I recently cut off three fingers from my left hand, and have learned to remain effective on the keyboard. As you mentoined, the shift, ctrl, and and keys are my biggest problems, particularly when using them in conjunction with the mouse.
I've considered modifying a junker keyboard and soldering in a few external connections for foot pedals to activate these three keys. Of course, this never happened because I could still use my elbow.:)
I use a laptop keyboard most of the time, and haven't found to much really difficult, but the small size, low profile and short stroke makes work easier than on a conventional keyboard (or worse yet an ergo keyboard), except the single control key on the bottom left. If you're considering a mini-keyboard, it's probably a good idea if your dexterous in your left hand.
Slashdot Mirror
I've considered modifying a junker keyboard and soldering in a few external connections for foot pedals to activate these three keys. Of course, this never happened because I could still use my elbow. :)
I use a laptop keyboard most of the time, and haven't found to much really difficult, but the small size, low profile and short stroke makes work easier than on a conventional keyboard (or worse yet an ergo keyboard), except the single control key on the bottom left. If you're considering a mini-keyboard, it's probably a good idea if your dexterous in your left hand.