One Handed QWERTY Typing

[bmilcs]

My job requires swapping my right hand from keyboard to mouse multiple times a minute... for 8 hours. I'm developing serious RSI and I'm afraid I'm going to do some permanent damage.

I've tried out literally 20+ mice and 2 of the top Trackballs --- doesn't matter.

Fortunately, all I typically need to swap for is ---

1) Numbers (have the Southpaw 65/Full size inbound soon, so left handed numpad)
2) Shorthand codes --- typically 3-6 letters at a time.

If I can come up with an efficient way of typing one handed alphanumeric codes with one hand, this would make my job incredibly less demanding on my right wrist & hand.

Suggestions?

I'm an AHK-aholic and have considered writing code for a function layer on all my keyboards which allow for other letters. Has anyone done this before?

[figit090]

Would it be beneficial to have one section of the keyboard as a double layer with an embedded number pad?  My Kinesis keyboard has a number pad in the second layer on the right side of the keyboard. You can get a foot pedal to switch between the layers easily as well.  Kinesis keyboards also have built-in macros which might help your situation.... And they are more ergonomic than a standard staggered keyboard.

Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk

[bmilcs]

Right. That's what I was  thinking for the rest of the right-handed letters. My Southpaw 65 keeb will be inbound shortly and that takes care of left handed numpad.

[user 18]

Maybe something along the lines of this: https://matias.ca/halfkeyboard/

Haven't used it myself, but what you're talking about seems to be the intended use. Could probably emulate a lot of the functionality with AHK or a custom layout, if you didn't want to buy new.

[bmilcs]

Maybe something along the lines of this: https://matias.ca/halfkeyboard/ Haven't used it myself, but what you're talking about seems to be the intended use. Could probably emulate a lot of the functionality with AHK or a custom layout, if you didn't want to buy new.

There we go. Easy enough to code. That keyboard works as follows: Hold Space and you get this:

[seva1385]

I have recently been limited to one hand use for several months and experimented with Maltron one handed. Layout is its best feature. Otherwise, I did not like it, though it did help, and was an interested experience. Did not manage to touch type, had to pick.

Also tried mapping my beloved Kinesis Advantage so it could be used with one hand... possible, but I did not go that route, might still consider it in the future but not with QWERTY.
Sculpted keyboard might help your RSI by itself.

Regarding mice, which were the two trackballs you tried? Kensington, I bet? After decades of searching, I settled on CST. There is no such thing as a perfect mouse, sadly.

Have you considered foot mouse? I tried one, did not like the ease of use. I still have Mycestro finger mouse in my to-try list, but CST mostly meets my needs, now that I am using it with left hand. Very conveniently placed next to Kinesis Advantage, there is little wrist travel.

An interesting option might be chording keyboard, like the one I shamelessly used as my avatar.

[bmilcs]

I'm using the CST L-Trac atm; benched the Elecom Huge.

[hoggy]

Macro Express or Auto Hot Key?

Is the software you're using developed in house, if so a friendly word with the developers  might help (take food with you, that always goes well). 

If it was developed by a contractor, the inefficiency  this is causing might be it's worthwhile to business to pay for some keyboard shortcuts to be added. 

Windows also has a 'snap to' feature - it can move the mouse pointer to the default button on a dialog box.  That might cut down some of the mouse usage.

[JianYang]

Would a left hand num pad help?
It sounds like you need a trackpoint.

[Tom_Kazansky]

Hi!
I could say I ran into the same problem, no acutally I must say "same need".
I think if I can type all alphanumeric code with just one hand, it would be more efficient to operate softwares like AutoCad, PhotoShop,...

so I come up with this:

as you can see, normally you can type: QWERT but if you hold the blue Fn, you can type POIUY, the same apply to other keys.
the numpad is on the left, easy to reach with left hand.

using this with AutoCad: I can draw line (cmd: l, key: Fn + S), mirror (cmd: mi, key: Fn + V (m), Fn + E (i)),... all by left hand, my right hand does not need to move away from my mouse/trackball

the actual board:

please excuse the horrendous wiring, this board works but I consider it a "failure" 

[hoggy]

Left handed mouse?

[Findecanor]

Is the RSI caused mostly by mousing or typing? Does the mousing require high precision?

Have you considered a Rollermouse or trackpad in front of the keyboard?
Also, do check out vertical mice! There are several threads on the forum about it.
I use a 45° slanted "vertical" mouse, and with the mouse wheel removed so I won't use that and get an achy middle finger.

[Nlight]

if you work under windows, instead of buying a whole keyboard, you can a software based solution. I'm not a fan of AHK, cause it is not low level enough to work in many situations. However, I've been really impressed with KbdEditor. You could take advantage of its feature that allows you to have a separte mapping when cap key is on to actually map the right half to the left half of your existing keyboard, and you also can map "low-level keys" like Enter, BackSpace, etc... though these keys are not then remappable with modifers . Seems cheap and effective.

If under Linux, I remember this is just a file to modify, but it's been too long since I used linux to tell you more about it.

[4sStylZ]

Have you considered a keyboard with trackpoint from IBM or better : IBM Ultranav ?

[jcoffin1981]

How bout a 60% board and a number pad.  Since I switched to the smaller board most of my wrist and shouulder pain has disappeared.  I will never use a full size board again.

[barrel]

I would personally look around for a keyboard with a trackpoint, if you need it to be mechanical at work then ther eis the Tex Yoda, as much as I dislike the board it is extremely good for ergonomics.

[Giorgio]

Buy this usb2usb converter https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.0
to make any keyboard programmable. Great stuff. Probably my best buy ever.

[Myteethfeelweird]

There is a keyboard designed specifically for this if you google one handed keyboard, if you're looking for a different solution, look into either a split keyboard and use only one half of get a planck, and utilize the many layer options it can have