Basic Keyboard Use; Base Layout; Mul -Layer Layouts; Func On Keys (F1-F12) - Kinesis Advantage360 KB360-Pro User Manual

5.0 Basic Keyboard Use

5.1 Base Layout

The default layout is a great place to start to learn the Advantage360. The keyboard comes pre-configured for
QWERTY typing on a Windows PC but the layout can be reconfigured using the web-based GUI and by
rearranging any number of keycaps.
5.2 Multi-Layer Layouts
The Advantage360 Pro is a multi-layer keyboard which means that each physical key on the keyboard can
perform multiple actions. The default layout features 3 easily accessible layers: The primary "Base Layer",
and two secondary layers ("Fn" and "Keypad") which offer auxiliary key actions. The user can use the 3
dedicated layer keys in the default layout to move between the layers as needed. Most keys perform the
same action in all 3 layers by default, but keys that have unique actions in the auxiliary layers have additional
legends on the front of the keycap. Navigating layers can be intimidating at first but with practice it can
actually boost your productivity and improve your comfort by keeping your fingers on the home row.
Note: Power users can add dozens more layers using the GUI.
Each Layer is color coded and indicated by the right most LED on each module
• Base: White
• Kp: Red
• Fn: Blue
• Mod: Green
5.3 Function Keys (F1-F12) reside in the new Fn Layer
Long time users of our contoured keyboard will note that we have eliminated the18 half-size function keys
resulting in a more compact layout. The Function Key actions now reside in the new "Fn Layer" as secondary
actions for the traditional number row. The Fn Layer can be accessed by pressing either of the two new
"pinky" keys labeled with "fn". By default these two Fn Layer Keys momentarily shift the keyboard to the Fn
Layer. So to output F1, you simply press and hold either of the Fn Layer Keys and then tap the "equals" keys.
When you release the Fn Layer Key you return to the Base Layer and the primary key actions.
By default the Fn layer features 12 unique key actions (F1-F12) which are legended on the front left edge of
the keycaps.
5.4 Numeric 10 Key resides in the Keypad Layer
The new full-size Keypad Layer Key toggles the keyboard into the Keypad Layer where the standard numeric
10-key actions are found on the right module. Unlike the Fn Layer Keys, the Keypad toggles layers so you tap
it once to move in the Keypad Layer, and tap it again to move back to the Base Layer.
By default the Keypad layer features 18 unique key actions on the right module (traditional 10 key) which are
legended on the front right edge of the keycaps.
5.5 Four new Hotkeys
The Advantage360 features 4 keys in the middle of the keyboard labeled 1-4 inside of a circle. By default
these keys are blank so don't be disappointed if they don't produce any action at first. These four keys can be
programmed to perform any single key action, mouse click, macro and more. And a different action can be
assigned in each layer. Use them in whatever way you see fit, or simply ignore them.

5.6 Disable Indicator LEDs

If you find the indicator LEDs annoying, not useful, or want to maximize battery life you can disable all
indicator LEDs with the shortcut Mod + Space or Mod + Backspace. See Section 2.4 for LED assignments.
13