LTT Kenesis Review
TLDRThe video script discusses the user's long-term experience with Kinesis keyboards, focusing on the ergonomic design and features of the Kinesis Advantage 360 model. The user shares their preference for wired keyboards over wireless ones, citing reliability issues. They delve into the specifics of the keyboard's design, such as the split layout, thumb clusters, and contoured key wells, which contribute to reducing repetitive strain injuries. Despite the high price and lack of certain enthusiast features like RGB lighting, the user appreciates the keyboard's focus on health and ergonomics, although they express a desire for a middle-ground model that combines ergonomic benefits with additional functionality.
Takeaways
- 📝 The speaker is a long-term Kinesis user and has been using Kinesis keyboards for many years, finding them ergonomic and comfortable.
- 🌟 The Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional is an upgraded version of the Kinesis keyboard the speaker is familiar with, featuring new design elements and additional functionality.
- 🔌 The keyboard comes with a variety of accessories, including a USB-C to A cable, branded cable ties, and a keycap puller, but lacks a key switch puller.
- 🎵 The speaker appreciates the sound quality of the keyboard's key switches, specifically mentioning the Ray Browns and Jades switches.
- 🔧 The Kinesis Advantage 360 has an adjustable tenting system that allows users to set the angle of the keyboard to reduce wrist extension and improve ergonomics.
- 💡 The keyboard's design includes thumb clusters for increased efficiency in typing, placing frequently used keys within easy reach of the thumbs.
- 🌐 The speaker prefers wired connections over wireless for reliability and consistency, expressing frustration with the Bluetooth connectivity of some keyboards.
- 🎨 While the keyboard does not come with RGB lighting, it does have a white backlight on the Pro model, which can be adjusted for brightness.
- 💰 The Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional is priced at a premium, with the speaker noting the high cost but also the potential health benefits of an ergonomic keyboard.
- 🔄 The speaker discusses the difficulty of reprogramming the keyboard, mentioning the need to use zmk or qmk for full customization, which may not be user-friendly for all.
- 🤔 The speaker expresses a desire for a keyboard that combines the ergonomic benefits of the Kinesis with additional features and functionality for enhanced productivity.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the video?
-The main focus of the video is to discuss the user's long-term experience with Kinesis keyboards, specifically the Kinesis Advantage 2, and their introduction to the new Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional ergonomic keyboard.
What are some of the key features of the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional keyboard?
-Some key features of the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional keyboard include split key modules for ergonomic setup, thumb clusters for increased typing efficiency, a built-in wrist rest, and customizable keycaps. It also comes with a USB-C to A cable and branded cable ties.
Why does the user prefer wired keyboards over wireless ones?
-The user prefers wired keyboards because they find wireless keyboards frustrating due to potential connectivity issues and the need for charging. They value the reliability and consistency of a wired connection for their keyboard.
What is the user's opinion on the use of thumb clusters in ergonomic keyboards?
-The user highly appreciates the use of thumb clusters in ergonomic keyboards, as they believe it significantly improves typing efficiency and reduces strain on the hands and shoulders.
How does the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional keyboard address the issue of wrist extension?
-The Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional keyboard addresses the issue of wrist extension by having a built-in wrist rest and a design that promotes a neutral wrist position, reducing the need for wrist flexion or extension during typing.
What is the user's view on the importance of concave key wells in ergonomic keyboards?
-The user considers concave key wells to be very important in ergonomic keyboards as they allow the fingers to rest in a natural state, reducing the energy expended during typing and increasing overall comfort.
What is the user's experience with the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional's keycap materials?
-The user notes that the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional uses shine-through ABS caps on the non-professional model and double-shot PBT caps on the professional model, and they find the quality of the plastics to be high and not feeling like 3D-printed materials.
How does the user feel about the Smart Set engine for reprogramming the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional keyboard?
-The user is not fond of the Smart Set engine for reprogramming the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional keyboard, as they find it less accessible and user-friendly compared to other reprogramming options like QMK or ZMK.
What are the user's thoughts on the price of the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional keyboard?
-The user acknowledges that the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional keyboard is expensive but also considers it a potential medical device for those with health issues related to typing. They wish for more features like RGB lighting at the given price point.
What other keyboard features does the user desire in addition to ergonomic design?
-In addition to ergonomic design, the user desires features such as an extra row of keys, macro keys on the side, and the ability for all users to easily reprogram the keyboard without needing to be a power user or programmer.
