Comments on: How ‘Clicked Off’ Are You About Your Mouse? – mouse clicking alternatives and RSI

By: Zoe

Zoe — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:08:35 +0000

Regarding the touchscreen monitor… I haven’t used one on a regular basis, but in thinking about the motions you’d have to use, it would be worse than using a mouse or tablet. Imagine having to lift your arm to tap the monitor for more than a few minutes at a time. That’s a chronic shoulder spasm waiting to happen.

I’ve managed to avoid wrist RSI by being diligent about keeping my wrist straight, but have developed “mouse finger” from clicking too much. I switch fingers and switch hands, but am concerned I may develop the same joint inflammation in my other fingers. Looking into using a pen tablet… seems worth trying. Thanks to Josh for pointing out how to activate MouseKeys! Might give that a try as well.

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:27:05 +0000

Great article.
Also in response to Bikeman, a keyboard shortcut for the left mouse click is to turn on MouseKeys in the Accessibility Options of the Control Panel. If you turn on MouseKeys, the 5 button on the keypad will control the left click. Hope this helps!
Josh

By: alanf

alanf — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:13:16 +0000

What’s the context of use. ie just windows or is it a click intensive application. Most of windows can be navigated by keyboard short cuts. of which you can fins many useful help on the web. eg right mouse click is SHIFT-F10 then up and down arrows then Enter to select or “click” it. Enter is the most useful one in conjunction with the arrow keys, but you need to have something selected (in focus) in Windows before using Enter eg. an icon or something.
For the left mouse click I’m not sure. I guess it could be difficult given that most keys have a function already so you would maybe be looking at a key combo for left clicking? which may not be as comfortable as a continual left mouse clicking. Let us know if you find a solution. Havn’t thought of this specific use before.

Alan

By: bikeman

bikeman — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:06:29 +0000

Is anyone aware of a keyboard shortcut for a mouse click- I think this would help me divert some use to my non-mouse hand.

I also tried mousing with my left hand but again this would be easier if i could also move the scroll bar over to the left hand side. Any way to do this?

By: Sol1n6

Sol1n6 — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 07:47:30 +0000

Great summary thanks.

I’ve tried various technology and I agree that the tablet is a terrible idea as a sole point and click device.

I think your summary is correct – the key is to switch between different modes. I have a mouse, 2 tablets, and a trackball (:. Switching between them helps to manage the RSI which is a chronic pain condition.