Several distributors approached us with the question whether we could develop a keyboard for the visually impaired that would fit nicely next to our well-known Clevy Contrast Keyboard, but with a more traditional layout that allows comfortable ten-finger typing. As soon as I heard it, I knew I wanted to take it on. Over the years I have been lucky enough to work on many assistive technology products. From high contrast keyboards for people with low vision to a cover + software that help children with dyslexia, and keyguards that support people with motor impairments. Each time, the goal has been the same: to remove a small barrier so someone else can work, learn or simply use their computer more easily. This felt like another perfect opportunity to do just that.
Research and first mock-ups
I always start these kinds of projects by looking closely at what is already out there and, more importantly, where those solutions still fall short. I studied existing high contrast keyboards, looked into which color contrasts give the best readability, and explored how the space between the keys affects how easy it is to see each key individually.
Some choices were obvious right away. The keys needed to be yellow with black print, because this combination gives the strongest contrast for most people with visual impairments. There had to be plenty of space between the keys, so that you would not end up with one big yellow block where it is hard to see where one key ends and the next begins. The letters, numbers and punctuation needed to be large and in Arial capitals, since that is simply the easiest to read. And of course, the keyboard needed a full numeric keypad so that typing numbers is more simple and familiar.
In our office I found an old HP keyboard that roughly fit the layout I had in mind. I painted the keys yellow, added large stickers, and created a first rough mock-up. It certainly was not beautiful, but it was enough to start meaningful conversations.
Testing with people who really need it
From experience, I know that truly user-centered design only happens if you test with real people, as early as possible. I have done this before with children who have dyslexia and adults with motor challenges, and every time it changes your view of what really matters.
So I organised two sessions with a total of fifteen people who live with visual impairments, and also spoke with three low vision specialists. Their feedback was direct, honest, and incredibly helpful.
They told me they loved the space between the keys, because it made it so much easier to see where each key started and ended. They liked that the keyboard looked modern and not like a typical medical device. The bright indicator lights were also a clear plus.
But there were also points that needed work. The keys were too flat, which meant you could not easily feel where your hands were. The little tactile bumps on the F and J keys, meant to help your fingers find the right spot, were too subtle. They also suggested changing the lights to bright red, because that would be even easier to see and it’s a totally different colour from the rest. And they were all very clear on one thing: whatever you do, do not make it glossy, because glare makes everything harder.
Turning feedback into a real product
After gathering all this input, I put together a detailed program of requirements. I have done this many times before for other assistive technology products like our Clevy Dyscover and Keyguard. The challenge is always to meet very specific needs while still keeping the design practical and manufacturable.
Finding a factory that could actually produce yellow keycaps was harder than you might expect. Most keyboard manufacturers only work with black, so we needed completely new molds. But we managed it, because this was simply essential for people with low vision.
The first samples arrived and had exactly the spacing we needed. In the meanwhile we’ve made the keycaps concave at the letter and number areas, so your fingers could immediately sense where they were. The keyboard turned out to be spill resistant and uses slightly higher so-called chocolate keycaps, which give a pleasant tactile feedback when pressed. The F and J keys have strengthened tactile bumps that are much easier to feel.
Fine-tuning every tiny detail
Designing the layout became a process of countless small adjustments. From previous projects, I know that it is often these tiny details that make the biggest difference. I ended up sending more than two hundred rounds of feedback to the designer. I think I was close to making him crazy. We adjusted the size of punctuation, moved characters up or down by fractions of a millimeter, added extra spacing between letters in abbreviations like P S for Print Screen or P D for Page Down, and replaced long words like Caps Lock or Shift with clear icons.
We also made sure that the indicator LEDs were changed to bright red and that the keyboard would be finished with a matte coating. This does more than look nice; it genuinely prevents reflections that can make it hard to see. And underneath, we added an anti-slip base so that the keyboard stays securely in place on your desk.
Seeing the final result
Now the keyboard is finally here. It has exactly the spacing and tactile details we hoped for. It is low enough to keep typing comfortable, has a matte finish that avoids glare, and provides clear visual and tactile clues so you always know where your hands are.
I am also very pleased that it is fully plug-and-play. Whether you use Windows, macOS, Linux or a Chromebook, you can just plug it in with USB and start typing immediately. No complicated drivers or settings, just straightforward usability.
We are starting with layouts for Spanish, Italian, Belgian and US-International. The next steps will be getting the MDR certification and developing a matching keyguard, using the same careful design approach that once helped us turn hand-cut acrylic plates into strong, injection molded products.
A few practical details I think are good to know
Because people often ask, here are some of those small but important details that might otherwise get lost in the bigger story:
- The keyboard measures about 447 by 136 by 22 millimeters.
- Each key is roughly 16 by 16 millimeters, giving plenty of surface area to see and press easily.
- The matte finish is not just about style. It truly cuts down reflections that could otherwise make it hard to see.
- The anti-slip base keeps it stable on your desk, so you are not constantly pushing it back into place.
- And of course it works right away on Windows, macOS, Linux and Chromebooks, thanks to simple USB plug-and-play.
What makes me happiest
What makes me personally proudest is not the exact millimeters or the fact that it ticks every technical box. It is knowing that every choice in this keyboard, from the extra spacing and large capital letters in Arial to the tactile dimples and bright red LEDs, came directly from talking to people with visual impairments. They told us what they truly needed, and we listened.
I hope this keyboard helps many people with low vision type more comfortably and with more confidence. Because in the end, that is still the very best part of this work: seeing how thoughtful design can take away small everyday obstacles and give someone just a little bit more freedom.
