HACKER Q&A
📣 Y_Y

Typing Devices for the Physically Impaired


I'm interested in finding a device that lets the user type at a rate roughly comparable to a normal keyboard (ideally including coding with awkward symbols as well as English prose) but doesn't require sitting at a desk.

My personal medical woes prevent me from sitting for very long, especially in the typical arms-outstreched typing position, but I guess there are all sorts of reasons someone might have these restrictions.

I have tried: using a Bluetooth keyboard from a reclined position, a laptop on a floating bracket, voice input, using the swipe-type keyboard on my phone. These work in a pinch, but I bet there is a better solution.

One thing I imagine might work but haven't tried is something like the Twiddler 3. Certainly the Nintendo Switch controller is very comfortable for me to use, so anything in that format would be good.

I'd be very pleased to hear ideas about not-slow text entry without a traditional keyboard, and especially the experiences of coders working with limitations similar to my own.


  👤 Logans_Run Accepted Answer ✓
Can you not hack together something to create a 'floating' keyboard? In other words a beams of light shine down each letter (forming a complete keyboard) and then a receiving mat (or possibly bounce back sensors in the head unit?) and any beam interuption/change of state registers as a keypress, so in effect 'air typing' a bit like the musicians of the 70's and 80's playing laser keyboards

Eg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPWr9bitVek

A Quick bit of research turned up this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBS8ZEPdiM8 (Laser Projection Keyboard Review - Geeky Stuff)

My adaptations are an ergonomic 'split and curved' keyboard and a mouse similar to the Logitech M575 Ergo.


👤 brudgers
Not from disability, but I have been putting the keyboard in my lap for almost a decade now. This lets me sit in any chair I want. It lets me shift positions, adjust posture, change arm angles, etc.

Now that I use laptops exclusively, I don't have the mouse problem and can pick a place to sit without regard to outlets.

Good luck.