VerdictAI
#4 in Best Ergonomic Split Keyboards

KINESIS Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard (KB600), Black top case, Cherry MX Brown Switches, QWERTY keycaps

KINESIS

Best for

Best programmable

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.3(499)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreGreat
80/ 100

Based on 1 trusted source

Current price

$379.00

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Updated May 19, 2026 · 1 min read

KINESIS Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard (KB600), Black top case, Cherry MX Brown Switches, QWERTY keycaps

Sources behind this verdict

10 reviewers weighted by source trust

Methodology →

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, the Kinesis Advantage2 remains the senior member of the contoured-split family and the one with the deepest long-term track record. simonsays.so writes that "the Kinesis Advantage 2 helped me type again" and calls it the most comfortable typing experience from a pre-built keyboard, while martinfowler.com's detailed essay highlights the thumb cluster carrying return, backspace, space and forward delete as a genuine productivity gain for programmers. r/kinesisadvantage long-term threads echo that the concave key wells and palm rest are "fantastic," with the Cherry MX Brown switches called "actually good" by r/ErgoMechKeyboards owners comparing it against the ZSA Moonlander.

What reviewers liked

  • simonsays.so and martinfowler.com both give extended, specific endorsements after long-term use
  • r/ErgoMechKeyboards owners praise the concave key wells, thumb cluster and palm rest as best-in-class
  • Onboard programmability and macro support work without external software
  • Cheaper than the Advantage360 while keeping the core contoured layout

Where it falls short

  • r/MechanicalKeyboards (high-trust) review flags scratchy switches and hollow case sound
  • Multiple reviewers call the SmartSet programming software dated and clunky
  • Large footprint and tall profile noted as awkward for compact desks
  • 2-month adjustment period reported by r/kinesisadvantage owners before regaining typing speed

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, the Kinesis Advantage2 remains the senior member of the contoured-split family and the one with the deepest long-term track record. simonsays.so writes that "the Kinesis Advantage 2 helped me type again" and calls it the most comfortable typing experience from a pre-built keyboard, while martinfowler.com's detailed essay highlights the thumb cluster carrying return, backspace, space and forward delete as a genuine productivity gain for programmers. r/kinesisadvantage long-term threads echo that the concave key wells and palm rest are "fantastic," with the Cherry MX Brown switches called "actually good" by r/ErgoMechKeyboards owners comparing it against the ZSA Moonlander.

Not everyone agrees. An r/MechanicalKeyboards (high-trust community) thread is blunt: "The keys are wabbling, the switches are scratchy, and the sound is very hollow. And on top, the software to program any keys is crap." The programming workflow — older than the 360's modern firmware — is a recurring complaint, as is the bulky chassis.

The trust-weighted picture: the Advantage2 still delivers the contoured Kinesis experience that originated the category, with deep onboard programmability and macros, at roughly $100 less than the 360. Reviewers recommend it specifically for buyers who want the proven layout without the newer board's wireless complexity.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
CONTOURED ERGONOMIC SHAPE PROVEN TO INCREASE COMFORT AND PRODUCTIVITY: Patented design features split keywells with concave shape, thumb keys, orthogonal layout, 20 degrees of tenting, and integrated palm supports with cushioned palm pads.
GENUINE CHERRY MECHANICAL SWITCHES FOR PREMIUM TYPING FEEL AND PERFORMANCE: Cherry MX Brown mechanical switches feature a low activation force, tactile feedback and are rated for 50 million key presses for unmatched durability.
Full onboard programmability with the Driverless Smart Set engine: Custom layouts in QWERTY or Dvorak, on-the-fly macro recording, one-touch key remapping, Windows, Mac, PC modes, settings saved to keyboards 4MB flash memory, Smart Set app GUI for Windows
Plug-and-play with all major operating systems
Windows 7-10, Mac OS X, Linux, Chrome.
3 Year Manufacturer'S Warranty
Buy with confidence knowing that Kinesis engineers all our products in the USA to the highest standards and stands behind them 100 percent since 1992.

What customers say

2 verified voices
The concave layout of the keys is fantastic and probably potentially the best/most comfortable layout there is. It felt just right for me after ...
Supportingvia r/kinesisadvantage
The key wells are fantastic. · I like the thumb cluster. · The palm rest is great. · The Cherry switches are actually good. · The KA2 has a piezo ...
Supportingvia r/ErgoMechKeyboards

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Video review

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Kinesis Advantage 2 Full Review after Heavy Usage” · YouTube

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