Hasta La Ideas

The Matias company makes a computer keyboard that works well for single-arm amputees, people who suffer from carpel tunnel in one arm, and those looking for a completely unconventional way to save desktop space — The Half Keyboard:

Try out the demo software to get an idea of how it works. (Warning: The demo is addictive, like a video game.) Unlike other one-hand keyboards, this one is based fully on the QWERTY system so you don’t have to learn a new method of typing. Simply hold down the space bar when you want to switch to the keys on the alternate side of the keyboard. I think the Matias Half Keyboard is really cool and efficient, and I would love to use something like it on my work surface, but …

unfortunately, it costs $600.

I’m not really sure how half a keyboard can be so expensive compared to a traditional full-size keyboard, but my guess is that eventually the price will fall and/or single-hand QWERTY competitors will enter the market. Matias claims that with practice a typist can usually type “up to 88% as fast as your two-handed speed.” I love the space-saving qualities and productivity benefits — hold the mouse continuously in your right hand, while you type with your left.

I’m eager to see what the future holds for single-hand typing. Anyone out there already own and use one?