11/232015 jellyfish-inspired

Riley Harrison

optical keyset

A keyset or chorded keyboard (also called a chorded

keyset, chord keyboard or chording keyboard) is a computer input
device that allows the user to enter characters or commands
formed by pressing several keys together, like playing a "chord"
on a piano. The large number of combinations available from a
small number of keys allows text or commands to be entered with
one hand, leaving the other hand free. A secondary advantage is
that it can be built into a device (such as a pocket-sized computer
or a bicycle handlebar) that is too small to contain a normal-sized
keyboard. The two-handed keyboard we use today isnt the only
possible option. One design thats been around since 1968 is the
chorded keyboard: a one-handed device that lets you use just a
few keys in specific combinations to perform regular keyboard
functions. The idea was originally conceived by Douglas
Engelbart, the inventor of the computer mouse. Designer Erik
Campbell is giving the chorded keyboard a new face with his
jellyfish-inspired optical keyset. This modern version of the onehanded keyset is designed to fit the hand and reduce stress on
the fingers when typing. It takes up hardly any room on the desk,
which is great for people who cant seem to keep their workspace

clean. The beauty of the chorded keyset is that, with enough

practice, a user can type with these few keys even faster than on a fullsized keyboard. For users with physical difficulties, typing
efficiently with just one hand can be a great improvement over
hunting and pecking on a keyboard. Keyset is a computer input
device that allows users to enter characters and commands
without keyboard or monitor. Uses five binary chords rather than
keys. User, with practice, types faster than on a keyboard.

The above image, of Doug Engelbart demonstrating his

version of the chorded keyboard, shows how keys are pressed in
combinations to perform functions, just like playing chords on a
piano. Erik Campbells updated version of the gadget was
commissioned by Engelbart himself; the inventor hopes that the
new approach to the chorded keyboard can help give it new life.

Optical Keyboard Keyset Top View - Features and Benefits:

 Silicon rubber and recycled plastics

Pressure sensitivity technology for typing
Wireless USB for computer connectivity
Eliminates QWERTY
Avoids repetitive stress injury

Provides vision-impaired and disabled with a new, easyto-use,

Inexpensive Avenue for communication
Injection-Molded
Bibliography
(n.d.).
Chorded keyboard. (2015, November 23). Retrieved from Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorded_keyboard
Gajitz. (2015, November 23). Retrieved from Gajitz: http://gajitz.com/typing-onehanded-five-button-jellyfish-like-keyboard/
Jellyfish Keyset. (2015, November 23). Retrieved from Jellyfish Keyset:
http://www.solidsmack.com/3d-cad-technology/erik-campbell-keyset-designsolidworks-hypershot-rendering-3d-cad/
Optical Keyboard Keyset. (2010, November 23). Retrieved from Coroflot:
http://www.coroflot.com/erikcampbell/optical-keyboard-keyset

The Jellyfish inspired keyset. (2015, November 23). Retrieved from Walyou:
http://walyou.com/jellyfish-keyboard-keyset/