Advantage360 Keywells
In the spring of 2023, Kinesis modified the keywells (aka plates) to improve the performance with the OEM switches. In doing so, most all aftermarket switches were found to be incompatible and were unable to be secured in the plate. Once Upgrade Keyboards recognized this flaw, all sales were halted as the existing working plates were sold out.
There are two plates currently in existence
- Revision E: was used in all Kinesis OEM models produced through approximately May 2023 and Upgrade Keyboard Signature Series produced through March 2024.
- Revision F: has been used from approximately May 2023 onward for OEM models, and for all future UPKB Signature Series
Revision E plates will work with any aftermarket switch without modification.
Revision F keywells used on OEM prebuilt models will have varying grades of compatibility (please see below for more information). The initial batches will be incompatible with 99% of aftermarket switches, while later batches are now feasible to work - but may require extra means of sealing certain switches to the plate to keep them retained.
We do apologize, but these changes have caused delays as we sort through orders. We do not anticipate any delays longer than 14-21 days past the already projected ship dates however (if there are any).
Upgrade Keyboards Signature Series Models
All Upgrade Keyboard Signature Series models will come with a working plate, and the switches secured. However, some switch options will require further labor to seal your switch choice to the plate. Until we have documented all possible options (which is a colossal undertaking that will span months as we have hundreds of thousands of switches, and frankenswitches to fit, and catalog) - we will be manually processing any new orders, and you may be required to add either a $40 service charge (seal only), or $85 (seal as well as trim certain areas).
For example... a Kailh Box switch will work without modification or extra installation charges. A Gateron Oil King will need to be sealed to the plate and will require a $40 installation fee in addition to the cost of your chosen parts.
UPKB will be building a compatibility database as time goes on, and we will be sharing that with the public.
Upgrading your prebuilt Advantage360 OEM model
You can speculate whether your particular keyboard will be affected by its purchase date. If you purchased your Advantage360 in or prior to April of 2023, then you are unaffected - and all switches are possible to be used on the board. If you purchased your Advantage360 in or after May of 2023, then you will likely have varying levels of compatibility with anything other than the switches that came in the board.
If your particular keywell is deemed as incompatible, we are able to replace them with a better functioning version for $15. Depending upon your switch choice - you may have additional installation fee's associated with your planned upgrade. The replacement keywells are only available for upgrade service at this time, but may be made available to the public for any DIYers in the future.
Identifying Your Keywell
In order to identify if your prebuilt model has a keywell that may be affected, and was purchased in a date range that has you unsure - please reference the images below.
Disassemble your Advantage360 (you do not need to desolder or remove any internal screws - only the 5 holding the top and bottom halves together) and look at one of the sides indicated by the arrow.
Revision E Keywells
These keywells have a date wheel stamp that has "22" in the middle separated by an arrow as shown in the image. These will work with all aftermarket switches (minor alignment adjustments may be required for some switches).
Revision F Keywells
These are the affected keywells and have a date wheel stamp that has "23" in the middle separated by an arrow as shown in the image. Switches must be test fit to determine if they will work, or will require additional labor or even replacement.