Manuals
FAQs
How should I charge my keyboard?
Charging and Safety
For best results connect the keyboard modules directly to a USB-A port on your PC. Do not connect them to a wall-charger, power-brick, or monitor port. Those charging methods can damage the battery, void your warranty, and potentially render the keyboard unsafe.
Battery Life
Battery usage will vary from user-to-user and will depend greatly on your settings. To extend your battery life try dimming the backlighting using the command Mod + Down Arrow, or turn off the backlighting completely using the command Mod + Enter. The battery is only rated for a given number of charge cycles so we recommend charging the battery only when necessary to maximize its life span.
To check the current battery charge level, use the command Mod + Hotkey 4 and the indicator LEDs will display the status of each battery (Note: It is normal for the left side to need more frequent recharging)
- Green: More than 80%
- Yellow: 51-79%
- Orange: 21-50%
- Red: Less than 20% (Charge soon)
Note: Windows 11 battery level functionality is not currently supported.
Replacing the battery
We recommend replacing your battery every three years for maximum safety and performance. Please read section 8.5 of the User Manual above for detailed information on battery specs, safety, performance.
Battery end of life
All Lithium-Ion batteries like those used in the Advantage360 Pro eventually reach their end of life. The battery will stop holding a charge and it may even expand and press the keyboard case apart. If you notice that your battery is expanding, please stop using the keyboard, turn the power switch off and contact Kinesis immediately.
Where are all the newest ZMK features?
Since we started building the Pro 360 firmware the ZMK team has made some exciting new advances in the core firmware. We have released a new “2.0” version of firmware on GitHub that has the latest features from the Zephyr 3.0 update. For best-results, always build using v2.0 or newer.
To find version 2.0 click on “Branches”, then click the double-arrows to change your “Default branch” to 2.0
What kind of batteries does the keyboard use?
The Advantage360 Pro uses a custom, rechargeable lithium-ion 1500 mAh battery. Just connect each module to your PC using the included charging cables. A full charge should take 6-8 hours and when the keyboard is connected to a power source it will run off of USB power. The batteries are designed to last for 3+ years depending on how often they are charged. Like all batteries their max capacity will wear down over time. We plan to offer OEM replacement batteries for sale down the road.
How do I switch between Windows, Mac, and PC mode?
The Advantage360 Pro has done away with what were previously known as Thumb Key Modes as they made programming the keyboard inherently more complicated. You can still customize the thumb keys in each of the different layers to whichever modifiers suit your preferences.
How do I remap a key?
The Advantage360 Pro does not support onboard programming and is designed for power-users only. To customize the keyboard layout it is necessary to edit the keyboard configuration files on the GitHub platform or using the Keymap Editor GUI, and then flash the firmware. Please consult the User Manual for step-by-step directions.
If onboard programming is an important feature for you, please contact Kinesis to see about exchanging keyboards.
How do I create a macro?
The Advantage360 Pro does not support onboard programming and is designed for power-users only. To customize the keyboard layout it is necessary to edit the keyboard configuration files on the GitHub platform or using the Keymap Editor GUI, and then flash the firmware on each side of the keyboard. Please consult the User Manual for step-by-step directions.
If onboard programming is an important feature for you, please contact Kinesis to see about exchanging keyboards.
How do I update my keyboard after making changes on GitHub?
Each time you update your keymap with new remaps or macros or use the GUI , you will need to download a new set of left and right firmware files from GitHub and flash them to the corresponding keyboard module. Please consult the User Manual for step-by-step directions.
How should I clean my keyboard?
Basic Cleaning
Basic cleaning should be performed regularly by using compressed air to remove any loose debris in the key wells.
Deep Cleaning
A more thorough cleaning is possible, but take care not to damage the keyboard by getting it wet or forcing off the keycaps. Unplug the keyboard and remove all the individual keycaps to gain access to the keywell, which can collect lots of dirt after time. Use the included keycap removal tool and grab two sides of the keycap and pull straight up. If you do not have a keycap removal tool you can purchase one on Amazon or use two paperclips bent into the shape of a “J”.
