Right now Im using the Razer Blackwidow 2016 edition. I only have that because I got it for 25 bucks at Walmart a couple years back, typically anything more expensive was off limits to me. A previously unknown deformity in my left arm is apparently causing a cascading effect leading down into my hand. The impact of my fingers typing on the keyboard or playing games now causes me a significant amount of discomfort, so Im looking into a few solutions.
*For gaming, one solution is to learn to use the numberpad and mouse of my blackwidow, reprogramming the number pad into a WSAD setup, using my thumb to operate those keys for basic movement on my good right hand while using my pinky etc fingers to move and operate the mouse.
*Another solution is a tenkeyless keyboard that will let my right hand travel less distance from the mouse to the qwerty keys.
*This aligns with the tenkeyless board idea, but a keyboard with easier to press mechanical switches might be better for my left hand, maybe enough to type without as much discomfort. Im not sure how to go about finding and picking those though, Im not well versed on keyboards but have some basic knowledge that alternate key switches are available on some models of mechanical keyboards.
*Those left handed half keyboards (like this) might be a good option too. I have a Nostromo speedpad but as far as I know nobody has made drivers to get that working on anything past Windows XP. Seems to be a ton of similar keyboards available that will work, but again one with easier switches to press.
**My current solution, I found a remarkably discounted Logitech G600 that has 12 side buttons and I've mapped them to facilitate all the WSAD, shift, and etc without having to reach over and manipulate the numberpad to the left of the mouse for those functions. I was doing something similar with the Logitect Triathlon, using it's three extra keys for forward, backwards and jumping. Ill still need a good Cherry MX Red keyboard later for typing and more complicated games, but this alone should alleviate much of the stress on my left hand.
Any thoughts on these ideas, and maybe some ideas I haven't considered? Anyone know if health insurance companies tend to have something that covers specialty keyboards?
EDIT: After some looking around, something comparable to Cherry MX reds have a few advantages. I think they get rid of the click, but offer less finger travel. The extra pressure of the click may be helpful, though I'm worried I'm too used to it by now. I'm reading that the springs decide the total pressure needed to press, more so than the switch type, but I don't get the impression you can get the reds out of the box with a lower resistance spring. Would I have to buy specialized springs and then manually open each key and change the spring?
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