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Kinesis Savant Elite Programmable Triple Action Footswitch, USB by Kinesis
Digital product summary informationManufacturer: Kinesis Model: FS30A-USB-UL Product features: - For users who require the utmost in productivity and comfort, the Savant Elite Triple Action Foot Switch is the answer.
- While factory programmed for mouse button emulation, it can be easily reprogrammed on a Windows PC to perform any keyboard action or key combination
- Through extensive user testing, proper spacing and orientation of each pedal was determined to maximize comfort and productivity. Furthermore, the outer pedals may be adjusted inward to accommodate smaller feet.
Digital camera reviews of Kinesis Savant Elite Programmable Triple Action Footswitch, USBDigital camera Review: Bought two units, both started squeaking and sticking Summary: 3 Stars
I have to say that these units are great for relieving your hands and arms of mouse clicking. It has reduced the discomfort in my right arm considerably, and despite my reserved rating and comments below, I will probably continue using it.
However, as mentioned by some other reviewers, it was only about a week before the most-used pedal (corresponding to left-button click on the mouse) began to make rubbing and squeaking noises. Worse, the pedal is binding (this is surely the cause of the noise) to the point that the pedal doesn't return to the OFF position quickly. Even when working perfectly, using the pedal for mouse clicks is slower than using the mouse itself, but the binding slows it down more. Further, the binding causes the pedal to require more foot pressure to depress, so you end up pushing on it pretty hard. Forget double-clicking.
These problems have arisen identically for two units I purchased - one for work, one for home. I can work with it, but it's disappointing and not a little bit irritating. But my right arm doesn't hurt anymore.
The comment about the unit being small is correct, too. If I were to do it over again, I'd order the two-pedal unit instead of the three-pedal type. You just can't get your foot on the middle pedal very easily, and the L and R mouse clicks cover just about 100% of everything I do anyway. Also, being under the desk, you have to feel around for the unit with your feet. If you wear shoes to work like I do, it's very hard to feel the pedals and know that it's oriented correctly on the floor. I suspect that it being sideways may contribute to uneven pressure on the pedals resulting in the binding. (Just a theory.)
While pricey, I dare say I would consider spending even more if I knew the pedals were robustly designed and manufactured, and would hold up to normal use without the rubbing and binding. These are constructed of plastic. I would think that metal would be much better.
BTW, I wrote to the manufacturer's tech support email a few days ago asking about a fix or if there is any way to lubricate the pedal. No response yet. I tried a "dry" lubricant with Teflon (PTFE?), but that just made it worse. I may just hack into the pedal (it doesn't appear to come apart easily) and see if I can shave or sand something down to ease the binding.
So, if you can put up with the binding, squeaking, and corresponding slow response, this product may resolve discomfort in your hands and arms from mouse clicking. If not, think twice about it.
Summary of Kinesis Savant Elite Programmable Triple Action Footswitch, USBFor users who require the utmost in productivity and comfort, the Savant Elite Triple Action Foot Switch is the answer. While factory programmed for mouse button emulation, it can be easily reprogrammed on a Windows PC to perform any keyboard action or key combination. Through extensive user testing, proper spacing and orientation of each pedal was determined to maximize comfort and productivity. Furthermore, the outer pedals may be adjusted inward to accommodate smaller feet. For the ultimate in flexibility, the mini-phono input jack model supports an optional fourth pedal or hand trigger! Features: Activate Mouse Clicks: All Savant Elite foot switches come pre-programmed to activate right and left mouse clicks. For many users the pain associated with mousing is from the action of clicking, not from moving the mouse. The Savant Elite resolves this problem by relocating the clicking action to the user's feet. Program Any Key Action: Reprogram the foot switch to activate any key action(s). Perfect for offloading work from an overused finger or hand. Some of the more commonly used key actions are Shift, Tab, Enter, Backspace and Delete. Create Macros: Macros are a great productivity tool for generating commonly used phrases, or combinations of key actions and modifiers. With a memory pool of 1200 characters per device the Savant Elite will support even the most demanding of tasks. Specifications: Factory configured to perform mouse button action Pedals are front-hinged and rounded for easy triggering, made from black, glass-reinforced nylon Three pedals (outer two are adjustable) Low profile design, combined with heavy steel base prevents unit from accidentally moving on the floor Dimensions: 1.2? Height x 10.6? Width x 7? Depth (front to back) Cable Length: 9.6 ft.
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