Some games require only keyboard control. However, this does not necessarily need to be an ordinary keyboard. There are many kinds of special keyboards that can be used by people with disabilities as an alternative, including the following:
On-screen Keyboards
The term "on-screen keyboards" is used to describe a software keyboard that can be controlled on the computer screen. There are many ways of accessing on-screen keyboards, depending on the abilities of the user and the type of computer used. For example, on-screen keyboards can be controlled using:
- a computer with a touchscreen
- an ordinary computer and a pointer control device (e.g. mouse)
One benefit of an on-screen keyboard is that they can be simplified and/or resized to suit the needs of the user. A disadvantage in relation to computer games is that they only work with a limited number, such as those that run in a 'window'.
Keyguards
A keyguard is usually either a metal or Perspex-type guard which is placed on top of an 'ordinary' keyboard. The keyguard usually has holes in it. As a result, it can provide both a guide for the fingers and a way of resting the hands. The support that the keyguard can give can further be enhanced by using the 'accessibility options' freely available under Windows XP (Start/Control Panel/ Accessibility Options).
Suppliers of keyguards include, among others:
Membrane/Concept Keyboards
These are essentially flat alternatives to an ordinary keyboard that can be used either with or without a special keyguard that goes with it. A potential benefit is that the membrane keyboard can be simplified, if required. For example, a paper 'overlay' can be put on top of the membrane keyboard which means that it can be simplified to suit a particular purpose, like a specific game. This can be helpful for people with physical and/or learning difficulties.
Suppliers of Membrane Keyboards include:
Keyboard Emulators
Keyboard emulators, such as the Lucy system, can be used to control computers - and games. With the Lucy system, the user aims a miniature laser beam (which could be mounted on their hat, or glasses etc.) at the light sensitive keys on the device, which activates the keys and sends the contents of that key (a letter, number, mouse function etc.) to the computer.
Other Keyboards
As well as the keyboard alternatives mentioned above, there are also a huge variety of different shapes and sizes (from very small to very big) of 'ordinary' keyboards.
The Maltron One Hand keyboard, available in either a left- or right-handed configuration, has keys placed according to frequency of use in modern written English, and some users reach the same speeds as two-handed typists!
The GoldTouch adjustable keyboard can be rotated to accommodate the desire for one's hands to work at different angles.
Available in various colours and sizes, a flexible, waterproof keyboard is ideal for those unpredictable environments and where the rigidity of an ordinary keyboard is not suitable.
The Big Keys keyboards offer a simplified layout, with fewer of the non-essential keys included and each key is much bigger than on an ordinary keyboard.
