Why yes, you can use alternative input devices in Linux! Just check this out…

The standard QWERTY keyboard dates from 1874. The computer mouse is a little more recent, but still comparatively ancient. Nowadays a number of alternative input devices are available for a wide variety of specialized needs. How well do they function under Linux? I put a few to the test in order to find out.

Although I was not able to find a general purpose device fully capable of replacing my keyboard, I discovered a number of extremely useful and effective input peripherals that many members of the Linux community could benefit from.

I tested the Handkey Twiddler 2, Monster Gecko’s PistolMouse, KeyBowl’s orbiTouch, and StreamZap’s wireless computing remote. I tested each of the devices on Ubuntu Hoary and Ubuntu Breezy, and some also on Gentoo Linux. [Read the rest]