A keyer is an electronic device used for signaling by hand, by way of pressing one or more switches.

Common computer keyer use

Computer interface keyers are typically one-handed grips, often used in conjunction with wearable computers. Unlike keyboards, the wearable keyer has no board upon which the switches are mounted. Additionally, by providing some other function – such as simultaneous grip of flash light and keying – the keyer is effectively hands-free, in the sense that one would still be holding the light source anyway.

Chorded or chording keyboards have also been developed, and are intended to be used while seated having multiple keys mounted to a board rather than a portable grip. One type of these, the so-called half-QWERTY layout, uses only minimal chording, requiring the space bar to be pressed down if the alternate hand is used. It is otherwise a standard QWERTY keyboard of full size. It, and many other innovations in keyboard controls, were designed to deal with hand disabilities in particular.

Footnotes

References

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  • — summary of keyers, commercially made keyers, other links, etc.
  • — an open standard for handheld devices
  • — one-handed chording keyboard/mouse
  • — one-handed chording keyboard for handheld devices
  • — Do-it-yourself, wearable, one-hand keyboard prototypes
  • — leg mount accessory
  • — See Appendix on keyers
  • — keyer for daily wearable computer use