High Visibility Keyboard Suggestions

[krs]

My white Apple aluminum keyboard is slowly giving up the ghost.
Keys c, b, d and n often don't register and I have to go back in my typing a second time.
My eye sight isn't getting any better either, so I thought a new Mac "High Visibility" keyboard may be the ticket.

I have been looking on line but so far don't have much luck finding what I want at a reasonable price.

"High Visibility" keyboards, larger, bold characters sometimes on yellow background seem to all have Windows PC layouts.
A backlit keyboard may be another option but those seem to be 3 x the price of a normal one and characters are no bigger.
Then it seemed many keyboards to day no longet have the 2-port USB hub which used to be standard.

What I'm looking for is a full-sized keyboard with number pad, Mac layout, 2-port USB hub built in, preferably USB 3 and high visiibility keys. Price shouldn't exceed $C150.-

I had sort of decided on the Matias RBG keyboard but then I came across a user rating of less than 4/5 so Iput that idea on hold.
Macally has a backlit keyboard for about $C120 which may be an option, but I'm not sure that will meet the high visibility requirement.

Bottom line - I want to see if any members here have suggestions and/or can comment from personal experience.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

I can already tell you that you aren't going to get everything that you want. Keyboards don't have, or need, USB 3.0. Most keyboards don't have USB hubs built-in either.

If you really want a high-visibility keyboard, especially at a reasonable price, you will likely need to go with a Windows keyboard and if necessary re-map a couple of keys.

Have a look at this keyboard:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QR3YHPK/?tag=macforums0e4-20

If you don't mind way over-paying, this keyboard is specifically for the Mac:

Large Print Keyboard for Mac - White Print on Black Keys with LED light

MaxiAids: Large Print Keyboard for Mac - White Print on Black Keys. This large print keyboard is designed to make typing easier and more accurate.

www.maxiaids.com

Use Windows keyboard with Mac:

How to Use a Windows Keyboard With Your Mac

Use the Windows equivalents for the Mac's modifier keys, including command, option, control, delete, and return, for keyboard shortcuts.

macs.about.com

Key remapping software:

DoubleCommand (free)

DoubleCommand

 

[Randy B. Singer]

You might be able to make do with these keyboard labels:

Computer Keyboard Labels - Black Characters on Yellow Background

MaxiAids: Computer Keyboard Labels - Black Characters on Yellow Background If using your computer keyboard is a problem because you have dif...

www.maxiaids.com

 

[krs]

Thanks Randy, all great suggestions

 

[krs]

By chance I came across this keyboard:

Macally LARGE PRINT 7-Color Backlit Full size USB keyboard

At MacEnthusiasts we can fulfill all of your rental needs. As Los Angeles’ premiere provider of on-site repair service for Mac computers for over 30 years, we

shop.macenthusiasts.com

But it seems to be an older version no longer available

 

[pm-r]

But it seems to be an older version no longer available

It seems to be available at other sources:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00A7Z0WQ0/

As are good quality used Apple keyboards:
Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad

Apple MB110LL/B Aluminum Wired Keyboard with... at MacSales.com

(*) Apple MB110LL/B Aluminum Wired Keyboard with Numeric Keypad. Sleek, ultra-thin anodized aluminum with two USB 2.0 ports. Keyboard only. *Used, Excellent Condition*

eshop.macsales.com

And large characters peel and stick keyboard characters are readily available in various backgrounds and character colour are readily available for those of us with failing eyesight.

Your favourite used online stores,ie: Used.ca | Classifieds for Jobs, Rentals, Cars, Furniture and Free Stuff | Classifieds for Jobs, Rentals, Cars, Furniture and Free Stuff and your Facebook > Marketplace are good sources if you don't mind buying used, but the good discontinued Apple keyboard prices are still fairly high at such sites.



- Patrick
=======

 

[krs]

It seems to be available at other sources:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00A7Z0WQ0/

Thanks Patrick, but that keyboard is not the same.

Here is a better picture of the one in my previous post - it has large key characters and is backlit. Ugly as sin, but functional I suppose.
tps://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Macally-XKEYLEDLP-Large-Print-7-Color-Backlit-Full-Size-USB-Keyboard-for-Mac/PRD74JXGUCMTOAR

As are good quality used Apple keyboards:
Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad

Apple MB110LL/B Aluminum Wired Keyboard with... at MacSales.com

(*) Apple MB110LL/B Aluminum Wired Keyboard with Numeric Keypad. Sleek, ultra-thin anodized aluminum with two USB 2.0 ports. Keyboard only. *Used, Excellent Condition*

eshop.macsales.com

Yes, I use an Apple A1243 keyboard now. A few keys are intermittent, so for the time being I will fix those,
But Apple doesn't make a keyboard with either large characters or backlit, so that is out for a replacement.

And large characters peel and stick keyboard characters are readily available in various backgrounds and character colour are readily available for those of us with failing eyesight.

Probably my last option if nothing else works out

 

[pm-r]

Yes, I use an Apple A1243 keyboard now. A few keys are intermittent, so for the time being I will fix those,
But Apple doesn't make a keyboard with either large characters or backlit, so that is out for a replacement.

Neither does Apple any longer make extended keyboards AFAIK, and for those that sell the used ones, that is why I mentioned the large characters peel-and-stick keyboard characters.

