Are you looking for the best keyboards for seniors to help you write without typoes?
As you’ll find out, keyboards for seniors have several advantages over standard ones, but it’s hard to pick one among so many models.
Fortunately, we’re to help you or your aging parents find the best keyboards to suit their personal needs.
READ MORE: Ideas for 75th Birthday
Table of Contents
Best Keyboards at a Glance
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
- WINNER: Ablenet Keys-U-See Large Print Keyboard
- Best Keyboard for Older Adults with Low Vision: VisionBoard2 Large Key Keyboard
- Best Keyboard for Seniors with Arthritis: Cloud Nine C989 Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard
- Best Mechanical Keyboard: Qwerkywriter S Typewriter
- Best Large Print Keyboard: Nuklz N Large Print Computer Keyboard
Check this comparison table for a quick guide. Read the review for further details.
Top 5 Best Keyboards for Seniors with Limited Mobility and Low Vision
According to CDC’s statistics, “of people over 65, 49.6% ever reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis.”
Other studies also state, “one in three elderly persons has some form of vision-reducing eye disease.”
As such, it’s no surprise that elderly people with low vision and limited mobility struggle to use standard keyboards.
That’s where these top keyboards for seniors come into the picture! They make it easy for older adults to use computers and other electronic devices.
#1 WINNER: Ablenet Keys-U-See Large Print Keyboard
Ablenet has one of the best keyboards for seniors with a sleek design and high-contrast letters to help people with visual impairments.
It’s the perfect choice for people with macular degeneration and other ocular conditions that lead to low vision.
Standout Features
- Wireless
- Large print letters
- High contrast keys
- Measures 1.25″ x 18.5″ x 7.5″
- Optical wireless USB mouse included
Benefits and Drawbacks at a Glance
We’ll go over these in more depth below, but here’s a quick guide to the things we love and the things we’d change:
Benefits
- One of the largest prints
- High-contrast keys
- Backlit
- Hotkeys for quick shortcuts
Drawbacks
- No Caps Lock or Num Lock Light
- No padding between buttons
Benefits for Seniors
AbleNet Keys-U-See typing device boasts one of the largest prints on standard keyboard size. The letters are three times bigger compared to standard keyboards to ensure high visibility.
Moreover, the keys are yellow, while the black letters and symbols are colored black for the highest possible contrast.
You don’t have to squint when you type and can see the keyboard well in low light. And as an Amazon reviewer states, it’s so much “easier to see than my previous backlit keyboard.”
But wait – there’s more.
AbleNet Keys-U-See has all the keys and symbols you’ll see in a regular keyboard and features the same keyboard layout. That’s great because you won’t have to relearn how to type.
Moreover, you’ve got several hotkeys available that you can program to serve as shortcuts for your favorite programs.
These best keyboards for seniors also come with a compatible optical USB mouse so that you can start using it right away.
The USB connector for the mouse is stored inside the battery compartment, which is great because you don’t have to worry about losing it.
Drawbacks
Some customer reviews state that there’s no light indicator when the Caps lock and Num lock are active, and that’s inconvenient when typing.
Moreover, there’s no extra space between the buttons, making it slightly harder to hit the right keys, especially for people with vision issues.
What Makes This Product Unique?
- Compared to other best keyboards for seniors, the AbleNet product has the largest possible letters on a standard keyboard.
- It also boasts of the highest contract and is made of high-quality material to withstand more than 10 million keystrokes.
Updated Features
Compared to other keyboards offered by AbleNet, this model is slightly lighter in weight and comes with a compatible mouse. It’s great if you’re planning a USA vacation and want something light to carry.
AbleNet’s product is also wireless to allow you to use the keyboard with multiple devices.
Moreover, AbleNet has keyboards with black/white keys, but their print isn’t as large as their yellow counterpart.
Considerations and Tips
- This wireless keyboard for seniors is compatible with all Windows operating systems.
- AbleNet large print keyboard is available without a wireless mouse for a lower price. But these keyboards aren’t wireless.
- Make sure that you remove other wireless devices and wires for proper connection and strong signal.
