Links - alternative keyboards and other input devices
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alternatives to 'traditional' keyboards
keyboards utilising alternative layouts
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- BigKeys The keyboards produced by BigKeys feature larger than usual keyboard keys, but still manage to keep the overall size of the keyboard the same as is usual. Several different keyboard layouts and designs are available.
- BigKeys UK BigKeys UK is a UK based distributor of BigKeys products. Their website includes additional information which doesn't seem to be included on the main BigKeys website.
- Kidtech inc The My First Keyboard by Kidtech is brightly coloured, the keys are arranged in an ABC layout and it can be wiped clean (or "peanut butter proof" as the advertising blurb describes it).
- Optimus At first glance, the Optimus keyboard might not look all that different. However each and every key features a miniature colour display screen. Although provisional details about the Optimus keyboard are available from the manuafcturer's website it still wasn't available for purchase at the time of writing.
- SafeType Keyboard The actual keyboard on a SafeType Keyboard is split into three sections. Two of these sections (which between them contain the letters, numbers and majority of other keys usually found on traditional QWERTY keyboards) are mounted vertically at the right and left of the keyboard, while the remaining keys are located in the final section which sits in between them.
blank key keyboards
- Das Keyboard The Das Keyboard is designed to provide "responsive tactile feedback" when used (what this means is that the keys operate mechanically and click when pressed). The keyboard is designed for touch typists and as a result the surface of all keys are blank, but the keys located at F and J positions are specially shaped to help locate them.
- Happy Hacking Keyboard Several different versions of the Happy Hacking keyboard are produced - all of which have a small footprint (and a loyal following).
split QWERTY keyboards (with fixed or adjustable angles)
- Goldtouch keyboards The range of Goldtouch keyboards offer a selection of adjustable split keyboards (many of which can be adjusted in several different directions).
- Kinesis .
one-handed, wearable and chording keyboards
one-handed (typing) keyboards
- FrogPad The FrogPad is a miniature keyboard featuring a total of 20 (laptop style) keys designed for one handed typing and available in left-handed or right-handed versions.
wearable and chording keyboards
- BAT keyboard Inforgrip's BAT chording keyboard features 7 keys which are ergonomically arranged and is available in either left-handed, right-handed, or dual use versions.
- CyKey The CyKey is very small chording keyboard which utilises the Microwriting Codes (which requires 5 keys). It is designed for one-handed (finger tip) use and the device features 9 keys arranged in an ergonomic pattern - the 5 most convenient keys being chosen by the user.
- EkaPad The EkaPad is a chording keyboard which features 12 keys arranged in 3 columns. A range of accesories allow the EkaPad to be used while being held, or mounted vertically on a desk in addition to being placed flat.
- GKOS Keyboard Standing for The Global Keyboard Optimised for Small Wireless Devices, the GKOS chording keyboard design features 6 keys arranged in 2 columns.
- Twiddler2 Produced by Handkey Corporation, the Twiddler2 is a wearable 16 key chording keyboard which also includes an IBM trackpoint to combine keyboard and mouse functions.
other keyboard style products
- DataHand Ergonomic Keyboard The design of the DataHand Ergonomic Keyboard combines both keyboard and mouse functions into the one product. This consists of an ergonomically adjustable pad for each hand to be placed into which allows all usual keyboard keys to be accessed with a minimal amount of finger movement.
- Helpikeys The Helpikeys is a large (A3 sized) pressure sensitive board which different keyboard layouts can be placed onto. Although several layouts are included, it is also possible to create personalized custom keyboard layouts as well.
- orbiTouch Keyless Keyboard The orbiTouch Keyless Keyboard is designed to be able to be used as both a keyboard and a mouse. It consists of two domes which are rotated to select the 'keyboard' input, or to move the on screen cursor.
keyboard (or mouse) control pedals and buttons
- Bilbo Innovations Inc The Step On It! keyboard control pedals from Bilblo Innovations Inc provide three foot pedals which enhance keyboard function. By default these are set to use as the [shift] [control / ctrl] and [alt], but can be customised to personal preferences.
- ErgoClick The ErgoClick is designed to be used in addition to a mouse. This is done by moving the mouse with one hand and replacing the mouse's button functions with the ErgoClick which is operated with the other hand.
- Kinesis Kinesis produce a selection of ergonomic products, keyboards, and other computer input devices. These include several foot switches in a variety of layouts and specifications.
- Optimus mini three The Optimius mini three is a three button keyboard - which doesn't sound very exciting until you realise that each key features a miniature display screen as part of it's surface and that the kay functions are programmable.
alternative mouse designs
horizontal mice
- Contour Perfit Mouse The Perfit Mouse is available in several different size options to provide a better hand fit and includes a number of ergonomic features including a built in thumb rest.
- Whale Mouse At first glance, the Whale Mouse looks like a traditional mouse. However it's length is adjustable to suit the hand size of it's user and it includes a wrist rest.
vertical mice
Vertical mice are designed to be moved around the desk like a traditional mouse. However they are also designed to be gripped in a 'hand-shake' manner. Generally vertical mice either resemble a traditional mouse which has been turned onto it's side (sometimes refered to as quill mice), or alternatively look something like a gaming joystick.
- 3M Ergonomic Renaissance Mouse .
- Air02bic Mouse The Air02bic Mouse features 2 buttons and a scroll wheel in addition to a built in hand rest area.
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- Evoluent VerticalMouse The VerticalMouse produced by Evoluent looks a bit like a traditional mouse, but tipped over onto it's side and features a total of five buttons.
- SafeType Mouse The SafeType Mouse is shaped to be gripped by the hand in an upright position (similar to a joystick) and features a scroll wheel on the top and two buttons on it's side.
- Zero Tension Mouse The Zero Tension Mouse is available in several different colours (and more importantly also several different sizes to fit different user's hands). It is shaped to be held in a similar way to a joystick and includes two buttons and a scroll wheel.
trackball 'mice'
Traditional mice had a plastic top and a ball underneath. Moving the mouse would cause the ball to move, which would in turn move the cursor on the computer screen. In many ways, a trackball works like an upside down mouse. Instead of being moved around on the desk, the trackball 'mouse' is designed to remain static, but includes a ball (either on the top of the side) which moved around in order to move the cursor on the computer screen.
joysticks (intented for use as mouse replacements)
- Traxsys .
other alternatives to traditional mice
- Contour RollerMouse The RollerMouse is designed to be placed at the base of the user's keyboard (in a similar position to the trackpad on many laptops). It features three buttons and a scroll wheel in adition to the roller bar (which is used to move the cursor around on the computer screen).