- Soak the loose keycaps in warm soapy water lightly scrub to remove any gunk. Rinse the keycaps and let them thoroughly dry.
- Use compressed air to remove any loose debris in the key wells and use cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol to remove gunk.
- Use a microfiber cloth and a small amout rubbing alcohol to clean the outer plastic keyboard case.
Do not reconnect the keyboard to your PC until it is thoroughly dry.
Where are the media keys?
There are no multimedia keys in the default Advantage 360 layout but you can add any number of media actions to any key in any layer via GitHub. Please consult the User Manual for step-by-step directions.
View the full list of supported actions here: https://zmk.dev/docs/codes/
Tip: Use the consumer media tokens that start with “C_” instead of the keyboard tokens that start with “K_”. Note that not all actions are supported on all operating systems.
How do I get F13-F24 to work?
At present, there is no simulatenous support for NKRO and F13-F24. If you wish to use the F13-F24 actions you will need to first disable NKRO in your build on GitHub.
- Navigtate to Code>config>boards/arm/adv360
- Open both adv360_left_defconfig a adv360_right_defconfig
- Change “CONFIG_ZMK_HID_REPORT_TYPE_NKRO=y” to “CONFIG_ZMK_HID_REPORT_TYPE_NKRO=n“
- Click commit changes and flash new firmware
Troubleshooting
If your Advantage360 Professional is not working as expected, you have several options.
Step 1: Reference the FAQs above and the Troubleshooting Tips at right.
Step 2: Install the new v2.0 Firmware.
Step 3: Check out the ZMK Discord and talk to some power users.
Step 4: If you still need help, use the link at the bottom of the page to submit a Trouble Ticket.
Please note: The Advantage360 keyboard uses the open-source ZMK engine and is NOT designed for novice users. Kinesis Technical Support can help point you in the right direction and provide written documentation, but we cannot provide individualized ZMK training and programming help.
Some users have reported issues connecting (or staying connected) to their PC (especially Macs). We have developed a new beta version of firmware that is showing signs of addressing those issues for many users. If you are having these problems please visit GitHub and install the “V3.0-beta” branch of firmware.
And please let us know whether this does or does not improve your experience by leaving us a note here: https://github.com/KinesisCorporation/Adv360-Pro-ZMK/issues
12/15/22 Update: Apple has solved the problem on macOS Ventura v13.1. So if you update to 13.1 you can simply copy/paste firmware files directly to the drive.
MacOS 13.0 (Ventura) may report an error code 100093 when copying firmware files onto the virtual flash drives of both the Advantage360 Pro via the conventional Finder application. You can work around it by copying on the standard command line via Terminal, using a third party file manager, or installing the fimrware while the keyboard is connected to another PC.
Steps for transferring files via the Terminal Application
- Connect keyboard’s bootloader/drive to the Mac
- Right-click the appropriate firmware file you wish to install (left or right) and select “Copy” to grab the file path
- Open “Terminal” (you can search for it via Command + Space to launch Spotlight Search)
- Type “rsync” into command line
- Then paste the file path for the firmware file you copied in step 2
- Then type /Volumes/ADV360PRO/
- Hit enter to initiate the file transfer. Note: Terminal will still generate the error but the firmwar will still be installed.
- Repeat the process for the other key module.
Try rotating the USB-C cable 180 degrees to get different contact points.
Performing the battery status command using both hotkeys 2 and 4 at the same time can cause all 6 indicator LEDs to become stuck on.
Quick Fix: If this happens, simply power cycling both modules should restore normal functionality.
Slow Fix: If power-cycling does not resolve the issue, then you will need to install the Flash Erase Settings Reset File on both modules. Then use a paperclip to manually open the bootloader drive on each module, and then reinstall firmware.
Advantage360 Pro Erase Flash Settings Reset
Unfortunately Kinesis is not able to troubleshoot custom firmware builds, but here are some common problems we’ve heard about:
- You have an incomplete key binding
- You have an empty macro
- You have a feature that is not supported in the Kinesis branch of ZMK (Try upgrading to the newer version “v2.0”)
Tip: The best bet to troubleshoot a failed build is to revert all the way back to the default layout, and then add each change incrementally and run a build to identify exactly where the failure is occurring.
