When we finished developing the Alt. ClearKeys Keyboard, we were already very happy. It included everything we wanted for people with low vision. Yellow keycaps with large print black letters, bright red LED indicators, Arial capitals that are easier to read, and a matte finish that stops glare.
Still, we could not help feeling there was something more we could do. We have worked on many assistive technology products and know that seeing the keycaps is only half the challenge. Many people also have trouble keeping their hands steady, whether due to tremors, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or simply aging.
From earlier projects, I already knew how much difference a keyguard can make. A keyguard is a grid placed on top of a keyboard with openings for the keycaps. It lets you rest your hands without pressing the wrong keycap by accident. That kind of support often means someone can keep typing comfortably and confidently.
What made this project extra interesting is that there are plenty of large print keyboards and high contrast keyboards, but none that also come with a keyguard made just for them. We thought we should be the first to create a complete solution for both low vision and motor control.
Getting the details exactly right
The ClearKeys Keyboard already had chocolate keycaps with a perfect height and spacing. This gave us a strong starting point for adding a keyguard. From my experience designing keyguards, I knew the thickness would be critical. Even being off by a millimeter could cause problems. Too low and your hand could press down the keycaps, too high and it becomes inconvenient to type.
We started laser cutting different plates of bamboo, right here in the Netherlands. This gave us precise edges and let us quickly try out many options. We quickly found out that five millimeters was exactly right. It floated above the keycaps at just the right distance. We also included a small cutout at the top right, so the LED indicator lights stayed fully visible. After about twenty prototypes we finally found the exact right dimension, so it fitted like a glove around the keycaps.
No reflections, maximum readability, and the best contrast
We picked black acrylic because it gave the strongest contrast with the yellow keycaps, so it was still the high contrast keyboard we envisioned for people with low vision. Yellow and black are not just popular by accident. You also see them on license plates in the Netherlands and on wayfinding signs at Schiphol Airport. This color combination is often highlighted in research on visual ergonomics and accessibility guidelines, because it gives one of the highest levels of contrast the human eye can perceive. [1][2][3]That is exactly why it is so helpful for people who need extra visual support.
Normal acrylic is glossy, and that is a problem. Even small reflections can blur the letters or create bright patches that hide entire parts of the keyboard. Your eyes have to work much harder to figure out what is a letter and what is just a shiny spot.
That is why we carefully mattified the surface. It avoids reflections and keeps every letter on the accessible keyboard clear and easy to see.
Small thoughtful details
On the casing of the ClearKeys Keyboard, we printed simple multimedia icons that show functions like volume, mute, or start calculator. We did not want these to disappear under the keyguard, so we printed the same icons directly on the keyguard itself, precisely where they align. This keeps everything clear and easy to use.
At first we did this with screen printing, but later we switched to UV printing. UV print gives sharper lines, richer colors, and holds up much better under daily use. That is a big difference in quality, and something I am genuinely happy about.
Made entirely in the Netherlands and built for daily life
Another part I am proud of is that this whole product is made in the Netherlands. From sourcing the acrylic to laser cutting, UV printing, labelling, and packaging, it all happens locally. This means we can keep a close eye on quality at every stage.
We started with small batches to make sure every detail was exactly right. By now we have already produced around five hundred keyguards. It is no longer just an idea but a proven product that is already helping people.
We also decided to include a couple of strips of nano tape in each box. This gives every user the choice to lightly secure the keyguard if they want extra stability, without forcing them to do so.
Just like the keyboard itself, the keyguard meets all requirements for EU MDR Class I medical devices. This is not just a technical milestone. Depending on the country, it might also mean people can benefit from a lower VAT rate or even have the cost covered by insurance.
We have made both ANSI and ISO versions, so the shape of the enter keycap and the exact layout fits different preferences and standards. Right now, we have versions in stock for US-International, Belgian, and Spanish layouts. That means we can already support many users with the keyboard they are used to, in the language they need.
Why it matters to me
What makes me happiest is knowing this project was never just about technical details or clever production. It came from listening carefully, testing over and over, and finally creating something that truly removes a small daily obstacle.
I also think it matters that this combination of the Alt. ClearKeys Keyboard and the matching keyguard simply looks fresh. It does not look like a typical special needs aid, but like a clean, modern keyboard. At least, that is how I see it, though maybe I am a bit biased with my Alt glasses on. The nice thing is, I actually hear the same from the resellers and users. That tells me my glasses might be just fine.
I hope this makes typing clearer, steadier, and simply more comfortable for people with low vision or reduced motor control. Because in the end, that is what matters most to me.
References
- [1] Research by Ojanpää and Näsänen (2004) shows that for reading and searching alphanumeric information, luminance contrast between foreground and background is key for speed and accuracy. High-brightness combinations like black on yellow perform much better than color-only contrasts, especially with small text like keyboard letters.
Ojanpää, H., & Näsänen, R. (2004). Effects of luminance and colour contrast on the search of information on display devices. Displays, 25(4), 167-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.displa.2004.01.003 - [2] Black capital letters on a yellow background offer an extremely high contrast ratio (19.56:1), well above WCAG AAA accessibility standards.
Source: https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/ - [3] Research by Da Silva (2012) found that older adults rate this color combination as highly readable.
Source: Da Silva, F.M. (2012). Colour and Inclusivity: a Visual Communication Design Project with Older People. Work 41, IOS Press.
