Kinesis Advantage Contoured Keyboard Embedded Keypad

Kinesis Contoured keyboards feature an embedded numeric keypad for occasional 10-key data entry needs. As the layout is orthogonal (i.e. in a grid), it is the same as a traditional calculator or numeric keypad on a keyboard, unlike most embedded keypads which have rows which are offset.

Kinesis Contoured keyboards feature a second 'embedded' layer of key actions including a complete numeric keypad which is activated by the Keypad key toggle (next to the Progrm key in top right corner of the keyboard). You can also activate the keypad using a single action (FS007-RJ11) or triple action (FS007-TAF) footswitch accessory which 'shifts' the embedded later on only while the foot switch is depressed. Releasing the foot switch will return the keyboard to top level key actions.

---> Note that the Keypad key on the keyboard is a toggle (i.e. on/off) whereas the footswitch is a modifier (i.e. only active while depressed).

The Num Lock function can be confusing because it completely shifts the actions performed by most keys in the numeric keypad. On the Kinesis Contoured keyboard, the Num Lock LED light is the second from the left. Some computers boot up with Num Lock off, some with it activated. When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad will generate numbers (the upper legends on the keycaps). When it is off, it will generate Document Navigation Functions such as the Cursor Arrows and Home, End, Pg Up, Pg Dn (the lower legends on the keycaps).

Special key actions in Windows are available in the embedded level (see graphic above). If desired, these key actions can be remapped to a more convenient location (i.e. top level Scroll Lock, Pause, etc.)

On the far right side, the two 'International' key actions (Intl1 and Intl2) are useful when working with foreign languages. These keys are normally present on non-standard Englsih keyboards and will change their action based on the driver. Normally they would generate '\' and '|'. On the far left side, the key which is Caps Lock at the top level becomes a 'Null' key (i.e. no action) when the keypad layer is active. You might use the 'Null' key when in remapping mode to inactivate another key.

Summary of How the Embedded Numeric Keypad Functions

Legends: The numeric keypad legends are on the side of the keycap which faces the bottom of the keyboard (not on the top of the keycaps). Only the numeric keypad numbers are legended.

To Activate the Numeric Keypad: PRESS AND RELEASE the 'Keypad' key once (i.e. a toggle) OR if you have the footswitch accessory, PRESS AND HOLD the footswitch for as long as you want the keypad activated (i.e. a modifier which temporarily activates the embedded keypad layer while depressed)

With NumLock Off: Most computers will boot up with NumLock off, and in this case, the numeric keypad will perform cursor arrow functions as shown above and the lower legended actions (Home, End, Pg Up, Pg Dn)

To Turn NumLock On: When the keypad is activated, press and release the '7' key (which is now the NumLock Key)

With NumLock On: Keypad will generate numbers as indicated (see Figure 1 - provided for easy reference)

Figure 1
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Column 4
 
Top Level Key (Keypad Off)
Embedded Key (Keypad and NumLock On)
Top Level Key (Keypad Off)
Embedded Key (Keypad and NumLock On)
Top Level Key (Keypad Off)
Embedded Key (Keypad and NumLock On)
Top Level Key (Keypad Off)
Embedded Key (Keypad and NumLock On)
7
NumLock
8
=
9
/
0
*
U
7
I
8
O
9
P
-
J
4
K
5
L
6
;
+
M
1
,
2
.
3
/
Enter


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