FAQs

How do I switch between Windows, Mac, and PC mode?

The Advantage keyboard has three different Instant Configuration Settings: Windows Mode (Default), Mac Mode and PC Mode. To enter Windows Mode , press and hold the Program key and tap the F7/”win” key. The top four thumb keys while in Windows mode, from left to right, are: Ctrl | Alt | Windows | Ctrl. To enter Mac Mode , press and hold the Program key and tap the F5/”mac” key. The top four thumb keys while in Mac mode, from left to right are: Command | Option | Ctrl | Command. The keypad = key becomes a Mac keypad = key and Scroll lock initiates the shutdowndialogue (caution: on a PC this leads to an immediate shutdown!) To enter PC Mode , press and hold the Program key and tap the F6/”pc” key. The top four thumb keys while in PC mode, from left to right are: Ctrl | Alt | Alt | Ctrl.

See Section 5 of the User’s Manual for more information.

How do I reset my keyboard to the default layout and/or settings?

Soft Reset

Press Program + Shift then tap F9 (lights flash) to reset the active layout file by erasing all remaps and macros and restoring it to Windows mode. Hard Reset

Press and hold Program + F9 while plugging the keyboard in (hold until the lights flash and release) to erase all remaps and macros from all QWERTY and Dvorak layouts and reset keyboard settings to the factory default.

How do I remap a key?

You can remap a key using the onboard shortcut or the SmartSet App. Onboard Remapping Press and hold the Program key and tap F12 to enter Program Remap Mode (lights will begin flashing rapidly). Release the Program Key Tap the “source” key action you want to copy (lights will slow down). Tap the “destination” key where you want to assign the copied action (lights will resume flashing rapidly) Tap the Program Key to exit Program Remap Mode (Program Remap Mode will remain active and accept remap pairs until you tap the Program key to exit) Note: Remapping is a one-way process, to swap key actions you must perform two separate remap actions. Note: To remap an action from one layer to another (e.g. top level to keypad layer), simply use the “Keypad” key to navigate between layers during the remap process. SmartSet App Enable Power User Mode (Program + Shift + Escape) and open the v-Drive (Program + F1). Navigate to the “KINESIS KB” removable drive in File Explorer and launch the App. Select the desired key in App and either tap the key action on the keyboard or select from a list of Special Actions using the button at the top of the Programming menu.

How do I create a macro?

A macro is a sequence of key strokes that can be stored in your keyboard and played back with click of a single trigger key or key combination. You can record a macro on-the-fly using the onboard shortcut or you can build a macro using SmartSet App. Onboard Macro Recording Press and hold the Program key and tap F11 to enter Program Macro Mode (lights will begin flashing rapidly). Select your trigger key or key combination (lights will lights will flash slowly). Up to two modifiers may be used as “co-triggers” in concert) Then type your macro content on the keyboard and tap Program when the macro is complete. Note: Every keystroke is recorded so if you make a mistake, we recommend restarting the macro or using the SmartSet App to edit it. Note: To delete an existing macro, begin as if you were going to re-program the same trigger key, but after selecting the trigger key, tap the Program key again. The LED will stop flashing and the macro will be erased for this key. SmartSet App Enable Power User Mode (Program + Shift + Escape) and open the v-Drive (Program + F1). Navigate to the “KINESIS KB” removable drive in File Explorer and launch the App. Select the desired key in App and the use the Macro Editor to type out your macro, customize the playback speed, and assign up to two co-triggers.

Can I temporarily disable all my macros?

Yes. Press and hold the Program key and tap F10 to disable (but not erase) all macros. To re-enable macro playback, repeat the command above.

Can I disable the beeps and clicks?

The Advantage2 keyboard produces two sounds: a soft “click” noise when pressing any key and a louder “Tone” noise when pressing Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, Num Lock, Keypad or Insert. Disable Clicks Press and hold the Program key and tap F8. Use the same shortcut to re-enable Clicks. Disable Tone Press and hold the Program key and the shift key, and then tap F8. Use the same shortcut to re-enable Tones.

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.

I accidentally remapped a key, how do I reset it?

You can quicky reset a key to its default action by “remapping the key to itself.” Press and hold the Program key and tap F12 to enter Program Remap Mode (lights will begin flashing rapidly). Release the Program Key

Tap the target key twice to restore it to its default function.

Press the Program Key to exit Program Remap Mode.

Can I program a mouse click to a key or foot pedal?