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GKOS keyboard plate opened — One implementation of the GKOS keyboard

The GKOS keyboard standard for small portable terminals is intended for replacing the QWERTY where there is not enough room for a large number of keys but still all QWERTY functions are required. Typical applications are small wireless devices, cellular terminals/browsers and tablet PCs. As of 2006, it is not used in any commercial applications except Chrichton barcoding personal organisers.[1]

The GKOS keyboard has 6 keys and they are located on the back of the terminal, 3 keys for each hand. The keypad is split between two hands so that the combination of keys to press would not be too difficult physically, and in order to have the keys located at the finger positions when you hold a calendar shaped object vertically in front of you by two hands. The 3 keys on one side of the device produce characters depending on the shift function (a simple chord) pressed on the other side.

For letters, numbers and punctuation, the most difficult combination is pressing two keys simultaneously by one hand while the other hand presses one key or no key at all. The remaining combinations are used for other functions found on the QWERTY keyboard. The thumbs can be used to control the mouse functions on the front panel near the sides. Consequently, most of the front panel can be reserved for the display (wide screen shape). The GKOS keyboard is also referred to as the "SixBack".

As the GKOS typing system is new to most people, there is a learning curve before considerable text entry speeds can be reached. But with practice, speeds of 50 WPM (= 250 characters per minute) have been achieved, practical limit being around 60 WPM. Recently, new capabilities have been introduced to GKOS for even quicker text entry: shortcut words (shorthand) and the "GKOS chordon technique" where common keys between consecutive characters need not be released. These are inherent capabilities of the GKOS system and can be used during typing when desired.

GKOS Alphabet — Letters G, K, O, S and W also function as shifts. Press G (shift) to select H, I and J instead of A, B and C (no shift) etc.

• Chorded keyboard
• Keyer

• Description of the GKOS keyboard
• GKOS keyboard in action as a remote control (video clip)