ChordKey - A Chorded Keyboard Design

What is a Chorded Keyboard?

The idea behind a chorded keyboard is to press several keys simultaneously to give a specific input into a computer, much like a pianist presses several keys on a piano to play a chord. The traditional keyboard uses this approach for capital, control, and meta characters. The fully chorded keyboard extends this to the entire keyspace.

Why use a Chorded Keyboard?

The benefit of this approach is a reduction in number of keys (seven vs 104). The drawback is a high learning curve, smarter interface elecronics, and a reduction in typing speed. However, the smaller chorded keyboard has several advantages: it it extremely portable... type while driving, walking,etc; it has a very low error rate... all of the keys are well within reach of the fingers.

Ok, so let's see the ChordKey.

Jill Nolde and I built one. It currently works with basic functionality. ie, we can navigate around the UNIX machine with it, list files, etc. We'll put up more pictures, source code for the microcontroller, project documentation, hints and tips, etc. Eventually... when I dig myself out of the pile of work I'm currently working on. :)

Random Project Info

Here is the 80196 assembly code to run the keyboard.
USENET Posting requesting info on how to connect a "strange terminal" like the ChordKey.

More Info Available?

Here's some Web Links to folks working on/using/selling Chorded Keyboards:

The Wearable Computer crew at MIT Media Lab.
The HandyKey Twiddler is a commercial chorded keyboard.
The Infogrip BAT is a commercial chorded keyboard.
The DataEgg will hopefully come out soon. No web page available. This device has the form factor that I'd like to have.
The Alternative Keyboards/Interfaces section of the Typing Injuries FAQ
a good intro to and evaluation of chorded keyboards.
The Microship and BEHEMOTH are one-nomad vehicles with chorded keyboards! This is awesome. Go there now. I want this life. :)
Many more - I'll type them in RSN!