Brief User’s Guide

Kinesis® Advantage™ Keyboard

USB Contoured™ keyboard
(Mac/PC Switchable)
KB500USB, KB500USB-LF, KB500USB/QD, KB510USB

This document is designed to be a quick overview and refer-

ence guide for your new Advantage contoured™ keyboard.
The full User’s Manual can be downloaded at kinesis.com
(click on “support”).

Connecting to your computer

The Kinesis Advantage keyboard requires a USB port on your
computer or on a wall-powered hub. For Macintosh® systems,
the operating system must be OS 8.6 or more recent. For Win- Alphanumeric keys on the Advantage keyboard
dows PCs, the operating system should be Windows® 2000 or The alphanumeric key layout is split into two separate sections
newer. No special driver is required; just use the standard on the keyboard. However, the finger you use to press each
driver provided by the operating system. Note: due to incom- key is the same one that you would use on a traditional key-
plete backwards compatibility of some USB 3.0 hardware, the board. The middle row of keys is the home row.
Advantage keyboard will not work on some USB 3.0 ports in a
Windows 7 environment. This problem does not exist in Win- To help you to locate the home row, these keys are a different
dows 8, Linux, or Macintosh OS X. color and are differently sculpted. It is important to be able to
The first time you connect your keyboard to a Windows PC, find the home row by touch from anywhere on the keyboard.
the system will identify the keyboard as a new USB device and To facilitate this, Kinesis has designed the tops of the home
row keycaps with a cupped shape to comfortably hug your
should install generic “HID” drivers provided by the operating
system. It is advisable not to connect a USB device to the USB fingertips.
ports at the back of the keyboard until the keyboard itself is
installed and operating correctly. Keys legends which differ for PC and Macintosh
PC/Windows keyboards and Macintosh keyboards have differ-
ent legends for certain keys that perform the same action. As
Using integrated palm rests and palm pads
The palm rests are designed to provide comfortable support for the Advantage keyboard can be used on both a PC and on a
your hands while not actively typing, though many users rest Mac, we’ve provided a list below to clarify the slight differ-
ences you may notice.
their palms some of the time while typing in order to relieve
strain on the neck and shoulders. For maximum speed, try PC Backspace is the Mac “Delete”
holding your palms slightly above the palm rest area while PC Delete is the Mac “Forward Delete,”
PC Enter is the Mac Return
typing. Do not expect to reach all of the keys on the keyboard
without moving your hands from a stationary position on the PC Ctrl is the Mac Control
palm rests. For maximum comfort, install the self-adhesive PC Alt is the Mac Alt/Option
palm pads provided with your new keyboard. Replacement PC Windows key is the Mac Command key
palm pads are available from your dealer or direct from PC keypad = key is a duplicate of the number row += key
Kinesis. The Mac keypad = key is unique to the Mac OS and isn’t
recognized by Windows.
Connecting an optional foot switch
If you purchased an optional single or triple Contoured key-
CHOOSE FROM FOUR MODELS
board foot switch, it plugs in to the telephone-style (RJ11)
Except for KB500USB-LF, all models use Cherry MX low-force, no-click
connector at the back of the keyboard, where the main cable
tactile switches (brown stem), which were developed by Cherry
exits the enclosure. The default action for a single pedal acti- specifically for Kinesis in 1992.
vates the embedded keypad layer, while the additional pedals
of a triple foot switch perform Shift and Keypad Enter. Foot KB500USB: Standard model, QWERTY legends, black enclosure
and keycaps, white legends (U.S., German, Swedish, and UK layouts
switches are programmable just like any key on the keyboard available).
(see remapping and macros on pages 2 & 3).
KB500USB-LF: Same as the standard model except with low-force
linear-feel switches (Cherry MX, red stem). U.S. QWERTY layout only.
Familiar key layout
(QWERTY standard, Dvorak dual-legended available) KB500USB/QD: The Dvorak layout is a driverless on-board feature
of all Advantage keyboards. However, this model has QWERTY/
Kinesis Contoured keyboards retain the familiar QWERTY
Dvorak dual white legends on black keys. U.S. layout only.
key layout. Several changes in the location of non-letter keys
reduce the work required of your little fingers and increase the KB510USB: Advantage Pro has a metallic-finished top case, black
workload for your stronger thumbs. Optional foot switches can keys, white QWERTY legends, extra lockable memory for longer
macros, and a single footswitch. Memory locking details on page 3.
further reduce the work demanded of your hands and fingers. U.S. layout only.
Configuring your keyboard for PC or Mac with the Num Lock must be on (see “Changing Embedded keypad,
“instant configuration” feature Num Lock” below) to create numbers with num lock off.
The Advantage USB MPC keyboard has three pre-configured the embedded keypad. With Num Lock off,
layouts, each optimized for different operating systems (see these keys perform cursor movement ac-
following page): Windows, PC (non-windows), and Macin- tions (see the figure to the right).
tosh. The keyboard is shipped in the Windows mode for the
U.S. model, and in PC mode for non-US models. Changing Num Lock state
To change the state of “Num Lock,” press
Two extra keycaps and a keycap removal tool are provided the Keypad function key, then press the
with your new keyboard if you decide to change from the de- Nm Lk key (legended on the front face of
fault configuration. For replacing selected keycaps, refer to the the “7&” key in the top number row).
diagrams below.
Mac-specific key actions
To change the instant configuration setting, it is best to open a In Macintosh mode, the embedded keypad = (on the front of
text editor. Use the = key in the number row as a modifier and the 8* key in the number row) performs the Mac specific key-
while holding it, tap the P for PC mode (no Windows key), or pad= action which is not recognized in Windows. When in
the W for Windows mode, or the M for Mac mode, then re- Windows or PC mode, the embedded keypad = is the same as
lease the = key. See the three images below showing the thumb the =+ key in the number row.
key actions for the different configurations.
Also, the PC Scroll Lock key (in the upper right function key
Key actions in Windows mode, default (= w). group) becomes the Macintosh power key. When using Mac
mode on a Macintosh computer, press this key to begin the
shut down process.

