Kinesis KB600 User Manual

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Customizing Your Keyboard: Direct Programming Guide
The Advantage2 is a powerful programmable keyboard. Most of the Advantage2’s functions can be access via the SmartSet
onboard programming shortcuts using the Program Key. Most users will nd that the onboard programming shortcuts are
sufcient for their purposes but power users may wish to access one or more conguration les to directly edit macros and/
or key remaps for one or more custom layouts. This Programming Guide covers direct programming and includes a
“dictionary” of available actions and sample macros for your convenience.
Layouts
As described in earlier sections of this Manual, the conguration settings for each custom Layout are stored in a separate
“.txt” le which is saved to the keyboard’s onboard memory. When a user toggles between Layouts the keyboard calls up
the appropriate .txt le to determine the active keyboard conguration. Each of these individual .txt Layout les can be
accessed from the Kinesis KB V-drive (see Section XX) inside of the “Active” folder. Each Layout le contains two types of
custom congurations: 1) Macros and 2) Key Remaps. Each Layout le contains lines of “code” corresponding to each key
remap and/or macro custom programmed to that Layout. For simplicity, the .txt le only displays changes to the respective
default layout, either Qwerty or Dvorak. Any given layout can be modied by both onboard programming commands and
through direct editing.
Note: For best results, ensure that do not perform onboard editing while the Kinesis KB drive is open.
Accessing the Layout Conguration Files
As described in Section X, enter Power User Mode (Program+Shift+Esc) and then mount the Kinesis KB V-drive
(Program+F1). Open the Kinesis KB drive and open the “active folder”. Always use a plain text editor if possible, and if not,
be sure to select the “plain text” or “simple text” format when saving a Layout conguration le. It is a good idea to
rename and save a backup outside the active folder or on your hard drive. Listed below are commonly-available text
editors for different operating systems:
• Windows: Notepad provides simple text only. If you use another text editor or word processor, save as plain text or
simple text.
• Mac OS X: TextEdit is the default editor. Under TextEdit “Preferences” select “plain text” as the format. Normally if you

Kinesis KB600 Specifications

General

Brand	Kinesis
Model	KB600
Category	Keyboard
Language	English

Summary

Health and Safety Warning

Keyboard is Not a Medical Treatment

Read Me First

Ergonomic Features

Separate Thumb Keypads

Details how thumb keypads redistribute workload from weaker fingers to stronger thumbs.

Separate Key Wells

Explains how separated key wells reduce strain by promoting neutral wrist and arm postures.

Concave Key Wells

Describes how concave key wells accommodate finger lengths, reducing extension and fatigue.

More Ergonomic Features

Vertical Key Layout

Keys arranged vertically to match natural finger motion and fit varying finger lengths.

Cherry MX Key Switches

Information on the type and characteristics of Cherry MX mechanical key switches used.

Installation Guide

Compatibility

Installation Steps

Step-by-step guide for connecting and installing the keyboard via USB.

Getting Started

Hand Position

Workstation Configuration

Adaptation Guidelines

Adapting Kinesthetic Sense

Typical Adaptation Period

Outlines the expected timeframe for users to adapt and regain productivity.

Initial Discomfort

If You Are Injured

RSI or CTD Diagnosis

Layout Selection

QWERTY Layout

Dvorak Layout

Thumb Key Mode Selection

Windows Mode

Mac Mode

PC Mode

Function Row Features

Keypad Key

Program Key

Explains the use of the Program key for accessing SmartSet programming features and commands.

SmartSet Onboard Programming

What is SmartSet

Introduces SmartSet technology as the foundation for the Advantage2's programmable features.

Basic SmartSet Programming Features

Run Configuration Status Report

Explains how to generate a status report to check current keyboard settings and configurations.

More Basic Programming Actions

Activate Windows Thumb Key Mode

Program/Record Macro

Detailed steps for recording and programming custom keyboard macros.

Remap a Key

Remap a Key

Guide on reassigning keys to different functions or locations using onboard programming.

Keypad Layer and Num Lock

Keypad Layer (Embedded Layer)

Explanation of the virtual keyboard layer for remapping, macros, and numeric keypad access.

Advanced SmartSet Programming Features

Global Macro Playback Speed

Instructions on how to globally adjust the playback speed for all recorded macros.

Advanced Programming Operations

Hard Reset

Instructions for performing a hard reset to restore keyboard to factory default settings.

Power User Mode (PUM)

How to activate Power User Mode to access advanced programming features not labeled on keys.

Open Kinesis KB V-Drive

Accessing the virtual flash drive for layout file management, editing, and firmware updates.

Creating Custom Layouts

Create Hotkey Layout

Steps to create custom hotkey layouts for quick access to specific keyboard configurations.

Managing Layouts and Firmware

Access Existing Hotkey Layout

Firmware Update

Comprehensive guide and recommendations for updating the keyboard's firmware.

Direct Programming Guide

Layouts and Configuration Files

Accessing Layout Configuration Files

Programming or Editing a Remap

Detailed instructions on how to program or edit key remaps directly within configuration files.

Macro Programming via Direct Editing

Programming a Macro

How to program macros by directly editing configuration files, including syntax and examples.

Advanced Macro Features

Advanced Macro Features Overview

Macro Playback Speed

Troubleshooting, Technical Support & Repairs

Contacting Kinesis Technical Support

Information on how to contact Kinesis for technical assistance, including hours and contact details.

Return Merchandise Authorizations (RMAs)

Repairs Policy

Warranty Information

Kinesis Limited Warranty