m a t i a s

halfkeyboard

tmUser Manual ✦ Windows/MacintoshTouch-typing was invented over 100 years ago.
In all that time, there have beenno signiﬁcant advances in how people type.
Until now.

CONTENTS
33334
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GETTING STARTED

Getting Started
Using the Half Keyboard with Windows PCs
Using the Half Keyboard with Macintosh PCs
Mac OS 9
Mac OS X 10.1 – 10.3
Mac OS X 10.4
How It Works
Typing a Space or Backspace Character
Switching Keyboard Modes
Typing a Capital Letter
Typing a Special Symbol
Typing Caps Lock, Windows/Command Key, Ctrl Key
Tutorial for Two-Handed Typists
Tips, Questions & Answers
HelpLegal Stuff
2

USING THE HALF KEYBOARD WITH WINDOWS PCs
The Half Keyboard is electrically equivalent to a standard keyboard. Just plug it in andyou’re all set.
USING THE HALF KEYBOARD WITH MACINTOSH PCs
By default, the Half Keyboard’s Ctrl/Command key will function as a Control key. For
Macintosh users, it is much more useful that the Ctrl/Command key function as a
Command key (also known as the  or ⌘ key), so we suggest reconﬁguring it. Thereare different ways of doing this, depending on which version of Mac OS you are using:
MAC OS 9 (“Classic”)
Please visit our website – http://matias.ca/halfkeyboard/support/ – and download
the (optional) Half Keyboard Enabler software. With the Enabler active, the Ctrl/Commandkey will act as a Command key. Without the Enabler, Ctrl/Command will act as a Controlkey. To activate the Enabler, simply copy it to the Startup Items folder within your System
Folder, and restart your Mac.
3

MAC OS X 10.1 – 10.3
For these versions of Mac OS X, we suggest using the excellent (and free)
DoubleCommand software to remap the Ctrl/Command key. DoubleCommand may be
downloaded from http://doublecommand.sourceforge.net/
Once you have downloaded DoubleCommand, follow the installation and conﬁguration
instructions on their website. The settings that should be selected in the DoubleCommand
section of the System Preferences to remap the Half Keyboard’s Ctrl/Command key are asfollows. Click on these checkboxes:

4

MAC OS X 10.4 (“Tiger”)
As of version 10.4, Mac OS X has built-in support for Windows PC keyboards. All thatis required is for you to follow a few steps to conﬁgure Mac OS X to recognize yourkeyboard. When you plug the Half Keyboard in for the ﬁrst time, the Keyboard Setup
Assistant window will appear.
Click continue.

5

Read window instructions, and press key on keyboard as requested.

Click on ANSI.

Another instruction may follow, requesting another key press. Press key as requested.

Click on Done.

67

Click on Keyboard & Mouse.

Open System Preferences.

89

Click on Keyboard.

Click and select Command.

Click on Modiﬁer Keys...

Click and select Control.
Click OK.

1011

HOW IT WORKS

Click on red button to close window.

17

Typing a Space or Backspace Character19

Switching Keyboard Modes

21

Typing a Capital Letter

23

Typing a Special Symbol

23

Typing Caps Lock, Windows/Command Key, Ctrl Key

Setup is complete.
1213

Regular desktop
twosides(leftandandright),
one
Regulardesktopkeyboards
keyboardshave
have
twosides(leftright),
one
for eachfor each
hand:hand:

The Half
Half Keyboard
oneoneside,
for forthe theleft left
hand:
The
Keyboardhas
hasonly
onlyside,hand:The
sideofofthethekeyboard
keyboard
is accessedusingspace
The otherother sideis accessedusingthetheSpacebar.
bar.

1415

When you hold down the Space bar, the Half Keyboard remaps
to the layout of the right side of a regular keyboard:

TYPING A SPACE CHARACTER
To type a space, simply tap the Space bar, just as you would
on a normal keyboard.
TYPING A BACKSPACESpace-Tab
To type a backspace, simply hold down the Space bar and tap
the Tab key.

1617

SWITCHING KEYBOARD MODESSWITCHING KEYBOARD MODESThe key labelled "A-Z 0-9 <->" is the Mode Switch Key. It allows
youTheto remap
the keyboarda numerickeypador cursorkeys. Key.
key labelled
A-Zinto0-9<-> isthe Mode
SwitchIt allows you to remap the keyboard into a numeric keypad or
cursor keys.

