Transcription Foot Pedal Roundup

Find the Best Transcription Foot Pedal for You

Why Foot Pedals Matter

For your average computer user, the idea of using a foot pedal as an input device might seem superfluous. After all, most of us already have a keyboard, mouse, trackpad, and maybe even a webcam. Is another input device necessary? For transcriptionists, a foot pedal is an essential tool. Using one means keeping your hands focused on fewer tasks and maintaining greater productivity.

In your transcribing job, transcription foot pedals are necessary to pause, rewind, and fast forward audio recordings. This means you can use keystrokes for standard typing and not have to worry about additional “hotkey” commands to control audio functions. Using fewer keystrokes also improves your turnaround time.

Foot Pedals and Transcription Software

We should probably point out that transcription foot pedals often come bundled with transcription software. This can be convenient and eliminate compatibility issues. But for the purposes of this roundup, we’ll only be reviewing pedals (hardware) and not software. This is for two reasons:

• Many transcription firms (including Allegis) require their transcriptionists to transcribe using specific software programs, so considering bundled software is unnecessary. Note: Always check to make sure any foot pedal you’re considering purchasing is compatible with your specific transcription software.
• A complete and helpful review of software is an entirely different topic that would require a separate blog post—which we may tackle at some point in the future.

Transcriptionists who don’t need to buy software will save money (and probably some confusion) by leaving software out of the equation, if possible.

Pro tip from Michael Yolen, our QA Manager: Be sure to plug your foot pedal in prior to opening your transcription software and beginning a transcribing job. For example, Audioworxs (used at Allegis) will sync most foot pedals if they are already plugged in. If that’s not the case, you must log out, plug in your foot pedal, then log back in. It’s a general issue many transcriptionists run into with many other transcription software packages as well.

Here we begin our review of stand-alone foot pedals. These are our picks for the best stand-alone hardware.

The Workhorses

Infinity USB Digital Foot Control (IN-USB2 by VEC Electronics): about $50

The Infinity USB pedal is a very popular option for transcriptionists and receives great reviews—it also happens to be a foot pedal we often recommend to our own transcriptionists here at Allegis. The Infinity pedal is compatible with many types of software, which is certainly nice should you need to transcribe using a different software program in the future. It offers a combination of value and sturdy construction for long-term use.

 

• Basic three-function USB foot pedal/switch

• Designed for long-term durability under heavy use

• Ergonomic design with sloped pedal for easy movement to fast forward and rewind keys

 

 

 

 

 

 

Philips USB Transcription Foot Control (LFH-23304-Pedal Design): about $75

A good alternative as a “workhorse” pick, the Phillips is a bit pricier than the Infinity pedal but has a four-pedal design for additional functionality. This transcription foot pedal boasts sturdy construction for durability and an anti-slip pad to keep the device in place.

 

• Anti-slip pad keeps the device fixed to the floor

• Configurable pedal functions for a personalized transcription style

• Robust pedals and non-wearing magnetic contact switches

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Premium Choice

X-keys XK-3 Rear Hinged Foot Pedal: about $135

Need more flexibility? A rear-hinged pedal is ideal for continuous activation (like playback), but the X-keys model also comes in a front-hinged version that is ideal for momentary activation (almost like a mouse click). All three pedals are programmable for maximum flexibility and functionality, making it a great choice for almost any transcribing job. X-keys also provides downloadable functions on its website for additional functionality options.

 

• Mouse alternative: Combats RSI issues

• USB 2.0 interface with USB powering

• Programming software and SDKs are available

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Wireless Option

v-Pedal vP-4 MKII Wireless Transcription Foot Pedal: about $130

If you already have too many wires under your desk or are tired of USB connections coming loose, this may be a good option for you. Wireless is more expensive, but many transcriptionists appreciate the convenience.

This pedal uses magnets instead of the typical mechanical switches, so there’s no noise when the buttons are pressed. A supplied USB dongle plugs into your computer and communicates with the pedal, which is powered by three AA batteries. The Bluetooth wireless transmitter has a range of up to three meters.

 

• “Keyboard Mode”: Right/left click your mouse with your foot wirelessly

• Bluetooth wireless transmitter, range up to three meters

• USB dongle for receiving button presses from the foot pedal

• Powered by three AA batteries (not supplied)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Transcription Foot Pedal Do You Use?

For most transcriptionists, foot pedals are an essential part of their transcribing job. As with any tool you’re using for long hours, finding a comfortable and quality fit is key to performing well. Greater comfort and ease of use means improving your transcription output—and that usually translates to a bump in your paycheck.

As always, we hope that this information has been valuable to you. Please leave us a comment to let us know if you currently use or have tried any of these recommendations. If we’ve overlooked any great options, please let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!