Kinesis KB510USB User Manual
Kinesis® Advantage MPC™
USB Contoured™ Ergonomic Keyboards
(Mac/PC switchable)
USER’S MANUAL
USER’S MANUAL
Kinesis
USB Contoured
® Advantage™ MPC
™ Ergonomic Keyboards
Mac/PC Switchable Models
KEYBOARD MODELS COVERED:
KB500USB, Advantage MPC USB keyboard (black)
KB500USB/QD, Advantage MPC/QD USB keyboard (black)
KB510USB, Advantage Pro MPC USB keyboard (black, metallic finish on top)
February 2011 Edition
© 2002-2011 Kinesis Corporation, Bothell, Washington USA. All rights reserved. Printed in
the U.S.A. on recycled paper. Please recycle!
Kinesis, Contoured, Advantage, MPC, MPC/QD, and HumanKind are trademarks of Kinesis
Corporation. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Manufactured under one or
more of the following US and international patents (other patents pending worldwide):
5,610,602, 5,673,040, 5,689,253, 6,005,496, JP3215419, EP0579,699B1, and NI065504.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for
any commercial purpose, without the express written permission of Kinesis Corporation.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
# Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
# Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
# Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
# Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Warning
To assure continued FCC compliance, the user must use only shielded interfacing cables
when connecting to computer or peripheral. Also, any unauthorized changes or
modifications to this equipment would void the user’s authority to operate.
INDUSTRY CANADA COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interface-causing
Equipment Regulations.
Cet Appareil numerique de la classe B respecte toutes les exiginces du Reglement sur le
material broilleur du Canada.
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Health and Safety Warning ......................................................... 6
Read-me-first ............................................................................... 7
Chapter One: Quick Tour ............................................................ 9
Chapter Two: Installation ...........................................................17
Chapter Three: Adaptation Guidelines ...................................... 21
Chapter Four: If You Are Injured .............................................. 23
Chapter Five: Customizing Your Keyboard .............................. 25
Chapter Six: Trouble shooting, Technical Support, Repairs,
Accessories, and Upgrades ......................................................... 31
Chapter Seven: Caring for Your Keyboard ................................ 35
Warranty ..................................................................................... 36
APPENDIX
A. Ergonomic Guidelines for Computer Workstations ............. 37
B. Kinesis On-board Dvorak Key Layout ................................ 39
C. PC International Key Actions .............................................. 39
D. Mac International Key Actions ............................................ 40
E. Special Instant Configuration Settings ................................. 40
Index ........................................................................................... 42
HEALTH AND SAFETY WARNING
Continuous use of any keyboard may cause aches and pains or more serious cumulative
trauma disorders such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
# Observe sensible guidelines when using any keyboard to help minimize
the possibility of injury.
# Follow established guidelines for computer and workstation setup. See
Appendix, “Ergonomic Guidelines for Computer Workstations.”
# Maintain a relaxed keying posture and use a light touch to press the
keys.
# Exercise good judgment in placing reasonable limits on your
keyboarding time every day.
# Ensure that you take reasonable rest breaks from keyboarding during
the course of the day.
# At the first sign of stress-related injury from keyboard use (aching,
numbness, or tingling of arms, wrists, or hands), consult your health
care professional.
Kinesis Corporation bases its product designs on research, proven features and user
evaluations. However, because of the complex set of factors believed to contribute to
computer-related injuries, the company can make no warranty that its products will prevent or
cure any physical ailment.
Your risk of injury may be affected by workstation and chair design, posture, time worked
without breaks, type of work, activities outside of the workplace, and individual physiology.
6
READ ME FIRST
Important information for those who don’t normally read manuals — and for
those who do!
Preserving your warranty right. You don't need to register your Kinesis product, but please
keep your purchase receipt to be sure you don't lose your warranty rights as an original owner.
We record the serial numbers of all keyboards shipped so if you are the purchaser of record,
you may need no documentation. However, to be safe you should also keep your receipt or a
scan of it.
If you normally don’t read manuals. Do not stop reading yet! This section will give you the
basic information you need to get started. However, you are strongly encouraged to read this
entire manual at least once. It provides suggestions for the adaptation period and explains the
unique features of the Kinesis keyboard, including the embedded numeric keypad, optional
foot switches, and customizing your keyboard. It also includes tips for the ergonomic setup of
your computer workspace.
If you have used an early version of the Kinesis Contoured keyboard. This keyboard has
significant differences in the location of some thumb-activated keys and in the commands used
to customize the keyboard compared to earlier models. Please see C
and CHAPTER FIVE: CUSTOMIZING YOUR KEYBOARD.
Plugging in your keyboard. The first time you plug in the keyboard (or any USB device
attached to the USB ports on the back of the keyboard), the system will look for and install
drivers. On recent Windows operating systems and on Macintosh systems, this process should
not require any action by the user. USB devices may be safely plugged in and unplugged
without turning off the power to your computer.
Configuring your keyboard for your computer. Your Advantage MPC USB contoured
keyboard is shipped pre-configured for a Windows-PC computer. See C
TOUR for tips on optimizing for a Mac on non-Windows PC.
