Kinesis Advantage2 KB630 - User Manual

Your Advantage2™ keyboard combines Kinesis’ time-tested Contoured™ design with low-force tactile “brown” or linear
“quiet red” Cherry mechanical key switches and the powerful new SmartSet™ Programming Engine™. The Advantage2
sets a new standard for comfort and productivity. With the
driverless SmartSet Programming Engine, you can quickly
selective Windows or Mac thumb key modes, change instantly
between QWERTY & Dvorak layouts, and remap keys to build
custom layouts.
No special software or drivers are needed. The Advantage2 is
plug-and-play with all operating systems that support full-
featured USB keyboards.*
This Quick Start Guide covers the installation and basic setup
of the Advantage2. For detailed instructions on customizing
your Advantage2, Advanced Features, and Warranty Information please download the full User’s Manual at: kinesis.com/
resources/advantage2.
Installation
1. Plug Advantage2 into your computer’s USB port. A device installation notice will appear on your screen.
2. When the auto-installation is completed, you should see a “device is ready to use” notice on your screen.
3. For maximum comfort, install the self-adhesive palm pads onto the keyboard’s integrated palm rests.
4. OPTIONAL: If you are connecting an Advantage foot pedal (FS007RJ11, FS007TAF) to the keyboard, plug it into the
telephone-style connector at the back of the keyboard using the coupler provided with the pedal.
Important Note
The SmartSet Programming Engine provides powerful tools for customizing the keyboard’s layout and settings. Because
of the risk of inadvertent reprogramming, Kinesis recommends that ALL USERS read this Quick Start Guide before using
the keyboard. Even users familiar with the original Advantage keyboard are advised to read this guide since some
programming commands have changed and new commands have been added.
Warning
The Advantage2 keyboard is not a medical treatment. Please consult the User’s Manual for basic Safety & Health Tips.
*Certain KVM and specialized telephony devices do not support programmable keyboards like the Advantage2. If you
experience compatibility problems please visit the Advantage2 Resources page (link above) or submit a ticket to Kinesis
Technical Support (page 4).
QUICK START GUIDE
Kinesis
®
Advantage2 Keyboard with the SmartSet Programming Engine
U.S. Model: KB630 & KB630LFQ (with selective memory locking: no macros or v-drive)
© 2019 by Kinesis Corporation, all rights reserved. Printed in USA on recycled paper. SmartSet Programming Engine is protected by U.S. patent 9,535,581.
KINESIS is a registered trademark of Kinesis Corporation. ADVANTAGE2, CONTOURED KEYBOARD, SMARTSET and V-DRIVE are trademarks of
Kinesis Corporation. WINDOWS, MAC, ANDROID, and CHERRY are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, Apple, Inc., Google, Inc., and Cherry
Gmbh, respectively.
KINESIS CORPORATION
22030 20th Avenue SE, Suite 102
Bothell, Washington 98021 USA
sales@kinesis.com | www.kinesis.com
Fig 1. KB600

Summary

Installation and Setup

Initial Installation Steps

Connect the keyboard to the computer's USB port and follow on-screen prompts for device installation.

Important Note on Programming

Read guide before use to avoid inadvertent reprogramming; new commands added since original Advantage.

Safety Warning

The Advantage2 keyboard is not a medical treatment. Consult User's Manual for Safety & Health Tips.

Keyboard Layouts

Default QWERTY Layout

The keyboard comes preconfigured with the standard QWERTY layout for easy use.

Alternate Dvorak Layout

Features a customizable onboard Dvorak layout; keycaps can be purchased separately.

Thumb Key Modes Configuration

Configure modifier keys in thumb clusters for Windows, Mac, or PC without a Windows key.

SmartSet Programming Engine

Accessing Programming Tools

Hold 'progm' key then press function keys to access layout, macro, and remapping tools.

Function Key Actions Guide

Details actions for status report, layout switching (QWERTY, Dvorak, Mac, PC), key click, tone, and reset.

Key Remapping Functionality

Enter Program Remap Mode to select source and destination keys for custom layouts.

Advanced Features and Peripherals

Keypad Layer and Multimedia Keys

Accesses multimedia functions (Mute, Volume) and a secondary 10-key layout via the Keypad Key.

Keypad Layer Remapping

Remap keys between the Top Layer and the Keypad Layer for customized functionality.

Palm Rests and LED Indicators

Integrated palm rests provide comfort; blue LEDs indicate active modes and programming status.

Optional Foot Pedal Connection

Connect foot pedal to RJ11 port for optional 'keypad shift' functionality.

Support Resources

Links to download the full User's Manual and submit support tickets for further assistance.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Kinesis® Advantage2 Keyboard with the SmartSet™ Programming Engine is a high-performance ergonomic keyboard designed to enhance comfort and productivity for users across various operating systems. This device, available in U.S. Models KB630 and KB630LFQ, features Kinesis' time-tested Contoured™ design, which aims to reduce strain and improve typing efficiency. It incorporates low-force tactile "brown" or linear "quiet red" Cherry mechanical key switches, providing a responsive and satisfying typing experience.

