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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: BenBenMan on Tue, 10 November 2009, 19:58:36

Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: BenBenMan on Tue, 10 November 2009, 19:58:36: Hi guys,

I've been really impressed with the Unicomp Customizer I bought six months ago... and now I'm looking at getting another one to replace the keyboard on my parents' computer. However, they're getting to the age where their sight isn't as good as it used to be, and so I thought a large-print keyboard would be beneficial. I've seen some large-print keyboards around (like this one (http://www.visikey.net/catalog/index.php)) but I thought I might as well try and get one which is nice to type on as well. I emailed Unicomp and they don't seem to make large-print keys. Are there any other places that would print large-print keys that would work with a Customizer? Or would it be easier to just try and get a large-print keyboard cover like this one (http://www.viziflex.com/store/template.cfm/ses_/details.cfm,list,x,24,241,44,x,x,x/Educational/Special%20Needs:%20Large%20Print/Seels/Large%20Print%20High%20Contrast%20Covers/)?
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: AndrewZorn on Tue, 10 November 2009, 20:01:49: never too late to learn, etc
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: Rajagra on Tue, 10 November 2009, 20:15:04: Cherry do high visibility boards, e.g. http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=595
I don't know if the key caps are available separately.
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: bitflipper on Tue, 10 November 2009, 20:50:19: Try this (http://www.amazon.com/Jumbo-Large-Print-Computer-Keyboard/dp/B0009RSJ84/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257907549&sr=8-8) one by DSI. At $26.75, I don't think you can beat the price. I ordered one just for the modding possibilities.
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: Stevie Wonder on Tue, 10 November 2009, 23:25:54: Man, you got to close your eyes and feel it.

> type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344">[/youtube]
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: ocdonkb on Wed, 11 November 2009, 00:08:30: Quote from: bitflipper;131617
Try this (http://www.amazon.com/Jumbo-Large-Print-Computer-Keyboard/dp/B0009RSJ84/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257907549&sr=8-8) one by DSI. At $26.75, I don't think you can beat the price. I ordered one just for the modding possibilities.

Do we know what keyswitch is under this board? Looks nice, very compact, good price for a mechanical kb.

Update: This page (http://www.dsi-keyboards.com/keyboard/item.php?id=40) says it's Cherry based. Although I just noticed the small Backspace key - that's a deal breaker for me :(
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: sixty on Wed, 11 November 2009, 00:44:52: It seems that most of the big-print keyboards by Cherry are G81s.

I own one too: http://clicks.t.oomuch.info/2009/09/08/just-in-simplico-keyboard/

Regarding the DSI board, I have a memory of them using yellow ALPS linears. I think Bradley took one of those apart at some point of time.

Talking of Bradley.. you could always ask him what type of switches these boards use, thats why we have the DSI Vendor forum (http://geekhack.org/forumdisplay.php?f=53) here :)
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: keyb_gr on Wed, 11 November 2009, 03:47:25: Quote from: sixty;131636
It seems that most of the big-print keyboards by Cherry are G81s.

I'd rather say G83.

BTW, large print keyboards are all good and well, but keep in mind that the size is just one factor, contrast is the other. With today's lasered keys, the latter just isn't that inspiring. I guess I should stock up on those Tandbergs (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6535&do=comments&page=2) - awkward key caps, but big dye sublimated lettering = winner.
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: bitflipper on Wed, 11 November 2009, 03:49:07: Quote from: ocdonkb;131633
Do we know what keyswitch is under this board? Looks nice, very compact, good price for a mechanical kb.

Update: This page (http://www.dsi-keyboards.com/keyboard/item.php?id=40) says it's Cherry based. Although I just noticed the small Backspace key - that's a deal breaker for me :(

I thought it was an Alps based board. Discussed in this (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=7036) thread by DSI-Bradley.
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: keyb_gr on Wed, 11 November 2009, 06:03:51: What kind of funny lettering is that? Screen printed? Wonder why it's greyish - I mean, wouldn't you want to have a maximum of contrast on such a board?
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: Rajagra on Wed, 11 November 2009, 09:39:23: Quote from: keyb_gr;131644
BTW, large print keyboards are all good and well, but keep in mind that the size is just one factor, contrast is the other.

A good desk lamp might be in order. Cheaper than some keyboards, too.
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: msiegel on Wed, 11 November 2009, 11:05:40: Quote from: ripster;131703
This would be cool.
(radium)

:D perfect!

gamers shouldn't mind a *small* dose of radiation, in exchange for ultra-cool glowing key legends ;D
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 11 November 2009, 11:09:45: I like the name even better, "Undark." Brilliant*.

*No pun intended.
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: AndrewZorn on Wed, 11 November 2009, 12:41:43: now see i wanted the tritium trackball but everyone said noooooooooo
Title: Large-print keyboards
Post by: microsoft windows on Thu, 12 November 2009, 19:47:31: Now that's ergonomic.