Editing Kinesis Contoured (section)

==Design and features==
[[File:Content kinesis keyboard.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Kinesis is adjusted to short pinky-fingers]]

===Layout===
The primary feature and selling point of the Kinesis is undoubtedly its physical layout.

The alphanumeric keys (together with Shift and Caps Lock) are split into a contoured key-well for each hand.
The key-wells have a [[Staggering#Columnar layout|columnar layout]] with each column at a different depth to account for different lengths of the fingers.
The keys-wells are also slanted and separated approx 7 inches apart.

The most-often used non-alphanumeric keys are on the thumbs. There is also a fifth row of keys in each key-well 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.
The home keys are coloured differently and spherically dished to be easy to find.

It is possible to connect proprietary foot switches and use with the keyboard.

===Configuration and programmability===
All but the earliest and the '''Essential''' models have been programmable.

Almost all keys can be remapped using special key combinations. It is possible to record macros as key sequences mapped to key combinations.
Read more under each keyboard generation's heading.

All configuration is stored in non-volatile memory inside the keyboard itself and will survive power failure. No special drivers are needed on the host computer.

Unfortunately, because the keys have different shapes for different rows it is not always possible to move keycaps around to match a programmed layout.

===Aural feedback===
The keyboard has a built-in speaker. By default, it will emit a ''click'' sound on each key press and a ''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.

===Construction===
The switches for the key wells are [[Cherry MX Brown]], but options with other switches have been available.

Up until Advantage2, the row of [[function keys]] and programming keys have been rubber, but with the Advantage2 they changes to [[Cherry ML]] with rigid plastic keycaps.
The Advantage360 omits the function key row.

The switches within each key-well are snapped ("plate-mounted") to a plastic frame and soldered to a ''flexible'' circuit board. The key-wells are screwed to the top of the case.
Replacement key-wells compatible with the [[#Kinesis Advantage|Advantage]] have been available to buy separately.

The switches in the thumb clusters are mounted on rigid circuit board(s). The longer thumb-keys do not have stabilisers.

The internal layout has changed a lot between models<ref name="GH_kaeywtkbaata"/>.