In the early 1990s, Kinesis introduced the first keyboard-linked foot switches to complement the now-legendary Contoured keyboard. The ability to redirect key actions from overused fingers to your feet proved to be extremely beneficial in increasing both productivity and comfort. Kinesis now offers two types of foot switches: those which are an extension of the Contoured keyboard ("keys for your toes"), and the Savant Elite family of stand-alone USB devices which are factory-programmed to perform mouse button actions, but can also be customized to perform virtually any imaginable keyboard action.

Savant Elite Family of USB Programmable Foot Switches
The Savant Elite series is available in one, two or three pedal configurations. Input jacks on some models even support a fourth pedal or a hand-trigger for special applications. Low-profile, steel bases are available for the more common two and three pedal models. Most people find the two-pedal Savant Elite offers the best combination of flexibility and cost. However, the compact single-pedal model is very popular where space and/or cost are critical, especially considering it has an extra input jack if a second pedal is needed later.

Clicking the mouse with your foot
Clicking the mouse with your foot is the most intuitive application for a Kinesis Savant Elite foot switch. Because of this, the Savant dual and triple models come factory programmed to activate left and right mouse clicks. Most computer users can immediately recognize the benefit of being able to hold a mouse just for movement, hand and arm relaxed, without worrying about the buttons. Adaptation times are usually measured in minutes or a few hours, and the buttons on your mouse are always active so you don't lose productivity while you are getting used to your new capability. The Savant Elite is plug-and-play compatible on virtually any newer PC or Macintosh computer.

Programmability has never been easier
On Windows-based computers (Windows 2000/XP), you can reprogram a Kinesis Savant Elite foot switch to perform virtually anything you can imagine. After downloading the free re-programming driver, just slide the programming switch into "programming mode" and simply type on your keyboard to store commands in the on-board memory chip. Once reprogrammed, the foot switches do not require special drivers and retain their settings indefinitely, even if plugged into a different computer. What's more, the software can be de-installed once you have programmed your foot switch to appease any concerns from your IT department.

Applications
Common uses of the Kinesis Savant Elite product family are in data entry, programming, call centers, technical writing, and to complement voice activation software. Specialty applications include integration with image capture hardware used in the medical and dental fields (most Savant Elite foot switches are UL-recognized for near-patient use) as well as industrial applications. For general office work, re-programmed pedals commonly perform Tab, Enter, or awkward key combinations such as those commonly used in editing documents (e.g Ctrl-Left arrow, or Shift-Ctrl). Even a simple modifier action (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) performed with your foot can save a great deal of strain on your hands and arms.

For more information on the Savant Elite Series please click on the following link: Savant Elite

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