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Keyboards

General information

With more than a hundred relatively small and crowded keys and their small print and sometimes low-contrast labels, a standard computer keyboard is a relatively complex device. Operating it can be troublesome for users with limited arm, hand or finger movement ability.

Video Demonstration of Keyboards and Keyguards

Compact Keyboards.

Small keyboards can be more easily positioned and are often suited to single handed users. They can fit between the arms of a standard wheelchair. The actual key sizes are fairly similar to a standard keyboard. Space is generally saved by removing the numeric keys and reducing the gaps around the editing and function keys.

If the numeric pad is essential, then it is possible to buy them separately and position them to the left or right as needed.

Compact keyboards are generally smaller in size. They are designed for users with smaller hands or limited range of motion, and may have smaller keys, a lower number of them or an alternative key layout.

Some feature a built-in track ball and wrist rest. Often, the alphanumeric keys and a toggle/lock button replace the functionality of a separate numeric pad. Certain compact keyboards are also designed for use with a head/mouth stick.

Compact keyboard (source: Infogrip http://www.infogrip.com/images/products/ezreachkeyboardweb_lg.jpg)

Keyguards

are plastic or metal plates, placed over the keys of a keyboard, with holes through which the user presses the keys. This is useful for people who tend to hit more than one key at a time or need to rest before pressing the next key.

Ergonomic Keyboards

Ergonomic keyboards are aimed at those wanting to touch type using both hands. Generally they incorporate a split between keys operated by each hand with the aim of reducing strain in wrists and arms. A number of variations on this design are available, including those pictured above.

The 'SafeType' keyboard claims to place the user in a position that is completely 'Orthopedically Neutral'.

They say,". . . only keyboard demonstrated in a Major University Study to virtually eliminate the high-stress postures that contribute to Repetitive Stress Injuries, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you stand with your arms relaxed at your sides, and use only the biceps to bring your hands up and forward until your forearms are parallel to the floor, you are now in the most relaxed typing position possible, with your palms facing each other. That is the position you are in when typing with the SafeType KeyboardTM.

It's certainly an usual design, in which the user's hands are in a kind of 'holding something' position. Mirrors placed forward of the hands allows the user to see which keys are being pressed.

YogiType keyboard

The 'YogiType' keyboard is a similar idea to the SafeType. The main differences:

* the position of the hands
* individual keys light up when pressed from behind - no need for mirrors.
* all weight is taken off the wrists, which sit in soft supports alongside the keyboard.
* integrated mouse, with scrolling function

More information . . .

Large keyboards

Win King Keyboard with internal Keyguard

Expanded keyboards can help in situations where it is difficult to accurately locate a normal sized keytop. The larger size gives more area to "aim at". Many expanded keyboards have a "built-in guard" as the letters are slightly sunk beneath the surface of the keyboard.

IntelliKeys USB plugs into the computer's USB port. It is a flat membrane keyboard which is pressure sensitive and is particularly usefull for people who:

- have mild tremors - the slide and press action is helpful,
- have dexterity and sight difficulties;
- need to use a guard and find the larger key size helpful

It comes with a number of "overlays" which define the action of areas on the surface of the board. Because the surface is flat, it can be operated with a 'slide and press' action. You can change layouts "on the fly". In addition you can design your own layouts. This can be useful if you only want to work with a small number of keys. A trainer or teacher simply slides an overlay over its programmable surface to create keyboards for different students and curriculum areas. The universal design of the overlays provides large, well-spaced keys in highcontrast colors to help students locate letters, numbers, words, and directional arrows. More information > . . .

Concept keyboards are also flat and pressure sensitive. These come in A4 and A3 sizes and have a number of predefined "cells" on their surface. Using a software package it is possible to assign certain keystrokes/sounds/actions to particular areas on the concept keyboard. After defining the areas on the keyboard, a paper overlay can be printed or drawn to show the active areas.

HelpiKeys keyboard. A programmable alternative keyboard which can be changed by using one of the five overlay sheets, or by using the Helipkeys Layout Builder software that allows you to design and print your own keyboard layouts. More information > . . .

