Keyboard lets people type so fast it’s banned from typing competitions (vice.com)

Article summary

The CharaChorder is a new typing peripheral that allows users to type at superhuman speeds, with its CEO achieving 500 WPM. However, its high speed has led to it being banned from typing competitions, with some considering it to be cheating. The device uses a unique chorded typing system, allowing users to input multiple letters at once. This system has raised questions about the ethics of using such a device in competitive typing and gaming.

Main themes

• typing speed and accuracy
• competitive typing and gaming
• alternative input devices
• ethics of technology use
• assistive technology
• human-computer interaction

What commenters say

• The CharaChorder's high speed comes at the cost of accuracy, with some considering 76% accuracy to be too low for serious use.
• The device's chorded typing system is not a new concept, but rather a reimplementation of existing technology.
• The use of the CharaChorder in competitive typing and gaming raises ethical questions about what constitutes fair play.
• Some argue that the CharaChorder's speed advantage is not necessarily an unfair advantage, as it still requires skill and practice to use effectively.
• Others believe that the CharaChorder's predictive layer and macro-like functionality are what give it an unfair edge.
• The CharaChorder's potential benefits for people with disabilities or injuries that affect their typing ability are being overlooked in the debate about its use in competitions.
• The importance of accuracy in typing is debated, with some arguing that it is more important than speed, while others believe that speed is the primary concern.
• The CharaChorder's input lag and suitability for real-time applications such as music and gaming are also being questioned.