Question

One of the neatest ways I've heard to avoid repetitive stress injuries is to use foot pedals for the modifier keys (Option, Command, Alt, Shift, &c.). Does anyone have any experience setting up such a system on Leopard or Snow Leopard? Any recommendations on a make/model? Is there any particular software you recommend for managing the settings? (I'd prefer something in a preference pane, but I'll take what I can get.)

Answer 1

Kinesis Corporation makes a variety of ergonomic devices, including footpedals. Looking at the compatibility page of one of their USB footpedals I noticed the following note:

"Note: Modifier actions from one USB device cannot modify the input of a second USB device due to limitations designed into the Apple operating system.

Example: Shift, Control, Command, or Option keystrokes programmed into the footswitch cannot modify the input of a separate USB keyboard or mouse. However, a key sequence like 'Cmd-W' or 'Cmd-Shift-left arrow' will work on a Macintosh if the entire sequence of keystrokes has been pre-programmed into the footswitch. (Footswitch can only be programmed on a Windows PC)."

Personally, I use one of their Contour keyboards on my Leopard computer. They do make a footpedal that attaches to a Contour keyboard which can then be used for modifier keys. The reprogramming is done through the keyboard and, if it is anything like reprogramming the keyboard keys, is very easy. They aren't cheap but my keyboard has certainly helped my wrists.