Frequently Asked Questions
This page houses some Frequently Asked Questions about our technology and our devices.
General FAQs
Where can I talk to other CharaChorder users?
Our biggest online communities are located on:
Discord: https://discord.gg/hYu6VW5YkM
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/charachorder
Is it really faster than QWERTY?
Yes, any chording-enabled device text entry will indeed type much faster than typing one letter at a time. This is due to the laws of physics rather than the skill level of any individual user.
Is it comfortable to use?
Yes, many users utilize CharaChorder Two purely for the ergonomic benefits. By using a broader range of muscles, repetitive strain is reduced.
How does chording work?
To output an entire word or sentence simultaneously, you ‘chord’ by pressing and releasing multiple inputs at the same time.
What about words with the same letters as another word?
In the case of an anagramic chord, there are various workarounds, such as: - Chord modifiers - Compound chords - Briefs
Is this stenography?
It’s more like a keyboard/mouse hybrid combined with a steno writer on steroids. CharaChorder offers both high-speed character entry and ultra-high-speed chording. Videos comparing CharaChorder and stenography:
How do I get started learning CharaChorder?
Visit the learning page at: https://www.charachorder.com/pages/learn
What is the learning curve like?
Most users surpass the average QWERTY speed (40 WPM) within about a month of practice.
Is it compatible with every OS?
CharaChorder is compatible with:
macOS
Windows
Linux
iOS
Android
No special software is required, as the device functions as a standard keyboard.
Do you have an affiliate program?
Yes! Check it out here: https://www.charachorder.com/pages/affiliate-program
CharaChorder Two FAQs
Dimensions and Weight
Device: 11 ⅝” x 4 ⅜” x 1 ⅛”, 10.7 oz (without USB-C), 12.1 oz (with USB-C)
Internal box/case with insert: 12 3/16” x 8 1/16” x 2 ⅜”, 15.8 oz
Final shipping box: 13” x 9” x 2 ¾”, 2.04 lbs
Half device: 4 5/16” x 4 5/16” x 1 ⅜”, 4.6 oz
Half device box only: 5” x 5” x 5”, 0.17 lb
Final half shipping box: 5” x 5” x 5”, 8.2 oz or 0.52 lbs
CharaChorder Lite FAQs
Dimensions and Weight
Device: 11 ⅝” (length) x 4 ⅛” (width) x 1 5/16” (height), 1 lb 0.5 oz
Case: 14 3/16” x 6 ⅜” x 2 ⅛”, 9 oz
Final shipping box: 14 ¼” x 6 ½” x 2 ¾”, 2.05 lbs
CharaChorder X FAQs
Is there any difference between the Lite and the X?
Lite: Can handle up to 12-key singular chords.
X: Can handle up to 6-key singular chords initially.
The Lite has special keys absent on standard keyboards, which can be remapped on the X.
Will CCX work on a laptop?
Yes, it works with an external keyboard connected to a laptop, but not with the laptop’s built-in keyboard.
Will CCX work with a wireless dongle?
It may support some keyboards with wireless dongles, but compatibility is not guaranteed.
Does my keyboard need NKRO support?
Your keyboard’s hardware affects chord functionality. If it lacks anti-ghosting or NKRO support, some key combinations may not work.
What languages are compatible with CCX?
The CCX will be configured for US English. With this layout, around 30 non-English languages are supported. The community can also develop mappings for over 5000 different languages.
How well does CharaChorder X support alternate layouts?
Chords are mapped to letters, so the CCX will work with all layouts, including custom ones (e.g., Dvorak, Colemak).
How many chords come pre-loaded on the CCX?
Expect a similar number of starter chords as found in the CC Lite.
Chord reference spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XdbJ8DmiZRKq0oUR3LSMgl9NF8cxccADXlNUnLgxvvo/
Does the X have chord modifiers like the Lite?
Yes, the CCX can pluralize and modify conjugation, though some keyboard keys may need to be reassigned.
Is CCX the same as CC Engine but with USB support?
Yes, the CCX contains the same hardware as the CC Engine, with an additional chip for USB input. The CC Engine requires custom circuit design, while the CCX is a consumer-ready product.
Can the X connect to an external host or network?
The CCX uses HID and Serial over USB protocols. It cannot connect directly to a network without external software to route the traffic. The Device Manager is one such software tool compatible with some Chromium based browsers.
Will CCX work with a USB-A to USB-C adapter?
Yes, the CCX is compatible with USB-A-to-C adapters.