What is a USB Transcription Foot Control Pedal and How Does It Work?

Transcribing is one of the daunting tasks there is but technology has away of making our lives easier. If you’re into the transcription business or if you’re a transcriptionist, using a USB transcription foot control pedal can make your job easier. But how? Before we discuss that, let’s get to know what it is first.

What is a Foot Pedal?

A USB transcription foot control or switch is an equipment specially designed with pedals to help transcribers do their job more efficiently. This means, as a transcriber, you will have your hands free to transcribe an audio file or for other things. It may have different names such as foot switch, foot control, or foot pedal depending on the brand.

How does it work?

The USB foot control pedal is very easy to use. It can be incorporated to a dictation software and the best thing is, it can be controlled via keyboard shortcuts, or assign commands using the configuration tool of the software it comes with. Once the pedals are configured, you’re free to use your hands to transcribe an audio file or to do other things.

Your Best Choices

Olympus RS-28H foot switch

The Olympus RS-28H foot switch comes with 3 pedals and is compatible with Olympus Dictation Management System (ODMS) software and other leading third-party applications such as Lexacom. It allows for hands-free control of Olympus software. Via the footswitch, record, playback, stop, fast forward, and rewind of your dictation files can be controlled. When the RS-28H USB foot switch is used with dedicated Olympus transcription software you are able to create business documents such as letters and reports, transcribe meeting minutes, and create memos effortlessly. Unlike the previous model RS28, the new Olympus RS-28H USB Foot Switch can also be used with third-party applications in both Windows and Mac environments. This is thanks to the footswitch including support for keyboard commands or shortcuts which can be set using a dedicated configuration tool.

Features:

• 3 pedals
• Extremely durable and long USB cable (1.8m)
• Perfect ergonomics for shoe sizes up to 45 (EUR)
• HID keyboard mode (optional)
• Keyboard shortcuts support (e.g. “Ctrl + Alt + P” or “Alt + 1”)
• Multimedia keys support
• Full compatibility with Olympus’ dictation management software
• For hands-free control of your transcription player
• Easy control of transcription software (play, stop, rewind, etc.)
• Nonslip mat to keep it in place

Olympus RS-31H USB Foot Pedal

Olympus RS-31H USB foot pedal comes with 4 pedals and just like the RS-28H, it is compatible with Olympus Dictation Management System (ODMS) software and other leading third-party applications such as Lexacom. This high-end professional footswitch incorporates 4 buttons to easily control not only Olympus dictation management software (ODMS, DSS Player Standard, Sonority) but also your preferred third-party software. This can be any transcription player or other application software, which can be controlled via keyboard shortcuts (e.g. “Ctrl + Alt + P” or “Alt + 1”) or multimedia keys (Scan Next Track, Stop, Play/Pause, etc.). Just assign the RS31H desired command to the pedals with the free Olympus Foot Switch Configuration Tool. Once the pedals are configured according to your individual needs you will have your hands free to transcribe an audio file or for other things.

Features:

• 4 pedals
• Extremely durable and long USB cable (2.5m)
• Perfect ergonomics for shoe sizes up to 46 (EUR) – Extra wide center pedal
• The Centre or top pedal can be locked
• HID keyboard mode (optional)
• Keyboard shortcuts support (e.g. “Ctrl + Alt + P” or “Alt + 1”)
• Multimedia keys support
• Full compatibility with Olympus’ dictation management software
• For hands-free control of your transcription player
• Easy control of transcription software (play, stop, rewind, etc.)
• Nonslip mat to keep it in place
• Footswitch Configuration Tool (Windows & Mac) for pedal configuration in HID keyboard mode

Philips ACC2310 USB Foot Switch

Transcription is made easy with a Philips ACC2310 USB foot switch that comes with a 3-button pedal. Its ergonomic design sets new standards in terms of usability in the professional dictation arena. The development is based on detailed research into the movements made during transcription. Transcriptionists can stop and start playback with only a slight movement of the heel, and without lifting the foot unnecessarily, which both increases efficiency and makes the device a pleasure to work with.

Features:

• Anti-slip bottom elements keep the foot control in the right place
• Configurable pedal functions for tailoring the foot control to your personal preferences
• Ergonomic design for professional use and outstanding comfort
• Slim design for minimised physical strain due to less foot movement
• Central configuration and management save time and resources

Philips ACC2330 USB Foot Switch

This is an advanced USB foot switch from Philips, which comes with 4 pedals, and is also waterproof. The ergonomic design of the new Philips ACC2330 foot switch range, which was formerly named Philips LFH2330, sets new standards in terms of usability in the professional dictation arena. The development is based on detailed research into the movements made during transcription. Transcriptionists can stop and start playback with only a slight movement of the heel, and without lifting the foot unnecessarily, which both increases efficiency and makes the device a pleasure to work with.

Features:

• Anti-slip bottom elements keep the foot control in the right place
• Configurable pedal functions for tailoring the foot control to your personal preferences
• Ergonomic design for professional use and outstanding comfort
• Slim design for minimised physical strain due to less foot movement
• Central configuration and management save time and resources

If you’re a transcriptionist in Australia who wants to keep your hands free for uninterrupted typing and experience a more efficient transcription, call Copia today at +61 8 8223 5590.  Start, pause, rewind and fast-forward audio files with only a slight movement of the foot tip, keeping your hands free for uninterrupted typing with our USB Foot Control Pedal.