Hey guys and gals. In this post I’m going to share with you my findings after deep research into the best USB foot pedals for transcription. Foot pedals make transcription become very easy.
We’ve scoured the Internet searching on big shopping websites and professional transcription groups to learn which foot pedals are best for the various types of transcription work needed. We hope this list is of help to you, especially if you’re just starting out in your transcription career.
You hands are free to continue to make corrections and type, while your foot controls the flow of the narration by playing, pausing, rewinding or fast-forwarding the track. So let’s jump right into the top foot pedals we found, used by transcriptionists around the world to work faster and better.
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1. Executive Communication Systems Infinity 3 USB Foot Pedal Control
Main features / specifications:
– USB 2.0 standard connection
– It has a 3 function (3 clickable switches) pedal
– Sloping ergonomic design with a wide pedal that enables fast switching
– Robust plastic build.
– Long USB cord
– Windows and Mac compatible
– Product Dimensions 1.9 x 8 x 7.6 inches
– Easy plug and play use
Main Cons – What I don’t like about the product
– While I found the product to be robust and well bu9ilt, many online reviews claim the product works intermittently. This may be due to their computer setup, but it remains a con for ease of use.
– Product may have issues with failing USB. If you buy this product, make sure to take care of your USB plug.
– The pedals may not be perfectly aligned, causing delays or miss-clicks.
My thoughts in conclusion
This is an OK foot pedal that needs just a bit of care. It is robust and just gets the job done, as long as you take good care of it.
2. IN-USB-1 Infinity USB Foot Pedal for Computer Transcription
Main features / specifications:
– USB 2.0 standard connection
– It has a 3 function (3 clickable switches) pedal
– Compact and ergonomic design with well defined and marked click buttons
– Durable and long lasting plastic build
– Long USB cord
– Product Dimensions 2 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches
– Easy plug and play use
Main Cons – What I don’t like about the product
– Pedals sometimes stick and work erratically.
– Noisy and squeaky in the beginning. This goes away with use.
My thoughts in conclusion
This is a good foot pedal that will get the job done from the moment you plug it in. Like most pedals, they suffer from wear and misuse, so if you take good care of it, use it in clean non dusty areas and maintain it well, it will last you a very long time.
3. Philips ACC2320 3-Pedal International-Style Foot Control
Main features / specifications:
– USB standard connection
– It has a 3 function (3 clickable switches) pedal
– Ergonomic non slip design
– Nice to look at and well designed
– Long USB cord
– Customizable controls for personalized use
– Philips claim this is a 100% water proof sealed pedal
– Dimensions 198 mm × 54 mm × 170 mm/7.8″ × 2.1″ × 6.7″
Main Cons – What I don’t like about the product
– Complex software to use with little guidance in the pack.
My thoughts in conclusion
While this is a good foot pedal with a slick design, made by a reputable brand, most users claim to find the software to be complex to use, especially in a time of fast plug and play devices. Once it is set up, it does it’s job well. I also like that the electronics inside it are sealed to make the foot pedal water proof. Who knows, though, if it will survive actual flooding of the room.
What is a foot pedal for transcription and how does it work?
Transcription, in simple terms, is the act of listening to a recorded speech and typing out the words into written text. This means the transcriptionist has to regularly stop and start the playback of the audio file, as they try to keep up with the flow.
A foot pedal is the perfect device that allows transcriptionists to involve their foot into the process to help start and stop the audio playback. This frees up their hands for typing and makes the work flow better and easier.
The increase in speed of transcription when using the foot pedal is massive when compared to the traditional pause and play with your hands on the keyboard or the mouse.
Foot pedals have become almost essential transcription gear and you’re leaving a lot of time on the table if you don’t use one. Time that can be allocated to new jobs or other things.
How does a USB foot pedal work?
These pedals usually are plug and play, just like a mouse, a joystick or a keyboard. They are recognized by your computer system as an input device, and depending on the software you use for your work, the clicks on the pedals will perform certain control functions.
The most basic form of foot pedals have one main button. You click it with your foot to do basic stop start tasks on your computer.
The more complex the foot pedal, the more clickable buttons they usually have. Mid tier foot pedals have 3 clickable parts.
- A large start stop button in the middle
- A clickable button on the left side for rewind, and
- A clickable button on the right side for forward.
We advice you look into these types of foot pedals, as rewinding the recording or moving forward are fundamental functions you need to have to be more efficient in your work.
Here below is a short video on how these look and work.
How long till you get comfortable with using a foot pedal instead of your keyboard?
This is a very relevant question. Just like trying to write with your less dominant hand, learning how to use your foot to control your computer will look and feel weird in the beginning. Most transcripritionists state they need a couple of weeks till they get used to using a foot pedal and it becomes second nature.
The more time you spend practicing is going to reflect how much time you actually need to get good at using a pedal. No worries though, you’ll get a hang of this in no time if you put in at least 20 minutes a day into your practice.
USB foot pedal for windows 10
Most software today requires USB foot pedal connections and here below is the list of some of the best we found based on user reviews online, ease of use and features. the compatibility with Windows 10 and the necessary drivers needed to run your foot pedal are easily available online, so there are no worries there. We hope to be able to stare you towards the right foot pedal for your transcription needs.
How do foot pedals connect to your computer system?
Foot pedals usually come with a wire and a Universal Serial Bus — USB plug that connect to your computer’s USB port.
The device comes with it’s own drivers that install automatically on your device to make it a plug-and-play input device.
Things to keep in mind when choosing a foot pedal for audio transcription
To summarize, here are a few points to keep in mind when you look to purchase a foot pedal for transcription.
1. Make sure it is optimally sized
This is important because you know the amount of space you have under your work desk. A large complex foot pedal may come in the way and prevent you from being efficient.
2. Make sure it has at least 3 clickable parts
You want to have the option to rewind, pause/play and fast forward the audio recording you are transcribing. Getting a foot pedal that can handle this should be the minimum you go for. Don’t be tempted by the cheap single-click foot pedals, once your progress in your transcription career, you’ll kick yourself for not investing in a good mid-tier device.
3. The foot pedal must have a sufficiently long cable
You know your desk setup, so you should measure the length of cable needed to reach your computer’s USB ports in their usual position. If you have a desktop tower on the floor, then there is no real issue here.
If however, you have a laptop on your desk, of your computer sits on your desk, you may have a long routing from the USB ports down to the ground. Use a tape measure to get the approximate length you’ll need and make sure the pedal you buy can be placed in an ergonomic position on the floor and still reach the USB ports on your system.
Wrapping up
Hope this guide comes in handy to help start your research for your next foot pedal. Whether it be for transcription, or to be able to control your computer with your foot, these devices are made to help increase your work efficiency. Good luck with your search.
Thanks and best wishes.