# I need a Foot Pedal for my computer--where can I find them?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [November 4, 2008, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144 "2008-11-04T21:08:24Z")
**Posts on this page:** 14
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2008, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/1 "2008-11-04T21:08:24Z")
You know, I figured using two limbs just wasn’t enough when it comes to using my PC, so I want to get my foot in on the action. I’ve seen them before: small foot pedals you toss on the ground and stomp with your foot to perform an action, such as “Print Screen” or some such. However, I’m having a hell of a time finding what I’m looking for–do they go by any other names?
And any particular ones you guys would recommend?
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### Author:  [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2008, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/2 "2008-11-04T21:15:03Z")
Put your mouse on the floor.
Seriously, back in the 80s when the first Macs came out, I was working at a small graphics company owned by two guys whose collective IQs added up to double-digits. One of them decided to try the new Mac, but had a hard time controlling the foot pedal. I think his call to the helpline actually became an urban legend.
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### Author:  [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2008, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/3 "2008-11-04T21:18:14Z")
> [@panache45](#):
>
> Put your mouse on the floor.
Well, I need my mouse on the desk so I can use it–can I connect 2 mice at once? Thing is, I’d have to assign the click it to a specific keyboard key–can that be done?
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### Author:  [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2008, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/4 "2008-11-04T21:49:01Z")
Well, you could buy the video game Rock Band, which comes with a drum kit complete with foot pedal. The Xbox 360 version, at least, has USB connectors, so hooking them up physically should be a snap; the hard part, I reckon, is coming up with software that’ll recognize it and perform the actions you want.
It’d be pretty cool to drum your way through a work day, though.
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### Author:  [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2008, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/5 "2008-11-04T22:12:57Z")
[QUOTE=Red Barchetta]
However, I’m having a hell of a time finding what I’m looking for–do they go by any other names?
[/QUOTE]
They go by “transcription pedals” “foot controls” or “assistive devices”
Have a look at these random samples:
[http://www.dictationwarehouse.com/footINUSBdetail.asp](http://www.dictationwarehouse.com/footINUSBdetail.asp)
[http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/fs-savant-elite.htm](http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/fs-savant-elite.htm)
> **[foot to control mouse and cursor](http://www.abilityhub.com/mouse/foot.htm)**
>
> Assistive foot control mouse computer system for controling movement of the mouse with the users feet movement.
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### Author:  [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2008, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/6 "2008-11-04T23:01:08Z")
There are a bunch at [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com). I was thinking of the type that can be used in driving games to simulate an automotive foot pedal and they have those, along with some that can be used as a mouse.
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### Author:  [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2008, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/7 "2008-11-04T23:26:51Z")
They had them at [thinkgeek.com](http://thinkgeek.com), at least at some point. Check there.
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### Author:  [@Alpine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpine)
#### Post date: [November 5, 2008, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/8 "2008-11-05T00:38:09Z")
I have this: [http://www.footmouse.com/](http://www.footmouse.com/)
I got it when I had carpal tunnel, and I still like using it to click. I never got the hang of the directional (mousing) foot, but there’s two functions on the other pedal.
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### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [November 5, 2008, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/9 "2008-11-05T01:38:16Z")
We came up with a foot pedal to duplicate keyboard functions at the last OrlanDopeFest.
Darn those disabled folks, beating us to it!
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### Author:  [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)
#### Post date: [November 5, 2008, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/10 "2008-11-05T08:38:16Z")
I have an antique sewing machine that’s powered by a foot-treadle. You just sit there rocking your feet as you sew. I guess you could rig one of these up to your computer, and save electricity.
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### Author:  [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)
#### Post date: [November 5, 2008, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/11 "2008-11-05T09:28:36Z")
IIRC, thinkgeek.comcalls them “boss buttons” (as in the boss is coming, so you stomp the button and it launches the spreadsheet program so he won’t know you’re surfing the Dope).
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### Author:  [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)
#### Post date: [November 5, 2008, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/12 "2008-11-05T21:09:52Z")
Thanks guys for the info so far. I’m surprised though that they’re so expensive. I know I’ve seen some small, silver pedals that only have one function. Does anyone know what I’m talking about?
Oh, and thanks panache45, but my only concern with the boss buttons is that it looks like it’s not really meant to be pressed repeatedly, which is what I’d be doing.
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### Author:  [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)
#### Post date: [November 6, 2008, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/13 "2008-11-06T00:47:43Z")
Stealth Switch.
$24.99
[http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/accessories/76ed/](http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/accessories/76ed/)
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### Author:  [@SeanArenas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeanArenas)
#### Post date: [November 6, 2008, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-foot-pedal-for-my-computer-where-can-i-find-them/471144/14 "2008-11-06T00:51:11Z")
> [@Red\_Barchetta](#):
>
> Oh, and thanks panache45, but my only concern with the boss buttons is that it looks like it’s not really meant to be pressed repeatedly, which is what I’d be doing.
It was Tuckerfan who gave the clue about the boss button. Panache45 was the one who wanted to save the environment and your electric bill.
By the way, nice name. Drive one, or like the song? 🙂