Alternative Keyboards
We tend to think that the standard keyboard that comes with a computer is the only option and that if we find it difficult to use, or can’t use it at all, we can’t use a computer.
In fact there are many alternatives to a standard keyboard. Some of them are shown below.
Ergonomic Keyboards
GoldTouch Adjustable Keyboard
For some people who are touch-typists, intensive or prolonged use of a standard keyboard can lead to discomfort and even quite serious upper limb disorders such as repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Using a keyboard that does not force our hands to adopt an unatural position whilst typing can help aleviate some early stage symptoms or prevent injury occuring.
Compact Keyboards.
Cherry G84 Compact Keyboard and Separate Numeric Pad.
The vast majority of us rarely use the numberpad. Instead we stretch our hand out to the right to use our mouse, whilst the numberpad occupies the area of our desk which is by far the safest and most comfortable for mouse use.
One way around this is to use a compact keyboard. Compact keyboards look very similar to the keyboard layout on a laptop computer. They take up a lot less space than a normal keyboard, can be more easily positioned and are often suited to single handed users. And unlike a normal keyboard, they can also fit between the arms of a standard wheelchair.
Separate numberpads are available which can be positioned to the left or right of the keyboard as needed.
Keyguards.
Cherry G84 Compact Keyboard and Separate Numeric Pad.
The Cherry Compact keyboard with optional keyguard.
Many people cannot hold their hands over a keyboard for any length of time, or accidentally press more than one key at a time when typing. For these people a keyguard might help.
A keyguard is a rigid plate with holes in it that coincide with the keys in the keyboard below. Keyguards are available for the standard computer keyboard and a range of specialist keyboards. They fit snugly over the keyboard but can easily be removed.
It can often be easier and cheaper to purchase a keyboard and guard together rather than get one to fit a specific keyboard.
Large Keyboards.
WinKing Keyboard and the IntelliKeys with Three Standard Overlays.
Some peple find it difficult to use a normal sized keyboard. Larger keyboards can help in situations where it is difficult to accurately locate a normal sized keytop.
Many larger keyboards have a "built-in guard" as the letters are slightly sunk beneath the surface of the keyboard. This means that the user can rest their hands on the keyboard without pressing keys.
The IntelliKeys is a totally flat keyboard which is pressure sensitive. It comes with a number of automatically detected "overlays" that can be slipped into the keyboardand which have a range of different keyboard layouts – some with few, very large, keys. You can also create your own overlays.
For more information on alternatives to keyboard input visit the “Other Input Methods” page.
Related AbilityNet factsheets and skillsheets (Adobe PDF Files):
Download a copy of the accessible version of Acrobat Reader. Visit the Online conversion tools for Adobe PDF documents page which allows you to convert PDF documents into HTML or text formats.
- Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives (PDF)
- Keyboard – Single Handed Use (PDF)
- RSI – Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (PDF)
- Ergonomic Workstations (PDF)
For more information visit the AbilityNet website.