Supported hardware: Difference between revisions
Fieldchicken (talk | contribs) (Added important note about if Plover cannot be downloaded, consider Javelin keyboard. As right now Javelin is not mentioned, only bracket (embedded steno), so a beginner may not know why they should care.) |
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This page lists the types of '''steno hardware''' ([[Steno hardware terminology|writers/machines/keyboards]]) that are compatible with [[Plover software|Plover]]. It also doubles as the community's most referenced page for purchase recommendations. | |||
Currently, Plover supports: | |||
* [[Supported hardware#Commercially available hobbyist writers|Commercially available hobbyist writers]] | |||
* [[Supported hardware#Stenotype machines|Professional stenotype machines]] | |||
* [[Supported hardware#Standard keyboards|Standard keyboards]] | |||
* [[Video game controllers]] (requires a plugin) | |||
* [[DIY steno writers]] | |||
Plover | ==Community Recommendation== | ||
For the average hobbyist stenographer, it is recommended to purchase one of the [[Supported hardware#Commercially available hobbyist writers|commercially available hobbyist writers]]. All of the listed writers are perfectly adequate! Choose one that's in stock and within your budget. If you need to use steno on a device where '''you cannot download Plover''', consider a keyboard which supports '''[[Javelin]]'''. | |||
If you are not yet sure about making a financial commitment to stenography, start out by [[using a standard keyboard with Plover]] to understand if you would like to invest. | |||
The advantages of a dedicated steno board include overcoming most standard keyboards' key rollover limitations, ergonomics, and speed. | |||
== Commercially available hobbyist writers == | == Commercially available hobbyist writers == | ||
{{See also|Choosing a hobbyist steno writer}} | |||
<!-- Group by brand (alphabetical), out of stock at bottom | <!-- Group by brand (alphabetical), out of stock at bottom | ||
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| [https://stenomod.blogspot.com TinyMod] | | [https://stenomod.blogspot.com TinyMod] | ||
| Charley Shattuck | | Charley Shattuck | ||
| | | [[File:TinyMod5.jpg|frameless|300px|alt=TinyMod]] | ||
Open source hardware. A smaller, nonsplit version of the Stenomod that omits the number bar in order to reduce costs and size. The center vowel key is used as a number bar replacement. See [http://plover.stenoknight.com/2019/12/tinymod-review.html Mirabai’s review].<br><br>'''Stock status''' (January | Open source hardware. A smaller, nonsplit version of the Stenomod that omits the number bar in order to reduce costs and size. The center vowel key is used as a number bar replacement. See [http://plover.stenoknight.com/2019/12/tinymod-review.html Mirabai’s review].<br><br>'''Stock status''' (January 2025): In stock | ||
|No | |No | ||
| $140 (stock)<br>$180 (silent) | | $140 (stock)<br>$180 (silent) | ||
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| rowspan="2" | [https://nolltronics.com/ Nolltronics] | | rowspan="2" | [https://nolltronics.com/ Nolltronics] | ||
| <img alt="Nolltronics Ecosteno" src="https://nolltronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ecosteno-Main-e1664569753995-1024x666.png" width="300px" align="right" /> | | <img alt="Nolltronics Ecosteno" src="https://nolltronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ecosteno-Main-e1664569753995-1024x666.png" width="300px" align="right" /> | ||
A machine whose mission is to be the best value option on the market. It has low-profile Kailh Choc switches with 20g actuation force. It features USB-C connectivity and an aluminum backplate with a solid tripod mount.<br><br>'''Stock status''' ( | A machine whose mission is to be the best value option on the market. It has low-profile Kailh Choc switches with 20g actuation force. It features USB-C connectivity and an aluminum backplate with a solid tripod mount.<br><br>'''Stock status''' (July 2025): In stock | ||
| | |Yes (2.1.2 Version only) | ||
| $95 | | $95 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [https://nolltronics.com/product/multisteno/ Multisteno]<br>[https://nollelectronics.com/products/multisteno-case-and-cables-included International site] | | [https://nolltronics.com/product/multisteno/ Multisteno]<br>[https://nollelectronics.com/products/multisteno-case-and-cables-included International site] | ||
