I never used a computer for CW, but I once had a CW / RTTY keyboard with a separate decoder driving a black and white TV monitor. That setup was somewhat popular before computers replaced them. It was challenging for me because I never was a very good typist (self taught with limited practice). Guys using them would program their keyboards for 35wpm or more and expect others to do the same. To keep a steady CW flow you needed to stay just ahead of the buffer (very small amount of memory in those old keyboards). My true colors were given away every time I ran out of buffer. 
As a Vibroplex bug user for years, I understand the concept of emphasis. The common term was once called “fist”. Was having a different fist more difficult to copy? That really depended upon how far off from the norm the CW was sent. When dit spacing is sent 3 or 4 times faster than dashes, you’re too radical for many operators to discern. It’s similar to all the different English language accents. Most accents are easy to understand, some are difficult. Bugs are great when properly adjusted and will give you a signature others may recognize, yet still be able to copy without difficulty. I later modified my bug by adding a “dasher” circuit. The dash paddle then became automatic and adjustable just like a keyer. Since the swiper part or dit paddle on a bug's spacing is sent very fast (even at its lowest weight setting) than one usually sends dashes, the dasher circuit helped balance it out. This was just a cheap way to create the same effect of having a modern keyer. Nowadays I use both a Bencher paddle and a straight key. Going back to my roots I often use my novice rig with a straight key, now more than ever.
As a Vibroplex bug user for years, I understand the concept of emphasis. The common term was once called “fist”. Was having a different fist more difficult to copy? That really depended upon how far off from the norm the CW was sent. When dit spacing is sent 3 or 4 times faster than dashes, you’re too radical for many operators to discern. It’s similar to all the different English language accents. Most accents are easy to understand, some are difficult. Bugs are great when properly adjusted and will give you a signature others may recognize, yet still be able to copy without difficulty. I later modified my bug by adding a “dasher” circuit. The dash paddle then became automatic and adjustable just like a keyer. Since the swiper part or dit paddle on a bug's spacing is sent very fast (even at its lowest weight setting) than one usually sends dashes, the dasher circuit helped balance it out. This was just a cheap way to create the same effect of having a modern keyer. Nowadays I use both a Bencher paddle and a straight key. Going back to my roots I often use my novice rig with a straight key, now more than ever.
