Large key computer keyboard

Computers, the internet and the world of IT have no boundaries that limit use based upon age. However, the small keyed keyboards can prove difficult to use for some.

In particular, for those who suffer from arthritis, or those with hand dexterity limitations, picking out the individual keys on a keyboard and pressing them may be somewhat challenging, or even impossible.

Equally, small keys (and the characters on them) can be difficult to see and read and all of this can prove an obstacle that may deter many people from using a computer and gaining access to the World Wide Web (a source of limitless information and communication opportunities).

This problem can however be overcome and there are a number of ways of doing this.

Bigger keys

Large key keyboards are one solution to getting around a visual acuity or finger dexterity problems and they make a computer usable. They are simply bigger than normal keyboards and they have larger character keys, often with enlarged spaces between each key. This combination of greater size and greater spacing makes them easier to use.

Other options include ergonomically designed keyboards where the layout of the board and all of its character keys have been determined by "best use" rather than by mirroring the layout of a typewriter keyboard (in shape and key geometry). These keyboards are often curved and they can have a left and a right side for each hand.

Some large key keyboards also have the different sets of keys (e.g. letters, numbers, function keys etc) distinguished by different colours for visual recognition.

A final option is to buy voice recognition software.

This solution uses a microphone and a speaker and enables direct voice commands to be recognised. By doing this it negates the need for a keyboard and a mouse.

With voice recognition software it is necessary to first “train” the software by reading scripts that enable the users voice and tone to be recognised and converted into “computer speak”. This task is simple and involves a couple of hours reading or speaking aloud. Once this is done the computer will accept voice commands and can even type based on the spoken word.