Kinesis Advantage2 KB605 User Manual
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Summary of Contents for Kinesis Advantage2 KB605
- Page 1 USER’S MANUAL KB605 KB600 Proudly designed and hand-assembled in the USA Cherry Low-Force SmartSet™ Mac/Windows/PC Contoured Mechanical Keyswitches Programming Engine Switchable Keyboard™...
- Page 2 To download the latest firmware here: kinesis.com/support/advantage2/#firmware-updates. © 2016 – 2019 by Kinesis Corporation, all rights reserved. KINESIS is a registered trademark of Kinesis Corporation. ADVANTAGE2, CONTOURED KEYBOARD, SMARTSET, and V-DRIVE are trademarks of Kinesis Corporation. WINDOWS, MAC, CHERRY, and ANDROID are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, Apple, Inc., Cherry Americas LLC, and Google, Inc.,...
- Page 3 FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Note This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential installation.
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Page 4: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Read Me First Health and Safety Warning………………………………………………………………….. 6 Preserving your warranty rights…………………………………………………………... 6 Quick Start Guide………………………………………………………………………………... 6 Read this User's Manual………………………………………………………………………. 6 Advanced Users: Read this before copying or sharing layout files……….. 6 Introduction to the Advantage2 keyboard Geometry and Key Groupings………………………………………………………………. - Page 5 Keycap Removal and Relocation………………………………………………………….. 35 10.0 Technical Support, Repairs, & Returns 11.0 Accessories & Upgrades 12.0 Warranty 13.0 Appendix 13.1 Map of Key Location Tokens and Dictionary of Key Action Tokens……….. 37 13.2 History of Kinesis Contoured Keyboards………………………………………………. 38 13.3 Ergonomic Guidelines………………………………………………………………………….. 38...
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Page 6: Read Me First
Advantage2 Resources Page. Consult this full manual for advanced features. 1.4 Read This User’s Manual Even if you don’t normally read manuals or you are a long-time user of Kinesis Contoured keyboards, Kinesis strongly encourages you to review this entire manual. The Advantage2 is a fully-programmable keyboard with powerful tools and features, many of which are brand new. -
Page 7: Introduction To The Advantage2 Keyboard
This a sharp departure from the constraints of a traditional, flat keyboard and is also much better than the flat “ergodox” copy of the Kinesis split design. While the Advantage2 looks very different from other keyboards, you’ll find that making the transition is actually quite easy because of its intuitive form factor, thoughtful key layout, and its unparalleled electronic configurability. -
Page 8: Ergonomic Design And Features
The design of the Advantage2 keyboard traces its roots to the very first Contoured keyboard introduced by Kinesis in 1992. When Kinesis opened in 1991, the objective was to develop a design that would use ergonomics to maximize comfort and productivity, and in the process would minimize the major health risk- factors associated with keyboarding. - Page 9 The best-selling Advantage2 model (KB600) uses Cherry “Brown” switches, a low-force, tactile switch that offers the ultimate in typing performance and comfort. Cherry first built the Brown-stem switch to Kinesis’ custom specifications in 1992, and it has since been adopted as one of the switches of choice for all of the major mechanical keyboard manufacturers, ergonomic or otherwise.
