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Brief User’s Guide
Kinesis
USB Contoured Keyboard
(Mac/PC Switchable)
*KB500USB, KB500USB/QD, KB510USB
This document is designed to be a quick overview and reference guide for your new Advantage keyboard. The full User’s
Manual is available to download at http://www.kinesis.com/
support/manuals.htm.
Connecting to your computer
The Kinesis Advantage keyboard requires an available USB
port. For Macintosh systems, the operating system must be OS
8.6 or more recent. For Windows PCs, the operating system
must be Windows 98 or newer. No special driver is required;
just use the standard driver provided by the operating system.
The first time you connect your keyboard to a Windows PC,
the system will identify the keyboard as a new USB device and
should install generic “HID” drivers provided by the operating
system. It is advisable not to connect a USB device to the back
of the keyboard until the keyboard itself is installed and operating correctly.
Using integrated palm rests and palm pads
The palm rests are designed to provide comfortable support for
your hands while not actively typing, though many users rest
their palms some of the time while typing in order to relieve
strain on the neck and shoulders. For maximum speed, try
holding your palms slightly above the palm rest area while
typing. Do not expect to reach all of the keys on the keyboard
without moving your hands from a stationary position on the
palm rests. For maximum comfort, install the self-adhesive
palm pads provided with your new keyboard. Replacement
palm pads are available from your dealer or direct from Kinesis.
Familiar key layout (QWERTY standard, Dvorak duallegended available)
Kinesis Contoured keyboards retain the familiar QWERTY
key layout. Several changes in the location of non-letter keys
reduce the work required of your little fingers and increase the
workload for your stronger thumbs. Optional foot switches can
further reduce the work demanded of your hands and fingers.
Alphanumeric keys on the Advantage keyboard
The alphanumeric key layout is split into two separate sections
on the keyboard. However, the finger you use to press each
key is the same one that you would use on a traditional keyboard. The middle row of keys is the home row. To help you
to locate the home row, these keys are a different color and are
differently sculpted. It is also important to be able to find the
home row by touch from anywhere on the keyboard. To assist
with this, Kinesis has designed the tops of the home row keys
(i.e., the keycaps) with a cupped shape to fit your fingertips.
® Advantage™
Keys which differ for PC and Macintosh
Windows keyboards and Macintosh keyboards have differ-
PC/
ent legends for certain keys that perform the same action. As
the contoured keyboard is both a PC and Mac keyboard, we’ve
provided a list below to clarify the slight differences you may
notice.
PC Backspace is the Mac “Forward Delete ”
PC Enter is the Mac Return
PC Ctrl is the Mac Control
PC Alt is the Mac Alt/Option
PC Windows key is the Mac Command key
Configuring your keyboard for PC or Mac with the
“instant configuration” feature
The Advantage USB MPC keyboard has three pre-configured
layouts, each optimized for different operating systems (see
following page): Windows, PC (non-windows), and Macintosh.
The keyboard is shipped in the Windows configuration.
To change to PC configuration (no Windows key), hold the =
key (above Tab) and tap the letter p. To change to Macintosh
configuration, hold the = key and tap the letter m. To change
back to the Windows configuration, hold = and tap the letter w.
See the three images below showing the thumb keys for the
different configurations.
Two extra keycaps and a keycap removal tool are provided
with your new keyboard if you decide to change from the Win-
dows configuration. For replacing selected keycaps, refer to
the diagrams on the following page.
*Three models are available.
KB500USB: standard model, QWERTY legends, available in
white or black.
KB500USB/QD: The Dvorak layout is a driverless on-board
feature of all Advantage keyboards. However, this model
has QWERTY/Dvorak dual legends on the keys (black only).
KB510USB: Advantage Pro has QWERTY legends, black
with metallic top finish, extra and lockable memory, and includes a foot pedal (see page 3 for memory locking details).
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Key actions in Windows mode, default (= w).
Key actions in PC (no windows key) mode (=p).
Key actions in Macintosh mode (=m) Mac actions not legended except and Alt Option.
Embedded numeric keypad
The Advantage keyboard has a second
layer of key actions referred to as the
Embedded keypad,
num lock on.
“embedded layer.” The embedded layer
includes a complete numeric keypad on
the right side of the keyboard. The Kinesis
keypad uses the Space key for 0 and includes an = key.
To turn on the embedded layer, tap the
Keypad function key, and tap again to turn
it off. This may also be accomplished with
an optional foot switch, which is held
down to activate the embedded layer and
Embedded keypad,
num lock off.
released to return to normal key actions.
Num Lock must be on (see “Using Num
Lock” below) to create numbers with the
embedded keypad. With Num Lock off,
these keys perform cursor movement actions (see the figure to the right).
Changing Num Lock state
To change the state of “Num Lock,” press
the Keypad function key, then press the Nm Lk key (legended
on the front face of the “7&” key in the top number row).