| <img alt="Nolltronics Multisteno" src="https://nolltronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/DSC03181-Multi-Main-1200x1200.jpg" width="300px" align="right" /> | | <img alt="Nolltronics Multisteno" src="https://nolltronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/DSC03181-Multi-Main-1200x1200.jpg" width="300px" align="right" /> | ||
The premium version of the Ecosteno, the Multisteno features 42 Kailh Choc (Pro Pink) switches with 20g actuation force, USB-C connectivity, an aluminum backplate, and a solid tripod mount. <br><br>'''Stock status''' ( | The premium version of the Ecosteno, the Multisteno features 42 Kailh Choc (Pro Pink) switches with 20g actuation force, USB-C connectivity, an aluminum backplate, and a solid tripod mount. <br><br>'''Stock status''' (July 2025): In stock | ||
| | |Yes (2.1.2 Version only) | ||
| $170 | | $170 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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'''Stock status''' ( | '''Stock status''' (July 2025): In stock | ||
|Yes | |Yes | ||
|$50 | |$50 | ||
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| [https://www.stenokeyboards.com/products/the-uni-v4 The Uni] | | [https://www.stenokeyboards.com/products/the-uni-v4 The Uni] | ||
| <img alt="The Uni" src="https://docs.stenokeyboards.com/images/pics/uniAngle.jpg" width="300px" align="right" /> | | <img alt="The Uni" src="https://docs.stenokeyboards.com/images/pics/uniAngle.jpg" width="300px" align="right" /> | ||
A split, unibody steno keyboard that comes pre-assembled with Gateron Clears (35g).<br><br>'''Stock status''' ( | A split, unibody steno keyboard that comes pre-assembled with Gateron Clears (35g).<br><br>'''Stock status''' (July 2025): In stock | ||
|Yes | |Yes | ||
| $100 | | $100 | ||
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| [https://stenokeyboards.com/products/polyglot-keyboard Polyglot] | | [https://stenokeyboards.com/products/polyglot-keyboard Polyglot] | ||
| <img alt="StenoKeyboards Polyglot" src="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/7952620/208587451-87f9b998-b5a9-429f-bb8c-a90e1eda099b.jpg" width="300px" align="right" /> | | <img alt="StenoKeyboards Polyglot" src="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/7952620/208587451-87f9b998-b5a9-429f-bb8c-a90e1eda099b.jpg" width="300px" align="right" /> | ||
A steno keyboard made for both steno and Qwerty. Has QMK. More switches enable normal typing in Qwerty mode or extended steno layout.<br><br>'''Stock status''' ( | A steno keyboard made for both steno and Qwerty. Has QMK. More switches enable normal typing in Qwerty mode or extended steno layout.<br><br>'''Stock status''' (July 2025): In stock | ||
|Yes | |Yes | ||
| $125 | | $125 | ||
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| [https://www.stenography.store/ Stenography Store] | | [https://www.stenography.store/ Stenography Store] | ||
| <img alt="Starboard" src="https://www.stenography.store/media/product_images/starboard-top_nDp8XBE.png" width="300px" align="right" /> | | <img alt="Starboard" src="https://www.stenography.store/media/product_images/starboard-top_nDp8XBE.png" width="300px" align="right" /> | ||
An ergonomic steno keyboard with hot-swappable choc pink key-switches and can be screwed onto a tripod.<br><br>'''Stock status''' ( | An ergonomic steno keyboard with hot-swappable choc pink key-switches and can be screwed onto a tripod.<br><br>'''Stock status''' (July 2025): Out of stock (still pre-orderable) | ||
|Yes | |Yes | ||
| $90 | | $90 | ||
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'''Stock status''' ( | '''Stock status''' (July 2025): In stock | ||
|Yes | |Yes | ||
|$250-$350 | |$250-$350 | ||
|}To set up one of these with Plover, see [[setting up a hobbyist writer with Plover]]. | |- | ||
|[https://stenoob.com/products/stenoob-pro Stenoob Pro 2] | |||
|[https://stenoob.com/ Stenoob] | |||
|<img alt="Stenoob Pro" src="https://stenoob.com/cdn/shop/files/Stenoob_Pro_USB_withCable.png" width="300px"/> | |||
Focused on being true-to-size to the keyboard found on professional stenotype machines, the original Stenoob was simply a tactile, non-electronic practice tool. The Stenoob Pro includes actual functionality and connects to Plover. | |||
'''Stock status''' (July 2025): In stock | |||
|No | |||
|$150 | |||
|} | |||
To set up one of these with Plover, see [[setting up a hobbyist writer with Plover]]. | |||
''See also: [[out of production writers]].'' | ''See also: [[out of production writers]].'' | ||
= Stenotype machines = | = Stenotype machines = | ||
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== Known supported stenotypes == | == Known supported stenotypes == | ||
