gateron Brown; the Kinesis Freestyle Edge uses hot-swap linear; the Perixx 835BL II uses low-profile blue clicky; the YIVU Corne uses hot-swappable; the Kinesis Freestyle2 uses low-force membrane.
Will the Perixx 835BL II work with my setup?
Use the Perixx 835BL II's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
What extras do the Kinesis Advantage360 and the Kinesis Freestyle Edge include?
The Kinesis Advantage360: split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge: a detachable palm support. The Perixx 835BL II: a one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones.
Who should choose the Kinesis Freestyle Edge?
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge carries our Split Layout label for a split layout. It ranks second of 5 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits anyone who wants a split layout.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Kinesis Advantage360, chosen for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with split key wells with a concave shape and thumb keys. Look at the Kinesis Freestyle Edge for a split layout, the Perixx 835BL II for a one-piece split layout that separates keys into left and right zones and the YIVU Corne for hot-swappable switches if those matter more to you.
Check whether the halves link by cable or wirelessly and whether the layout matches the keys you already type.