Kinesis Contoured
| Part number | KB500USB-blk (black), KB-500USB-wht (white), KB-510USB (Pro) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kinesis Corporation |
| Keyswitches | Cherry MX Brown |
| Interface | USB (two port USB hub included) |
| Weight | 0.96 kg |
| Years of production | 2002 - present |
| Price | $299, $359 (Pro model) |
Contents
History
Successor to the Kinesis Contoured. The main differences is that this keyboard has a USB interface while previous keyboards had PS/2. It also has a two-port USB hub.
Design and features
Physical Layout
The alphanumeric keys (together with Shift and Caps Lock) are separated into two dished key-wells where each column has a different depth to account for different lengths of the fingers. The key columns are also slanted inwards at different angles. The most-often used non-alphanumeric keys are on the thumbs. There is also a fifth row on the main keyboard in front of the others. In those ways, the layout is quite similar to the Maltron's, but there are some differences. For instance, the pinky columns are not just higher but also offset from the others.
Most keys are cylindrical, except for the home keys which are spherical (and blue). The top row, which includes Escape, Function Keys and programming keys do not have Cherry MX switches but simple calculator-style rubber buttons.
The design is protected by the US Design patent D370669.
It is possible to connect proprietary foot switches and use with the keyboard.
Logical Layout
The keyboard can switch between QWERTY and Dvorak in hardware with a special key combination.
Earlier models (the Kinesis Contoured) came with keys that sported both QWERTY and Dvorak legends, but the Advantage has only QWERTY. The keys have different shapes for different rows so you can not move them around to get Dvorak legends without altering the physical layout. Keys with Dvorak legends can be purchased separately from Kinesis.
Aural feedback
The keyboard has a built-in speaker. By default, it will emit a click on each key press and beep when it engages/disengages a locking mode. These audio signals can be switched off with key combinations.
Embedded numpad
There is no separate numeric keypad. Instead there is one embedded in the right key-well that can be activated with the special Keypad key. There is an indicator light for this mode.
Configuration and programmability
On the highest level, there are preset modes for Windows, Macintosh and PC non-windows.
Almost all keys can be remapped using special key combinations.
It is possible to record macros as key sequences mapped to key combinations.
Because all configuration is stored in non-volatile memory inside the keyboard itself it will survive power failure and no special drivers are needed on the host computer.
Variations
The standard Kinesis Advantage MPC USB comes in two colour choices: black (KB500USB-blk) or white (KB500USB-wht). (The home keys are always blue)
Kinesis Advantage Pro
The "Pro" model (KB510USB) has a case that is silver in colour and comes with twice the on-board memory for programming. It also comes bundled with a foot switch and has a DIP-switch for locking the current programming.
Kinesis Advantage LF
This special model (KB500USB-blk-LF), which was introduced in 2011 comes with linear Cherry MX Red switches. The "LF" in the name stands for "Linear Feel". In all other respects it is just like the Advantage MPC USB.
This model is not shown on Kinesis' web page and has to be ordered specially. It is also possible to retro-fit an old Advantage with new key wells that have these switches.
See also
Forum Topics
Kinesis Advantage LF special model with Cherry MX Red switch
External Links
Kinesis Keyboards : Computer Hardware Buyers’ Glossary Kinesis (keyboard) on Wikipedia
