Consider using an alternative keyboard if a using standard keyboard is inefficient, challenging, or not accessible to you. Hardware options and software options for alternative keyboards are listed below with a description, the benefits, and links to examples. (Keep in mind that there are also alternative mouse/pointing devices.)
Don’t miss the list of accessories that can enhance typing such as arm supports, keyboard trays, keyguards, and pointing devices.
If you are interested in trying an alternative keyboard, contact your State Assistive Technology Project to inquire about an assistive technology loan library. I recommend borrowing an alternative keyboard from the loan library to determine if it is the right solution for you. Depending on the state’s loan library requirements, you may need to work with a local service provider in order to borrow a keyboard or a laptop with software pre-loaded for a trial period.
Alternative Keyboards: Hardware
Listed in alphabetical order
Backlit Keyboard
The space around the keys and letters on the keys of the keyboard are illuminated from underneath.
Benefits
- Individuals with low vision
- Some models allow you to change the illumination color to provide a higher contrast
Ergonomic Keyboard
An alternative keyboard designed to keep your hands, wrists, and arms in a natural position to reduce strain.
Benefits
- Can help prevent cumulative trauma disorders
- Some models allow for flexibility in hand position to accommodate certain disabilities
Examples of ergonomic keyboards at BoundlessAT.com
Examples of ergonomic split-keyboards at BoundlessAT.com
Expanded Keyboard
An alternative keyboard that is larger than a standard size keyboard. The large keys provide a bigger target area for key selection.
Benefits
- Individuals who do not have sufficient motor resolution to target the keys on a standard keyboard
- Individuals with low vision who need enlarged letters and keys
Math Keyboard
The keys of math keyboard have numbers, operations, common math letters and symbols.
Benefits
- Individuals that have difficulty handwriting math problems
- Can be used with a mouth stick or head pointer
Example of a math keyboard (hardware option and on-screen option)
Mini/Compact Keyboard
An alternative keyboard that is smaller than the standard size keyboard with smaller keys and a shorter distance between keys.
Benefits
- Individuals that can target keys but lack the range of motion to reach all the keys on a standard keyboard
- May be good for children or individuals with small hands
- Can be used with a mouth stick or head pointer
One-Hand Keyboard
An alternative keyboard designed to be used with one hand.
Benefits
- Allows individuals who can use only one hand to type to increase speed and lessen finger fatigue that would occur from using a two-handed keyboard
Examples of one-hand keyboards at BoundlessAT.com
Resource
12 considerations for choosing a one-handed typing method – blog post by Koester Performance Research
Programmable Keyboard
Keyboard which allows certain keys to be programmed to perform a function.
Benefits
- Helps to save time and energy on repetitive tasks that are performed often
Wireless Keyboard
Keyboard that is not connected to the computer by a cable.
Benefits
- Offers flexibility for positioning the keyboard
- Advantageous for individuals using a wheelchair
Alternative Keyboards: Software
Listed in alphabetical order
On-Screen Keyboards
Visual representation of a standard keyboard on a computer screen or mobile device
Benefits
- Built into tablets and mobile devices
- Individuals who cannot access a hardware keyboard
- Can be used with a standard computer mouse or any mouse alternative.
- May allow customization of the keyboard layout
- May offer different modes for selection such as dwell or hover
- Includes word prediction to reduce the number of keystrokes required to type words or phrases
Reference AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions:
One-Handed Software
Programs the keys of a standard keyboard to allow for easier access to all the letters. The software may mirror the keys of half the keyboard or arrange the most-used keys under the home row fingers.
Benefits
- Allows individuals who can use only one hand to increase typing speed and lessen finger fatigue
Resources
Your Guide to 10+ One-hand Typing Options – blog post by Koester Performance Research
Speech Recognition Software
Allows dictation to type text. Some programs allow you to navigate among files, applications, and menus using voice commands.
Benefits
- Hands-free typing
- Useful for individuals who cannot access a hardware keyboard and want faster text input than an on-screen keyboard allows
Resources
Dictate in Microsoft 365 – Microsoft Support instructions
How to use Voice Access in Windows 11 – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions
Type with your voice in Google Docs and Google Slides – Google Help instructions
How to dictate text in macOS 13 Ventura – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions
How to control your computer using Voice Control in macOS 13 Ventura – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions
How to use Siri, the digital assistant in macOS 13 Ventura – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions
Dragon Speech Recognition – Dragon software is widely recognized in the disability community and has a long history of being a speech recognition solution for both dictation and voice control of computers.