Installing foot switches. If you have an optional Kinesis foot switch, plug the attached
coupler into the phone-style foot switch connector extending slightly from the back of the
HAPTER ONE: QUICK TOUR
HAPTER ONE: QUICK
keyboard. For more detailed information refer to C
note: foot switches used with earlier models of Kinesis contoured keyboards may not work
correctly with this keyboard.
HAPTER TWO: INSTALLATION. Compatibility
7
Adaptation schedule. Many new users of Kinesis contoured keyboards believe it will be
difficult to adapt. However, years of experience has shown us that most users find it easy and
rapid – just try to schedule your first experience with the Kinesis keyboard during a period
when you are not operating under a tight production deadline. See C
HAPTER THREE: ADAPTION
GUIDELINES.
Injured typists. If you are injured or have experienced significant discomfort while using a
traditional keyboard, pay special attention to C
HAPTER FOUR: IF YOU ARE INJURED. All users,
whether or not they are injured, can benefit from the information contained in this chapter.
Ergonomic guidelines. Use your Kinesis keyboard in conformance with ergonomic
guidelines. See Appendix for appropriate work surface heights and other ergonomic
recommendations to improve your workspace.
Using palm rests & 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 to relieve strain on the neck and shoulders. And for maximum comfort, be sure to
install the self-adhesive palm pads provided with your new keyboard.
Embedded numeric keypad. To access the embedded numeric keypad, toggle it on and off
with the Keypad key or press an optional foot switch. Compatibility note: If you plan to use
the = key in the embedded numeric keypad, it is important to configure the keyboard for the
computer type you will be using (Mac or PC)
. For details, see page 12 & 13.
Mouse click key actions. Most operating systems support one or more ways to perform
mouse clicks with a key or foot switch. For more details,
see page 30.
8
CHAPTER ONE: QUICK TOUR OF THE KINESIS
ADVANTAGE MPC USB CONTOURED KEYBOARD
Welcome to the HumanKind™ environment of the Kinesis® Contoured™ ergonomic
keyboard. In a liberating departure from the constraints of a traditional, flat keyboard, the
sculpted lines of the Kinesis Contoured keyboard fit the shape and movements of your body
— reducing the physical demands of keyboarding. While it may look very different from the
keyboard you have been using, you’ll find that making the transition is actually quite easy.
The first Kinesis Contoured ergonomic keyboard was developed after extensive research in
collaboration with experts from the fields of medicine, ergonomics, and engineering. Years of
commercial use (since 1992) have proven its benefits for both comfort and productivity. In
1996 Kinesis introduced the first Mac-PC switchable (MPC™) keyboard for ADB-style
Macintosh systems. This Advantage USB MPC Contoured keyboard represents a refined,
second generation design which provides the ultimate in high-performance computing to both
PC and Mac users.
USB Compatibility
The Kinesis Advantage MPC Contoured keyboard is designed for computers having 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.
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 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, be sure to
install the self-adhesive palm pads provided with your new keyboard.
9
Familiar key layout (QWERTY standard, Dvorak dual-legended available)
Kinesis Contoured keyboards retain the familiar QWERTY key layout (below). Several
changes in the location of non-letter keys reduce the work required of your overworked little
fingers and increase the workload for your stronger thumbs. Optional foot switches can further
reduce the work demanded of your hands and fingers. As the world becomes smaller, it is nice
to know that your new keyboard also has international capabilities: an “international key” is
located near the Left arrow key. This action of this key changes with different language
drivers. When Keypad is toggled on, this key becomes Insert (PC) or Help (Mac).
Advantage keyboard configured for Windows PC (factory default)
Traditional PC (Windows) International keyboard. Note the extra international key next to left Shift.
Reference drawings of traditional keyboard
Compare the Kinesis QWERTY layout (above) with the alphanumeric and editing portions of
traditional US Windows and Macintosh keyboards (above & opposite). The Windows
keyboard shown has the U.S. International layout with the standard extra “International key”
inserted next to the left Shift key. The Advantage MPC keyboard also has this international
key, located next to the Left Arrow key.
10
Alphanumeric Keypads of the Advantage Contoured keyboard
The alphanumeric key layout is split into two separate keypads. However, the finger you use
to press each alphanumeric 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 than the other keys. Because it is important to be able to find the home row by
touch from anywhere on the keyboard, the tops of the home row keys (i.e., the keycaps) are
more cupped to fit your fingertips, and the different heights and angles of all keys within the
keypads provide excellent tactile feedback for positioning your hands without looking.
Changing between Windows, PC, and Mac Configurations
All Advantage MPC Contoured keyboards provide an Instant configuration feature for
optimizing productivity in Windows, non-Windows PC, and Mac environments. The keys
which change actions when re-configuring the keyboard are located primarily in the thumbkey region. Figures later in this chapter show the specific keys which change with different
configurations. A label on the keyboard bottom provides minimal instructions for setting
“instant configuration” features. See C
HAPTER FIVE: CUSTOMIZING YOUR KEYBOARD for
details.
