TRAINING EXERCISES FOR THE MALTRON SINGLE HAND KEYBOARD
Exercise 26
Introducing z v ' . and Shift
Key z with the index, key v with the little finger; Shift and full stop . are keyed with the thumb. The ' key is shift of 7, it is keyed with the third finger.
The Shift key is in the block of keys used by the thumb. This is a "Sticky" key. Pressing the Shift key turns it on, but it is cleared by the next key operation so that only a single upper case letter is displayed. So the word "I " is keyed as Shift "I" Space. For a series of letters or symbols, use the shift key at the top of the number pad. The shift key at the top of the number pad is a locking key and stays on until you press it a second time.
As you stretch your third finger up to key Shift of 7 the exercise is to try to move mostly the finger and not the hand, keep the thumb and third finger touching their home keys lightly. This is difficult, especially to start with, but it is worth the effort to learn.
Key each row three times (do not watch your fingers - if in doubt, finger the row before you start to key it). The second and third rows use capital I, not lower case L, nor the number 1:
Now key them all again, you should have better accuracey and speed this time.
The new stretches will be tiring - especially if it is your first time. Relax, shake the circulation gently back into your hand. Don't expect too much from your first sessions.
Remember - your hand is learning things - if you watch the fingers then they are learning to wait for your eyes to give them permission.
Upper-case "I" uses the thumb for the shift and the I - this is a new combination and double work for the thumb. Make sure that you rest your hand between exercises.
Later - when you have adapted in a week or two - resting will not be so necessary. Remeber though that if your hand feels tired it is dangerous to continue keying until it is relaxed.