16
Windows Mode (Default for U.S. models & progm + F7)
The factory default modifier thumb keys for U.S. keyboard models
are, from left to right, Ctrl, Alt, Windows, and Ctrl .If you need a right
Alt key but don’t want to give up the Win key above Page Up, rAlt
can be remapped to your preferred location from the keypad layer
of the F2 function key (see below).
Mac Mode (progm + F5)
Activating Mac Mode changes the modifier thumb keys, from left to
right, to Command, Alt Option, Ctrl (aka “Control”), and Command.
Two additional keys change in Mac Mode:
•
Scroll Lock becomes the Mac “power” key — if it is held briefly,
it brings up the Shutdown menu.
•
The “keypad equals“ key performs the Mac keypad equals
action, which is not recognized in Windows.
PC Mode (progm+F6)
If you seldom use the Windows key or use non-Windows PC
operating system, you may prefer PC Mode. It replaces the
Windows key above PageUp with a right Alt key. If you occasionally
need Win, it can be remapped from the keypad layer of the F1
function key (see below).
5.4 Function Keys
The Advantage2 features 18 half-size mechanical function keys
located in the Function Key row. Because of the concave nature of the alphanumeric keywells, the function
keys are closer to the home row than on a conventional keyboard. Even so, Kinesis recommends accessing
these keys by moving your hands and arms slightly, rather than trying to stretch your fingers.
Traditional actions of function keys
When used in isolation, the function keys perform the standard actions legended on the bottom of each key
face. These actions are dependent on your operating system and your active application. However, two
special keys are unique to the Advantage2 and the SmartSet Programming Engine: the
Keypad Key
(“keypad”) and the
Program Key
(“progm”). The uses of these special keys are described below.
Keypad Key
The Keypad function key (legended in blue) toggles on a second “layer” of key actions, called the “keypad
layer” (aka the “embedded layer”). Each layout has its own unique keypad layer where the multimedia keys,
the embedded numeric 10-key, and several other bonus keys reside by default (see Fig 17). The keypad
layer can be custom programmed separately from the top layer by remapping keys and storing macros.
Program Key
The Program function key (labeled “progm”) is a special shortcut key that allows users to access the
Advantage2’s onboard programming tools. Basic programming tools, as described in Section 6, are legended
on the top of Function Row keys for easy reference.
Fig 14. Default thumb keys, “Win mode” (US models)
Fig 15. Mac mode thumb keys
Fig 16. PC mode thumb keys
Fig 17. Func on Keys
Keypad on
: lwin ralt menu play prev next calc kpshi *
mute vol- vol+
*kpshi must be remapped to both layers to perform a keypad shi ac on, in which keypad stays on only while key is pressed.