For the (default) letter mode, tap the mode switch key once.
For the number pad, tap the mode switch twice.

themode,(default)
lettermode,tap the mode switch key once.
ForForscrolltap modeswitch
3 times.
For function key mode, tap mode switch 4 times.

For the number pad, tap the mode switch twice.
For scroll mode, tap mode switch 3 times.
For function key mode, tap mode switch 4 times.

1819

TYPING A CAPITAL LETTERTYPING A CAPITAL LETTER

The Half Keyboard has a feature called Sticky Keys, which lets you
use modifier keys without holding them down.

The Half Keyboard has a feature called Sticky Keys, which lets
To type a capital-A, you don't need to hold down the Shift key.
you
use modiﬁer keys without holding them down.
Simply tap the Shift key once and then tap the key you wantcapitalized.

To type a capital-A, you don’t need to hold down the Shift key.
Sticky Keys also works for the Ctrl and Alt keys.
Simply tap the Shift key once and then tap the key you wantcapitalized.
Sticky Keys also works for the Ctrl and Alt keys.

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TYPING A SPECIAL SYMBOLTYPING A SPECIAL SYMBOLThe special symbols in the lower left corner of each key are typed bytapping
Shiftinkey
twice.
thekeythen thetapShifttheThespecialthesymbols
the lowerleftTap
cornerof Shifteach key
aretwice
typed andby tapping
keywith Tapthe thedesiredsymbol.
key twice.
Shift key
twice and then tap the key with the desired symbol.
Ifyouareareusing
a non-US
Macthewith
the ISO drivers
keyboarddrivers
If youusing
a non-US
Mac withISO keyboard
installed,then installed,
you canthenyoucan typeISO keysand
as follows:
type theadditional
ISO thekeys additional
as follows: Shift-Shift-V
Shift-Shift-X.Shift-Shift-V
The actualand Shift-Shift-X.
Thedepends
actual on
characterstheseselected.
keys type depends on
charactersthese keys typekeyboard layout
keyboard layout selected.
TYPINGCAPS
LOCK,WINDOWS/COMMAND
KEY, CTRL KEY
TYPINGCAPS
LOCK, WINDOWS / COMMANDKEY , CTRL KEY
CapsCaps
Lock Lock
Windows Key
Windows Key
Ctrl KeyKey KeyAppleCtrl
Command

Shift-Shift-C
Shift-Shift-C
Shift-Shift-B
Shift-Shift-B
Ctrl/Command(or Shift-Shift-G*)
Ctrl (or(orCtrl/Command*)
Shift-Shift-G with Mac Enabler)
Shift-Shift-G

Apple Command Key
Shift-Shift-G (or Ctrl with Mac Enabler)*(with Mac Enabler, DoubleCommand, or Mac OS X 10.4 conﬁgured as described on
pages 3-12)
2223

TUTORIAL FOR TWO-HANDED TYPISTS

Hold down the Space bar with your thumb, and type the following words,
remembering that the keyboard is now in right-side mode.

jump poll hop milk noun hum lump kin

LEFT HAND TYPINGThis tutorial is written for a person who wishes to type with their left hand only.
Generally, right-handed users should type using their left hand — this leaves thedominant hand free to use a mouse or stylus.
Place your left hand on the keyboard, and type the following words.
Try not to think about the other side of the keyboard.

safe wax serve gas case sew taste fax

Type the following words. Some words will require you to hold down the Space bar,
while others will not.

safe poll care oil feed kin star hum
Type the following words. Some letters will require you to hold down the Space bar,
while others will not. Try to concentrate on the left side of the keyboard. If the letteryou want to type is not on the side you are thinking of (left), you know you have to holddown the Space bar to type it.

the that rock corporation perfume inform

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TIPS, QUESTIONS & ANSWERSSET THE KEYBOARD MODE FIRST
Before you start typing, tap the A-Z 0-9 <-> key to put the Half Keyboard in letter,number, or scroll mode, as desired.
WHERE IS THE CAPS LOCK KEY?
For Caps Lock, type Shift-Shift-C.
WHY DOESN’T NUMBER MODE WORK ANYMORE?
You accidentally struck the NumLk key on the number pad, which remaps the number
pad into a scroll pad.
You can return it to normal by typing Space-2 while in number mode, or by tapping
NumLk while in scroll mode.

