Hello! I had a stroke in early 2022 and was paralyzed in my left arm. Before the stroke I was an avid PC gamer and was working as a journalist, so I was used to use a keyboard a lot. I would like to get back to using keyboard and mouse both for fun and work (lately I’ve mostly been gaming on my Steam Deck) Today I’ve mostly recovered but my left hand is still affected somewhat: I’m having trouble keeping my wrist at an angle so my hand hovers above the keys, so I would prefer a keyboard with (perhaps adjustable) wristrests. The fine motor skills in the fingers are not very good, especially the pinky and ring finger are affected by this. I really like dactyl manuform keyboards, and would like to try them, and think they might make it easier for my pinky and ring-y to reach (I figure;“why not?” I basically have to learn how to type again from scratch anyway, so I might as well go with a different layout) My current keyboard (a regular TKL mech) has clear cherry switches which I really like (I like that they’re more stiff than browns), so something with similar switches would be great. I’m no good at wiring or soldering, so a pre-made keyboard would be necessary. I realize this is quite an extensive list of wishes but if any of you have suggestions, I would be very thankful. I’ve also been looking at the Kinesis Advantage2 and the Glove80, again I think the keywell will make it easier for my pinky and ring finger to reach.
Oh, yeah, I should have mentioned; I’m European. Located in the EU.
Edit: to clarify
Hi there! I hope we can help out! There are a few small community shops that sell prebuilt dactyls but it’ll depend where about in the world you are? There’s also the Kenesis boards which are prebuilt.
What kinda budget are you looking at?
I knew I forgot something! My location is Northern Europe (EU). My budget is quite flexible, as I’m planning to put money aside for a bit until I can afford a keyboard that works for me. The more I look at the Glove80, the more I think that’s a good bet. What are the pros and cons of this keyboard?
If you do have some time to spare, and some basic tools - building your own dactyl manuform is a fun and engaging project (I’ve built two in the past, have helped a colleague build one). The fact you control all the aspects of the result, including programming the firmware - will let you customize it to your hearts content.
What do you consider “basic tools” in this case? I’ve got a screwdriver and measuring tape.
Well you’d have to have a little more than that 😜 You’d need to have access to a soldering iron and solder, as well as some way to 3d print the body. Other than that, only a hobby knife/wire cutters.
Unfortunately, I don’t know how to solder.😕
Then maybe the Glove80 would be a good fit, as it uses ZMK firmware - you’ll be able to customize the functionality of all the keys…