Typing is still a requirement for entering data into a computer. The smallest key that can be comfortably used on a standard keyboard is roughly 19mm across (3/4 inch). Portable computers usually have keys smaller than the keys found on a standard computer keyboard. A solution to the problem of a keyboard size is to abandon standard keyboard designs and use a chordic keyboard. On standard keyboards, a data character is made by pressing either a single key or a key combined with the shift key or another key on the keyboard. A chordic keyboard uses only one key for each finger. Combinations of keys are pressed simultaneously to enter a data character or some other type of data, similar to producing a chord (note) on a piano. Pressing combinations of keys in this way is called ''chording''.
A chord keyboard has several advantages over standard keyboards. Novice typists can type almost twice as fast on a chord keyboard within a couple of days of training. The repetitive motions and finger accuracies required for touch typing are very complex. Finger muscles and touch typing speeds decay quickly when not used, and it can take a while for a typist to regain previous touch typing speed proficiencies.
Chordic typing speeds decay very slowly when not being used due to the mnemonic (memory) relation between the chords and the characters. It is easy to type the wrong key while touch typing on a standard keyboard because of the unnatural finger movements, the large number of keys used and the illogically dispersed arrangement of the keys on the keyboard. A chordic keyboard does not have this problem because each finger is assigned to only one key. Only up an down movement is involved, making it is impossible to press the wrong key or miss the key.
Chord keyboards have the lowest error rates and the fastest learning curves compared to any other type of keyboard or keyboarding technology. The biggest advantage to chord typing is that the typist never has to look at the keyboard while typing. Most disabled individuals cannot use standard keyboards, but can achieve acceptable typing speeds on chord keyboards. The chordic chord keyboard makes all existing keyboards and keyboarding technologies obsolete.
The chord keyboard also uses the split space bar keyboard as a chordic 8 key Braille typewriter (a chordic stenographer keyboard). All Latin based alphabet languages and all computer data found in the ASCII and Extended ASCII 8 bit binary computer code are produced by typing combinations of 8 keys. The ASCII and Extended ASCII 8 bit binary computer codes have been rearranged into a new copyrighted and patented 8 bit binary computer code that can be used as a method of typing, an 8 dot Unified Braille Code for computer data and all Latin based alphabets or as a method of finger braille / finger spelling form of communication for the speech impaired and DeafBlind community.
The chord keyboard was designed to stop the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cumulative Trauma Disorders, Repetitive Motion Syndrome, Repetitive Strain Disorders and Repetitive Stress Injuries, and other injuries. Unlike other chord keyboards, this chord keyboard remains on your lap while you type. Your entire upper body and arms are relaxed as your wrists remain straight while you type. Preliminary testing of the ergonomic 8 key chordic chord keyboard prove it to be the best way to stop the development of muscular and skeletal injuries. Back, shoulder, neck, arm, wrist and hand pain or discomfort is prevented using the chord keyboard.
The 8 key chordic data entry method can be learned and used in five to ten minutes on the new chord keyboard. Learning curves of previously tested chordic typing methods have proven them to be faster to learn and faster to use than the standard touch typing method. The 8 key chordic chord keyboard data entry method is far superior to any previous chordic data entry method and is easy to learn and fast to use. The 8 key chordic chord keyboard data entry method can also be used as an alternative typing 8 dot braille arrangement for the blind and a new form of communication ''fingerbraille'' for the deaf-blind community. Individuals who write or use the hunt and peck method of typing will be able to type faster in a very short period of time (minutes to hours) using the 8 key chordic chord keyboard data entry method.