The following machines have been confirmed by users to work with Plover after actually trying it | The following machines have been confirmed by users to work with Plover after actually trying it. If you have successfully used a machine with Plover that is not on this list, please add it. For guidance on setup with Plover, read about [[setting up your writer with Plover]]. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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| Stenograph | | Stenograph | ||
| Stenograph USB OR TX Bolt (serial) | | Stenograph USB OR TX Bolt (serial) | ||
| | |||
|- | |||
| Elan Mira | |||
| Stenograph | |||
| Stenograph USB | |||
| | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| All platforms can use the <code>plover-stenograph</code> plugin for USB or Wi-Fi. Make sure the machine is connected to the same local network to use Wi-Fi. | | All platforms can use the <code>plover-stenograph</code> plugin for USB or Wi-Fi. Make sure the machine is connected to the same local network to use Wi-Fi. | ||
|} | |} | ||
= Standard keyboards = | = Standard keyboards = | ||
{{See also|Using a standard keyboard with Plover}} | |||
If you cannot purchase a steno keyboard, you can also use a standard computer keyboard. | If you cannot purchase a steno keyboard, you can also use a standard computer keyboard. | ||
= Video game controllers = | = Video game controllers = | ||
{{See also|Video game controllers}} | |||
See | |||
= DIY steno writers = | = DIY steno writers = | ||
{{See also|DIY steno writers}} | |||
[[Category:Plover]] | [[Category:Plover]] |
Latest revision as of 05:37, 4 July 2025
This page lists the types of steno hardware (writers/machines/keyboards) that are compatible with Plover. It also doubles as the community's most referenced page for purchase recommendations.
Currently, Plover supports:
- Commercially available hobbyist writers
- Professional stenotype machines
- Standard keyboards
- Video game controllers (requires a plugin)
- DIY steno writers
Community Recommendation
For the average hobbyist stenographer, it is recommended to purchase one of the commercially available hobbyist writers. All of the listed writers are perfectly adequate! Choose one that's in stock and within your budget. If you need to use steno on a device where you cannot download Plover, consider a keyboard which supports Javelin.
If you are not yet sure about making a financial commitment to stenography, start out by using a standard keyboard with Plover to understand if you would like to invest.
The advantages of a dedicated steno board include overcoming most standard keyboards' key rollover limitations, ergonomics, and speed.
Commercially available hobbyist writers
- See also: Choosing a hobbyist steno writer
Product Name | Manufacturer | About | Javelin?(embedded steno) | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
TinyMod | Charley Shattuck | TinyMod
Open source hardware. A smaller, nonsplit version of the Stenomod that omits the number bar in order to reduce costs and size. The center vowel key is used as a number bar replacement. See Mirabai’s review. |
No | $140 (stock) $180 (silent) |
Ecosteno International site |
Nolltronics | ![]() A machine whose mission is to be the best value option on the market. It has low-profile Kailh Choc switches with 20g actuation force. It features USB-C connectivity and an aluminum backplate with a solid tripod mount. |
Yes (2.1.2 Version only) | $95 |
Multisteno International site |
![]() The premium version of the Ecosteno, the Multisteno features 42 Kailh Choc (Pro Pink) switches with 20g actuation force, USB-C connectivity, an aluminum backplate, and a solid tripod mount. |
Yes (2.1.2 Version only) | $170 | |
Asterisk | StenoKeyboards | ![]() A split, unibody steno keyboard with touch capacitive sensors (Adjustable sensitivity). Traditional steno machine layout with top number bar.
|
Yes | $50 |
The Uni | ![]() A split, unibody steno keyboard that comes pre-assembled with Gateron Clears (35g). |
Yes | $100 | |
Polyglot | ![]() A steno keyboard made for both steno and Qwerty. Has QMK. More switches enable normal typing in Qwerty mode or extended steno layout. |
Yes | $125 | |
Starboard | Stenography Store | ![]() An ergonomic steno keyboard with hot-swappable choc pink key-switches and can be screwed onto a tripod. |
Yes | $90 |
Jarne | Chenonetta Creations | ![]() A wireless, ergonomic, split steno keyboard with per key and underglow RGB, Kailh Choc hotswap sockets, screens, inbuilt security key and 64MB of storage for large dictionaries.