If your bootloader/virtual drive isn’t mounting properly, trying rotating your USB-C cable 180 degrees or try the other cable.
Check the new Layer LEDs to see if you have inadvertently toggled into the Keypad Layer. If the Layer LED is off then you are in the Base Layer, if its white then you are in the Keypad Layer, if its Blue then you are in the new Fn Layer (where the F1-F12 keys reside). If the Layer LED is white then tap the Kp key once to toggle out the Keypad Layer. If the Layer LED is Blue you are temporarily “stuck” in the Fn layer. Press both of the new Fn “pinky” keys simultaneously to toggle back to the Base Layer.
- Connect both module to a PC via the included cables to see if you simply have a dead battery or a more serious problem. If the keyboard works over USB than you may just need to charge the battery (each module has its own rechargeable battery…).
- If the batteries are charged and the keyboard is still having problems you can use a paper clip to to depress the Reset Button once to reset each module.
- If that doesn’t work you can try re-installing a new copy of the latest factory firmware available direct from Kinesis here.
If that doesn’t work, install the generic settings-reset.uf2 file below. The keyboard will be disabled in this mode but you can reopen the bootloader and trying installing your firmware again from a blank slate.
The keyboard will always send keystrokes to whichever computer the left module is plugged into, regardless of profile or pairing status. If you want to send key strokes to a device wirelessly, it must not be connected to any other computer via the charging cable.
If your computer doesn’t have native support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices you have several options:
- Connect the Left Module to your PC using the included charging cable and use the Pro exclusively as a “wired” keyboard. You will still need to plug in the right module to your PC periodically to charge the battery, but otherwise you will have full functionality.
- Purchase a 3rd party Bluetooth dongle that can connect to your PC. Finding a dongle that will work well with your PC and our keyboard can be tricky but we recommended the TP Link UB4A (Available from Amazon).
- Return the Pro and get the base model Advantage360 which is optimized for a wired USB connection.
When all three of the right module LEDs are flashing Red is means the right module cannot locate the left module. That could be because the Left module is Off, has a dead battery, or is out of range.
But sometimes the left and right side can just temporarily lose touch with each other. If this happens, the quickest fix is to disconnect both modules from your PC and use the On/Off switch power cycle both modules, starting with the Left module. If that does not work, you can force the modules to sync by powering them up simultaneously via the On/Off switches.
In some instances, like after performing a Settings Reset, it may be necessary to manually re-sync the modules and there are two ways to do that.
- Use a paper clip to tap both the left and right reset button in rapid succession (i.e., nearly simultaneously)
- Connect both modules to power: left first, then right
Certain users may perceive a subtle flicker in the backlight at lower intensity levels. Try using the combination Mod + Arrow Up to increase the brightness until the flicker goes away. If that doesn’t work, you can manually edit the configuration files on Github to change the brightness settings. See Section 5.4 in the User Manual for detailed instructions.
When the Profile LED flashes slowly it means that the keyboard has stored a bluetooth PC for the active Profile, but that particular PC is not in range. Check that PC and confirm that it is powered on and bluetooth is enabled. If that doesn’t work, you should remove the keyboard from the device in it’s bluetooth menu and then use the bluetooth clear command on the keyboard (Mod + Windows) and try re-pairing from scratch.
If you are trying to pair a new device, use the shortcuts Mod + 1/2/3/4/5 to load one of the other 5 “Profiles”. Each Profile can only be paired with a single device at a time.
When the Profile LED is flashing rapidly it means the keyboard has not been paired over bluetooth in the active Profile (1-5), but is currently “discoverable”. Toggle to a different Profile (Mod + 1-5) to re-establish the connection with another device or simply pair the keyboard from your bluetooth enabled device.
