One hand typing

The idea of one-hand typing is to touch type using only one hand (e.g. the left one), or mainly one hand. Its history and application are closely related to keyboard research on QWERTY and Dvorak Simplified Keyboard.

Typing with one hand can be done in a number of ways, and novel approaches are still emerging. People handle this situation in different ways and the solution depends on whether it is necessitated by a temporary condition, as well as the pupil's physical abilities, muscle strength, and cognition and memory. Therefore, existing approaches may fit different expectations.

Benefits and drawbacks

One-handed typing can be useful in situations where one would usually need to move their dominant hand between one's keyboard and mouse or if the typist makes notes while using one hand for another task.

Using standard PC keyboard

Spacebar as modifier

The idea is to only use one hand (preferably the left one) and type typical right-hand letters by holding the space key with one's thumb which then mirrors the right side to the left one.

Hand homeposition on FGHJ

Using a standard keyboard, the one-handed typist must move from side to side to cover all the keys. Ideally, this typist should keep their main hand on fghj, but they will inevitably be forced to leave the home keys or stretch like a concert pianist to reach all the letters. Without using a second hand as an aid (for example, the right shift key), most capital letters require a time-consuming excursion to one side or the other. This reduces efficiency and frustrates the typist.[1]

Special keyboard layout

Some single-hand keyboard layouts exist, such as "one-handed Dvorak" and "Left hand Ngaih". Switching the keyboard layout is often required. It is hence inconvenient for others to use the same computer. Another one-handed keyboard is called "FrogPad".

See also

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 9/29/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.