What's in the Box
Advantage360 keyboard
USB A-C Main Cable
USB C-C Link Cable
Bridge Connector
Keycap Puller
16 Extra Keycaps including
(4) Mac
Connecting your Advantage360
Your Advantage360 keyboard is 100% plug-and-play
Simply connect the USB cable to any available full-size port on your Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chrome PC. Your computer will automatically recognize and “install” the keyboard in a matter of seconds. There are no special drivers or software to install.
*For best results, we recommend connecting the keyboard directly to your PC rather than through a hub, dock, IP telephony devices or KVM switch.
Connecting your keyboard for the first time
1) Connect the two key modules using the Link Cable. The Link cable must be connected to the left module’s right port and the right module’s left port.
2) Then connect the right module to the PC using the Main Cable.
SmartSet Key 
Get to know the SmartSet key with the legended gear icon located in the upper left corner of the right keyboard module. This powerful key is used in combination with other keys to unlock a variety of programming commands. See the User’s Manual for a full list of onboard shortcuts.
Advantage360 Bridge Connector
If you aren’t ready for full separation snap the included Bridge Connector into the base to recreate the separation of the one-piece contoured keyboard. Note: The Bridge Connector is NOT designed to bear the weight of the keyboard, rather it’s a simple spacer for desktop use. Therefore, do not pick the keyboard up by one module with the Bridge attached.
Installing Optional Accessories
Palm Pads
Purchase the optional palm pads for added support and enhanced comfort. The thick cushioned foam pad instantly and properly positions itself with the magnetic attachment.
Foot Pedal
Connect an optional Advantage360 foot pedal to boost productivity and eliminate repetitive key strokes. Connect the USB-C cable to the left module’s available USB-C port and configure it for any key action or macro.
Get to know your Advantage360 SmartSet
Intuitive design makes adaptation easy
The Advantage360 may look very different than other keyboards, but you’ll find that making the transition is quite easy. Thanks to its adjustable separation, contoured keywells, unique thumb clusters, and 3-way integrated tenting, the Advantage360 keeps your hands in the optimal typing position.
If you are already a touch typist, adapting to the Advantage360 does not require “re-learning” to type. Simply position your fingers on the sculpted home row and relax your right thumb over Space and your left thumb over Backspace. Raise your palms slightly above the palm rests while typing.
Studies show that most new users are productive (i.e., 80% of full speed) within the first few hours. Full speed is typically achieved gradually within 3-5 days but can take up to 1-2 weeks with some users for a few keys. We recommend not switching back to a traditional keyboard during this initial transition period as that can slow your adaptation.
Not a cure for pre-existing injuries
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. The unique contoured shape of the Advantage360 is intended to reduce the physical stress that all keyboard users experience, but ergonomic keyboards are not medical treatments, and no keyboard can be guaranteed to cure symptoms or prevent injuries.
Your physical trauma has built up over months or years, and it may take weeks before you notice a difference. It is normal to feel some new fatigue or discomfort as you adapt to your Kinesis keyboard.
Always consult your health care professional if you notice discomfort or other physical problems when you use your computer. If any information provided by Kinesis contradicts the advice you have received from a health care professional, please follow your health care professional’s instructions.
Getting started with tenting & separation
For best results, start at the lowest tenting height and work your way up until you find the sweet spot for. The same goes with separation, start with the 2 modules close together and gradually separate them until you’re wrists are straight.
Adjusting Tenting and Separation
Learn More About Reducing Ulnar Deviation & Pronation
You're Ready to Type!
Layout
Familiarize yourself with the basic layout of the Advantage360. You’ll notice that the editing keys have been move to the left and right thumb clusters. This redistributes workload mover evenly among all your fingers and eliminates extending to these standard key locations. The alphanumeric keys are exactly where you would expect to find them.
The Advantage360 features an ortholinear key configuration (as opposed to staggered), meaning that all the keys arranged into vertical columns. This arrangement may feel unfamiliar at first, but it mirrors your natural finger motion for maximum ergonomics.