Mac-specific key actions
In Maci
ntosh Configuration mode, two keys perform Mac-
specific actions. The Scroll Lock key (in the upper right function key group) becomes the Macintosh power key. Press this
to begin the shut down process. Also the embedded keypad =
(on the front of the 8* key in the number row) performs the
Mac specific keypad= action which is not recognized in Windows. When in Windows or PC mode, the embedded keypad =
is the same as the =+ key in the number row.
LED Indicators
There are four green lights (LEDs) near the center of the Kinesis keyboard. The far left LED (“A”) is Caps Lock, followed
by Num Lock (“1”), Scroll Lock (↓) and 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
Lock, and Insert. When the keyboard is used with a PC, tones
sound twice when the keys above are turned on and once when
the key is turned off. To turn off these tones, hold down
Progrm and press the hyphen/dash (-) key to . If you wish to
turn on the tones again, repeat the process.
Turning on and off the key click feature (Progrm + \)
By default, the keyboard includes an audible click for all keys.
To turn off the key click, hold down Progrm and press the
Backslash key (“\”) located just below the hyphen key). If you
wish to turn on the key click again, repeat the process.
Remapping
Remapping is a feature allowing you to move, swap, copy, or
even inactivate single key actions. (Please note, the keycaps
are not designed to be moved). Your Advantage keyboard has
the unique ability to do this without drivers.
The Remapping process (Progrm + F12)
To remap a key action, hold down the Progrm key and tap F12
(also labeled Remap), then release both keys. The keyboard’s
lights will begin flashing rapidly. Tap the key whose action
you want to copy somewhere else. (The lights will begin flashing slowly). Now tap the key where you want the new action
to appear. (The lights will again flash rapidly). To remap more
than one key, repeat this process. You do not need to exit from
remapping mode between keys. When you are done making
changes, exit remapping by holding the Progrm key and tapping F12. The lights should immediately stop flashing. You
must exit from remapping for your keyboard to perform the
changes you’ve made.
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Default layout always available when remapping
When you are in remapping mode, the factory configured key
layout is always active. No key can be “lost” by remapping.
Remapping from or to the embedded layer
To remap an embedded key action to a convenient top level
location, turn on the embedded layer before entering remapping mode. After tapping the key whose embedded action you
want to copy elsewhere, tap the Keypad key to switch back to
the top layer, then tap the key where you want the new action.
Macros
Macros allow you to automate frequently-used phrases or key
combinations. Macros are shortcuts and time savers which
reduce keystrokes needed for awkward, complex, or repetitive
tasks. Essentially anything you would normally type with your
keyboard can be stored as a macro. Your Advantage keyboard
has the unique ability to do this without drivers. Up to 24 macros are normally allowed with up to ~55 characters in each (up
to ~120 characters with the Advantage Pro model). Refer to
the full manual (see back page) for additional details.
Macro modifier keys and macro trigger keys
When programming a macro, you must first designate the key
or keys (the “trigger”) which will play back the macro. A trigger can be any letter, number, or navigation key (but not a
modifier such as Shift, Ctrl, or Alt). Such a key may also be
combined with one or more modifier keys. For example a
macro can be triggered by Capslock, and a different macro can
be triggered by Shift-Capslock, or by Ctrl-Shift-Capslock.
The keyboard will not allow you to use a modifier by itself to
trigger a Macro unless it is first remapped to be a non-modifier
key (see above). Macros which include a modifier key in the
trigger can be activated with either the right or left modifier.
Creating a macro (Progrm + F11)
To create a macro, hold down the Progrm key and tap F11
(also labeled Macro), then release both keys. The keyboard’s
lights will begin flashing rapidly. Tap the key or combination
of keys that will playback the macro (the lights will begin
flashing slowly). Now type the key or keys you wish to include
in your macro. When you have finished, exit by holding the
Progrm key and tapping F11. The lights should immediately
stop flashing. If not, you may have added F11 to the end of
your macro and will need to repeat this process.
Switching between QWERTY and Dvorak
To activate the “on-board” Dvorak layout, press and hold
Progrm + Shift + F5. Repeat this sequence to return to the
default QWERTY layout. Please note, activating the Dvorak
layout will erase any other remapping that you may have done,
but macros are not erased. If you want to customize the keyboard and switch back and forth between QWERTY and
Dvorak, use macros to make your special changes. Also, macros will play correctly even if recorded in QWERTY and
played when the keyboard has been switched to Dvorak.
Resetting keyboard memory
If the keyboard behaves strangely or you wish to re-create the
factory settings, the first thing to try is a memory reset. If you
have the Advantage Pro model,
be sure the memory locking
switch is to the right
(unlocked). See adjacent image
for the Memory Locking
switch location. The switch
position can be changed using
the edge of a business card or a
small, folded piece of regularthickness paper.
Note “Instant Configuration” settings are not affected by resetting the keyboards memory.
