The Twiddler comes fully configured right out of the box. There are no markings printed on the keys so we highly recommend starting your typing journey with the Twiddler Typing Tutor to get instantly acquainted with the layout.

A plain keypad with no markings allows customization, enabling you to create your own key mapping, optimizing it for your specific needs such as working, transcribing, or data entry. Unmarked keys make adaptation to different layouts or custom chords easier. Users who frequently switch between different key mappings can find it simpler to adapt to new configurations without being dependent on visual cues. Also, it enhances typing skills as you develop better memorization of the key layout without the aid of marked keys, leading to improved typing speed and accuracy. You can learn touch typing more effectively since you are forced to rely on muscle memory and feel rather than sight. If you’re looking at your Twiddler while typing, you’re using it wrong!

There are twelve keys on the front of the Twiddler arranged in three columns and four rows. Each key in the middle column has a tiny bump which makes touch-typing easier by letting you know immediately, by touch, which key your finger is pressing. Each of your fingers are assigned to a specific row of three keys across:

• Your index finger presses the first row. (F1)
• Use your middle finger to press the second row. (F2)
• Your ring finger is for the third row. (F3)
• Your pinky finger is in position for the keys in the last row. (F4)

By The Twiddler’s default setting, you are able to type any of the first 8 letters of the English alphabet (A to H) by pressing only a single key.

To type the remaining letters (I to Z), you would be required to press two keys at once.
Typing with more than one key at once is what you call a chord.

This guide should help you understand how chords work, so you can type all the letters of the alphabet, punctuations, and special characters.

To type the letters I to Q, you must press AND hold F1L (left button on the first finger row) and the key of the assigned letter.

Try this: Type the letter “i” by pressing and holding F1L and then the key where “i” is assigned (F2R). Release either one and “i” will be typed to your device. This chord is referenced as F1L2R in standard T4 chord notation. (Finger 1 Left, 2 Right)

The same method is used for the letters R to Z. For example, press and hold F1M (middle button on the first row) then the key in which the letter “r” is assigned by default (F2R). The chord to type “r” is referenced as F1M2R (Finger 1 Middle, 2 Right). Release either one and “r” will be sent to your device. Notice that “b”, “i” and “r” are on the same key. Pressing it in conjunction with the first or second button of the first row and creating a chord is what makes them different.

Pressing and holding F1R (right button on the first row) should activate the punctuations and special keys.

The Twiddler does not register a keystroke until you release a key, for single key chords, or any key, for multiple key chords. For example, when you press the “A” key on the Twiddler and hold it down, nothing happens. But when you release the “A” key, a lowercase letter “A” appears on the screen. When you press a group of keys as a chord, its assigned character does not appear on the screen (or its assigned command is not issued) until you release at least one of the chord’s keys. Because characters are generated by the release rather than the initial press of a key, you do not have to worry about whether you have pressed or released all the keys in a chord at exactly the same instant.