The Ultimate Guide to the One-Handed Keyboard

One-handed keyboards are gaining attention due to their simple yet complete design, which fulfills gaming and video editing requirements. These keyboards provide the ultimate movement space for professional gamers and clear up space for video editors who might otherwise have other peripherals in front of them.

Finding the best one-handed keyboard can be challenging. Many factors affect usage scenarios. This guide will explore all the options in the one-handed keyboard category. We will start with the types of one-handed keyboards, their key specifications, and their ergonomics.

Types of One-Handed Keyboards

Understanding the types of one-handed keyboards is essential to find the perfect match for your requirements. Whether you are a gamer, programmer, video editor, or typist, exploring these categories will help you find the ideal match.

1. One-Handed Gaming Keypad

The one-handed keypad is the most popular and widely available type of one-handed keyboard. It intends to maximize the area for mouse movement while allowing an ergonomic hand position to avoid wrist problems. These keyboards do not necessarily offer the same alphanumeric sections as the full-scale keyboard but provide a decent number of keys for maximum control.

These keypads are usually meant to enhance the gaming experience, but there are options that are also ideal for daily usage. They also feature macros that allow users to map keys they want to a specific key.

2. Ergonomic One-Handed Keyboard

There are also ergonomic one-handed keyboards that directly address the health issues associated with excessive typing or keyboard usage. These keyboards alleviate wrist, forearm, neck, and shoulder pain. You can place the one-handed keyboard directly in line with the shoulder so the user's muscles do not stretch unnaturally.

Computer users also improve posture and productivity due to reduced fatigue. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, muscle strain, and repetitive strain injury (RSI) are all common problems for computer users.

3. Full-Size One Handed Keyboard

Considering the requirement that people only use a single hand for typing, manufacturers developed the full-size one-handed keyboard. It includes all the keys that are standard to the QWERTY layout keyboard. The intention is to allow a whole typing experience using only one hand.

The choices in full-size, one-handed keyboards are limited. Some keyboards have an ergonomic design that allows for high words per minute.

4. Miniature One-Handed Keyboard

These miniature keyboards comfortably fit a single hand. Many brands offer keyboards with a minimum of 20 keys. They use the chording technique to achieve the full alphanumeric keypad. Users can type 85% of English words without using the chording technique.

It does not have a layout similar to the QWERTY keyboards we use. There is a learning curve, but most users have had an excellent experience using these keyboards after the process.

Guidelines for Selecting the Best One-Handed Keyboard

If you want to buy a one-handed keyboard for your daily use, here are easy-to-follow guidelines to help you decide.

1. First, identify your usage. Answer the following questions to move further in the guideline.

a. Are you a gamer or video editor, or can you use one hand to type?

b. Are you willing to learn a new layout to ensure one-handed typing?

c. Do you need a mechanical switch for a one-handed keyboard?

2. After answering the question, we can select a device. If you are a gamer, look for a gamepad.

3. If you are a video editor, gamepads and ergonomic one-handed keyboards are for you.

4. Get a full-size one-handed keyboard if you are a typist who requires one-hand typing.

5. Enthusiasts who want complete control and typing speed can use miniature one-handed keyboards.

Best One-Handed Keyboards

Now that we know keyboards come in different sizes, shapes, and applications, we can present some of the best one-handed keyboards. Each has a specialty, and we will mention those specialties under the specifications of each product.

Razer Tartarus V2: One-Handed Gaming Keypad 

SPECS

Keys: 32

Switch: Mecha-Membrane

Wrist Rest: One-Hand Included

Macro: Synapse Software

Usage: Gaming Only

If you are looking for a one-hand dedicated gaming pad, the Razer Tartarus V2 is the way to go. It combines ergonomics with diverse actuation mechanisms for the ultimate gaming experience. The 32-key gamepad has RGB and switches that combine the best mechanical and membrane switches.

The wristrest is adjustable depending on your palm size. The gamepad features a scroll, an 8-way directional thumbpad, and a trigger button for enhanced game control. You can program three different macro settings to match your game style.

MEETION KB015: Ergonomic One-Handed Keyboard

SPECS

Keys: 35

Switch: Membrane

Wrist Rest: One-Hand Included

Macro: Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center

Usage: Gaming, Editing, and Office

Combining the best gaming and office-related work, MEETION KB015 is the ultimate one-handed keyboard. The multimedia controls and regular 35-key configuration make it great for all users. Users can map keys using the Microsoft mouse and keyboard center.

Another unique feature is that you can map your gaming console controller to the keyboard using the Keyboard Mouse Adapter AP015. It features three multimedia control keys and an anti-ghosting feature to allow multiple keypresses simultaneously. The keycaps are made of wear-resistant material, ensuring that the device remains long-lasting and has premium aesthetics.

ZSA Half-Moon: One-Handed Keypad 

SPECS

Keys: 36

Switch: Hot-Swappable Mechanical

Wrist Rest: One-Hand Included

Macro: Oryx ZSA Keyboard Configurator

Usage: Gaming and Editing

The one-handed keypad ZSA Half-Moon does not have keycaps printed with alphanumeric text. It has a plain look that users can customize according to their requirements. These are popular among photo editors and gamers. Users can map all 36 keys using the ZSA Keyboard configurator to achieve their desired functions.

It consists of hot-swappable mechanical switches that ensure longevity. Users can replace their faulty switch with a simple pull-out tool. It also has a training mode that will speed up the learning process.

FrogPad: Miniature One-Handed Keyboard 

SPECS

Keys: 20

Switch: Membrane

Wrist Rest: None

Macro: FrogPad Key Configurator

Usage: Typing

FrogPad is a miniature one-handed keyboard with 20 keys that cover 85% of the commonly used English terms. It's ideal for users who want to enhance their typing productivity using a single hand. It's a simple, easy-to-use keyboard that maps keys according to your left—or right-hand configuration.

Users can apply the chording technique to unlock more keys on the keyboard. Although the company has been in a transient phase, the product shows promising features that the manufacturer has thought out well.

Maltron Single-Hand Keyboard 

SPECS

Keys: Full-Size Keyboard

Switch: Mechanical Black

Wrist Rest: None

Macro: Not Required

Usage: One-Handed Typing

Users who can only use one hand can opt for the Maltron Single-Hand Keyboard, which allows them to access all the keys of a full-size keyboard. It is ergonomically designed to prevent injuries like RSI that can limit hand movements. It is available for right-handed and left-handed personnel.

According to Maltron's developers, users can type 85 words per minute. Users who have used the device for 10 years have not reported RSI.

Conclusion

One-handed keyboards are excellent for people with limited abilities or gamers that want to enhance their gaming experience. Its pretty clear that users that want to have more space on their work table can go for ergonomic one-handed keyboards. Whereas, limited abilities personnel can opt for full-size one handed keyboards for their daily typing routines.

In conclusion, one-handed keyboards offer versatile benefits for a wide range of users, from gamers seeking an edge to individuals with limited abilities.