One handed user looking for/to devise the "best" keyboard layout

Started by skyhopper88
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skyhopper88
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20-Aug-2010 02:50:37#1 One handed user looking for/to devise the "best" keyboard layout

I have Cerebral Palsy and have been hunting and pecking with thumb\pointer\middle\ring of my right hand forever (I'm 22). I look at the keyboard as a spacial reference since I have no true home row. I type 30 words per minute when I have to look at something on the screen and look down the type. I dismissed other layouts until I found Right handed Dvorak, which is different. It's good, but it's the philosophy that I like more than the absolute placement of each key.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ … _Right.svg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b373/ … _Right.png

Pros
- single home row (EHTD) contains every letter in reach for one hand (not true for QWERTY, normal Dvorak or Colemark)
- Even while hunt and pecking there's less horizontal movement
- good placement of . and , on the end of the letter block
- The words the, other, lol

Cons
- number keys are barrier to tab and such for one handed use, but I can switch the functions around if need be. Especially problematic it is the shift (might use AHK to bind it to holding space)

Problems with other one handed methods
Half QWERTY/Colemark (https://forum.colemak.com/viewtopic.php?id=37) - Work on the basis of having the muscle memory of both home rows. Essentially I would have to learn two. It is doable but I am also not a fan of more modifier keys.

An alternative idea would be to keep the same philosophy (place numbers to the left and place letters in the number line), but use a different letter placement. Punctuation seems just about right to me already though. This is where it gets tricky because I have no idea what makes a good keyboard layout, or if I can base it on something preexisting (Dvorak is different from the right-handed Dvorak version for instance). With that said, I was wondering if Colemark, or at least the organizational method, could be adapted to this template. If not, maybe a completely different arrangement could be devised. Does anyone have any ideas/advice? And if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Last edited by skyhopper88 (21-Aug-2010 00:51:33)

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DreymaR
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From: Viken, Norway
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20-Aug-2010 08:35:59#2 Re: One handed user looking for/to devise the "best" keyboard layout

I think the half-keyboard idea is perfect for those who have a need or wish to type one-handed sporadically or for a period of time. What I'd do would be to install a foot pedal as the mirroring modifier "key". I think Colemak takes better to the mirroring idea than other available layouts, because Dvorak emphasizes hand alternation which becomes a problem when you're not alternating anymore whereas Colemak emphasizes hand rolls which would be equally smooth in a mirrored layout and ensures more same-hand runs which necessitates fewer modifier changes. I've only barely tested such a layout and not with a foot pedal, but it does look good.

If you're looking for a permanent one-handed layout though, I have no idea what would be best. As you say, muscle memory isn't an issue anymore then. One-handed Dvorak may be the best researched one-handed layout around, but you might also want to check out ENTI-Key++ (which I only know from its maker's recommendations) and chorded solutions to see if they might be your thing.

Also, look into my Portable Keyboard Layout Extend mode enhancements. It's very handy for when I've got one hand on the mouse and want something done on the keyboard with the remaining hand. For instance, shutting down a running program with Caps+A+4 is simpler than twisting your hand to reach Alt+F4 with one hand, and Caps+F/P are great for going back and forth when browsing.

*** Learn Colemak in 2–5 steps with Tarmak! ***
*** Check out my Big Bag of Keyboard Tricks for Win/Linux/TMK... ***

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skyhopper88
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21-Aug-2010 00:07:03#3 Re: One handed user looking for/to devise the "best" keyboard layout

The foot petal is a good idea. Either that or use Alt G. ENTI-Key++ seems to favor the left hand and punctuation. Too many alt states for my tastes too. The only corded keyboard I've seen that I like (in theory) is the frogpad. But I tend to favor regular keyboards for gaming. It's on my list though. And I'll keep mirrored Colemak in mind (I have an idea). Can you link me to your Portable Keyboard Layout Extend mode enhancements? I can't seem to find it. I think I get the idea though.

I modified the layout a bit.
- Put the ; - ' keys to the right of q z x for easier reach and slid the letters down one so I'd be closer to backspace, enter and shift. Same layout otherwise
- Switched Alt and Alt G and used Alt G to mimic shift so I have an accessible way to shift with the side of my thumb. It's a bit out of reach since I slid the keys though.
- Converted the context menu key into backspace (inspired by Colemack)

It also occurs to me that I do not need a long spacebar and I would like to have modifiers there too (and maybe an even closer backspace) since, ideally, I shouldn't move from my centered home row. A Japanese keyboard looks right up my alley:
https://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4661/lcmp01cv7.jpg

Not sure how well it would work in a US locale with VKeys and such. Or about importing one. Probably Ebay. Anyone have input on compatibility/availability? That picture is a Japanese Logitech Cordless MediaBoard Pro for PS3 (US Version https://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboard … ices/3616). I even like the trackpad, but I prefer wired as my desktop lacks bluetooth. Otherwise it's perfect. And with those extra modifiers a mirrored layout would be more feasible. I feel I owe it to this amazing community to try some form of Colemak. I'm also noticing that the JLMFP row is a bit much to reach (the numbers are there for a reason).

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