- USB Receiver Stored Inside Mouse Battery Compartment. The Keys-U-See wireless large print computer keyboard and mouse combination is designed for those w
- Particularly for those with conditions that cause visual impairment or low vision such as macular degeneration
- English Large Print keyboard provides superior comfort without forcing you to relearn how to type;
- Included with the keyboard is a matching wireless 800 DPI optical wireless mouse and USB plug receiv
- Dimensions ; Height 1.25 in. (3.18 cm); Width 18.5 in. (46.99 cm); Depth 7.5 in. (19.05 cm) System Requirements: Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8 and 10.
#2 Best Keyboard for Older Adults with Low Vision: VisionBoard2 Large Key Keyboard
If you have trouble seeing letters on regular keyboards or press several buttons at once, you should consider Visionboard2 by Chester Creek.
It’s the perfect keyboard for older adults with low vision or those that need a big keyboard with large print lettering because their fingers shake/tremble.
Standout Features
- 1-inch square keys
- USB port
- White color with black letters
- Measures 19.6″ x 7.9″ x 1.8″
- 3 pounds of weight
- Bold print
Benefits & Drawbacks at a Glance
Benefits
- Oversized square keys
- Comfortable to use
- High-contrast
- Hotkeys
Drawbacks
- Not compact
- Unfamiliar layout
Benefits for Seniors
We consider Visionboard2 one of the best keyboards for seniors because it boasts oversized square keys to ensure you don’t hit the wrong letter.
Moreover, the 1-inch square keys are perfect for people that want more contact and control when typing and make it less painful to write.
The keys are also white with black letters for maximum contrast so that you don’t have to strain your eyes to see the correct button. It also improves readability, especially in low-light settings.
Best of all, you’ve got available hotkeys for quick access to the Internet, your email, and energy saving. And as a satisfied customer says, “great for visually impaired.”
Drawbacks
The keyboard is slightly bigger than standard models, so it’s not the best if you’re looking for a compact design.
The key layout is also different from regular keyboards and is missing some buttons, including the right control button, so it will take you time to adjust.
Some users also note that you have to hit the keys a couple of times to function properly and that the F-buttons are oval and smaller than expected.
What Makes This Product Unique?
- Unlike other keyboards for seniors that we’ve tried, this model has one of the biggest possible keys to facilitate typing and improve functionality.
- Compared to the competition, these keyboards also feature extra space between keys for better motor skill control. And they’ve got a bold print to improve visibility and readability.
- Furthermore, Visionboard2 has Caps lock light so you can tell when you’re pressed this button.
Updated Features
Compared to previous Visionboards, Visionboard 2 boasts white keys with bold printed letters. That’s great for color contrast and improves visibility in low light.
This Visionboard2 is also slightly heavier than previous models (3 pounds vs. 2 pounds), which can be an advantage because it prevents the keyboard from moving too much when typing.
Considerations and Tips
- White keys tend to get dirty very quickly. As such, it requires more maintenance than most black keyboards.
- It’s compatible with older Windows operating systems (Vista, 98, XP), so it’s an excellent keyboard if you’re using an old computer. It also works with Mac.
- These best keyboards for seniors are also available in yellow, blue, and black.
- Largest print on keycaps available in a keyboard
- Bold print is easier to see even in low light
- Hot Keys including internet email energy savers
- Compatible with Windows 7 Vista XP 2000 and 98
- Easier computer use for those with low vision
#3 Top Keyboard for Seniors with Arthritis: Cloud Nine C989 Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard
Typing long hours can be a chore when you’ve got arthritis or poor vision. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer, thanks to the advance in technology.
This unique ergonomic mechanical keyboard is one of the best keyboards for seniors with arthritis that you can find.
Standout Features
- Blacklight keyboard
- USB pass-through
- Measures 16.57″ x 11.14″ x 4.8″
- Customizable key functions
- Split design
- Cherry MX Red switches
- Full-number keypad
Benefits & Drawbacks at a Glance
Benefits
- Ergonomic split design
- Palm & wrist support
- Backlit keys
- Customized key colors
Drawbacks
- Unfamiliar layout
- Larger than standard
- Doesn’t work with MAC
Benefits for Seniors
The great thing about this ergonomic mechanical keyboard is its split design. It allows you to place the two parts up to eight inches apart to take the pressure off your wrist and shoulders.
The split design also allows you to keep your phone or other mobile devices in reach while you work and make it easy to multitask.
