If you are starting to experience discomfort when using your traditional keyboard, then it’s a good time for an upgrade. And why not upgrade to the very best? Kinesis has been at the forefront of ergonomic keyboard designs since 1991. It’s been 29 years since then - so, will the newer Kinesis Advantage2, released in August of 2016, still provide the same level of comfort and productivity?
Our team has spent over 100 hours testing the Kinesis KB600 Advantage2 Mechanical Keyboard analyzing its features, pros, cons and other helpful information will help you determine if the Advantage2 can help you have a more comfortable, healthier typing experience day.
9.8
Recommended by pro gamers, coders, programmers, authors and pretty much any “veteran” who works with a computer keyboard on a daily basis, the Kinesis KB600 Advantage2 is considered one of the very best ergonomic, mechanical, and programmable keyboards available in the market today. However, to experience its benefits, you have to:
However, based on our comprehensive testing, the money and time you spend on the Kinesis Advantage2 is truly a sound investment.
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CONS
Founded in 1991, Kinesis has 29 years of experience in producing innovative, ergonomic computer keyboards specifically designed for the human experience. They launched their first contoured keyboard in 1992, the Kinesis Model 100. Today, Kinesis has sold ergonomic keyboards to millions of happy customers who previously had serious issues with RSI.
So, don't feel daunted by the contoured design of the Kinesis Advantage2. It may look nothing like a comfortable keyboard but, trust us, once you're past the Kinesis learning curve, its ergonomic advantages are enormous.
Kinesis takes the health and safety of their employees and clients very seriously. That is why their physical store has been closed since May 2020 and will remain closed until further notice. They have also outlined their support services, COVID-19 protocols and general operational changes here.
If you owned the original Kinesis Advantage (now a discontinued line) and are looking into purchasing the Advantage2, it may be helpful for you to know exactly what makes the Advantage2 different from the original Advantage:
In terms of size, the Advantage 2 and the Advantage are exactly the same:
Dimensions: 16.5” (width) x 8” (depth) x 2.9” (max height)
$349.00
Reseller prices may vary.
Disclaimer:
The price included in this article is the price of the product as of this article’s publish date. Prices may change without prior notice.
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US shipping options are available upon checkout of the Kinesis item you order:
Shipping fees and other details depend on your purchase and the reseller's own policies. Should you order through email or fax, it's best to contact the Kinesis support team or the authorized reseller you are purchasing from.
For international shipments, we quote the Kinesis FAQ page to avoid any misinterpretation:
“For all overseas orders, Kinesis ships via UPS Expedited or Express. For orders to Canada, Kinesis ships via UPS Ground, Expedited, or Express. Each order must be quoted individually. To request a quote please email sales@kinesis.com. Please include the product and quantity with your complete shipping address, including your postal code.
Shipping terms are EX Works Kinesis. Recipient is responsible for all duties, customs, and any other fees charged by their respective country in association with the shipment of the product. If the recipient refuses shipment, a credit will be issued less the cost of the shipping and handling fees (including return shipping) plus any fees charged to Kinesis as mentioned above.
For Canadian orders shipped to the ground, recipients will be charged (by UPS) a brokerage fee of at least $US35.00 in addition to any other fees referenced above.”
If you would like to return your item, Kineses offers a limited 60-day money back guarantee for Kinesis products purchased from their store. If you purchased from Amazon or another reseller, your Kinesis product will be subject to the reseller’s return policies.
If you are returning a product in a like-new condition with an item purchased directly from the Kinesis store, you are eligible for a full refund less any shipping and handling fees.
For more specific details, you can find their return policies here.
Kinesis provides a limited, 2-year warranty for all “Kinesis-brand keyboards and accessories, plus DXT2 mice sold by Kinesis or by an Authorized Kinesis Reseller, are backed by a limited manufacturer’s warranty provided by Kinesis to the original purchaser”.
For more specific warranty information, click here.
Oddly-shaped and downright weird to those who are unfamiliar with the cutting-edge design of Kinesis keyboards, the Kinesis Advantage2 features the same patented, concave design that made the original Kinesis Advantage famous.
First, there are some considerations to be made before we move on to the ergonomics:
So, considering that you touch type and that you have the patience to re-learn a new way of using the keyboard - then you should be all set with the Kinesis Advantage2.
The Advantage2 comes with Kinesis's SmartSet Programming Engine. It supports customization of the keyboard’s layout without having to install special drivers or software. Remap keys and record macros make it much easier to use onboard shortcuts. Almost all major operating systems support SmartSet. So, you can easily view, share, create, edit, and reserve the custom layout.
Some features include:
The keyboard comes with semi-custom tactile and low-force switches. The tactile response prompts your fingers about activation. This prevents a hard impact on the switch and easy, low-force typing.
Previous rubber function switches on the original Kinesis Advantage are now replaced by Cherry ML switches. These switches have tactile and low-force functions.
This keyboard comes with an electronic click to support the optimal typing form. It prevents unnecessary impacts on the muscles. You can deactivate the click sound with just a button touch.
The Advantage2 keyboard comes without the numeric 10-key. This lessens the footprint compared to traditional and even some other ergonomic keyboards. A smaller footprint allows you to keep the mouse closer to the body, preventing overreach. The traditional 10-key is embedded in the right key. You can also choose to get a low-force keypad that can be placed according to your convenience.
Cupped keycaps help to keep you anchored while you type. They are also built with iconic Kinesis blue for better visual reference.
Did our team find optimal comfort with the seemingly complex, concave design?
Yes, we did. Overall, we found that its design adapts to the human hands in the most comfortable way. Although it took some time and effort to adjust to its layout, once we actually did, it was a fully life-changing experience. One of our testers actually has actually been a Kinesis Advantage2 user for the past 3 years. He likened it to owning his first smartphone years ago - it was a new piece of technology but it works and now he can’t think of going without it. The same can be said for his two Kinesis Advantage2 keyboards (one he uses for home and one for work).
In terms of its $300+ price tag, it is 100% worth it. In fact, if you want to get the ergonomic facts from the experts who have studied the concave design of Kinesis Advantage and Advantage2 keyboards, you can find it all here.
Also, it helps that Kinesis has a very generous 60-day risk-free return policy. Based on our own tests, it took us a maximum of 2.5 weeks to finally get used to the layout of the Kinesis Advantage2. Two months is plenty of time to determine whether this is the keyboard that will change your life, as well.