Toe-taps operate programmable floor keyboard

By Mark Baard
July 4, 2011

A new substitute for the keyboard and mouse promises to get desk jockeys working their feet and toes instead of letting them go numb during hours bent over the computer. Designed by Keith McMillen Instruments (KMI), which also makes a USB/MIDI foot controller for music playing and recording, the SoftStep KeyWorx multi-touch foot controller might provide relief to folks with repetitive strain injury and aid those with limited use of their arms and hands.

Tweet Be the first to Tweet this!.ShareThis .In fact, the SoftStep KeyWorx (about $290) is available not only at Amazon.com, but also at online sellers of assistive technologies such as EnableMart.com and Disabled Online.

The SoftStep KeyWorx works with software that runs on your Windows PC or Apple Macintosh computer. The foot controller sits on the floor beneath you, awaiting the toe taps that will launch apps, adjust system volume, or bring different windows forward within an application.

KMI is also pitching the foot controller as a useful tool for gamers and those running simulators. The SoftStep KeyWorx has 10 keys, which are backlit in blue so you can see them when you peer into the darkness under your desk. The flexible foot controller weighs less than a pound and can fit in a backpack, according to KMI. You can program up to 100 commands into the keyboard.

While you can enter text using the SoftStep KeyWorx, the foot controller seems like it would be most useful for entering basic commands.
 

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