If you are having difficulty connecting or reconnecting to a previous paired device, please follow these steps:
- Use the Bluetooth Clear command (Mod + Windows Key) to forget any previously paired devices associated with the active Profile
- Visit your PC’s Bluetooth menu and forget/remove any previous connections to the “Adv360Pro”
Once you’ve cleared the connection both at the keyboard and PC level, try pairing again from scratch.
First, make sure you have the desired module connected to the PC as the drive cannot mount wirelessly. There are 2 ways to mount the drive:
- Quickly double-clicking the Reset Button using a paper click.
- Using the short-cuts Mod + HK1 and Mod + HK3 for the left and right module respectively.
Note: Some operating systems are very restrictive when it comes to removable storage drives (e.g., macOS) so check your PC settings to support pasting files to such a drive.
You can also trying rotating the USB-C end of the cable 180 degrees as it connects to the keyboard.
Not all operating systems support sending this status over Bluetooth, sorry!
Bluetooth drivers are implemented differently on each O/S. If you are having trouble with your connection we recommend experimenting with a 3rd party Bluetooth dongle that can connect to your PC. We recommended the TP Link UB4A (Available from Amazon).
This problem was addressed in PR 114. Please re-sync your fork and trigger a new build.
If you still have the problem, please try downloading the 3-9-23 Factory Default Firmware in the “Firmware Updates” section below, and try again.
If you still have the problem, please submit a trouble ticket.
Custom Programming
To get started programming your Advantage360 Pro you’ll need to set up an account with GitHub, a 3rd party open-source hosting site.
- Set up a new GitHub.com account or log in.
- Search for the official “Adv360-Pro-ZMK” Repository and “Fork” it.
- Enable “Workflows” from the “Actions” tab.
- From the “config” folder in the “Code” tab, you customize your keyboard by editing the various configuration files. Consult the User Manual above for step-by-step instructions and proceed with caution.
- Customize Layout: “adv360.keymap”
- Write/Edit Macros: “macros.dtsi”
- Adjust Lighting: “adv360_left_deconfig” and “adv360_right_deconfig”(>boards/arm/adv360)
- Once you are finished editing, click “Commit Changes” to trigger a build, download the new firmware files from the Actions tab, and flash them to your keyboard.
Graphical Keymap Editor
The Advantage360 Pro GUI leverages an open-source, web-based application designed by Nick Coutsos. Add layers, customize actions, and configure basic macros. Log in to GitHub, choose your Repo and Branch and customize away. Commit your changes and then follow the instructions below to flash your new firmware.
Note: Not all features may be supported in the GUI.
Videos
Firmware Updates
The Advantage360 Pro firmware update is very different from other Kinesis keyboards. And on the Advantage360 Pro you must install new ZMK firmware anytime you want to customize your keyboard layout or settings since there is no onboard programming functionality.
First you need to “trigger” a build on GitHub, then download the appropriate left and right side file and follow the steps in the guide below to install your custom firwmare on each module. Consult the User Manual above for additional details and proceed with caution.
Settings Reset – If you are having trouble with your keyboard you can perform a “Settings Reset” to return the keyboard to its native state, and then install a fresh copy of firmware.
- Download the “Settings Reset” and Default Firmware Files below (3 total .uf2 files).
- Follow the instructions in the guide at left but install the settings-reset.uf2 file on BOTH the left and right “ADV360PRO” drives. Note: The keyboard will be disabled once reset until new firmware is installed.
- Then follow the instructions in the same guide to install the left and right side firmware files. Note: After firmware installation the left and right modules should re-sync with each other automatically. If they do not, try power-cycling them at the same time.
Submit a Trouble Ticket
Not finding your answer?
Submit a trouble ticket and a support technician will respond to you in a timely manner.
We are happy to issue a Return Merchandise Authorization for confirmed hardware defects but before we do so we will need to run through a series of troubleshooting steps with you and we may required that you install the latest version of firmware.
Please note: The Advantage360 keyboard uses the open-source ZMK engine and is not designed for novice users. Kinesis Technical Support can help point you in the right direction and provide written documentation, but we cannot provide individualized ZMK training and custom programming help.