LED Indicators
There are four green lights (LEDs) near the center of the Kine-
sis keyboard. The far left LED (“A”) is Caps Lock, followed
by Num Lock (“1”),
Scroll Lock (↓) and
Key actions in PC mode (=p). Keypad . Most
computers have
Num Lock on by default. Do not be concerned about this, as
LEDs last a very long time and consume very little power. If
you wish to turn Num Lock off, see instructions above.

Turning on and off audible tones for toggle keys

(Progrm + hyphen/dash key)
The keyboard includes audible tones for keys which toggle on
and off. These include Caps Lock, Num Lock, Keypad, Scroll
Key actions in Macintosh mode (=m). Mac-specific actions
Lock, and Insert. When the keyboard is used with a PC, tones
are not legended except .
sound twice when the keys above are turned on and once when
z z the key is turned off. To turn off these tones, hold down
Alt
Ma Ctrl Progrm and press the hyphen/underscore key (in the upper
Bac Optic
Spa k
ce
o n right corner of the right-side keywell). If you wish to turn on
Dele r ce
Ente Spa
Ma
te Hom
e
Pag
Up
e
the tones again, repeat the process.
Delec
te Mac
Mac rn
End
e
Pag n Retu Turning on and off the key click feature (Progrm + \| key)
Dow
By default, the keyboard includes an audible click for all keys.
To turn off the key click, hold down Progrm and press the
Embedded numeric keypad Backslash key (“\”) located just below the hyphen/underscore
The Advantage keyboard has a second layer of key actions key). If you wish to turn on the key click again, repeat the pro-
referred to as the “embedded layer.” The embedded layer in- cess.
cludes a complete numeric keypad on the
Embedded keypad,
right side of the keyboard. The Kinesis num lock on. Remapping
keypad uses the Space key for 0 and in- Remapping is a feature allowing you to move, swap, copy, or
cludes an = key. even inactivate single key actions. (Please note, the keycaps
are not designed to be moved). Your Advantage keyboard has
To turn on the embedded layer, tap the the unique ability to do this without drivers.
Keypad function key, and tap again to turn
it off. This may also be accomplished with The Remapping process (Progrm + F12)
an optional foot switch, which is held To remap a key action, hold down the Progrm key and tap F12
down to activate the embedded layer and (also labeled Remap), then release both keys. The keyboard’s
released to return to normal key actions. lights will begin flashing rapidly. Tap the key whose action
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you want to copy somewhere else (source key). The LEDs will Creating a macro (Progrm + F11)
begin flashing slowly. Now tap the key where you want the To create a macro, hold down the Progrm key and tap F11
new action to appear (destination key). The LEDs will again (also labeled Macro), then release both keys. The keyboard’s
flash rapidly. To remap more than one key, repeat this process. lights will begin flashing rapidly. Tap the key or combination
You do not need to exit from remapping mode between keys. of keys that will playback the macro (the lights will begin
flashing slowly). Now type the key or keys you wish to include
When you are done making changes, exit remapping by hold- in your macro. When you have finished, exit by holding the
ing the Progrm key and tapping F12. The lights should imme- Progrm key and tapping F11. The lights should immediately
diately stop flashing. You must exit from remapping for your stop flashing. If not, you may have added F11 to the end of
keyboard to perform the changes you’ve made. your macro and will need to repeat this process.

