Prot Asks: port19 about RSI, keyboard ergonomics, dictation tools, and geriatric nursing

2025-09-11

Raw link: YouTube OR Internet Archive

In this video I talk to port19 about repetitive strain injury related to computer usage. I am introduced to the experience port19 went through, with pain in the hands and fingers. I ask about the computing setup that first contributed to the problem and learn how keyboard-driven it was. port19 covers the progression to a split mechanical keyboard, learning about specialised exercises to work out the relevant muscles, as well as reading about research on the psychosomatic factors involved. We eventually get to the topic of the custom keyboard port19 uses right now (the ZSA Voyager) and talk about all the details involved, from the weight of the switches to the typing angle, the use of layers to access certain characters, and the placement of modifier keys. To have a complete picture of the ergonomics port19 has considered, I also ask about the overall desk setup and the computer use overall. Once we cover this topic, we discuss how dictation software makes it easier to avoid the keyboard altogether while still being productive: port19 explains the relevant setup with ffmpeg and whisper program of OpenAI and shares the script for it. Towards the end of our talk, I ask port19 about the switch away from the IT sector into geriatric nursing. I learn about how things are in that field and what the experience is like.

Links from port19

• port19s blog - https://port19.xyz/
• stretching - https://www.rsipain.com/stretching-exercises
• xah lee keyboards - http://xahlee.info/kbd/ergonomic_keyboards_index.html
• zsa voyager review - https://port19.xyz/tech/voyager/
• dictation script - https://gist.github.com/port19x/ed5ccebea8ca54668645a17f3dd5ec5b
• psychosomatics book - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9975380-mindbody-prescription-oeb-healing-the-body-healings (only read the first 2 chapters)

About “Prot Asks”

In this new video series, I talk to anybody who is interested to have a video call with me (so do contact me if you want!). The topics cover anything related to Emacs, technology, and life in general. More here: https://protesilaos.com/prot-asks/.