Kinesis Keyboards Faq

Kinesis keyboards are compatible with virtually any system that uses a standard PC-compatible (PS/2) keyboard. If you are using an older computer with the half-inch, 5-pin keyboard connector, you will need an adapter cable (provided free upon request with a keyboard purchase and included with all Evolution keyboards). Kinesis keyboards run on Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, as well as NT and Linux systems without any special drivers or installation. (Windows key actions are supported). An interface box, available from Kinesis, is required for use on Sun Microsystems workstations. Macintosh computers with an ADB port can use Kinesis MPC (Mac/PC switchable) keyboards or the Mac Interface II. USB interface devices are also available to allow connection of any two PS/2 or ADB compatible keyboards, mice, or a combination to the USB port of a Mac or PC.

Our non-programmable but upgradable contoured keyboard. Optional footswitches allow user to activate "shift" and/or embedded numeric keypad.

Our basic programmable and upgradable contoured keyboard. This keyboard will allow you to program macros directly into the on-board memory of the keyboard. You may also re-map key functions electronically. Key actions may be moved, copied and inactivated. You may also customize an optional footswitch to perform any two key actions or macros.

Our advanced programmable keyboard. This version has twice the on-board memory of the Classic to store larger macros it also comes with a memory locking feature which allows you to "lock" remapped keys and/or macros, thus preventing accidental and unauthorized changes. The Professional also includes a single action footswitch, KeyWare utility (Windows 95/98 only) and ClikWare Mouse Click (Windows 95/98 only) software.

In both the contoured and Maxim keyboards, the numeric keypad (10-key) is positioned ergonomically right under the home row position. With contoured keyboards, it can be activated most easily by pressing a footswitch (optional except with Professional models). For occasional use, both keyboard types offer a "Keypad" key action: holding down the Maxim's left-hand Fcn" key activates the right-hand embedded 10-key. The keypad key on contoured keyboards toggles the 10-key to the active to the active state. By eliminating the long reach required with a traditional keyboard's dedicated numeric keypad, the contoured and Maxim keyboards are much narrower than other keyboards, providing a more natural position for using a mouse or other pointing device. The Evolution does have a dedicated 10-key located on the right module of the keyboard. However, we have eliminated the requirement of reaching for a pointing device by integrating the touchpad into the keyboard.

The Essential is not programmable as shipped from the factory, but can be easily upgraded (even in the field) by the addition of one or two memory chips. The Classic has one memory chip, making it fully programmable, with up to about 56 characters per macro. Professional models add a second memory chip, which extends maximum macro length to about 140 characters.

This feature consists of a hidden slide switch which prevents unwanted or accidental programming (or erasure) of your keyboard's memory. The switch is located just above and between the left Ctrl and Alt keys. It is accessible with a business card, or a key cappuller (provided) can be used to remove the Ctrl and/or Alt keycap for total accessibility. Memory locking is standard on all Professional keyboards and can be added to other programmable models as an upgrade. In addition to installation of the physical slide switch, this upgrade requires special firmware and a modification of the circuit board.

Mac-specific key actions with MPC contoured keyboards Thumb keys with Mac-specific actionsMac-specific key actions are the lower legends, in black. Only the top row (Ctrl, Alt) keys are dual-legended on the actual keyboard. Mac-specific keys not shownNot shown is the Mac Power/Reset key, which is located on the back of Kinesis MPC contoured keyboards. Another button on the back of the keyboard is the PC/Mac selector button. With programmable keyboards (Classic, Professional), any key can be moved or duplicated.