Stock status (July 2025): In stock |
Yes | $250-$350 |
Stenoob Pro 2 | Stenoob | ![]() Focused on being true-to-size to the keyboard found on professional stenotype machines, the original Stenoob was simply a tactile, non-electronic practice tool. The Stenoob Pro includes actual functionality and connects to Plover. Stock status (July 2025): In stock |
No | $150 |
To set up one of these with Plover, see setting up a hobbyist writer with Plover.
See also: out of production writers.
Stenotype machines
Supported protocols
Plover supports several protocols that are in use by various machines:
- Stentura serial: most machines by Stenograph and many others.
- Gemini PR serial: typically any recent machine made by the Neutrino Group, such as the Piper, Revolution, or Infinity series.
- ProCAT: protocol used by all ProCAT machines.
- TX Bolt: an older protocol supported by some machines as a primary or secondary protocol.
- Treal: used only by the Treal from Word Technologies.
- Passport: used only by the Passport Writer from Advantage Software.
This means that, in theory, many machines work with Plover.
Known supported stenotypes
The following machines have been confirmed by users to work with Plover after actually trying it. If you have successfully used a machine with Plover that is not on this list, please add it. For guidance on setup with Plover, read about setting up your writer with Plover.
Product Name | Manufacturer | Protocol/Connection | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Elan Cybra Student | Stenograph | Stenograph USB OR TX Bolt (serial) | |
Elan Mira | Stenograph | Stenograph USB | |
Flash, Blaze, Impression, and Xpression | ProCAT | ProCAT (serial, maybe) | (For Blaze and other Windows CE-based writers) USB cannot be used with Plover, it is only to transfer files created on the Blaze to your PC or CAT software. USB does not work on Windows 10, only Windows XP (with ActiveSync), and Windows Vista/7/8 with WMDC.exe (Windows Mobile Device Center). Both are abandonware. You need an RJ11 (male) to DB9 (female) to use this writer. |
Flash Writer | ProCAT | TX Bolt | Press Mode (far right button), click Setup , then press the Emul button. Display should read Emulate: Baron
|
Gemini2 | Neutrino Group | Gemini PR (serial) | |
Gemini RT | Neutrino Group | TX Bolt | Must start a job on screen or in Infinity2 |
Lightspeed | Stenovations | TX Bolt (serial over USB/Bluetooth) | Baud rate 9600 |
Lightspeed Touch | Stenovations | Gemini PR, TX Bolt (USB only) | Must use provided “Lightspeed Zenith” software, not the “Lightspeed” software from the Stenovations website. Protocol can be changed depending on the “Writer Mode” setting in options. Choose “Model II and Model III” at startup. |
Infinity Ergonomic | Neutrino Group | Gemini PR (serial over USB/Bluetooth) | Baud rate 115200 |
Infinity Genesis | Neutrino Group | Gemini PR (serial) | |
Passport | Advantage Software | Passport (USB) | |
Passport Touch | Advantage Software | USB, Bluetooth | While in “Emulation Mode”: Stentura over Bluetooth or TX Bolt over USB |
Revolution Grand | Neutrino Group | Gemini PR (serial) | |
Stentura 400 SRT | Stenograph | Stentura (serial) | Setup Instructions |
Stentura 200 SRT | Stenograph | Stentura (serial) | |
Stentura 500 | Stenograph | Stentura (serial) | |
Stentura 8000 and 8000LX | Stenograph | Stentura (serial) | |
Stentura Protégé | Stenograph | Stentura (serial) OR Stenograph USB | Works with the plover-stenograph plugin for USB. For Stentura serial: connect Serial-to-USB cable to serial port of Protégé. Setup Instructions for Serial
|
Tréal | Word technologies | Treal (USB) | |
Wave | Stenograph | Stentura (serial) OR Stenograph USB | Requires Stenograph drivers to do serial on Windows. All platforms can use the plover-stenograph plugin. Make sure “serial protocol” on the Wave is set to “Stentura”.
|
Luminex II | Stenograph | Stenograph USB OR Stenograph Wi-Fi | All platforms can use the plover-stenograph plugin for USB or Wi-Fi. Make sure the machine is connected to the same local network to use Wi-Fi.
|
Standard keyboards
- See also: Using a standard keyboard with Plover
If you cannot purchase a steno keyboard, you can also use a standard computer keyboard.
Video game controllers
- See also: Video game controllers
DIY steno writers
- See also: DIY steno writers