Kinesis Advantage360 compact split keyboard

Ode to the Advantage 360

Rome wasn't built in a day

After an hour of wrestling with the new Advantage360, you'll probably think "I really regret this purchase". Give it some time. Tomorrow it'll go better, and in about three weeks you won't be able to do without this masterpiece.

Why the Advantage 360

Maximum comfort

At first glance, the Advantage 360 mechanical keyboard looks very complex. However, this complexity is exactly what allows you to work completely free of complaints. Because this compact, split keyboard consists of two parts, you can position them as you wish. By placing them at a slight angle relative to each other, you can relieve your wrists. Your wrists no longer have to make the bend you get with a regular keyboard.

In addition to the position of the two halves, you can also adjust the tilt angle of the halves to 3 different heights. That means you can effectively tilt the keyboard. This way you can keep your arms and wrists at a comfortable angle while typing. Not ready for the full adjustability yet? Then you can attach the included bridge connection for the traditional Advantage separation. Finally, the integrated palm rest offers extra support to the palms. The magnetic cushions, by the way, are not included but available separately.

The bowl-shaped design also provides extra comfort. Because the keyboard is shaped in a concave way, fingers don't have to fully stretch and you can relax your hands better. Being able to work quickly with the Advantage 360 will require some practice, but we can tell you it's well and truly worth it.

Little-finger and thumb keys

Frequently used and "heavier" keys such as backspace, enter and shift are often pressed with the little finger. Kinesis, however, has placed these keys at the thumb. The reason for this is that the thumb is stronger than the little finger, so pressing takes less effort.

What makes the Advantage360 so good?

Mechanical

The Advantage360 is fitted with brown Gateron switches, which have a tactile action. That means they give a slight resistance when you press the keys. The advantage of a mechanical keyboard is that you get more feedback while typing. In addition, mechanical keyboards often last longer and are easier to clean or repair when needed.

USB-C connection

You connect the Advantage 360 to your computer using the included USB-C cable (190 cm). A wired keyboard has the advantage that you don't have to charge it. The two halves of the keyboard are also connected to each other using a 25 cm long USB-C cable. A downside of a wired keyboard is that you have a little less freedom of movement.

Programmable

The Advantage360 is compatible with Windows 7-11, macOS, Linux, Android & Chrome. The keyboard has 76 keys which are fully programmable using on-the-fly macros. The advantage of this is that you can give all the keys the function you want. For example, cut or paste with one press of a button. Finally, the Advantage360 is fitted with PBT keycaps. You also get 16 extra keycaps, including 4 for Mac.

SmartSet

As mentioned, you can programme the Advantage 360. The ergonomic keyboard features a new and improved SmartSet Programming from the brand Kinesis. With it you can adjust the layout of the keyboard without having to use external software or the internet, as the program is already installed on the Advantage 360. You can get started straight away as soon as the keyboard is connected to your computer.

If for some reason this doesn't work, you can still find the software on this page. We recommend downloading it anyway, because it lets you clearly see how you are setting up the Advantage 360.

SmartSet contains 9 programmable layouts, each with 5 programmable layers. You can switch between them by clicking or holding. In addition, you can give macros a fixed playback speed, so shortcut functions don't get mixed up. All settings are stored on the keyboard's internal memory (8 MB).

Overview of the buttons

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Advantage360 VS Advantage360 Pro

The Advantage360 is available in a regular and a Pro variant. You can read the differences between the two models in the table below.

Pros and cons

• Ergonomic design
• Works with Windows, macOS, Linux and Android
• Mechanical switches
• Customisable to your wishes
• Getting used to it takes some time

Key specifications

How happy will my body be?

Product features

• Split keyboard
• 3-way adjustable tilt angle
• Integrated palm rest (cushions available separately)
• Compact layout
• Bowl-shaped
• Vertical key configuration
• Separate thumb keys
• Optional fixed split
• Frequently used keys at the thumb instead of the little finger
• Mechanical switches (Gateron Brown)
• Suitable for Windows 7-11, macOS, Linux, Android and Chrome
• 76 keys
• Fully programmable
• USB-C connection to computer
• 25 cm long USB-C connection cable (detachable)
• PBT keycaps

Switches

Mechanical switches are the mechanisms located beneath the keycaps of mechanical keyboards. With the Advantage360 you have the choice between Gateron Brown (tactile) or Kailh pink (linear). You can find more explanation about mechanical switches here.

Which switch suits you?

With this keyboard you choose which switches go underneath. They cost the same, so it comes down to preference. A linear switch travels smoothly with no noticeable bump; a tactile switch has one, and a clicky switch lets you hear it too.

	Kailh BOX Silent Pink	Gateron KS-9 Brown
Type:Linear travels evenly. Tactile has a noticeable bump. Clicky adds an audible click to that bump.	Linear (silent)	Tactile
Actuation force:Force:The force needed to register a keystroke. A regular rubber dome keyboard needs 55 to 60 g, so lower means lighter typing.	35 g	55 g
Tactile bump force:Bump force:The force at the point where you clearly feel the key give way. Only tactile and clicky switches have this; a linear switch does not. A dash means the switch does have one, but the manufacturer states no figure. Technical term: pressure point force.	Not applicable	–
Registers after:The distance the key travels before the keystroke registers. You do not have to press the key all the way down. Technical term: pre-travel or actuation point.	1.8 mm	2.0 mm
Full travel:Travel:The total distance until the key can go no further.	3.6 mm	4.0 mm
Lifespan:The number of keystrokes per key stated by the manufacturer.	80 million	60 million
Sound:Indication for normal typing. Even a silent switch makes noise if you bottom out the key.	Silent	Quiet

Downloads

What's in the box?

• 1 x Keyboard
• 1 x Bridge connector
• 1 x Keycap puller
• 1 x Quick start guide
• 16 x Extra keycaps
• Required cables

The Advantage360 & its predecessor the Advantage2 through the eyes of Kinesis

• The split parts can be positioned completely independently of each other (the Pro version even more so, due to the absence of a cable), which makes the 360 more pleasant for the shoulders
• Adjustable tilt angle. By default it is set to the 'Classic' angle (as on the Advantage2), but you also have 'Medium' and 'High'
• 5 instead of 2 programmable layers (the Pro even many more)
• Higher build quality and reduced noise
• The Gateron Brown Low-Force switch on the 360 types more pleasantly and quietly than the Cherry Brown on the Advantage2
• Vertical key configuration
• Magnetic detachable palm rests are an improvement over the adhesive models on the Advantage2
• The same industrial designer was involved in the Advantage2 and the Advantage 360
• The aim was a look that can last 30 years
• The Advantage360 is handmade in the United States

Positioning the keyboard

Frequently asked questions