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Page 10: Installation And Setup
Optional foot pedals Kinesis Contoured keyboards were designed to be paired with either an optional Advantage Single Pedal (FS007RJ11) or Triple Foot Pedal (FS007TAF) to further reduce the strain put on overworked hands and fingers (see section 3.4). A pedal can be used to perform an individual keystroke or a complex macro, redistributing a portion of the workload away from your hands. -
Page 11: Connecting An Optional Foot Pedal
Adapting your “kinesthetic sense” If you are already a touch typist, adapting to the Kinesis Contoured keyboard does not require “re-learning” to type in the traditional sense. Learning the Advantage2 layout is just about adapting your existing muscle memory or kinesthetic sense. -
Page 12: If You Are Injured
This gives your body a chance to rest and make a fresh start. If possible, Kinesis recommends starting with the Advantage2 during a period when you are not under a lot of work related stress or pressure. -
Page 13: Initially Configuring Your Keyboard
If your thumbs are especially sensitive, your keyboard can be configured for minimal thumb use or even thumb-free typing if necessary. This approach is most effective when using a Kinesis foot pedal in conjunction with the Advantage2. Generally speaking, thumb-free typing is accomplished by remapping thumb key actions to the embedded layer, preferably accessed through an optional Kinesis foot pedal, where they can be typed with by your fingers. -
Page 14: Default Qwerty Layout
It you prefer a different layout like Colemak, it is possible to create your own custom layout by remapping multiple keys from either the default QWERTY or Dvorak layouts (see Section 6). See the Kinesis Technical Support web pages for available layout files. Optional QWERTY- Dvorak dual-legended keycaps Kinesis strongly recommends against removing the alphanumeric keycaps and rearranging them into the Dvorak layout, due to the different keycap row styles used. -
Page 15: Thumb Key Mode Selection: Windows, Mac, Pc
The Thumb Key Modes are Windows (the default, Fig 14), Mac (Fig 15), and PC (Fig 16). Note: For use with non-US English language drivers, see non-US Quick Start Guides with kinesis.com/support/advantage2 layouts, and and non-U.S. firmware options at: Thumb key Modes are set independently for each layout and are no longer “global”... -
Page 16: Function Keys
Fig 14. Default thumb keys, “Win mode” (US models) Mac Mode (progm + F5) Activating Mac Mode changes the modifier thumb keys as shown in Fig 15. The Mac “command” action is the “Windows” action in a Windows operating system. The Mac “option” action is the same as Alt in Windows. -
Page 17: Multimedia Keys
used to access the Power User Tools which are associated with certain keys that are not legended, so use the Program Key cautiously (see Section 7). 5.5 Multimedia Keys The Advantage2 supports the six basic multimedia actions: Mute, Volume Down, Volume Up, Play/Pause, Previous Track, and Next Track. -
Page 18: Basic Onboard Programming Tools
6.0 SmartSet Basic Onboard Programming Tools The SmartSet Programming Engine provides a number of easy-to-use productivity tools. Even those who have never used a programmable keyboard can easily learn and benefit from these. Basic Onboard Programming Tools are accessed using simple onboard shortcuts consisting of the special Program Key (labeled “progm”) and one or more keys in the function key row. -
Page 19: Activate Dvorak Layout
6.2 Activate QWERTY Layout (progm + F3) Loads the “qwerty.txt” configuration file which corresponds to the default QWERTY layout (Fig 10) plus any custom remaps and/or macros that you have previously saved to this layout. Note: This action does not change the Thumb Key Mode or other configuration settings. - Page 20 with common keyboarding tasks. The Advantage2 can be programmed to playback macros by tapping either a single trigger key (a non-modifier), or by a combination of one or more modifier keys plus a trigger key. Modifier keys consist of Shift, Ctrl, Alt (“Option” on a Mac), and Windows (“Command” on a Mac). Note: Left and right modifier keys are treated separately in triggering macros, so “lshift + a”...
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Page 21: Remap A Key
Macros triggered by modifier key locations It is not possible to have a modifier by itself trigger a macro, even if you have remapped the modifier key to perform a non-modifier action. If you attempt to program this, it will work temporarily but when the keyboard is replugged, the macro will disappear. -
Page 22: Keypad Layer (Aka The "Embedded Layer")
For power users who would like to create custom thumb key actions and plan to switch between different operating systems, we suggest creating operating-system-specific hotkey layouts, which will allow you to custom program the thumb keys and not lose your settings when you move between layouts (Section 7.7). Fig 23. -
Page 23: Power User Tools
Even those users familiar with programmable keyboards in general, or even with a previous Kinesis Contoured keyboard, should read this manual in full before attempting to access any of the Power User Tools. -
Page 24: Power User Mode
hard reset, with a 4MB v-drive you can cut and paste these files back into the active folder. With a 2MB v- drive, you should copy and paste the file contents to the appropriate file on the v-drive to reduce the risk of file corruption. -
Page 25: V-Drive Contents
and cannot eject, be sure all v-drive files are closed and click on the top level of the v-drive, then try again. If the message persists and you have a 4MB v-drive, ignore it and close the drive. After “ejecting” the v-drive, you can also unplug the keyboard to close the v-drive instead of using progrm-F1. -
Page 26: Creating Hotkey Layouts
Additional files in the active folder: hotkey layouts If you have created any custom hotkey layouts (see Section 7.6) you will see additional .txt files in the active folder, one for each hotkey layout you have created. Firmware folder The firmware folder is empty by default and only needs to be accessed to perform a firmware update (see Section 8). - Page 27 7.7 Activating a Hotkey Layout (progm + {hotkey}) Once a hotkey layout has been created, you do not need to be in Power User Mode to load it to the keyboard. Simply hold the Program Key and tap the appropriate hotkey to activate the layout. Remember that hotkey layouts are assigned to either the QWERTY or Dvorak family.