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AVOIDING COMPUTER INJURIES
With increased computer use, computer-related injuries have increased as well. Thereare many reasons for this. We’ve listed a few below so that you can watch out for them,and avoid getting injured yourself.
The psychology of computer use makes it easier to sustain an injury. In particular, it
is very easy to lose track of time while using a computer. Combined with bad posture,
injury becomes more likely. Also, a certain percentage of the population is just more
physiologically predisposed to injury. To counteract this, take periodic breaks from yourwork. Frequent short breaks (several an hour) help reduce fatigue and the risk of injury.
Bad work-area ergonomics is another major cause of computer-related injuries:
Chair
Sit with your feet ﬂat on the ﬂoor and the backs of your knees slightly higher than the seatof your chair. Your chair should support your lower back. Use a foot rest if necessary.

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Monitor
If possible, position your monitor at eye-level so you’re not hunched-over to look at thescreen. By way of example, users of notebook computers often experience neck pain,
because their monitor height is not adjustable and the keyboard position is ﬁxed, forcing
the user into an awkward typing posture. Also, unlike a regular keyboard, the Half
Keyboard does not force you to bring your hands together to type. That and its small size
makes it easier to position comfortably on your desk.

Also, periodically take a moment to think about whether you feel comfortable, andchange position if necessary.

Keyboard
When typing, your shoulders should be relaxed. Your upper arm and forearm should forma right angle, with your wrist and hand in roughly a straight line. Use a soft touch on the
keyboard and keep your hands and ﬁngers relaxed. If desk height is too high, mount akeyboard tray underneath.

The general rules are preventative:
1. Keep your wrists straight, elbows at right angles, and shoulders relaxed.
2. If possible, position your monitor at eye-level so you’re not hunched-over looking at
the screen.
3. Take frequent short rest breaks (several an hour).
4. Don’t spend long periods of time in one position.
5. Notice when you’re tense and consciously try to relax.
6. Occasionally rest your eyes. From time to time focus your eyes on a distant object,and blink often while you work.
7. Get plenty of sleep at night.

Work Area
Organize your work area so that commonly used items are within easy reach, and don’t
require a lot of bending forward or stretching to reach them.

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Finally, keep in mind that you are typing with only one hand. You are using one handto do the job most people use two hands for. So, be extra careful. If you’re sore, takea break; stretch a bit. If you’re in pain, please see a doctor. Don’t wait; go right away.
Waiting could turn a minor injury into a more serious one.

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HELPLEGAL STUFF

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, you can contact us at:

LIMITED WARRANTY
Matias Corporation (“Matias”) warrants to the original end user (“Customer”) that this productwill be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use, for one year from thedate of original purchase from Matias or its authorized reseller. Matias’ sole obligation under
this express warranty shall be (at Matias’ option and expense) to repair or replace the productor part with a comparable product or part. All products or parts that are replaced become theproperty of Matias.

Telephone:
1-905-265-8844
1-888-663-4263 (Toll-free in North America)
E-mail: help@matias.ca
Mail:
Matias Corporation
129 Rowntree Dairy Road #20
Vaughan, Ontario, L4L 6E1,Canada
You can also visit the Support page on our website:
http://matias.ca/halfkeyboard/support
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LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the full extent allowed by law, Matias excludes for itself and its suppliers any liability(whether based in contract or in tort, including negligence) for incidental, consequential,indirect, special, or punitive damages of any kind, or for loss of revenue or proﬁts, loss ofbusiness, loss of information or data, or other ﬁnancial loss arising out of or in connection withthe sale, installation, maintenance, use, performance, failure, or interruption of this product,even if Matias or its authorized reseller has been advised of the possibility of such damages,
and limits its liability to replacement, repair, or refund of the purchase price paid, at Matias’option. This disclaimer of liability for damages will not be affected if any remedy provided
herein shall fail of its essential purpose.

31SAFETY STATEMENT
Warning: Prolonged or improper use of a keyboard may result in discomfort or injury. You
should use the method of inputting data into your computer that is most comfortable for you.
This keyboard is not intended for extended or intensive use. If discomfort develops, consider
changing your method of input or the manner in which you use the keyboard or stylus/
mouse/trackball. If discomfort or pain persists, either decrease usage or consult a medical or
ergonomics professional.
FCC STATEMENT
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following twoconditions:(1) This devices may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept anyinterference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
TRADEMARKS AND PATENTS
Copyright © 2007 Matias Corporation. All rights reserved. Matias, the Matias logo, and Half
Keyboard are trademarks of Matias Corporation. Other names may be trademarks and theirowners are respectfully acknowledged. The Half Keyboard is patented in Canada (1,336,418),
United States (5,288,158), Europe (489,792), Australia (647,750), and Japan (3,001,628).

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www.matias.ca