Adding extra limbs as input devices is more useful than I'd expected, after taking the risk to buy some foot switches and other input controllers! I don't think

Adding extra limbs as input devices is more useful than I'd expected, after taking the risk to buy some foot switches and other input controllers! I don't think the specific models or sellers matter that much; I'm just a happy customer. It's my plan to hack the volume controllers into an Arduino's ADC input, and make them act as a USB keyboard for the computer's volume control. When I have some more time in the lab... Feet: • Product: AliExpress/Nimluxe Store/"2 In1 Wireless MIDI Controller Pedal USB Bluetooth MIDI Foot Controller Volume Expression Pedal 4 Buttons Footswitch" Hardware: USB-C to USB-A cable, included. Apparently also Bluetooth. Software: On Windows, arrow keys. On Mac, customisable shortcuts using /Utilities/Audio MIDI Setup and BetterTouchTool. Example use case: On Thursday 2022-03-31, I was filling out a form on paper. I'd already completed it in Excel. With my left hand I held the paper, with my right hand, I wrote with the pen. Instead of letting go of pen or paper, I used my foot to press the arrow key to scroll down. This made it easier and faster to verify my transcription. Usage frequency: 1 time in 2-3 weeks. Might use it more with an analogue pedal. Hands: • Product: AliExpress/VINSHLE FACTORY STORE Store/"Audio Sound Mixer Headphone audio Amplifier Mobile Phone Audio Sound Mixer Pocket Mixer 3.5mm Interfaces with Power Adapte" (also known as K1000) Hardware: 3.5mm audio jack input (x2) and output (x2). miniUSB for charging, internal battery. Software: None needed. Example use case: It's an op-amp. Excellent for listening for ground loops in an electronic circuit. Also useful to change music volume quickly. Usage frequency: Daily at work for music, occasionally for electronics debugging. • Product: AliExpress/Unisian Global Store/"UNISIAN Audio Volume Wired Controller Aux 3.5mm Signal Volume Control by Cable Adjustment For Speakers Amplifier System" Hardware: 3.5mm in (x2), 3.5mm out (x2) Software: None needed. Example use case: volume control by turning the dial up. It's big enough (10 cm or so?) to feel like scratching a turntable. Very fun. Usage frequency: Daily at work for music. • Product: Monogram Creative Console Hardware: USB-C, I2C, magnetic pogo pin connections Software: on Mac, can interface with everything via AppleScript. There is a Windows app, but I haven't played with it as much. Example use case: changing computer volume and brightness. Can be in music, photo editing, video apps, or customisable. Usage frequency: The hardware looks so beautiful that colleagues keep borrowing it. Overall conclusion: If you want to travel and pack small, these are excessive luxuries. There is usually a software solution instead, but it's easy to lose focus. If you have a stable desk, ergonomic hardware is a great investment in feeling comfortable and working more efficiently in limited time.