Outlines
🌟 Introduction to Kinesis Advantage
The speaker begins by sharing their long-term experience with the Kinesis Advantage keyboard, highlighting their loyalty to the brand. They mention a coworker who has been using the same keyboard for 30 years and discuss the different versions of the Kinesis keyboard, including the Advantage 360 Professional and non-professional models. The speaker also talks about their preference for wired keyboards over wireless ones, citing reliability and the annoyance of charging as reasons.
📦 Unboxing and Features Discussion
In this section, the speaker dives into the contents of the Kinesis Advantage 360 box, mentioning the two key modules, variety of switches, and accessories included. They touch on the differences between the professional and non-professional models, particularly the keycaps used. The speaker also expresses their dislike for wireless technology and the included cable management solutions, emphasizing their preference for wired setups.
💡 Ergonomics and Health Benefits
The speaker discusses the ergonomic features of the Kinesis Advantage 360, such as its split design, which allows for flexible positioning to reduce shoulder strain. They explain how the keyboard's design helps prevent repetitive stress injuries, including the importance of wrist position and the benefits of floating hands while typing. The speaker also mentions the built-in wrist pad and the option to purchase a separate wrist rest accessory for additional comfort.
🔧 Customization and Key Features
The speaker talks about the customizable aspects of the keyboard, including the adjustable tenting and the concave key wells that facilitate a more natural hand position. They discuss the importance of thumb clusters and the strategic placement of keys to minimize finger travel. The speaker also shares their personal typing habits and preferences, including their use of the Dvorak keyboard layout and the challenges of switching between different layouts.
🤔 Personal Reflections and Critiques
The speaker reflects on their personal journey with the Kinesis Advantage, sharing their initial struggles with the thumb cluster and their eventual appreciation for it. They discuss the evolution of their keyboard preferences and the impact of their work habits on their choice of keyboards. The speaker also mentions their experience with other ergonomic keyboards and their desire for a keyboard that combines the best features of the Kinesis Advantage with additional functionality.
🛠️ Reprogramming and Software Experience
The speaker talks about their experience with reprogramming the Kinesis Advantage 360, highlighting the differences between the Pro and non-Pro models in terms of customization options. They express their preference for a wired connection and discuss the challenges of using the Smart Set engine for remapping keys. The speaker also shares their thoughts on the lack of RGB lighting and the high price point of the keyboard, emphasizing their focus on ergonomics and functionality over aesthetics.
🎵 Sound Test and Final Thoughts
The speaker concludes by discussing the sound quality of the keyboard, including a sound test with bubble wrap to mimic the typing experience. They share their thoughts on the different key switches and their impact on sound and typing feel. The speaker also talks about their future plans for trying out other keyboards, such as the Glove 80, and their desire for a keyboard that meets both their ergonomic and enthusiast needs.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Kinesis Advantage
💡Ergonomics
💡Thumb Clusters
💡Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
💡Dvorak Simplified Keyboard Layout
💡Concavity
💡Tenting
💡Bluetooth Connectivity
💡Hot-swappable Key Switches
💡ZMK and QMK
💡Backlight
Highlights
Longtime user of Kinesis keyboards, having used it for many years.
Kinesis Advantage 2 was the first ergonomic keyboard used, and it has been a favorite ever since.
The new Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional has been released, prompting a review and comparison.
The unboxing of the Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional reveals a variety of included accessories and key modules.
The new model features thumb clusters, which allow for more efficient typing and reduced strain.
The keyboard design promotes ergonomics, with split key modules and adjustable tenting to reduce wrist extension.
The reviewer prefers a wired connection over wireless, citing reliability and lack of need for charging.
The Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional comes with different keycap options, including ABS and PBT materials.
The built-in wrist pad on the key modules helps maintain a neutral wrist position during typing.
The reviewer discusses the importance of floating hands while typing to reduce strain and improve ergonomics.
Concave key wells are featured in the new model, allowing for a more natural resting position for fingers.
The reviewer's personal experience with repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and the impact of ergonomic keyboards on their healing process.
The Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional is praised for its durability and high-quality construction.
The reviewer's preference for a non-programmable keyboard with a simpler setup, despite being a programmer.
The reviewer discusses the trade-offs between ergonomic design and enthusiast features, such as RGB lighting and hot-swappable key switches.
The Kinesis Advantage 360 Professional is considered a potential choice for those prioritizing ergonomics over other features.
The reviewer's journey from using the Kinesis Advantage 2 to exploring other ergonomic keyboard options.