Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives - BBC - Home

1 Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives Generally, when you purchase a computer it comes with a standard Mouse and Keyboard . For many people, these devices pose difficulties. This factsheet outlines some of the options that are available, however there may be other software or pieces of equipment not described here that would also be suitable. Keyboard Alternatives The standard computer Keyboard is designed to be used with two hands and favours right-handed people (the numeric keypad is on the right). Some users may also find it oversensitive : they get a string of letters if a key is held down for slightly too long. Modifying the Keyboard Response The way the Keyboard behaves can be changed by using the options available in your operating system (Windows, Linux or Mac OS X).

2 The options that are available are: StickyKeys This allows users to operate the modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl and Alt) using only one finger. The modifier key is treated by the computer as being held down until the next key is pressed. So to type The , you would press Shift + t + h + e. FilterKeys This allows you to alter the length of time a key needs to be held down before it initially appears or repeats on the screen. MouseKeys This allows the Mouse pointer to be moved around using the keys on the numeric keypad. For step-by-step instructions to turn on these features, see the How to guides under Make your Keyboard easier to use on the My web my way website. Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives Page 2 of 14 March 2009 Keyguards These are rigid plates with holes designed to work with specific keyboards.

3 The holes are positioned over each key and they make it impossible to press two keys at once. As a further benefit, it is possible to rest your hands and arms on the guard without pressing any keys. The guards can easily be removed and fitted for use only when required. It can often be easier to purchase a Keyboard and guard together rather than try to find one to fit a specific Keyboard . These should not be confused with Keyboard protectors, which are anti-dirt, anti-moisture Keyboard covers that can be used to protect the Keyboard . Keyboard with keyguard Different Sizes and Shapes There is a wide choice of keyboards to replace the standard Keyboard . A small sample of the keyboards available is shown here to illustrate the ideas described.

4 Small 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 number pad and by reducing the gaps around the editing and function keys. Cherry G84 Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives Page 3 of 14 March 2009 The various designs that are available include wireless keyboards and keyboards with built-in trackballs. Separate numeric keypads are available, if required. Keyboards with Larger Keys BigKeys IntelliKeys Keyboards with larger keys can help in situations where the user finds it difficult to accurately locate a standard-sized key.

5 Some have a built in guard, as the letters are slightly sunk beneath the surface of the Keyboard . IntelliKeys is a flat Keyboard that is pressure sensitive. It comes with a number of overlays , which define the action of areas on the surface of the board. 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. Product Producer IntelliKeys IntelliTools BigKeys BigKeys Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives Page 4 of 14 March 2009 Ergonomic keyboards Ergonomic keyboards are aimed at those people wanting to touch-type using both of their hands. Generally, these keyboards incorporate a split between the sets of keys that are operated by each hand, with the aim of reducing strain in wrists and arms.

6 A number of variations on this design are available. Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard Some ergonomic keyboards have a fixed split, whereas others, such as the one shown above, are hinged to allow the angle and height to be adjusted. As well as the two-handed design (available from a variety of ergonomics and accessibility specialist suppliers), PCD Maltron produces an ergonomic Keyboard aimed at single-handed users wishing to use all of their fingers to touch-type. Product Producer single-handed ergonomic keyboards PCD Maltron Numeric Keypad Use Because the standard Keyboard has a fixed number pad, it presents difficulties for some people. A left-handed user wishing to use the number pad will have to reach across their body.

7 A right-handed user who makes little use of the numeric pad has to reach unnecessarily in order to use their Mouse . Separate numeric pads used with smaller keyboards provide a more flexible solution. Cherry number pad Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives Page 5 of 14 March 2009 Head Pointer and Mouth Stick Some of the smaller keyboards may be suitable for use with a head pointer and mouth stick. One such specialised layout is available from PCD Maltron. Product Producer head pointer Keyboard PCD Maltron Chord Keyboards CyKey Chord keyboards have only a few keys and rely on keys being pressed in combination to generate letters. They therefore work well for single-handed users with independent movement in each of their fingers.

8 Product Producer CyKey Bellaire Electronics Keyboard Positioning It is very important when using keyboards and pointing devices to be comfortable. Some of the following ideas may be helpful. These products may be available from companies specialising in ergonomic workstations, as well as from retailers specialising in accessibility-related products. Keyboard tray A Keyboard tray is a retractable tray that is bolted under the desk and holds the Keyboard . It allows a lower typing position, which may be more comfortable. A lap tray can achieve the same effect. It is basically a small beanbag attached to a tray; the beans mould to the shape of your legs and the tray gives a flat surface. There are also variations of the lap tray (but without the tray) for use with laptop computers.

9 Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives Page 6 of 14 March 2009 Fixing Equipment Keyboards, switches and pointers can be fixed in specific locations using modular systems such as the one shown at right. Homemade devices can also be helpful (to raise up or tilt a Keyboard , for example). Mighty Mount Arm and Wrist Supports Foam or pads placed in front of the Keyboard can be helpful when resting from typing. These are widely available from most office suppliers and computer retail outlets. Where there are difficulties supporting the weight of arms, articulating wrist supports that clamp to the tabletop are useful. Monitor Arms These allow monitors to be easily moved and positioned. Generally they are designed for standard monitor sizes; heavy-duty arms are also available.

10 Workstation Redesign Many people especially those with neck and upper-back problems may find alternative positioning of items more comfortable. A number of companies provide off-the-shelf and/or customised ergonomic workstations. Togl Organiser Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives Page 7 of 14 March 2009 Speeding Up Keyboarding The following techniques can increase keyboarding speed. Prediction After you type the first few letters of a word, predictive software gives a number of words starting with those letters. To complete the word, you simply select one of the words offered. For longer words, this can offer speed improvements. Product Producer Co:Writer Don Johnston Incorporated Penfriend Penfriend Limited Texthelp Read & Write Texthelp Systems Ltd Typing Without a Keyboard It is not necessary to be able to use a Keyboard to operate a computer.