When I wrote this NMHams.com post about the Japanese creating a Morse device as a way to quickly input Twitter content, it got me to thinking…

Why not use a code key in place of your computer keyboard?

Turns out that at least one other person had this idea. The Comax people have developed an application that allows you to use your mouse to input text and other key strokes into any MS Windows computer. Attaching your favorite Morse paddles is as easy as buying one of these specially equipped mice.

The concept of using a keying device to translate content from your brain into a PC began at the dawn of the computer age. Folks with physical challenges that precluded keyboarding noodled creative alternatives that included straight keys, even bugs as input devices. Physicist Stephen Hawking is a notable example of someone who has mastered a joystick as a tool to turn his brilliant thoughts into everything from books to real-time speeches.

Comax has a code group for every key on your computer keyboard and with a little practice, you’ll be popping text into your Windows apps like a pro.

So if you’re a hunt and peck typer who is more comfortable at 20 WPM on CW, hook those paddles up to your PC and send away.