Default layout always available when remapping Resetting keyboard memory & memory locking
When you are in remapping mode, the factory configured key If the keyboard behaves strangely or you wish to re-create the
layout is always active. No key can be “lost” by remapping. factory settings, the first thing to try is a memory reset. Note
“Instant Configuration” settings are not affected by resetting
Remapping from or to the embedded layer the keyboards memory. Two different memory reset proce-
To remap an embedded key action to a convenient top level dures are described below.
location, turn on the embedded layer before entering re-
mapping mode. After tapping the “source” key, tap the Keypad Memory locking Switch to right: unlocked
key to switch back to the top layer, then tap the “destination” If you have the Switch to left: locked
key where you want the new action. Advantage Pro model, Note: use corner
be sure the memory of business card
or equivalent to
To remap from the top layer to the embedded layer, follow the locking switch is to the slide switch
Ctrl
normal remapping process but tap the Keypad key before tap- right (unlocked). See Alt Ctrl
z
ping the “destination” key. adjacent image for the Bac
Spa k
ce
location. The switch Dele
te Hom
e
Pag
e
r
Spa
ce

Up Ente
Switching between QWERTY and Dvorak can be moved using the
e
Pag n
To activate the “on-board” Dvorak layout, press and hold edge of a business card End
Dow

Progrm + Shift + F5. Repeat this sequence to return to the or a small, folded piece
default QWERTY layout. Please note, activating the Dvorak of regular-thickness paper.
layout will erase any other remapping that you may have done,
but macros are not erased. If you want to customize the key- Memory reset, Option One (Progrm + Shift + F10)
board and switch back and forth between QWERTY and Dvo- This procedure will erase all remapping and macros. It will not
rak, use macros to make your special changes. Also, macros switch Dvorak back to QWERTY or vice versa. Press and hold
will play correctly even if recorded in QWERTY and played the Progrm key, then add one of the Shift keys, and finally add
when the keyboard has been switched to Dvorak. the F10 function key so that all three keys are depressed. The
lights on the keyboard should begin flashing. Release the keys.
Macros When the flashing stops, the keyboard’s memory has been
Macros allow you to automate frequently-used phrases or key reset. (This may take a few seconds to complete).
combinations. Macros are shortcuts and time savers which
reduce keystrokes needed for awkward, complex, or repetitive Memory reset, Option Two (F7)
tasks. Essentially anything you would normally type with your This procedure is more aggressive than Option One and will
keyboard can be stored as a macro. Your Advantage keyboard completely reset the memory back to factory settings (24 mac-
has the unique ability to do this without drivers. Up to 24 mac- ros, QWERTY layout). Hold down the F7 key before turning
ros are normally allowed with up to ~55 characters in each (up on the power to your computer. Start your computer and after a
to ~120 characters with the Advantage Pro model). Refer to few seconds, release F7. A successful reset is indicated if the
the full manual (see back page) for additional details. keyboard’s lights flash several times after releasing F7.

Macro modifier keys and macro trigger keys Troubleshooting & technical support
When programming a macro, you must first designate the key Visit our web site, kinesis.com, for usability and troubleshoot-
or keys (the “trigger”) which will play back the macro. A trig- ing tips. Click on “support,” then on “technical support.”
ger can be any letter, number, or navigation key (but not a
modifier such as Shift, Ctrl, or Alt). Such a key may also be Contacting Kinesis Technical Support
combined with one or more modifier keys. For example a mac- Contact Kinesis technical support only after you have read the
ro can be triggered by Capslock, and a different macro can be entire User’s Manual and still have problems or unanswered
triggered by Shift-Capslock, or by Ctrl-Shift-Capslock. questions. You may contact Kinesis Technical Support by E-
mail ([email protected]), fax (425-402-8181), or phone (800-
The keyboard will not allow you to use a modifier by itself to 454-6374 US only or 425-402-8100). Technical support hours
trigger a Macro unless it is first remapped to be a non-modifier are 8:30am to 4:30pm Pacific Time except weekends and holi-
key (see above). Macros which include a modifier key in the days.
trigger can be activated with either the right or left modifier.

