Assistive Technology

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A1. BigKeys keyboards are standard size computer keyboards with very large keys. Each model comes in standard QWERTY & ABC key layouts except for LX reverse contrast which comes in QWERTY layout  only.

• BigKeys LX has 60 extra-large keys and retains all the functions of a standard keyboard. It comes in 3 models/keysets: white, multicolor, & reverse contrast QWERTY (white lettering on black keys).
• BigKeys Plus has a simplified layout containing 48 extra-large keys. It comes in 2 models/keysets: white & multicolor.

BigKeys LX is for adults who want a full-featured keyboard -- but who need large keys in order to locate and operate the keys. BigKeys LX includes all special characters found on a standard keyboard, with the exception of the numeric keypad, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break.

BigKeys Plus is for Early Learners and others with basic keyboard needs who would benefit from the simple keyboard layout and large keys. Shift key, backspace key, F1-F10 keys, and limited punctuation.

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A2. There are two models:

	BigKeys LX includes all the characters available on a standard keyboard, with the exception of the numeric keypad, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break keys. BigKeys LX comes in several key color and key layout options.
BigKeys Plus has a more limited keyset -- less punctuation and special characters. BigKeys Plus comes in several key color and key layout options.

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Characters that ARE on the BigKeys LX, but are NOT on the BigKeys Plus:
• F11 and F12
• Print Screen
• True Shift
• (on BigKeys Plus, the space bar is used for shift)
• Ins, Home, End, PgUp, PgDn
• ~  `  ;  <  >  #  $  %  ^  &  (  )  _  |  \  {  }  [  ]

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	BigKeys Plus	BigKeys LX
Suggested users	Early Learners and others with basic keyboard needs who would benefit from the simple keyboard layout and large keys.	Users with advanced keyboard needs who need the large keys and/or large key lettering.
Number of Keys	Keys 40 1"-square keys, huge Enter key and Space bar; and 6 regular size keys.	58 1"-square keys, huge Enter key and Space bar.
Punctuation & Special Characters	Caps Lock, Ctrl, Alt, Tab, Del, Esc, Shift, and Backspace. And these punctuation characters: ! @ , . ' " : * ? / + - =	All punctuation and special characters that are available on a standard keyboard except the numeric keypad, the Scroll Lock key, and the Pause/Break key.

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Key Color Options

	BigKeys Plus	BigKeys LX
White keys, black lettering	yes	yes
Black keys, white lettering	no	yes
C o l o r K e y s, black lettering	yes	yes

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Keyboard Layout Options

	BigKeys Plus	BigKeys LX
ABC Key Layout	yes	yes
QWERTY Key Layout	yes	yes

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A3.
No! No special software or device drivers are needed to use BigKeys. Just plug the BigKeys keyboard into your computer in place of regular keyboard, and you're ready to go.

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A4. The large keys on the BigKeys keyboard are one-inch square, beveled to 3/4-inch square on the top surface. That's about 4 times bigger than the keys on standard keyboards!

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A5. The lettering is 1/2 inch tall on the large keys on a BigKeys keyboard.

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A6. Yes! With use of a Dual Keyboard Adapter, you can connect two keyboards to a PC, and use both. Or, if your computer has both a USB port and PS/2 port available, you can connect one keyboard via the USB port, and the other via the PS/2 port.

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A7.
Yes, using a special adapter you can use BigKeys on a USB port: you'll need a PS/2-to-USB adapter. You can purchase a BigKeys keyboard with the optional custom BigKeys USB adapter; or you can purchase the custom BigKeys USB adapter separately.

We recommend that you use one of the USB adapters sold on this site. Other USB adapters may not work with BigKeys.

Adapters sold on our web site have been tested for compatibility with BigKeys.

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A8. You can use a BigKeys keyboard with an iMac computer by using a special adapter to connect the PS/2 connector on BigKeys to the USB port on the iMac. For older Macintosh computers (not iMac's), if the Mac has a USB port, you can use this same solution.

You can purchase a BigKeys keyboard with the optional USB adapter; or you can purchase the USB adapter separately.

We recommend that you use one of the USB adapters sold on this site. Other USB adapters may not work with BigKeys.

Adapters sold on our web site have been tested for compatibility with BigKeys.

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A9. Because BigKeys doesn't have a numeric pad, the Windows "MouseKeys" feature is not available from the BigKeys keyboard.

One solution would be to attach both BigKeys and the standard keyboard if you need to use the MouseKeys feature. (See the earlier question about using both keyboards.)

Another option is to use the following links to software for BigKeys, which lets you use keystrokes to move the cursor and perform mouse-button actions:
Software Links:
• Windows
• Mac OS9
• Mac OS10

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A10. Yes, lowercase keycaps are available on this website. See the Accessories section.

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Links to instruction manuals:
• BigKeys LX
• BigKeys Plus

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A12. The Assist Mode on BigKeys LX accommodates users who cannot press two keys simultaneously. Assist Mode works with and enhances the Microsoft Windows "Sticky Key" Accessibility Option.

When not in Assist Mode, the function keys are produced on BigKeys LX by pressing simultaneously the F key and a number key. (F+1 produces the F1 function, etc.)

The BigKeys LX Assist Mode enables you to press the F key and have it remain active until you press another key. In Assist Mode, the F key becomes a "Sticky Key".

Examples of using the BigKeys LX Assist Mode:
• To obtain an F1 in Assist Mode, press and release the F key, then press and release the 1 key.
• To obtain an "Alt-F4" in Assist Mode, press and release the Alt key, then press and release the F key, then press and release the 4 key. (The Windows "Sticky Keys" Accessibility Option must be turned ON for this example.)

To enter the Assist Mode, press the BigKeys LX CapsLock key 3 times in a row.

To exit BigKeys LX Assist Mode and return the keyboard to normal operation, again press the CapsLock key 3 times in a row.

Note that while in BigKeys LX Assist Mode, it is necessary to press the F key twice to send a F to the computer.

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A13.
A package insert with application instructions comes with the Keyboard Skin. Here is the text from that insert:
• Wipe off the surface of the keyboard.
• Remove the silicon release paper from one side of the keyboard skin. • The top or bottom side is preferable.
• Center the keyboard skin over the keyboard and seal the side from which you removed the silicon release paper.
• Peel the silicon release paper from the three sides and press exposed tape onto the keyboard while keeping the keyboard skin centered.

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A14. No. E-Turbo is an enhanced version of Turbo Code, but they are not the same. E-Turbo TTYs offer all of the same benefits of Turbo Code, plus the additional benefits listed below.

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