While we are all accustomed to using a mouse and keyboard separately, if an accident were to prevent us from using one of our arms or hands, it would be impossible to control both with just one hand. Although there are some alternatives like gaming keypads that integrate everything into a single hand, these have limitations and were not designed with disabled individuals in mind. Because of this, a disabled gamer, seeing that the market does not offer what he desires, has decided to create his own version of a one-handed mouse + keyboard called the Ercham MK1 and has been nominated for an award.
Keypads were created to be a combination of a one-handed mouse and keyboard designed for gamers who wanted to have all or most of their controls in one hand. This is especially useful in games that require many buttons, where a conventional keyboard can be cumbersome. For example, in MMOs, we can have dozens of skills, each corresponding to a button. One of the most well-known is the Razer Tartarus, which has several models, including the Tartarus Chrome, Tartarus V2, and Tartarus Pro, for which we have reviews. There are also others from brands like Logitech or Redragon.
Loses His Arm in an Accident and as a Disabled Gamer Decides to Create His Own One-Handed Keyboard + Mouse Combo and is Nominated for an Award
Although there are quite a few options on the market, these products were never designed for disabled gamers, but rather for a general audience, as the others represent a very small niche. The Reddit user ‘Adventurous_Tie_9031’ (Joe Tomasulo) showed how an accident left him without an arm, but instead of giving up, he decided to embark on creating a one-handed keyboard + mouse to continue his hobby of playing video games and also be able to use his PC. This has been very successful in the PCMasterRace community, with reports of over a million views.
Furthermore, he has indicated that thanks to all the support, he has managed to reach the Top 5 Entrepreneur of Impact, a relevant award that, if he wins, will allow him to achieve his goal more easily. He is currently in 4th place and although he doesn’t know if he will win yet (there are 1-2 days left), he already has his plan in motion; he wants to accelerate development and create a commercial product from his prototype.
Looking at his Reddit profile, we can see that the user operates the Ercham website and the device has a name: Ercham MK1. In fact, he plans to launch it at some point in 2026 and already has a Kickstarter prepared for anyone who wants to support him and purchase this unique keypad. Regarding this, we can see several images and a summary of its features on the website.
Ercham MK1 Will Be the Name of the Device Created for the Disabled, But Also for People with Two Hands: A Kickstarter Campaign Will Launch Soon
This is a keypad specifically designed for one-handed gamers, but that doesn’t mean it’s limited to them. As he mentions, it is also perfect for people who do not have this limitation and want to increase their productivity and ergonomics. He specifically mentions MMO, MOBA, Shooter players, creators, editors, CAD (3D) workers, or those who spend a lot of time on their PC. Regarding its features, they include:
- Fully ambidextrous: works for both right-handed and left-handed users with the same device.
- Double ambidextrous scroll wheel with click function.
- Designed for real users: created for amputees, those with nerve injuries, repetitive strain injuries, stroke survivors, and anyone unable to use a traditional keyboard and mouse.
- One-handed control: use the mouse and keyboard simultaneously with one hand, with no mode switching or compromises.
- A true integrated mouse: a real optical sensor within the device allows you to aim, scroll, and move naturally while pressing keys.
- Fully programmable keyboard: over 30 customizable keys for movement, abilities, macros, and shortcuts.
- Stabilizing strap and wrist rest: keeps your hand in place for enhanced comfort, precision, and extended sessions.
- Designed to work with all operating systems (PC, Mac, Linux, Playstation, Xbox).
- Will have fully customizable shells, appearances, colors, and keymaps.
