Kinesis Keyboard Review
Kinesis Advantage2
The Kinesis Advantage2 keyboard came out in .
What's the difference between Kinesis Advantage and Advantage2?
Advantage2 is newer model, released in .
- Advantage2 has mechanical keys for the function buttons at top row. They use Cherry ML switches, with plastic key caps.
- Advantage2 has a new engine SmartSet for programing the keys.
- Advantage2 has 2 megabytes of memory. Original Advantage has 4k.
- Advantage2, key macros and layouts are stored as text files in the embeded flash drive. You can open and edit and load the text file, or share it with friends. No special driver software needed.
The shape ＆ size of keyboard is exactly the same.
On-The-Fly Key Remap and Macro
How to Remap Keys
Suppose you want to make Caps Lock do Ctrl.
- ① Hold progm then press F12. Release both.
- ② Press Ctrl, release, press Caps Lock, release.
- ③ Press progm again to stop.
- That's it. Now, pressing Caps Lock will send Ctrl signal.
Do this to remap any key.
When you remap a key, key are based on their default meanings. So, you won't get into a confusing situation of recursive remaps. To make a key back to default, you can simply start remap and press the key twice.
How to Record Key Macro
Suppose you want to make F2 do Ctrl+c (copy).
- ① Hold progm then press F11. Release both.
- ② Press F2, release.
- ③ Press Ctrl+c.
- ④ Press progm again to stop.
That's it. Now, pressing F2 will do Copy.
The triggering key can be a key chord. For example, you can make Ctrl+n do →, so that when holding control, right hand keys can become arrow keys.
Typing on Kinesis
Total Key Count
Kinesis Advantage total key count: 68 (not counting the function buttons on top.)
(Each side has: 6 columns * 5 rows + 4 = 34. Plus 9 function keys on each side.)
There are 18 special keys at top.
Size Comparison
More, see: Ergonomic Keyboards Size Comparison
Design Advantages
There are several quality designs that went into this keyboard. I explain each item below.
Thumb for Modifier Keys
Control key is now pressed by the most powerful finger the thumb.
The ⌫ Backspace key is one of the most frequently used key, now it's under your thumb too.
Key Columns Not Staggered
Palm Higher Than Finger Tips
Mechanical Key Switch
- Model LF (linear feel) uses Cherry MX Red for the main keys.
- Other models uses Cherry MX Brown, which has light tactile feedback.
Mechanical switch is easier on the fingers and lasts some hundreds times longer than common rubber dome switches used in normal keyboards. 〔➤see Guide to Computer Keyboard Key Switch Mechanisms〕
Mac, Linux Support?
I use it on Linux. It's plug-and-play. No need to install any driver software.
Works fine in Microsoft Windows, Mac, Linux.
How long does it take to get used to?
I thought it might take me sometime to adjust to the bowl-shaped surface, but to my surprise, i typed on it like a pro the first day. I've been typing on a vertically aligned keyboard for past 3 years, but never on bowl-shaped surface before.
If you never used a grid-layout keyboard, I think it'll take about 2 weeks to become fluent.
Any Cons?
2 things:
- tiny functional keys. (even though they ARE mechanical keys)
- not designed for small hands.
Tiny Function Keys
On the original Advantage model, the function keys F1 to F12 are tiny rubber buttons.
This is fixed in the Advantage2 model. The Advantage2 model uses Cherry ML mechanical switches, with plastic keycaps.
However, I'd still prefer full-sized keys, because full-sized keys is easier to use.
Some people don't use the function keys, but i use them heavily. 〔➤see What's the Use of Function Keys F1 F2…?〕
On the Truly Ergonomic Keyboard, i have function keys set up to do copy, cut, paste, undo, and switch to browser, switch to terminal, max window, etc. But now on Kinesis, i find that i don't use them anymore. Because now it's harder to hit the small function keys. You either have to look at the keyboard, or gingerly grope for the correct key.
Not Designed for Small Hands
I'm Chinese. My hands are smaller compared to average white people or black people's hands.
Most thumb keys require stretching my thumb to reach. The two closest thumb keys, the ⌫ Backspace and Space do not need stretching to reach.
So, this means, instead of thinking of the thumb keys as you rest thumb on and touch type with thumb easily or hold as modifier constantly, you should think of the thumb keys as peck keys as in hunt'n'peck.
For example, I move my whole hand to press Alt key, and move hand slightly to press Ctrl key. Moving hand is healthier than stretch.
Photo Gallery
Kinesis Keyboard Unboxing Gallery
Layout
see also Kinesis Keyboard Optimal Thumb Cluster Layout
Using vim, Emacs?
Kinesis is perfect for vim or emacs.
For vi, i recommend you to set one of the thumb key to do Esc.
For emacs, i recommend you to move the Ctrl and Alt on the left side to the larger keys.
For emacs, i highly recommend one of the following:
- ergoemacs-mode, efficient, key choice based on statistics. Hold Alt and right hand keys become navigation. Also support standard Ctrl key shortcuts for open close copy paste etc. http://ergoemacs.github.io/
- evil mode (like vim keys) https://bitbucket.org/lyro/evil/wiki/Home or use http://spacemacs.org/
- Most efficient, modal. Emacs: Xah Fly Keys
Truly Ergonomic vs Kinesis
Before this, my main keyboard is the Truly Ergonomic Keyboard for 3 years.
I must say both are truly excellent keyboards. I recommend both to anyone, anytime.
If you have any hand discomfort, then Kinesis is probably better choice for you.
Truly Ergonomic Keyboard doesn't have “tenting”. Tenting means, middle of the keyboard higher than the sides. If you put your hands on the desk, palm down, for 5 hours a day, you'll get pronation problem. That's what happened to me. See: Is Keyboard Tenting Important?
full detail: Kinesis Advantage vs Truly Ergonomic Keyboard ⌨
Where to Buy
Here's specific models:
- Kinesis Advantage2 amazon
- Kinesis Advantage2 Linear Feel amazon
- Kinesis Advantage2 Dual Labeling Qwerty/Dvorak amazon
- Kinesis Advantage2 Silver amazon