8
Power User Tools
Advanced users can elect to activate
Power User Mode
to open the v-drive on their computer. Layouts can
be viewed and edited directly, and other keyboard settings can be customized, all without the installation of
any software. Each Layout is saved to a separate “.txt” file (e.g. qwerty.txt) that can be opened and viewed
with any basic text-editor program, regardless of your operating system (e.g. notepad for Windows). Layouts
can even be shared with other users via email (see Section 1.5 for best practices) or saved to your computer
as a backup. SmartSet also includes a graphical, no-install programming App (available in early 2018).
A “bootloader” functionality in built in to SmartSet, allowing you to update the firmware on your Advantage2 in
seconds. So you’re always up to date with the latest releases from Kinesis and can ensure compatibility with
the newest operating system versions.
2.3 Ergonomic Design and Features
The design of the Advantage2 keyboard traces its roots to the very first Contoured
TM
keyboard introduced by
Kinesis in 1992. When Kinesis opened in 1991, the objective was to develop a design that would use
ergonomics to maximize comfort and productivity, and in the process would minimize the major health risk-
factors associated with keyboarding. Every aspect of the form factor was thoroughly researched and tested.
Separate key modules for each hand
Separating the left and right key modules reduces strain and stretching by
positioning the arms approximately at shoulder width, with the wrists straight.
This design reduces abduction and ulnar deviation which are harmful postures
that can lead to repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and
tendonitis.
Integrated palm supports
Unlike most keyboards, the Advantage2 features integrated palm supports and self-adhesive cushioned palm
pads which are user-replaceable. Together these enhance comfort and reduce stressful extension and
pressure on the wrist. The palm supports provide a place to rest the hands while they are not actively keying,
though many users prefer to rest while typing to take weight off the neck and shoulders. However, you should
not expect to be able to reach all the keys without rocking your hands forward at times.
Separate thumb clusters
The left and right thumb clusters feature commonly used keys such as Enter, Space,
Backspace, and Delete. Modifier keys such as Control and Alt on the PC, and Command and
alt Option on Macs have also been relocated to the thumb clusters. Windows users will
appreciate a Windows key in the right thumb cluster. By moving these commonly used keys
to the thumbs, the Advantage2 redistributes the workload from your relatively weaker and
overused little fingers, to your stronger thumbs.
Vertical (orthogonal) key layout
Keys are arranged in vertical columns to reflect natural motions of your fingers, and the
keywells are sculpted and concave to fit the varying lengths of your fingers. This shortens
reaches and reduces the time to learn touch typing for new typists.
Concave keywells
The keywells are concave shape to reduce hand and finger extension. Hands rest in a
natural, relaxed position, with the fingers curled down to the keys. Keycap heights are
varied to match the different lengths of your fingers. A flat typing surface assumes that
your fingers are all of the same length, causing longer fingers to arch up over the keys.
"Flat typing" results in extension of the muscles and tendons in your hands, which
prevents your muscles from operating at maximum efficiency and causes rapid fatigue.
Fig 3. Separate
thumb clusters
Fig 4. Ver cal keys
Fig 2. Separate key modules &
integrated palm supports
Fig 5. Concave keywells