Two different memory reset procedures are available:
Memory reset, Option One (Progrm + Shift + F10)
This procedure will erase all remapping and macros. It will not
ERTY or vice versa. Press and hold
switch Dvorak back to Q
W
the Progrm key, then add one of the Shift keys, and finally add
the F10 function key so that all three keys are depressed. The
lights on the keyboard should begin flashing. Release the keys.
When the flashing stops, the keyboard’s memory has been
reset. (This may take a few seconds to complete).
Memory reset, Option Two (F7)
This procedure is more aggressive than Option One and will
completely reset the memory back to factory settings (24 macros, QWERTY layout). Hold down the F7 key before turning
on the power to your computer. Start your computer and after a
few seconds, release F7. A successful reset is indicated if the
keyboard’s lights flash several times after releasing F7.
TROUBLESHOOTING- visit our web site for additional tips
http://www.kinesis.com/tech_support/trouble.htm.
Contacting Kinesis Technical Support
Contact Kinesis technical support only after you have read the
entire User’s Manual and still have problems or unanswered
questions. You may contact Kinesis Technical Support by Email (tech@kinesis.com), fax (425-402-8181), or phone (800454-6374 US only or 425-402-8100). Technical support hours
are 8:30am to 4:30pm Pacific Time except weekends and holidays.
When you contact Kinesis, be prepared to document your purchase date, as well as your product model number and serial
number. Also know the brand and model of your computer and
your computer’s operating system.
Getting an RMA number prior to product repair. For any
repair, whether or not it is covered by your warranty, you must
contact Kinesis to explain the problem, provide certain information, and get an RMA number to write on your package.
Packages sent to Kinesis without first obtaining an RMA number may be refused. Product will not be repaired without information and instructions from the owner.
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Packaging and Shipping
If you need to ship the product back to Kinesis, use its original
or other packaging that protects it against impact and shock.
Be sure to contact Kinesis for an RMA number and Kinesis’
shipping address. You should insure the package since Kinesis
is not responsible for items until they are received by the Kinesis repair center.
SAFETY & HEALTH TIPS
New Users: Establish realistic expectations!
If you currently have an injury to your hands or arms, or have
had such an injury in the past, it is important that you have
realistic expectations of your keyboard. You should not expect
an immediate improvement in your physical condition simply
because you are using a new keyboard. Your physical trauma
has built up over months or years, and it may take a number of
weeks before you notice a difference. At first, you may feel
some new fatigue or discomfort as you adapt to your Kinesis
keyboard.
Keyboard is not a medical treatment!
The Kinesis contoured keyboard is not a medical treatment or
a substitute for appropriate medical treatment. If any information in this guide seems to contradict the advice you have received from a health care professional, please follow your
health care professional’s instructions.
Full User’s Manual
View or download the full Advantage Keyboard User’s manual by visiting http://www.kinesis.com/support/manuals.htm.
Legal notice: Kinesis is a registered trademark and Contoured, Advantage, MPC, MPC/QD are trademarks of Kinesis Corporation. Windows
is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Kinesis Keyboard Limited Warranty
For complete warranty information visit http://
www.kinesis.com/support/keyboard warranty.pdf.
Kinesis Corporation (“Kinesis”) warrants to the original retail
purchaser that this Kinesis keyboard (“Product”) is free from
defects in materials and workmanship and will perform substantially in accordance with the Product documentation for
two years from the date of purchase. This Warranty does not
apply to any software or diskettes 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.
Purchaser’s Exclusive Remedies During the first TWO (2)
years after the date of original purchase, the exclusive remedy
for a defect in this Kinesis Product shall be, at Kinesis Corporation’s option, either repair or replacement of the product. If
you suspect the Product is not working properly or if you have
questions about the performance of the Product, contact Kinesis technical support. If you wish to return the Product to Kinesis for any reason, you must obtain from Kinesis an RMA
number and instructions for returning the product. You are
responsible for the cost of shipping the product to Kinesis.
Within the United States and Canada, Kinesis will ship products repaired or replaced under warranty to you by ground at
no charge. Repair parts and replacement Product will be either
reconditioned or new.
Disclaimer of Other Warranties The warranty and remedies
set forth above are exclusive and in lieu of all others, whether
oral or written, express or implied. Kinesis specifically disclaims any and all implied warranties, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose. No Kinesis dealer, agent, or employee is authorized
to make any modification, extension, or addition to this warranty. Kinesis does not warrant that the product will meet your
requirements, or that operation of the product will be uninterrupted or error-free, or that all errors will be corrected.
Limitation of liability Kinesis is not responsible for special,
incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any breach
of warranty, or under other legal theory, including but not limited to lost profits, downtime, goodwill, damage to or replacement of equipment and/or property nor any costs of recovering, reprogramming, or reproducing any program or data
stored in or used with Kinesis products.
Version November 17, 2011
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