Three Default Layers
Each key can perform multiple actions depending on which “layer”is active on the keyboard. The layer LEDs will illuminate when you move away from the base layer. By default, most keys perform the same action in all three layers. If a key performs multiple actions, the keycap will feature a second and/or third legend on its front face.
1) Base Layer: In the base layer, each key performs its primary action, which is legended on the top of the keycap.
2) kp Layer: Tap the “kp” key on the left module to access the kp (keypad) layer, and tap it again to return to the base layer. Kp layer actions are legended on the lower right corner of the keycap.
3) fn Layer: Press and hold either of the “fn” keys with your pinky to temporarily access the fn layer, and release to return to the base layer. Fn layer actions are legended on the lower left corner of the of the keycap. *Note: Num Lock must be enabled on PC’s to get 10-key actions.
For number crunchers we recommend purchasing a single action foot pedal to activate the Keypad Layer.
Adaptation
Kinesis recommends starting with the Advantage360 during a period when you are not under a lot of work related stress. Trying to learn a new keyboard layout can be frustrating, and if you are under a deadline that can make matters worse. However, most people find it’s quite intuitive and not as daunting of a task as they initially thought.
Do not overtax yourself early on, and if necessary try using an online typing tutorial program for some low-pressure practice.
Customizing your Layout
Remapping
The Advantage360 lets you customize the key layout in each of the 9 programmable Profiles by moving (aka “remapping”) key actions from one location to another.
To remap a key:
1) Hold the SmartSet key and tap Hotkey 1″ to enter remap mode. The LED’s will flash rapidly.
2) Tap the source key action on the keyboard (the action you want to duplicate). The LED’s will flash slowly.
3) Now tap the destination key (the physical key you want to perform the previously selected action).
Note: When recording a macro any remapping you have done will be active, but you cannot “daisy chain” or embed one macro within another.
Macros
A macro is any string of characters or key actions that are trigged by a single key press or in combination with one or more modifier keys (e.g. Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Windows/Command.)
To program a macro, open the application in which the macro will play correctly, then follow the steps below.
1) Hold SmartSet and tap Hotkey 2 to enter “Macro Mode.” The LEDs will flash rapidly.
2) Tap the “macro trigger” key or key combination. If you use a combination, hold the modifier(s) first, then press the trigger key, then release all keys. The LEDs will now flash slowly.
3) Type your macro contents.
4. When you are finished recording your macro, tap SmartSet to exit Program Macro Mode.
Use the SmartSet App for more advanced programming
SmartSet App 
The SmartSet App offers a GUI alternative to onboard programming of your Advantage360 keyboard. Download the desired version of the App SmartSet App, launch the App directly from your computer, and follow the prompts to open the keyboard’s v-Drive.
Videos
FAQs
How do I get a non-US Layout on the 360?
At this time the Advantage360 is only being sold in a US-QWERTY configuration. For our international customers it should be a relatively simple matter to re-program certain keys on either the SmartSet or Pro model to obtain a QWERTZ or AZERTY etc layout with some experimentation on the user’s part.
If you want to install matching keycaps we recommend contacting Kinesis or your local reseller about the Advantage2 International Keycap sets shown below (MSRP: $39 USD). These keycaps sets can be paired with the 8 new keycaps on the 360 to complete a full, mostly-matching set.
French (Part Number: KC023FR-blk)
German (Part Number: KC023DE-blk)
Scandinavian (Part Number: KC023SE-blk)
UK (Part Number: KC023UK-blk)
How long does it take to adapt to the Advantage360?
Adaptation is faster than you might think
You will need a little time to adjust to the shape of the Advantage360 keyboard. Laboratory studies and many years of experience show that most touch typists are productive (approximately 80% of full typing speed) within the first few hours. Full typing speed (or greater) is typically achieved gradually over 3-5 days. Full adaptation to editing and navigation keys may take 1-2 weeks.
