"A stenotype, stenotype machine or shorthand machine is a specialized chorded keyboard or typewriter used by stenographers for shorthand use. […] Some stenographers can reach 300 words per minute. […] The stenotype keyboard has many fewer keys than a conventional alphanumeric keyboard. Multiple keys are pressed simultaneously (known as "chording" or "stroking") to spell out whole syllables, words, and phrases with a single hand motion. " (Wikipedia >< )
" Stenotype keys normally are black with no markings. The keyboard layout of the American stenotype machine is shown at the right.
In "home position," the fingers of the left hand rest along the gap between the two main rows of keys to the left of the asterisk (little finger on the "S" to forefinger on the "H" and "R"). These fingers are used to generate initial consonants. The fingers of the right hand lie in the corresponding position to the right of the asterisk (forefinger on "FR" to little finger on "TS"), and are used for final consonants. The thumbs produce the vowels.
The system is roughly phonetic; for example the word "cat" would be written by a single stroke expressing the initial K, the vowel A, and the final T. " (Wikipedia >< )