Moreover, the keyboard boasts palm support and wrist rest to provide maximum comfort for your hands, no matter how long you type. That makes it an excellent choice for seniors with arthritis.
To ensure visibility and improve readability, this keyboard also impresses with RGB backlit keys. Best of all, you can customize each light color to spot certain keys at first glance.
As such, you don’t have to worry about hitting the right letter, even though the print size is standard and isn’t bold.
Cloud Nine’s keyboard features fast response switches so that you don’t have to press the keys multiple times. And you’ve got a large multimedia dial for sound, brightness control.
The dial also changes the lightning pattern, which is great when you need more visibility in different light conditions.
And since it’s a mechanic keyboard, you can enjoy the soft clicking of switches if you’re nostalgic about typewriters. As a Reddit user describes it, “super high quality.”
Drawbacks
This mechanic keyboard is larger than a standard-sized one, so you need more desk space available to place it.
Moreover, some users note that the software is lacking and doesn’t work well with MAC OS and Linux.
What Makes This Product Unique?
- Compared to the other best keyboards for seniors we’ve reviewed, this one has regular key size letters. Still, the backlit feature and the split design make it unique from the competition.
- Moreover, this keyboard has one of the fastest key response times since it’s built for gaming in mind. As such, it has better performance and functionality than other models.
- And as an Amazon reviewer notes, “the Cherry Brown switches are awesome,” while a Reddit user says it’s “super high quality.”
Updated Features
Unlike other ergonomic keyboards we’ve tried, this one actually spits in two, giving you room to work comfortably and reducing wrist/shoulder pain.
Moreover, compared to conventional keyboards, you can customize the backlit colors to your satisfaction.
And you’ve got 10 macro keys, which you can use as shortcuts for commands that need you to press several keys at once.
Considerations and Tips
- Cloud Nine’s product is suitable not only for seniors but also for people with carpal tunnel, RSI symptoms, and wrist/shoulder pain.
- You can connect the mouse, chargers, and other devices at the back of the keyboard to keep the peripherical clear.
- Be careful when moving the two parts of the keyboard. They’re connected with a USB cable, and if you forget about it, you can damage it.
- Split keyboard design helps eliminate wrist and shoulder pain while you type. By keeping your hands and arms properly aligned, this ergo keyboard helps provide pain-free typing for 8 plus hours a day.
- Built-in tenting and palm support ensures your hands stay comfortable all day. With 7 degrees of angle built into the wrist rests, this full-sized keyboard keeps you in typing bliss because your hands stay in their natural position.
- Do you suffer from sore wrists, RSI Symptoms, Carpal Tunnel, or Arthritis? This keyboard can help - It can be separated up to 8 inches keeping your arms & wrists ergonomically aligned. This reduces the stress you feel after typing for long periods.
- Kailh Linear Red switches provide low activation force with a smooth and linear feel. The RGB backlit keys ensure all characters are illuminated and are easy to read. Each back light color is easily selectable with the included app.
- Works as a business or gaming keyboard. Whether you're at the office getting work done or playing a FPS game at home, this PC keyboard is ready. It has pro-level features like a full number keypad, 10x programmable macro keys, and a USB pass through.
#4 Best Mechanical Keyboard: Qwerkywriter S Typewriter
Do you want a keyboard that resembles a typewriter and gives you that awesome typewriter feel? Then this mechanic keyboard from Qwerkywriter S is an excellent option for you.
Standout Features
- Metal constructions
- Dual scroll knob
- Tablet stand
- Wireless connectivity and USB connectivity
- Measures 9. 25″ x 15.5″ x 3.5″
Benefits & Drawbacks at a Glance
Benefits
- Metal construction
- Fast-responding keys
- Integrated tablet stand
Drawbacks
- Pricier option
- Letters aren’t bold
Benefits for Seniors
We consider Qwerkywrites S Typewriter one of the best keyboards for seniors because it boasts a durable metal construction with fast-responding keys for improved performance.
More importantly, you can connect this sleek mechanic keyboard up to three devices at once and use it to work on your phone, senior-friendly laptop, or computer—no need for an Android keyboard.
That’s great for seniors that use multiple devices and struggle to type and scroll because they don’t see the letters well.