Function Description

The primary function of the Advantage2 keyboard is to provide an ergonomic input device that minimizes physical strain during extended use. It achieves this through its unique contoured design, which positions the hands and wrists in a more natural posture. The keyboard is equipped with the SmartSet™ Programming Engine, a powerful, driverless system that allows for extensive customization without the need for special software or drivers. This engine enables users to:

• Switch Layouts: Instantly toggle between QWERTY and Dvorak layouts, catering to different typing preferences.
• Customize Key Maps: Remap keys to build custom layouts, optimizing the keyboard for individual workflows and applications.
• Adjust Thumb Key Modes: Select between Windows, Mac, or PC thumb key modes, configuring modifier keys in the thumb-operated clusters for optimal compatibility with the user's operating system. These modes are set independently from the main layout (QWERTY or Dvorak).
• Manage Keypad Layer: Access a secondary virtual keyboard layer, the "keypad layer," which can be remapped separately from the top layer. This layer contains default multimedia and 10-key actions, enhancing functionality for specific tasks.
• Control Multimedia: Utilize dedicated multimedia keys within the keypad layer for mute, volume down, and volume up functions.
• Program Macros: (Note: This feature is completely disabled on the KB630 model with selective memory locking.) For models where it's enabled, users can program complex sequences of key presses to automate repetitive tasks, significantly boosting productivity.
• Status Reporting: Generate a detailed configuration Status Report to the screen, providing an overview of the keyboard's current settings and customizations. This is particularly useful for troubleshooting or verifying programmed changes.
• Toggle Key Clicks and Tones: Turn on or off the electronic key click feature, designed to help users avoid "bottoming out" the key, and electronic tones that alert users when keys for special "toggle" actions (Caps lock, Num lock, Scroll lock, Insert, Keypad) have been hit.

The keyboard is plug-and-play with all operating systems that support full-featured USB keyboards, ensuring broad compatibility.

Usage Features

The Advantage2 keyboard is designed for ease of use and extensive customization to suit diverse user needs.

• Installation: Simply plug the Advantage2 into your computer's USB port. Device installation notices will appear, and once completed, the keyboard is ready for use.
• Ergonomic Comfort: The keyboard features integrated palm rests. For maximum comfort, self-adhesive palm pads are included and recommended for installation. While palm rests provide support when not actively typing, users are advised to hold their palms slightly above the palm rests for maximum typing speed and to relieve strain.
• Onboard Programming Tools: To access the SmartSet Onboard Programming Tools, users press and hold the Program Key (legended "progm") and then press the appropriate key in the Function Key row. LEDs will flash to indicate successful commands, with continuous flashing indicating further actions are needed. Tapping the Program Key exits any active "Program Mode."
• Layout Switching: Users can quickly switch between QWERTY (progm+F3) and Dvorak (progm+F4) layouts.
• Thumb Key Mode Selection: Easily switch between Windows (progm+F7), Mac (progm+F5), and PC (progm+F6) thumb key modes to optimize modifier key functionality for the specific operating system.
• Key Remapping: The "progm remap" (progm+F12) command allows users to enter Program Remap Mode. In this mode, users select a source key/action, then a destination key, to reassign key functions. The keyboard layout temporarily reverts to the default QWERTY or Dvorak layout during source action selection.
• Foot Pedal Integration (Optional): An Advantage foot pedal (FS007RJ11, FS007TAF) can be connected to the keyboard via a telephone-style connector at the back. The single foot pedal (and middle pedal on the triple foot pedal) acts as a "keypad shift," activating the keypad layer and its LED when pressed and held. The pedal can also be custom-programmed like any other key.
• LED Indicators: Blue LEDs near the center of the keyboard indicate the status of the keyboard, illuminating when each of the four basic modes is active (Caps lock, Num lock, Scroll lock, Keypad). These LEDs also flash during SmartSet programming actions to indicate temporary programming status.
• Print Screen, Scroll Lock & Pause Break: These keys perform standard keyboard functions, which depend on the operating system and the application in use.

Maintenance Features

The Advantage2 keyboard is designed for durability and user-friendliness, with some features contributing to its long-term usability and maintenance.

• Reset Functions: The keyboard offers reset capabilities to address programming errors or to restore default settings.
  • Soft Reset (progm+Shift+F9): This erases any key remapping, macros, and non-default thumb key mode settings for the active layout. It does not affect macro speed, click, or tone settings.
  • Hard Reset: To perform a Hard Reset, which erases all non-default settings in both QWERTY and Dvorak layouts, users hold progm+F9 until LEDs start flashing while plugging in the keyboard.
• Replaceable Palm Pads: The self-adhesive palm pads, which enhance comfort, are replaceable. This ensures that users can maintain optimal comfort over the keyboard's lifespan.
• Keycap Replacement: For users who wish to change layouts or replace worn keycaps, the Advantage2 supports the installation of different keycap sets (e.g., QWERTY-Dvorak or Dvorak-only keycaps). A keycap removal tool is included with the keyboard to facilitate this process.

The Kinesis Advantage2 keyboard is not a medical treatment; users are advised to consult the User's Manual for basic Safety & Health Tips. For further support or compatibility issues with certain KVM or specialized telephony devices, users can visit the Advantage2 Resources page or submit a ticket to Kinesis Technical Support.

Kinesis Advantage2 KB630 Specifications

General

Model	Advantage2 KB630
Connectivity	Wired
Macro Programming	Yes
Interface	USB
Programmable Keys	Yes
Switch Type	Cherry MX Brown (or other Cherry MX variants)
Key Rollover	NKRO (N-Key RollOver)
Keycap Material	ABS
Category	Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard
Keycaps	Sculpted