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Enhanced Keyboards and Writing Aids for Single-Handed Users: Innovative Solutions for Improved Typing Efficiency

In the wake of a traumatic accident, [Kurt Kohlstedt] experienced peripheral neuropathy, a condition caused by damage to his right brachial plexus – a crucial nerve network responsible for arms movement and sensation.

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2 min read
In the wake of an accident, [Kurt Kohlstedt] endured peripheral neuropathy, a condition triggered...
In the wake of an accident, [Kurt Kohlstedt] endured peripheral neuropathy, a condition triggered by extensive damage to his right brachial plexus — the web of nerves governing movement and sensation in the arm.

Enhanced Keyboards and Writing Aids for Single-Handed Users: Innovative Solutions for Improved Typing Efficiency

Straight from the pits of trauma, our protagonist Kurt Kohlstedt, grappled with the chilling specter of severed writing abilities post an accident. The detective in him embarked on a quest for salvation - a resilient comeback to long-form content through a singular hand.

The traditional speech-to-text (STT) wasn’t the Knights Templar he was looking for. While it managed simple emails and brief messages, the intricacies of long-form content and grueling editing process left him cold. With an iron will, he set his sights on single-handed keyboard options.

A simple yet ingenious method navigated his first hurdle—switching index fingers to keys like J or Shift, allowing un parallel access to all keys. However, stress on the surviving hand propelled him to explore long-term solutions.

The generosity of MNStar state loan program footed the bill for trying out Maltron's 'Key Bowl', TIPY's 'Big Fan', and Matias Half-QWERTY keyboard, with each embodying their quirky narratives. The Maltron, while functional, was a bear to use, TIPY demanded re-learning a whole new keyboard layout, and the Matias half-QWERTY, with just 22 keys, was the easiest to leap from a full keyboard.

Kurt, however, opted for the Matias's muse - custom keymap on his full-sized QWERTY keyboard. In the next installment, he guides us through the intricate design and setup process of his innovative keymap, enabling others to follow suit.

Coincidentally, our own Bil Herd found himself on the edge of a similar abyss after a ladder accident claimed one of his fingers.

Courtesy of J. Peterson's tip.

Crafting Your Own Custom Keymap

Choosing a Base Layout

  1. Examine Established Solutions: Investigate existing single-handed keymaps, such as the KURTY Single-Handed Half-Board Keymap[1][2], compatible with two-handed QWERTY boards, adaptable for full-sized keyboards.
  2. Tailor to Your Needs: Identify your dominant hand and strategically position keys to minimize finger travel. Prioritize common letters and modifier keys for easy access.

Designing Your Custom Layout

  1. Employ Layers: Introduce layers to access various functions with minimal key presses. Common layers include letters, numbers, and functions.
  2. Optimize Key Placement: Place keys frequently pressed beneath your index and thumb, delegate less common keys to your middle and ring fingers. Remember, ergonomics matter—ensure the layout supports good hand posture and minimizes strain.

Implementing the Custom Keymap

  1. Software Tools: Utilize software like AutoHotkey (Windows) or Karabiner (macOS) to remap keys. These tools empower you to create custom keymaps and layers without needing hardware modifications.
  2. Install and Test: Install the custom keymap and thoroughly test it to pinpoint any issues or areas for improvement.

Refining Your Layout

  1. Iterate Based on Feedback: Observe your experience for difficulties or inefficiencies, and gradually refine the layout.
  2. Share and Learn: Collaborate with others by sharing your layout. Pooled wisdom can help enhance your single-handed typing experience.

Example Code

This AutoHotkey code remaps the 'a' key to send the digit '1'. Expand upon this logic to establish a complete one-handed typing system.

Conclusion

Designing a custom keymap for single-handed typing demands crafting an efficient layout, implementing it with software tools, and refining the layout as needed. Its beauty lies in its adaptability for full-sized keyboards, offering an alternative to specialized hardware.

In his quest for effective single-handed typing, Kurt Kohlstedt, having tried various options, eventually turned to designing his own custom keymap to optimize his keyboard for long-form content. Following the lead of already established solutions like the KURTY Single-Handed Half-Board Keymap, he tailored his layout to prioritize common letters and modifier keys for easy access, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic hand posture.

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