3
1.0 Introduction
The Advantage360 is a fully-programmable keyboard that features onboard flash storage (the “v-Drive) and
does not use any special drivers or software. The keyboard was designed to be programmed quickly and
easily using the onboard shortcuts or via the SmartSet App for Windows and Mac. Power users have the
option to bypass the SmartSet GUI and “Direct Program” the keyboard on all major operating systems by
accessing the keyboard’s simple text files configuration files.
These instructions apply to the base Advantage360 model feature the SmartSet Programming Engine. If you
have the Professional model with the ZMK engine stop reading and visit https://kinesis-ergo.com/support/
adv360-pro.
2.0 Direct Programming Overview
The Advantage360 has 9 customizable Profiles which comprise 9 sets of layouts and lighting configurations.
The keyboard also has a series of Global Keyboard Settings which can be configured. Each of these
configurations are stored in a set of folders on the keyboard (the “v-Drive”) as a series of simple text files
(.txt). During onboard programming the keyboard automatically reads/writes to these files “behind the
scenes”. The unique thing about the 360 is that power users can “connect” (aka “mount”) the v-Drive to their
PC and then directly edit these configuration files in Windows, Linux, Mac, and Chrome.
Each time a remap or macro is created in a Profile, it is written to the corresponding layout.txt file as a
discrete line of “code”. And the function and color of each of the 6 RGB LEDs is controlled in the
corresponding led.txt file. Each time a keyboard setting is changed, the change is recorded in the
“settings.txt” file.
3.0 Before you Begin
3.1 Power Users ONLY
Direct editing requires learning to read and write a custom syntax. The insertion of incorrect
characters into any of the configuration files can have unintended consequences and could
cause temporary problems with even basic keyboard operation. Read the Quick Start Guide
and User Manual first and proceed with caution.
3.2 Always Eject the v-Drive before disconnecting the v-Drive
The v-Drive is just like any other flash drive you connect to your PC. If you
remove it suddenly while the PC is still accessing the drive contents you can
cause file damage. To protect the v-Drive, always save and close all configuration
files, and then use the appropriate eject protocol for your operating system before
“disconnecting” the v-Drive with the onboard shortcut. If your PC refuses to eject
the drive, ensure all files and folders are closed and try again.
Windows Eject: Save and close any .txt files you have been editing. From File Explorer, navigate back to the
top level of “ADV360” removable drive and right click the drive name and then select Eject. Once you receive
the “Safe to Eject” notification you may proceed to closing the v-Drive with the onboard shortcut. Failure to
eject can result in a minor drive error that Windows will ask you to repair. The “Scan and Repair” process
(shown at right) is quick and easy.
3.3 Non-US Users
Your computer must be configured for the English (US) keyboard layout. Other language drivers use different
codes/positions for certain keys which are critical for programming characters such as [], {} and >.
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