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When you contact Kinesis, be prepared to document your pur- abuse, inappropriate use, or normal wear, Kinesis shall have no
chase date, as well as your product model number and serial responsibility under this Limited Warranty.
number. Also know the brand and model of your computer and
your computer’s operating system. For complete warranty information visit kinesis.com and click
on “Support” to find the warranty PDF document.
Getting an RMA number prior to product repair
For any repair, whether or not it is covered by your warranty,
Purchaser’s Exclusive Remedies
you must contact Kinesis to explain the problem, provide cer-
tain information, and get an RMA number to write on your During the first TWO (2) years after the date of original pur-
package. Packages sent to Kinesis without first obtaining an chase, the exclusive remedy for a defect in this Kinesis Prod-
RMA number may be refused. Product will not be repaired uct shall be, at Kinesis Corporation’s option, either repair or
without information and instructions from the owner. replacement of the product. If you suspect the Product is not
working properly or if you have questions about the perfor-
Packaging and Shipping mance of the Product, contact Kinesis technical support.
If you need to ship the product back to Kinesis, use its original
or other packaging that protects it against impact and shock. If you wish to return the Product to Kinesis for any reason, you
Be sure to contact Kinesis for an RMA number and Kinesis’ must obtain from Kinesis an RMA number and instructions for
shipping address. You should insure the package since Kinesis
returning the product. You are responsible for the cost of ship-
is not responsible for items until they are received by the Kine-
sis repair center. ping the product to Kinesis. Within the United States and Can-
ada, Kinesis will ship products repaired or replaced under war-
ranty to you by ground at no charge. Repair parts and replace-
SAFETY & HEALTH TIPS ment Product will be either reconditioned or new.

New Users: Establish realistic expectations! Disclaimer of Other Warranties

If you currently have an injury to your hands or arms, or have The warranty and remedies set forth above are exclusive and in
had such an injury in the past, it is important that you have lieu of all others, whether oral or written, express or implied.
realistic expectations of your keyboard. You should not expect Kinesis specifically disclaims any and all implied warranties,
an immediate improvement in your physical condition simply including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability
because you are using a new keyboard. Your physical trauma and fitness for a particular purpose. No Kinesis dealer, agent,
has built up over months or years, and it may take a number of
or employee is authorized to make any modification, exten-
weeks before you notice a difference. At first, you may feel
some new fatigue or discomfort as you adapt to your Kinesis sion, or addition to this warranty. Kinesis does not warrant that
keyboard. the product will meet your requirements, or that operation of
the product will be uninterrupted or error-free, or that all errors
Keyboard is not a medical treatment! will be corrected.
The Kinesis Advantage keyboard is not a medical treatment or
a substitute for appropriate medical treatment. If any infor- Limitation of liability
mation in this guide seems to contradict the advice you have Kinesis is not responsible for special, incidental, or consequen-
received from a health care professional, please follow your tial damages resulting from any breach of warranty, or under
health care professional’s instructions. other legal theory, including but not limited to lost profits,
downtime, goodwill, damage to or replacement of equipment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION and/or property nor any costs of recovering, reprogramming,
or reproducing any program or data stored in or used with
Full User’s Manual Kinesis products.
View or download the full Advantage Keyboard User’s manu-
al by visiting the “support” section at kinesis.com.

Kinesis Keyboard Limited Warranty

Legal notice: Trademarks & Patents
Kinesis Corporation (“Kinesis”) warrants to the original retail
purchaser that this Kinesis keyboard (“Product”) is free from Kinesis is a registered trademark and Advantage, MPC,
defects in materials and workmanship and will perform sub- MPC/QD, and Contoured are trademarks of Kinesis Corpo-
stantially in accordance with the Product documentation for ration. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Cor-
poration. Apple, Mac, Macintosh and OS X are registered
two years from the date of purchase.
trademarks of Apple Inc.

This Warranty does not apply to any software which might The Kinesis Advantage keyboard is protected by U.S. and
have been enclosed with the product, which are covered by a other patents including US 5,610,602, US 6,005,496,
US 5,673,040, and US 5,689,253.
Kinesis License Agreement. If Product fails due to accident,

Version September 27, 2013

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