Before computers, the typewriter is our way of producing formal letters, articles, and other documents. At most, we’ll need two fingers to access the other characters, one at the letter or number, the other finger at the shift key. It may be a hassle, but it’s a shortcut and convenient approach that otherwise makes the typewriter a very large and bulky appliance.
But with the dominance of computers that pushed the typewriter to near extinction, came the additional functions, usually called “shortcut keys” to help automate and simplify repetitive processes such as copy and paste.
The two abovementioned processes requires two fingers to press two keys. Still manageable. However, more functions and shortcuts came into play that needs three, even four fingers to invoke them. If used repeatedly during the day, maybe at least 8 hours, your fingers will start getting strained, and so will WE, embattled humans.
What we need is to put those frequently used shortcuts into a single keystroke. And we have a solution that’s already at our fingertips…our very own keyboard! Assuming its the full size keyboard with 12 function keys.
I will not teach you how to map the keys, but I can point to what you need. Aside from a full-size keyboard, download Microsoft Powertoys app. This app allows the user to modify functions within Windows, one of them being able to remap or reprogram keys., most likely the function keys F1-F12. How to make it work, watch the video here.
This is the ultra-cheapo, zero cost solution. But this has limitations, as the 12 function keys had pre-assigned functions bestowed by Windows. Research those key assignments and decide if you can forego those functions and reassign them with yours.
If that solution doesn’t work for you, be prepared to spend, and spend like mad! Look for the so-called “gaming mouse” or “gaming keyboards” in, of course, the gaming sphere. But, you’re looking for those with more than 3 buttons on mice and keyboards with additional keys that are “programmable” or “remappable.”
Why in the gaming category? Why not in regular office category? As a gamer myself (ages ago) its a pain to position a couple or more fingers for your character to do something to avoid getting “fragged.” That feature came into being in many gaming mice and keyboards to give players faster response, thus an extra edge in over their opponents. And that is what we need, repurposed long typing or voluminous data entry tasks.
As a reference, I’ve disclosed a couple of products that meets this purpose:
Redragon K585 DITI Wireless One-Handed Mechanical Keyboard.
Logitech G903.
After some light reading, if they have manuals, and checking Youtube videos, you’ll be able to map the buttons or keys and you can keep that carpal tunnel syndrome at bay.
Keep on typing, baby, uuuuh! (Milli Vanilli mode)