Macintosh configuration of Advantage keyboard (Use =m instant configuration setting)
Macintosh traditional keyboard
11
Keys which differ for PC and Macintosh
There are several keys with different legends or different actions when comparing a
PC/Windows keyboard with a Macintosh keyboard:
PC Backspace is Mac “Forward Del,”
PC Enter is Mac Return
PC Ctrl is Mac Control
PC Alt is Mac Alt/Option
PC Windows key, is Mac Command key,
Mac-specific actions
Scroll Lock
In Macintosh Instant Configuration mode, the little-used Scroll Lock key becomes the
Macintosh power key which will initiate the shut down sequence.
“Keypad =” key
Macintosh supports a unique “keypad =” ("keypad equals") key action. If the keyboard is in
Macintosh mode when used with a PC, the “keypad =” will not operate.
Changing keycaps for thumb-operated keys (optional)
Two extra keycaps and a keycap removal tool are provided with US version of the Advantage
MPC keyboard. These are useful if you change the configuration to one of the Windows/PC
settings.
Onboard Programmability
Advantage MPC keyboards also provide the powerful Kinesis productivity feature known as
“onboard programmability.” No drivers or software are required. For example, the keyboard
can be instantly changed between QWERTY and Dvorak. Virtually any key (168 top level and
embedded level key actions) can be copied, moved, or inactivated. In addition, up to 48
macros can be stored in the keyboards’ memory chip, triggered by a single key or key
combination. A label on the keyboard bottom provides minimal instructions for programming
the keyboard. For details, see C
HAPTER FIVE: CUSTOMIZING YOUR KEYBOARD.
On-board Dvorak layout (see Appendix B for layout)
To convert the keyboard to Dvorak or back to QWERTY using the on-board Dvorak feature,
three keys must be pressed at the same time. Hold down the Progrm key (far right function
key), then hold down one of the Shift keys. Finally, tap the F5 function key and release all
keys.
Thumb Keys
On a traditional keyboard, the control and editing keys such as Enter (Mac Return), and
Backspace (Mac Delete) are scattered around the edges of the alphanumeric keys. Reaching
for these keys wastes time and can overwork your little fingers, and causes stressful wrist and
12
hand motions. The Kinesis Contoured™ keyboard relocates these keys to two arrays of thumboperated keys.
Important note: Move your hands and forearms, if necessary, to reach keys on the thumb
keypads without stretching your thumbs or bending your wrists. If you prefer, you can activate
thumb keys with your index fingers.
Changing key actions with “instant configuration”
The Advantage USB MPC keyboard has three pre-configured layouts, each optimized for a
different platform: Windows, PC (non-windows), and Macintosh. The keyboard is shipped
with the configuration set for Windows.
Configurations consist of groups of individual settings which may also be toggled on and off
individually. To change to the Macintosh configuration, for example, hold the = key (above
Tab) and tap the letter m. To change back to the Windows configuration, hold = and tap w. See
HAPTER FIVE: CUSTOMIZING YOUR KEYBOARD and the APPENDIX for additional details.
C
Several extra keycaps and a keycap removal tool are provided with your new keyboard to
reflect the new top thumb key actions if you change the default configuration.
Key actions in Windows mode, default (= w)
Key actions in PC (non-windows) mode (= p)
Macintosh mode (= m)
Mac actions not legended except
13
Function Keys
The function keys comprise two elevated, tilted rows of soft, tactile keys which can be
activated with minimal hand and arm movement: Esc and F1 through F8 (on left) and F9
through Progrm (on right). Most of these keys perform their traditional actions unless
combined with the Progrm key.
Right-side function keys
Special actions for functions keys
Some right-side function keys perform special actions. F10, F11, and F12 have alternate
actions (Disable Macro, Macro, and Remap, respectively) when combined with the Progrm
function key. These special actions only operate if the Progrm key is first pressed and held.
Disable macro inactivates but does not permanently erase any macros stored in the keyboard.
Macro and Remap are used in combination with the Progrm key to program the keyboard. For
details, see C
HAPTER FIVE: CUSTOMIZING YOUR KEYBOARD.
F12 is Mac Eject, . On a Macintosh, the F12 key serves as the eject button if held for
several seconds. It opens the CDROM tray or ejects a loaded CDROM.
Scroll lock or Mac Power, . On a Macintosh, if the Macintosh configuration setting is
active, Scroll Lock performs the Macintosh “Power” function which initiates the shutdown
menu. This action may also activate “suspend” or “sleep” mode on some PC systems.
Keypad. The Keypad function key acts as a toggle key to activate the “embedded layer” of the
keyboard, including the embedded numeric keypad. Except for the embedded numeric keypad,
most embedded keys have the same actions as the top level keys, but can be reprogrammed.
Progrm. The Progrm key is only active when pressed first in combination with certain other
keys for programming the keyboard. For example, the combinations Progrm + Shift + F11
and Progrm + Shift + F12 are used to program macros or remap the keys. Programming is
covered in C
HAPTER FIVE: CUSTOMIZING YOUR KEYBOARD.
Embedded key actions
Windows key actions are “parked” in the embedded layer of the right function keys, even
when one of the non-Windows Instant Configuration settings is active.
Embedded actions of right-side function keys.
14
Loading...