Stories with Tag Mouse

• Show HN: Clawtype v2.1 – a one-hand chorded USB keyboard and mouse [video]

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  Posted: 2025-04-04 22:32:13

  Verbose tl;dr

  Clawtype version 2.1 is a compact, one-handed input device combining a chorded keyboard and mouse. Using only five keys, it allows for typing, mouse movement, clicking, scrolling, and modifiers like shift and control. The device connects via USB and its small size makes it portable and suitable for use in confined spaces. The creator demonstrates its functionality in a video, showcasing text entry and mouse control, highlighting its potential for efficient one-handed computing.

  This Hacker News post showcases version 2.1 of Clawtype, a compact input device designed for one-handed operation, functioning as both a chorded keyboard and a mouse. The accompanying YouTube video provides a comprehensive demonstration of its capabilities and design. Clawtype is a small, self-contained unit, seemingly 3D-printed, and held comfortably in the palm. Its primary input method involves chording, where multiple keys are pressed simultaneously to represent different characters or commands, much like playing chords on a musical instrument. The video demonstrates the user typing text, navigating a graphical user interface, and even playing a video game, all using just one hand. The demonstration highlights the speed and fluidity achievable with practice, showcasing the device's potential for efficient text entry and system control. Visual on-screen feedback is provided to the user, displaying the currently pressed keys and their corresponding output. The video emphasizes the ergonomic design of Clawtype, suggesting it minimizes strain and fatigue associated with traditional keyboard and mouse use. The device appears connected to the computer via a USB cable. The video also offers glimpses of the underlying software and customization options, hinting at the possibility of user-defined chords and layouts. Overall, the post presents Clawtype as a novel and potentially powerful input solution for those seeking a one-handed alternative to traditional peripherals, or for those interested in exploring a more efficient and compact input method.

  • keyboard
  • chorded keyboard
  • one-handed keyboard
  • USB keyboard
  • input device
  • assistive technology
  • ergonomics
  • human interface device
  • HID
  • Mouse
  • clawtype
  • Hardware
  • Electronics
  • DIY
  • video
  • demonstration
  • Prototype
  • Open Source

  Summary of Comments ( 16 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43588420

  Verbose tl;dr

  Commenters on Hacker News generally expressed interest in the Clawtype keyboard, praising its compact design and potential for ergonomic benefits, especially for those with limited desk space or RSI concerns. Several questioned the practicality and learning curve, wondering about its speed compared to traditional keyboards and the difficulty of mastering the chords. Some offered suggestions for improvement, like adding a wrist rest or thumb cluster, while others shared experiences with similar one-handed keyboards, highlighting the tradeoffs between portability and typing proficiency. A few users requested information on key remapping and software customization options. Overall, the response was a mix of curiosity, cautious optimism, and practical considerations regarding the device's usability.

  The Hacker News post for Clawtype v2.1, a one-handed chorded USB keyboard and mouse, generated a moderate amount of discussion with several commenters expressing interest and raising relevant points.

  Several comments focused on the practicality and ergonomics of the device. One user questioned the long-term comfort and potential for repetitive strain injuries, especially given the concentrated movements required for both keyboard and mouse functionality. Another user pondered the learning curve, suggesting it might be steeper than initially perceived due to the complex chord combinations needed for typing and mouse control. A separate comment emphasized the importance of regular breaks and proper posture, acknowledging the inherent strain of using such a device for extended periods.

  Some comments revolved around the potential applications and target audience for Clawtype. One user suggested it could be beneficial for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, while another user envisioned its use in specific professional settings, such as video editing or CAD work, where intricate mouse control is crucial. There was also a discussion about the device's potential for gaming, with some users expressing skepticism about its suitability for fast-paced action games but acknowledging its possible advantages in slower-paced strategy games.

  A few technical queries were also raised. One commenter inquired about the availability of open-source firmware or software customization options, while another user asked about the device's compatibility with different operating systems. A separate comment discussed the technical challenges of designing and manufacturing such a complex device, praising the creator's ingenuity.

  Finally, several comments simply expressed admiration for the project, acknowledging the creator's innovation and dedication. Some users expressed interest in purchasing the device or learning more about its development.

• A note on the USB-to-PS/2 mouse adapter that came with Microsoft mouse devices

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  Posted: 2025-03-28 00:16:29

  Verbose tl;dr

  Microsoft's older USB mice often included a small USB-to-PS/2 adapter. This adapter wasn't just a passive wiring converter; it contained active circuitry that translated USB signals into PS/2 signals. This allowed the mouse to function on computers with only PS/2 ports, and importantly, enabled support for the "Wake-on-Mouse" feature in some systems, which required a PS/2 connection. The adapter effectively made the USB mouse appear as a PS/2 device to the computer's BIOS, enabling this functionality even on motherboards lacking USB wake support. Therefore, discarding the seemingly insignificant adapter meant losing the potential for wake-on-mouse capabilities.