Access Methods for On-Screen Keyboards
Listed in alphabetical order
Brain-Computer Interface
Non-invasive: Type on an on-screen keyboard by moving the mouse cursor using the detection of electrical signals on the forehead resulting from subtle facial muscles (eyebrow raise), eye movement, or brainwave activity.
Invasive: Involves a surgical implant
Benefits
- Does not require hand or head control
Resources
Mind Control for the Masses – No Implant Needed
Mouse Dwell
Select a letter on an on-screen keyboard without clicking buttons. Hover the cursor over a key for a specified amount of time.
Used in conjuction with the other access methods listed here.
Benefits
- Does not require movement of a body part
- Can adjust the length time required to activate a key
Resources
Use the Windows On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to type – the “hover over keys” option
Eye Tracking
Use your eyes to type on an on-screen keyboard
Benefits
- Does not require hand or head control
Resources
Get started with eye control in Windows (requires an external eye tracking device/camera) – Microsoft Support instructions
Control iPad with the movement of your eyes
Head Movement
Move your head to control the mouse cursor and type on an on-screen keyboard
Benefits
- Individuals who do not have use of his/her hands or have better motor control with his/her head
Resources
How to control your computer with head movement in macOS 13 Ventura – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions
Switch Interface and Switches
Type on an on-screen keyboard by pressing a switch or multiple switches. Groups of keys or individual keys on the screen will be scanned, highlighting each item, until you make a selection. You will need a switch interface to connect the switch to your computer or mobile device and to assign the switch action.
Benefits
- Any body part can be used access the computer (foot, elbow, knee, head, hand, finger for example)
- Option: Morse code can be used to type letters using a single switch or two switches
Resources
How to use switches to control your computer in macOS 13 Ventura – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions
How to use switches to control your device in iOS 16 on your iPhone or iPad – AbilityNet’s My Computer My Way instructions
Set up switch access for Android – Google Support instructions
Windows On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) – open the OSK, use the Options key to choose “Scan through keys”, Use the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to type
Write in Morse Code on mobile device (Android, iPad, or iPhone) – Google Support instructions
Touchscreen
Touch the screen with a conductive material, like your bare finger, to make a selection on the on-screen keyboard
Benefits
- One of the most cognitively simple input devices because there is a direct connection between the selection action and the reaction on the screen
- Can be used with a finger or a stylus held in your hand
- Can also be used with accessories made with copper wire or copper yarn such as touchscreen gloves or special head pointers or mouth sticks
- Tablets and smartphones have touchscreens
Accessories
The following items assist with typing on a hardware keyboard. The items are listed in alphabetical order.
Arm Support
Device mounted to the edge of a desk with a swivel arm and cushioned support for forearms, elbows, or wrist.
Benefits
- Individuals with arm weakness or fatigue
- Helps with ergonomic positioning of hands for typing
Head Pointer
Head brace with a pointing stick. Move head to press the keys on a keyboard.
Benefits
- Does not require hand control
- Use with a mounted standard keyboard, mini/compact keyboard, or touch screen with an on-screen keyboard
Note: If you are using a head pointer with a touch screen, make sure that the pointer has a conductive tip.
Keyboard Tray or Keyboard Arm
Tray in which to place a keyboard. The tray can be adjusted in height. A keyboard arm is mounted on the edge of a desk and has a swivel feature.
Benefits
- Helps with ergonomic positioning of hands for typing
- Raises the keyboard to be better accessed with a head pointer or mouth stick
Examples of keyboard trays and a keyboard arm at ErgoMart.com
Keyguard
Plastic or acrylic cover attached over a keyboard with holes for each key
Benefits
- Individuals who do not have sufficient motor control to accurately target keys
- Individuals who inadvertently brush against keys
Mouth Stick
Mouth piece with a pointing stick. Move head to press the keys on a keyboard.
Benefits
- Does not require hand control
- Use with a mounted standard keyboard, mini/compact keyboard, or touch screen with an on-screen keyboard
Note: If you are using a mouth stick with a touch screen, make sure that the pointer has a conductive tip.
Also Read
The Big List of Computer Mouse Alternatives
Cursor Control: Mouse and Touchpad Settings
Customize Keyboard Actions: The Power of Filter Keys, Slow Keys, and Sticky Keys
Resource
Closing The Gap Resource Directory – Assistive technology product guide. On the Closing the Gap home page, scroll down to the Resource Directory and select the full screen icon (corners of a square) on the image. In the Table of Contents, click and view either the Product Matrix or Product Listings to find more information on alternative keyboards and the product companies.
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