After that, most users will see a jump in their average typing speed due to greater comfort and the optimized key layout of the keyboard. And remember, every key on the Advantage2 is programmable so feel free to move keys around to suit your workflow.
Don’t be discouraged if you find that it is taking you longer to adapt than you think it should. We encourage new users to consult the merchant’s return policy before purchasing and use the keyboard for the maximum allowable time before making a final decision (The Kinesis Store offers a 60-Day money back guarantee).
For those people that use the keyboard for a full 30 days, we find that there is a very low rejection rate. The Kinesis contoured design has been beloved by typists and programmers for over 25 years and once you make the switch, you’ll never want to type on another keyboard again.
How many layers does the 360 have?
You guys asked for more layers, so that’s what you get
Both 360 models have 3 default layers easily accessible from the factory:
- The Top layer which has all your alphanumerics and other commonly used keys,
- The Keypad layer for your 10-key. Tap the “KP” to toggle in and out of the Keypad layer.
- The new Fn layer which has your 12 function keys. Hold either of the new “Fn” keys to shift in and out of the Fn layer.
Both keyboards support moving the layer-access keys and changing their behavior (shift or toggle) to make navigating layers a breeze!
Need more layers?
SmartSet Model: And there are two additional layers (Fn2 and Fn3) that are fully programmable and can be accessed however you want.
Missing an action? Not to worry, you can insert just about any keyboard action on any key using the Smartset App (Windows/Mac).
Will I still be able to use a "normal" keyboard?
Yes… but you won’t want to!
Because the muscle-memory you develop for the Advantage360 keyboard is so unique, most users have no problem using conventional keyboards when forced to do so. It’s not uncommon for Advantage360 users to purchase a keyboard for each of their workstations and even pack it for travel so that they are always able to enjoy the comfort of the contoured shape.
Do I have to use the Bridge Connector?
Nope!
We designed the Advantage 360 specifically to be used as a fully separable keyboard for maximum ergonomic benefits. We expect most people will enjoy adjusting the separation of the modules to suit their exact preferences, but the included bridge connector can be used to recreate the classic separation found on earlier one piece models.
What happened to Mac, PC and Dvorak mode?
They are gone, but…
SmartSet Model: To simplify things for the vast majority of users we eliminated Thumb Key Modes and Dvorak Mode. On the base model keyboard with the SmartSet Engine, you have 9 fully-programmable Profiles and you can individually remap the thumb keys to whichever modifiers you like (Extra Mac keycaps are still included) or you can use the SmartSet App to choose from Mac and Linux “Quick Thumb Keys”.
Dvorak (and Colemak, and Workman) users will want to use the Alternate Layouts option in the SmartSet App to quickly reconfigure any of the 5 layers for non-QWERTY. Further customization can be made from there.
Is the Advantage360 hot-swappable?
Unfortunately, no.
We tried to make this happen but the switch sockets just aren’t reliable enough when mounted to the curved keywell circuit boards. Sockets were meant to mount to flat keyboards so it would have caused too many reliability issues. But that’s why we partnered with Upgrade Keyboards so you can eventually get a 360 Signature Series built with exactly the switches YOU want.
Order a custom Advantage360[\button]
How do I access the 10-Key?
To keep the footprint of the Advantage360 as small as possible, we have relocated the standard numeric 10-key into the embedded “Kp” layer. To access these actions simply tap the “Kp” key o toggle to the keypad layer. *Note: Num-lock must be enabled on your PC.
For users that extensively use a 10-key we recommend purchasing a Advantage360 single action foot pedal to toggle between the keypad and alphanumeric layer. You’ll find it much more efficient because it eliminates having to reach for the Keypad key.
Love it?
Write a review on Amazon so others can learn first hand about your experience with the keyboard.
Need Help?
Submit a trouble ticket and one of our trained US technicians would be happy to assist you.