The mechanic keyboard also comes with an integrated tablet stand, which you can accommodate up to 10.5 screens.
So, you have a convenient spot to place your video-chatting tablet when you communicate with your friends and family.
Best of all, this typewriter keyboard works with most operating systems, including iOS, Android, and MAC, and you can connect it wirelessly and through USB.
And it features Cherry MX switches for an authentic typewriter feel, a programmable return bar, and a knob for scrolling/volume control.
But what does it mean for you?
The keyboard has great tactile feedback and performs smoothly for efficient typing. You can also program the bar to copy/paste commands and scroll pages with the knob.
As an Amazon reviewer puts it, “a typewriter-like experience in the digital world,” while Reddit user comments, “Much more comfortable to type on than I expected.”
Drawbacks
The biggest drawback of this amazing mechanical keyboard is that it’s more expensive than other standard keyboards. But it has German-engineered switches, so the price isn’t a surprise.
So, if you’re looking for budget keyboards, this mechanical typewriter won’t fit the bill.
And the white letters aren’t bold or enlarged for improved readability, so an elderly person might struggle to read them.
Some users also note that the keys start to fade much sooner than expected. They also mention that it was too loud. Still, it’s a simple keyboard, which makes it a great product for seniors.
What Makes This Product Unique?
The typewriter-inspired keys are the most prominent feature that distinguishes this keyboard from all the rest.
They improve the typing experience and have all the basic functions of regular modern keyboards.
Moreover, it connects to multiple devices at the same time wirelessly and through USB. That’s great because you can charge it through the USB and don’t need a battery, unlike other wireless devices.
The keyboard also stands apart due to its heavy-duty construction, the superb Cherry MX switches, and the macro programmable bar.
Updated Features
The keyboard now supports a USB -C port for charging, which is great because it doubles the transfer speed and ensures faster response time and reliable connectivity.
Moreover, the manufacturer has improved the battery life so that you don’t have to recharge it often, and the typewriter keys are improved for better stability.
And the ability to connect to multiple devices is also an improved feature to the basic functionalities of this keyboard.
Considerations and Tips
- While the keys aren’t too clunky to be annoying, the keyboard might be too loud to use in public buildings.
- Page scroll isn’t available for iOS14, but you can use it on Windows 10, MAC, and Android.
- You can’t remove the tablet stand.
- All Metal Construction including Cast Metal Programmable Return Bar Defaults to ENTER key
- Works with Mac WIN Android & iOS (repeat word bug fixed under iOS setting)
- Heavy duty Integrated tablet stand firmly supports up to 12.9 inch
- Integrated Tablet Stand That Firmly Support Up to 13inch Wide!
- Scroll Knobs function as Page Scroll and Volume Control
- Wireless BT 3.0 and USB-C Connection
- New Long Lasting Battery
- Patented Typewriter Keycaps with Automotive Grade Electroplating
#5 Top Large Print Keyboard: Nuklz N Large Print Computer Keyboard
If you’re looking for the best keyboard for beginners and visually impaired seniors, you can’t go wrong with the Nuklz N computer full-size keyboard.
As you’ll find out, it boasts several senior-friendly features and an affordable price, which is why we choose it for our list of the top 5 best keyboards for seniors.
Standout Features
- Full-sized keyboard
- Large print keys
- Wired
- No installation required
- Measures 18″ x 1.5″ x 7″
Benefits & Drawbacks at a Glance
Benefits
- Oversized font
- High-contrast keys
- Plug-and-play
- Ergonomic
Drawbacks
- Letters fade quickly
- Standard-sized keys
Benefits for Seniors
This full-sized keyboard boasts an oversized font to improve reliability for seniors with bad vision. The large print also makes it a great choice for beginners since it’s easy to spot the large letters/numbers.
The color combinations between black letters and white keys also help elderly users with visual impairments read the keys with ease in dim light.
Moreover, all you have to do is plug the keyboard into the computer and start using it. It doesn’t require any additional software installation, which is great for seniors that struggle with technology.
Best of all, the keyboard is designed for the user’s comfort in mind and has an ergonomic design with soft keys.
Drawbacks
As some customers note, the black lettering starts to wear off quickly, especially if you use the keyboard frequently.
Moreover, the keys are standard size, which means it’s easy to hit the wrong key if you have vision problems.
