The CharaChorder team has packed coded keyboard text input technology into a USB dongle. A new product called Character Coder X (opens in new tab)which has proven to be extremely popular on Kickstarter, has already raised nearly seven times its funding goal in three weeks.
Chara Choder X is claimed to increase the average human typing speed “from 40 words per minute to 250 words per minute” by allowing text code input. The word “chord” is used here as an analogy to how musicians play on a musical keyboard, pressing multiple keys simultaneously to get the desired sound. The text input keyboard interprets a number of key presses via the CharaChorder X USB dongle to generate selected words.
For example, when a user types a word like “try” in chords, it simultaneously squashes the r+t+y keys on a QWERTY keyboard. CharaChorder X uses its innovative interpreting software and training to understand the essential “tries” that make technology work. You can also combine short keyboard combos to type longer words, like running a macro.
In a study on text input, the CharaChorder team found that the 100 most common words make up about half of the words most people type every day. Therefore, a small amount of time a user spends on training can result in significant input speed benefits. CharaChorder X users are promised free access to web-based training programs. Apparently, the software can store her over 65,000 user codes, and an established community shares a code library that other users can download and edit.
If the above text encoding techniques sound familiar, back in May we reported on CharaChorder Lite. That product was a $199 (promo price, normally $299) 60% layout keyboard with built-in CharaChorder technology.Interestingly, CharaChorder Lite is Accessible version The team’s original CharaChorder One – didn’t look like a regular PC keyboard, but promised up to 300 words per minute after a steep learning curve.
The obvious downside of the CharaChorder Lite keyboard is that people already own a fun premium keyboard with their favorite key switches, keycaps, etc. CharaChorder X allows users to stick with their preferred input hardware and add dongles/training software. Importantly, CharaChorder X is significantly cheaper than its predecessor.
Estimated delivery date for CharaChorder X is July 2023. Also, remember that pledging backing a crowdfunding campaign is more like an investment than a guarantee of receiving a finished product. So carefully review the company’s history, feedback, and other credibility factors before pledging money.