  Raymond Chen, in his blog post "A note on the USB-to-PS/2 mouse adapter that came with Microsoft mouse devices," delves into the intricacies of the seemingly simple green USB-to-PS/2 adapters bundled with Microsoft mice. He elucidates that these adapters are not merely passive converters rerouting signals between different connectors. Instead, they contain active circuitry, effectively transforming the USB mouse into a PS/2 mouse at a hardware level. This clever design allows the mouse to function on systems that may not have USB support, particularly older computers still relying on the PS/2 interface.

  Chen further explains the inherent challenges of such a conversion. The USB and PS/2 protocols are fundamentally different, not just in their physical connections, but also in their communication methods. USB is a bi-directional, polled protocol where the host computer actively requests data from the device. PS/2, on the other hand, is interrupt-driven, meaning the mouse sends data to the computer only when there is a change in its state, such as movement or button clicks. The adapter bridges this gap by actively monitoring the USB communication from the mouse and generating the appropriate PS/2 interrupts for the legacy system. This active translation is why the adapter requires a small amount of power, drawn from the keyboard's PS/2 port.

  The post highlights the adapter's intelligence by explaining its ability to identify the type of port it is plugged into. If connected to a USB port, it remains inactive, allowing the mouse to function normally as a USB device. However, when plugged into a PS/2 port, the adapter's internal circuitry activates, performing the necessary protocol conversion. This automatic detection simplifies usage for the end user, requiring no manual switching or configuration.

  Finally, Chen underscores the dedication and engineering ingenuity behind this seemingly minor accessory. The adapter embodies a thoughtful solution to maintain compatibility with older systems while allowing users to enjoy the benefits of modern USB mice. It's a testament to providing a seamless user experience even during technological transitions.

  • USB
  • PS/2
  • Mouse
  • Adapter
  • Microsoft
  • Hardware
  • Peripheral
  • Legacy Devices
  • compatibility
  • input devices
  • Device Drivers
  • Technical
  • Blog Post

  Summary of Comments ( 94 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43499823

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the intricacies of the Microsoft USB-to-PS/2 adapter, focusing on its active conversion of USB signals to PS/2 rather than simple pin mapping. Several commenters praise the adapter's sophistication, highlighting its ability to handle higher polling rates than standard PS/2 and even emulate multiple PS/2 devices from a single USB port. Some express surprise at learning this detail, having previously assumed passive conversion. Others reminisce about similar PS/2 to serial port adapters, while some debate the technical challenges and cleverness of the implementation. The discussion touches on the historical context of transitioning between these technologies, the complexities of bidirectional communication, and the surprising amount of intelligence packed into this seemingly simple adapter.

  The Hacker News post discussing the Microsoft USB-to-PS/2 mouse adapter generated several comments exploring various aspects of the technology and its history.

  One commenter shared their experience of needing such an adapter in the past due to BIOS incompatibility with USB mice during the boot process. They noted the utility of these adapters in allowing users to navigate BIOS settings with a newer USB mouse on older hardware. This highlighted the transitional period where USB was becoming dominant but legacy PS/2 ports were still necessary for full system functionality.

  Another commenter delved into the technical details of the adapter, explaining that it wasn't simply a passive wiring adapter. They pointed out the active electronics within the adapter that translated the USB signals into PS/2 signals, effectively emulating a PS/2 mouse. This emphasized the complexity behind the seemingly simple adapter.

  Expanding on the active nature of the adapter, a further comment described the clever technique employed by these adapters to identify themselves to the computer. They described how the adapter would briefly short the data and clock lines, mimicking the behavior of a PS/2 mouse during initialization. This allowed the computer to correctly identify the connected device, despite it being a USB mouse connected through the adapter.

  Several commenters reflected on the transition period between PS/2 and USB, reminiscing about the days when both ports were common on computers. They discussed the gradual phasing out of PS/2 in favor of the more versatile USB standard.

  One commenter corrected a common misconception, clarifying that the green PS/2 port was not necessarily better or faster than the purple keyboard port. They explained that both ports were functionally identical and the color coding was simply a convention for easier identification.

  The discussion also touched upon the challenges of using USB keyboards with older BIOS systems. While USB mice were often supported via adapters, using USB keyboards with older BIOS versions could be more problematic due to limitations in the BIOS itself.

  Finally, a commenter expressed surprise at the longevity of the PS/2 standard, noting that it persisted for a considerable time even after USB became prevalent. They mused on the reasons behind this extended lifespan, considering factors such as cost and existing hardware compatibility.

  In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post provided a range of perspectives on the USB-to-PS/2 mouse adapter, from personal anecdotes about its use to technical explanations of its functionality and reflections on the broader technological transition from PS/2 to USB.