- Page 28 Token is simply the basic, unshifted action for that key. However, certain key locations must be defined by Kinesis using a multi-character token. Note: The prefix “kp-” is added to the token for duplicate keypad layer locations. Location tokens are static and don’t change based on custom key remaps. See Appendix 13.1 for a map of the Location Tokens for QWERTY and Dvorak.
- Page 29 Remaps use [ ] Remaps use square brackets and consist of a single Location Token on the left and a single Action Token This is the opposite from onboard programming where the user first taps the “source” action desired, then taps the “destination”...
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Page 30: Basic Syntax Examples
between English and your desired language, type that key with both drivers to make yourself a custom language dictionary. Then use the English version of that key in the layout file. If macros are played while a different keyboard language is active than the language in which it was designed, some actions will change. Layout files are updated only when the v-drive is closed. -
Page 31: Advanced Macro Tools
7.10 Advanced Macro Tools The Advantage2 supports two advanced macro tools which can be implemented via Direct Editing to enhance macro performance and increase the likelihood obtaining the desired playback results on a particular system: 1) a faster or slower playback speed can be selected which will override the Global Macro Playback speed setting (covered in Section 7.1) and 2) one or more brief delays can be inserted into a macro. -
Page 32: Status Report Custom Playback
Kinesis. Your Advantage2 keyboard comes from the factory with the most up to date fully-vetted version of the firmware as of its build date but Kinesis may at times release new versions of firmware to improve performance and/or compatibility. -
Page 33: Keyboard Care And Maintenance
Note: Layout files should not be deleted or damaged as a result of a firmware update but Kinesis recommends backing up your layout files in the event a Hard Reset is required after a firmware update. Also, after a successful firmware update, the “update.upd”... -
Page 34: Reformatting And Conditioning The V-Drive
‘Advantage2’ for format from the dropdown menu (Fig 28) to get to the “Format Menu” (Fig 29). IMPORTANT: CONFIRM THE ADVANTAGE2 V-DRIVE (KINESIS-KB FOR EARLY MODELS) IS CORRECTLY LISTED IN THE HEADER TO AVOID REFORMATTING THE WRONG DRIVE! After confirming the Click “Start” and if prompted (Fig 28) about erasing all data, then click “OK.”... -
Page 35: Cleaning Precautions
Packaging and Shipping In you need to ship a product back to Kinesis, use its original packaging or other suitable packaging that protects the device against impact and shock. You should insure the package with your carrier as Kinesis is not responsible for items until they are received at the Kinesis repair center. -
Page 36: Accessories & Upgrades
This Warranty is not transferrable and does not apply to any software which might have been enclosed with the product, which are covered by a Kinesis License Agreement. If Product fails due to accident, abuse, inappropriate use, or normal wear, Kinesis shall have no responsibility under this Limited Warranty. -
Page 37: Appendix
13.1 Appendix- Map of Location Tokens & Key Action Token Key Action Token Dictionary of Action Tokens F1—F24 F1—F24 Fig 30. Location Tokens: QWERTY, top layer `~ (Tilde key) -_ (Hyphen key) hyphen 7& Fig 31. Location Tokens: QWERTY, keypad layer .>... -
Page 38: History Of Kinesis Contoured Keyboards
To enhance the comfort of your work environment, Kinesis has joined with Herman Miller, Inc. to provide guidance for creating an ergonomically appropriate workspace. The following ergonomic guidelines are reprinted with the permission of Herman Miller, Inc.. - Page 39 And if you are experiencing persistent discomfort or unusual sensations, see a health care professional for advice. Reprinted in part with the permission of Herman Miller, Inc., Zeeland, MI USA. Herman Miller, Inc. does not necessarily recommend the use of the Kinesis keyboard. © 1992 HERMAN MILLER, INC., Zeeland, MI USA.