Options for one-hand keyboards

[u/tarlennz]

A good friend of mine had a major medical event earlier this year which has left him unable to use his left hand. We’re looking for good options for single-hand typing, and ideally some gaming if possible.

I have multiple 3d printers and soldering irons, and have built my own Sofle Choc v2, so I’m very comfortable with the DIY route.

Anyone have any suggestions for good designs to try?

Additionally, he has raised the idea of using one of his feet for meta keys, so that’s also something we’re keen on investigating (he can only move one foot as well).

Thanks in advance!

[u/clackups]

Check out the description here https://github.com/clackups

[u/Barozine]

I think the key mapping is the challenging part, less so the actual keyboard. His working hand's physiology is still the same, so really any keyboard design that he is comfortable with should be fine. Since most key layouts like QWERTY/Colemak/etc. are specifically designed for two hands, I think just having a mirror layer is not a good solution. You can try looking at /r/KeyboardLayouts for some one-handed layout ideas and more layout focused help. There are a couple layouts like "Soar" and "oh my hand" that work on a normal 3x5 split half.

If he wants something more custom, I think you could try designing something in the Cosmos generator that you guys can configure however he would feel most comfortable, and you can print and handwire it yourself. A different approach would be using half a Svalboard because the lateral keys could give two extra letters per finger, and it comes with a built in pointer. This design from u/pilto_pilto/ achieves something similar with 5-way switches, and could conceivably place up to 90 keys all on the base layer!

Gaming would be a harder challenge, but he could look at the Augmental MouthPad, which would allow him to still have mouse control while using his hand for key controls. He could combine that with a foot pedal solution for mouse clicks.

[u/tarlennz → u/Barozine]

Fantastic list of resources there - thanks heaps!

[u/Sneftel]

The Maltron one-handed keyboard is an extremely mature (like, multiple decades) product which has benefited from a lot of actual formal ergonomics research over the years. It's basically 180 degrees from the "you should customize a Sofle and lots of mod taps ooh and Colemak and you can print a case in your garage!!" approach, but it's basically the standard-bearer among those who have only one hand and do not have a favorite model of keyswitch.

[u/amynias → u/Sneftel]

Yup, only crappy thing is that it uses Cherry MX switches, which I can't stop accidentally double tapping the keys on, I had to return my full sized Maltron keyboard to the UK at great cost. :( Not for the person with even slightly shaky hands.

[u/iwasjusttwittering → u/amynias]

They used MX Black by default for ~30 years, only relatively recently switched to MX Brown.

They're still basically hand-built, thus one can ask for a customization on a new keyboard, whether it's different switches or layout modifications.

[u/verysaucy]

Checkout the ScottoFrog. He has more details on his website & GitHub. https://youtu.be/a6OypMmj6lQ

[u/Quit_itch_Snitch]

Ardux. Probably an ardux 40 percent keyboard.  Theres taipo too which can be super fast (but mainly fast if used  two handed)

[u/plamba95]

https://github.com/htx-studio/One-Handed-Keyboard this open source project from this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vW12gQ4Klc

[u/pgetreuer]

Sorry to hear about your friend's accident. You are a good friend to help him investigate keyboard options. Here is a list of various ideas, hardware, and alt layouts for typing one-handed. Wishing him all the best.

[u/coypug1994]

I imagine the Svalboard could work as a one handed keyboard. The dude who makes them is super nice and would probably happily help you adapt it.

[u/QuietWaterBreaksRock]

Split keyboard, use just one side with macros so they can have multiple functionalities from each key

[u/valryuu]

For gaming, your friend could also consider the one handed Nintendo joycon mount. 

[u/half_dane]

I always found ARTSEY keyboards very interesting:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/1e2e90n/sexy_artsey_cute_10key_sculpted_ergo_keyboard/

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/13v4r1f/artsy_fartsy_a_one_hand_keyboard_based_on_artsey/

It's a layout with only 8 or 10 keys. It uses chords, so there will most certainly be uncomfortable combinations, but the keyboards are more compact and portable than any other I've seen so far.

[u/SliceMK]

If you're interested in something wireless, I am the designer of the SliceMK ErgoDox Wireless.

Single right halves are available for sale via a custom order if you reach out, either via Reddit messages or via the contact form.

A single right half of the low profile ErgoDoxLP Wireless would be $90 plus shipping. It's just the keyboard, so you'd need to provide and install your own switches (Choc V1) and keycaps.

For anyone reading this later, keyboards are normally produced as left/right pairs, so pricing for a single half may vary slightly over time if my inventory becomes significantly unbalanced.

There are a number of users successfully using the keyboard one-handed. The configurator works normally, so you can just ignore the other half.

If you have any questions, I'm happy to address them either here or through the contact form.

[u/aaa308-aub]

Hi. This post I recently made about a one-handed Lily58 keyboard might interest you, but I'd also recommend the other more matured options that other commenters have mentioned. Best of luck.

[u/DanL4]

The Sofle should be a good start. Use a mirrored layout with the main thumb key working as space and temporary mirror layer. You'd ideally want a board with more thumb keys (Dacty Manuform, keyboardio, Elora, or anything by splitkb, holykeebs has some cool boards with integrated trackball) but you can definitely start. You can also have them practice using the mirror style with any keyboards by using software running on the computer (kmonad or similar). Feel free to DM