Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the "final" product be released?
A: KeyMouse Alpha and KeyMouse Track are for sale now on our website (note "Alpha" is the model, not the phase of development. We call it Alpha because it's our first or flagship product). We are manufacturing using 3D printing (for the housing) and we plan to continue 3D printing for the main product housing. The keycaps, buttons, and scroll wheel are injection molded. This gives us the flexibility to continuously update the design based on user feedback. We plan to continually improve the product with ongoing improvements, and we also have various other keyboard/mouse products in development.
Q: When can I expect my order?
A: Production takes approx. 1-3 business days from the time of order, but may take up to 5 business days, depending on the volume of orders we have in production. Shipping duration may vary by location, but typical shipping times are 1-3 days in the USA, 3-7 days in Canada and Mexico, and 6-10 days outside North America. There have been instances where shipments are held up in Customs, which is out of our control. If this happens, shipping times may change.
Q: Is wireless supported?
A: No. Wireless was supported in our earlier versions but it is not currently supported in our latest devices.
Q: What operating systems are supported?
A: Our software is compiled and tested for Windows/Mac. We also have software for Ubuntu Linux (Beta). Due to the various flavors of Linux, sometimes Linux is less compatible for the software, but the devices should connect and operate fine. You just might need to connect to Windows or Mac to re-program the keys if the software isn't working for you.
Q: Are the keys fully programmable?
A: Yes. Using our KeyMouse Software, you can change the programming of any key or button on KeyMouse (including scroll wheel up/down and mouse motion). The programming downloads directly into the devices, so the software does not need to be running unless you are using advanced "software-level" macros. Key combinations and modifiers such as CTRL+C or ALT+F4 can be programmed directly to any key you choose and stored directly in the device's memory.
Q: Why don't KeyMouse devices utilize QMK for the Firmware?
A: In summary, there are many custom features in KeyMouse that require custom firmware:
- Our devices combine keyboard + mouse input from a mouse sensor (not just a keyboard)
- KeyMouse devices are split into 2 sides (left/right). There are many details keeping left/right hand in sync for layer switching and modifier keys.
Q: Why does KeyMouse Alpha have less keys than KeyMouse Track?
A: There are a couple of reasons. One, since you have to "grip" the devices to move as a mouse, having them as small as possible, yet still be functional, makes it easier to move around. Another reason is that while you "grip" them to move them around, it is very difficult to reach further than 3 rows of keys without moving your hand out of a comfortable position on the palm rest and wrist rest. Having less keys may seem inconvenient, but it actually is more comfortable to have all of the keys right at your fingertips without having to struggle to reach them, utilizing the Fn Blue layer for symbols and arrows (which many of them require Shift + Key to get on a standard keyboard) and the Fn Yellow layer for number pad. The idea is to keep your hands always in a comfortable typing position when typing or using as a mouse.
Q: How do I know if I need KeyMouse Alpha or KeyMouse Track? What are the differences?
A: The biggest differences between KeyMouse Alpha and KeyMouse Track are:
- KeyMouse Alpha moves around like a normal mouse for mouse motion. KeyMouse Track has trackballs for mouse motion, and is stationary.
- KeyMouse Alpha has the option of 4 sizes, to better fit the users hand to “grip” the device and move it around like a mouse. KeyMouse Track on the other hand, only comes in 1 size. It still has a contoured palm/wrist area, but it is a more flat, since the user doesn’t have to “grip” the device to move it around. The palm/wrist area being more flat on Track also allows the user to reach the further keys a little easier.
- KeyMouse Alpha is smaller and has 46 keys (symbols and numbers are on Fn Blue Layer and Fn Yellow Layer). KeyMouse Track is a little bigger and has 70 keys (symbols and number row are on the default layer).
Q: Since there are mouse sensors in both left/right KeyMouse devices, are there 2 mouse cursors on the screen?
A: No. The operating systems do not natively support 2 mouse cursors. Instead, the mouse motion of the 2 hands will be combined. Some users will program one hand for precise/slow mouse motion and the other hand for fast motion. There are various applications for 2 mouse sensors. In the future, we will allow one of the cursors to control the rotation of 3D models, or advanced functions in games. If you wish to have 2 mouse cursors, this can be accomplished with 3rd party software, but is typically not well supported by the operating system. We have a few links on our resources page.
Q: How much do the devices weigh? Do they glide well?
A: KeyMouse Alpha: One device (such as Right Hand only) weighs approx. 10.3 oz (292 g). We've done our best to keep the devices compact yet usable. We've tested various types of mouse feet to achieve the best possible gliding surface. We are currently using ceramic feet. If you have a nice clean surface (such as our XXL Gaming Mat or similar), they glide quite well.
KeyMouse Track: One device (such as Right Hand Only) weighs approx. 1lb 0.5 oz (468 g). Track devices have rubber feet to keep them stationary.
Q: What is the Warranty & Return Policy?
A:
Warranty:
1 Year Warranty (from date of purchase)
Currently, we will cover any defective parts + shipping to your location. You will be responsible to replace the parts.
Warranty does not cover any damage you cause to the devices.
Return Policy:
We will offer you a 30-day return policy from the time of delivery. If you feel like it doesn't work for you, you can return it. You will be refunded the price of the product minus a 10% product return fee. You will be responsible to pay for return shipping. It must be returned in the original packaging, include all hardware and components, and be in perfect condition, both cosmetically and mechanically.
Q: Where can I test KeyMouse to see if I like it?
If you are near our offices in Southern Utah, feel free to contact us and schedule a time to stop in and try it out. We plan to begin exhibiting at various events which is a good time for people to test. If you have ideas on how we can allow many people to test without the cost of shipping devices around the world continually, we're open to suggestions.
Q: Where are the mouse clicks buttons?
A: On KeyMouse Alpha, the mouse buttons are near the thumb on the side, under the scroll wheel. This allows you to keep your fingers on the keys while using the mouse. On KeyMouse Track and ChairTrack, the mouse buttons are on the back of the palm rest and/or right above the thumb key cluster.
Q: Why is the scroll wheel used with the thumb instead of in it's typical location on a mouse?
A: Our first 2 versions of KeyMouse had scroll wheel and mouse buttons in the "default" location (see our gallery photo of earlier designs). In daily testing and use, this became uncomfortable to use in it's typical location because users had to bend their fingers back quite a bit to reach it (due to the keys on the keyboard). Since we have moved it to the thumb location, we feel like it is a lot more comfortable, and have heard from many of our users that they like it better also. It also helps keep your keys on the keyboard while using the mouse.
Q: Why are you manufacturing with 3D printing?
A: There are very large up front costs for injection molds. We want the ability to update and improve the design at any time without new mold costs. Instead of investing the money into injection molds, we are investing in 3D printers and processes for finishing the 3D printed parts as economically as possible. This is a challenge, but we feel it's the best direction for the future of KeyMouse. It also allows us to quickly launch alternative products. On a side note: we are still using injection molds on some parts such as key caps which can be re-used in various designs without new mold costs.
Q: What is the difference in the optional sizes of KeyMouse Alpha?
A: All sizes have the same key layout and key sizes. To compare the difference, the larger the size, the lower the wrist rest is, making the palm rest bigger, thus allowing for a bigger palm and longer fingers, whereas the smaller the size, the higher the wrist rest is, making the palm rest smaller and moves your hand closer toward the keys for smaller palms and shorter fingers.
Q: Why is KeyMouse expensive?
Q: Why am I getting the error "Error Connecting to Device" when trying to save my layouts on Mac?