Expanded keyboards

have larger keys placed less closely together. Key labels are usually bigger and more clear. This way, the number of typing errors is reduced. Expanded keyboards can help with learning the alphabet or to use a computer. They can also be operated using toes instead of fingers in some cases.

Expanded keyboard with keyguard (source: Maltron http://www.maltron.com/images/press/maltron-expanded-keyboard1.jpg)

Expanded Keyboard for children

Expanded keyboards for use with children (source: ZUIM http://www.osp-zuim.lj.edus.si/)

Rubber Keyboards and Covers.

Waterproof SMART Rubber Keyboard

Here is an example of a waterproof keyboard which is made out of rubber. It is designed to work in harsh environments, and can be wiped clean after use.

If you prefer to use a standard keyboard, there are many plastic covers available which can be fitted over the top of the keys.

Keygloves

look nothing like keyboards at all. A keyglove is, in fact, a glove with buttons scattered over the palm and finger areas. Pressing one button against another is equivalent to pressing a key on a standard keyboard. Possible pairs/combinations are numerous and correspond to defined keyboard keys, for example, pressing the button on the tip of the middle finger against the button on the tip of the palm produces an 'f'.

Keyglove (source: Wirejunkie )

A heated keyboard ?

Claimed to be the first ever heated computer keyboard on the market.
3 Step Switch - (1) Heat off, (2) Low heat (85 F to 90 F) Normal hand temperature (3) High heat (95 F to 100 F) Normal body temperature.
Great for keeping your hands warm & comfortable. Promotes healthy blood circulation. More information . . .

Connecting Hardware/Ykey

For people using PS2 connections instead of USB connections, it is possible to purchase KEY adapters to allow more than one keyboard or mouse to connect to one Personal Computer or Laptop at the same time. These are known as Y Key adaptors.

PS2 cable splitter

The Y-mouse Serial Mouse Adapter is the fast and simple way to attach two pointing devices to one computer. With this small, easy to use, Y-shaped adapter you don't have to open your computer or install any software, just plug it in and you're ready to go. Dual PS/2 mouse, Dual Tablet and Mouse, Dual Keyboard and Dual Monitor adapters also available. (Source: Ergosci)

Technological Requirements

Keyboards are generally ready for use after having been connected. In case operating system-specific or additional software should be required, it is usually supplied with the keyboard or available on the manufacturer's website. Be sure that your computer has the type of port required to connect to the keyboard.

In the case of on-screen keyboards, the products are software only. Check compatibility with your operating system.

On-Screen keyboards

On-screen keyboards

Miscellaneous keyboards

LOMAK (Light Operated Mouse And Keyboard) enables people with physical impairments, such as cerebral palsy, quadriplegia and carpal tunnel syndrome, to easily and effectively operate a computer. Using a specially designed keyboard in conjunction with state-of-the-art light sensor technology, a hand or head pointer controls a beam of light that enters, then confirms, the key or mouse function. Confirming each key helps ensure the correct selection is entered, reducing errors and increasing the speed of operation. Pure geometric forms and soft radii support its simplicity and ease of use.
More information . . .

The MyKids Keyboard

MyKids supplier:

Keyboard Accessories

Mouth Stick

Photo of someone using a mouthstick

Adjustable-angle mouth sticks that allow better visibility and a more natural writing/typing position. One is a pointer for keyboards or page turning; the other holds implements such as a pen, pencil or paintbrush. The telescopic end makes it easier to adjust the length. (Mouthstick supplier: Homecraft-Rolyan)

Maltron Mouth Stick Keyboard
The shape of the Maltron Single Finger/Mouth Stick Keyboard matches natural head movement and the key arrangement minimizes finger or stick activity, raising speed and relieving frustration. (Source: iShopergonomics).

Sip + Puff

New sip and puff headset. A typical example: A person uses a puff-stick (a straw-like device that he "puffs" on to generate a click or selection) and the Dragon Naturally Speaking speech recognition system running on Microsoft Windows 98 on his office PC. He augments Dragon with a headset, a keyboard anchored microphone, a tele-dictation system that allows him to dictate long memos and receive the text in e-mail, a scanner that allows him to manage visual records and forms as PowerPoint images, and the accessibility features built into Windows including StickyKeys and keyboard shortcuts. www.orin.com/access/sip_puff/

Sip and Puff device