Some users also note that some keys are far too small to be convenient, and it’s easy to press the wrong one.
What Makes This Product Unique?
We like Nuklz N so much because it’s one of the most affordable keyboards for seniors and is very light in weight compared to other heavy-duty models.
Moreover, the manufacturer offers a full refund or a replacement if the keyboard turns out not perform to your satisfaction.
Updated Features
Compared to other keyboards offered by Nuklz, the manufacturer has enlarged the font to make it easy to read for seniors.
While the layout remains relatively the same as in most regular keyboards, we notice that the manufacturer uses acronyms for some of the keys.
Considerations and Tips
- The keyboard is compatible with older versions of Windows and MAC OS.
- The white keys are likely to get dirty, so you’ll need to clean the keyboard regularly.
- The key acronyms can be confusing for some users.
- HIGH VISIBILITY KEYS - Our wired keyboard features high-contrast keys with large lettering for improved visibility. This makes it ideal for elderly users and anyone with visual impairments.
- SLEEK DESIGN - Keep your hands in a relaxed, neutral position for effortless typing on a soft keys that give a quiet, comfortable typing experience. The Nuklz N large letter keyboard is easy to read for those with vision impairments.
- GREAT FOR BEGINNERS - Still learning how to type? Save time and effort by making it much easier to find the numbers and letters you're looking for with this large print full size keyboard.
- NO INSTALLATION REQUIRED - With its simple wired USB connection, our product is completely plug and play! No drivers or special software needed, and compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - We want you to be completely thrilled with your purchase! If this large print keyboard fails to match your expectations, contact us for a full refund or replacement.
What to Look for in the Best Keyboards for Seniors
Now that we’ve talked about our top best keyboards for seniors, it’s time to discuss features and what you should consider when shopping for keyboards.
Print Size
One of the most important features of the best keyboards for seniors is the font size. If the letters are the same size as in regular models, you will struggle to see them.
Special keyboards for seniors usually have letters several times larger than traditional keyboards to accommodate users with poor vision and reduce eye strain.
Key Size
As you grow old, your motor skills deteriorate. It gets harder to press the right key when the buttons are so close to one another.
That’s why the best keyboards for seniors feature large keys to ensure you don’t strike the wrong one and make a lot of types.
Contrast
As much as the print size matters, the color contrast between keys/letters can make all the difference. The higher the contrast, the better you’ll see the keys/letters, even in dim lights.
So, choose highly contrastive colors, such as yellow keys/black letters or white keys/black letters. They’re one of the best choices for people with severe vision problems.
Ease of Use
A keyboard should be easy to use and have a familiar layout. Otherwise, you might struggle to find the right keys and have to relearn how to type.
As a study focused on seniors’ perception of technology determined, elderly users dislike “not knowing how to use it (27.8%), small buttons and keyboard (27.8%), and sensitivity to touch (27.8″).
An ergonomic design is also better than standard models because it decreases wrist/shoulder pain and ensures you can type for long periods without tiring.
Best Keyboards for Seniors: FAQ
Why are Some Keyboards Difficult for Seniors?
Standard keyboards have tiny letters that are hard to see, especially for elderly users with vision problems. Moreover, standard buttons are too close to each other, resulting in mistakes, even when your hands aren’t shaking, and you’ve got perfect vision.
What Is the Most Important Feature in Keyboards for Older Adults?
The most important keyboard feature for elderly users is enlarged letter print and large key size. It improves readability and makes it easy to find the right key, even in dim light.
Which Large Print Keyboard is Right for Me?
As we covered in our reviews, AbleNet wireless keyboard is one of the best keyboards for seniors because it’s a full-sized one with the largest possible font on standards keys. But even a budget keyboard such as Nuklz computer keyboards will do an excellent job if you’re struggling to see the key letters.Â
Conclusion
Typing can become a chore for people suffering from vision problems. However, the right keyboard for visual impairments can make all the difference in your golden age.
The best keyboards for seniors also allow you to find and read the letters without much struggle and complete typing tasks fast and easily.
Just remember to ensure that you get a keyboard that’s compatible with your operating system or device.
Final Recommendation
What do you think about these 5 best keyboards for seniors? Which one is your favorite and why? Share your opinion with us in the comment section.
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