I mentioned using the Apple extended keyboards and adding the large character peel-and-stick keyboard characters, as the Apple keyboards are well-designed and have a nice action that you are used to and everything else that you want in a keyboard.

That may even be a next-step for myself and help out my aging eyes as I and my wife both use Apple extended keyboards. Yes, and complete with a USB cable at that also powers some USB peripherals and never needs to be recharged unlike some non-extended short battery operated keyboards I know of.




- Patrick
=======

 

[jpdemers]

Most back-lit keyboards aren't all that much easier to read, unless you turn out the lights and work in the dark. Keyboard stickers, I think, are your best bet - they let you buy the best keyboard for your needs. (I have the Logitech MX for the Mac, which works via USB-3 or wirelessly, and which has excellent key action.)

 

[krs]

In addition to the white A1243 Apple keyboard, I have two older full sized keyboards - one is Apple I believe and the other Macally.
So just getting high visibility stickers would be the cheapest way to go.
But even just stickers are mostly for Windows, one would think ading a few stickers for the special Mac keys on the sticker sheet would have been a no-brainer.
Interestingly enough, a few places offer fluorescent stickers and then I came across this place that offers a range of high visibility keyboards including some for the Mac, backlit, large letters and a built-in USB hub.

Low Vision Aids

Check out Canada's largest selection of Low Vision aids and products for the visually impaired! Electronic magnifiers, custom computer configurations, and magnification software, and large print keyboards are just a few of our offerings, all with a 30 day money back guarantee and free Tech...

canasstech.com

 

[krs]

An update -
I have been looking on and off.
Got some large letter, high visibility stickers, but for me the improvement is marginal.

Then came across this keyboard I was going to try

PERIBOARD-325 - Wired Backlit Mac Keyboard Scissor Keys Extra USB Ports

PERIBOARD-325 - Wired Backlit Mac Keyboard Quiet Keys Extra USB Ports. 3-level brightness adjustable white light, scissor key mechanism and 2 built-in USB ports. Quiet And Responsive Keys with Adjustable keyboard legs ensure a fast and soft-touch typing experience. Great for low light working...

perixx.com

Mac layout, backlit, USB hub
Sounded good but apparently no longer manufactured and I could not find anyone who had stock.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

Have you seen:

Logickeyboard Largeprint Keyboard Compatible with Mac ALBA
- Part Number LKBU-LPRNTWB-CWMU-US
$130
https://www.amazon.com/Logickeyboar...LPRNTWB-CWMU-US/dp/B078HQSK6R?ref_=ast_sto_dp

 

[krs]

Have you seen:

Yes.....
Thanks Randy,

It's in the link in post 10 of this thread.

Alba MAC Large Print Keyboard

Meet ALBA - our dedicated Apple® Large Print keyboardWith a built-in chip made specifically for macOS®, the new ALBA Large Print keyboard is pure plug & play. No need for drivers and tedious setup.The keyboard has a built-in macOS® chip and is fully compatible with macOS.We’re big believers in...

canasstech.com

The key stickers I bought and have now are essentially the same with large white letters on black but they are not much of an improvement.
If the letters were large AND the keys illuminated, I think that would make a difference.
Perixxmakes a keyboard like that but it's for Windows, I think it's the PB-329 IIRC

 

[pm-r]

Sounded good but apparently no longer manufactured and I could not find anyone who had stock.

It seems like it was a very popular keyboard, and there seems to be one available here:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01BFCBNEI/



- Patrick
=======

 

[krs]

It seems like it was a very popular keyboard, and there seems to be one available here:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01BFCBNEI/

Thanks Patrick,
But that link takes me to a Periboard 106 keyboard which is a Windows version - I was looking for a PB-325.
I assume some dealer somewhere in this world may still have one to sell.
I emailed the company on the weekend and they replied that this model is no longer in production.

 

[pm-r]

But that link takes me to a Periboard 106 keyboard which is a Windows version - I was looking for a PB-325.

My apologies for posting a false alarm link krs, I should have read the details more carefully before posting.


- Patrick
=======

 

[Randy B. Singer]

Thanks Patrick,
But that link takes me to a Periboard 106 keyboard which is a Windows version - I was looking for a PB-325.
I assume some dealer somewhere in this world may still have one to sell.

As a matter of fact, NewEgg has them still available:

(link removed...deal/page no longer available)

 

[pm-r]

As a matter of fact, NewEgg has them still available:

krs will need to make sure to order from the US Newegg.com address as their Canadian site was listing the keyboard as out of stock:

(link removed...page no longer exists)

At least it was when I had checked from a Google search earlier. But that was a good find you posted.

- Patrick
=======

 

[Randy B. Singer]

krs will need to make sure to order from the US Newegg.com address as their Canadian site was listing the keyboard as out of stock:

As both Web sites are highly likely to be the same exact company at the same exact address, it might be more adventageous to either e-mail or call Newegg and ask them about availability of that particular keyboard and the best way to get it to Canada.

 

[krs]

As a matter of fact, NewEgg has them still available:

(link removed...page no longer exists)

Thanks Randy,
I saw that a few days ago - the keyboard is actually shipped by a company in Chinathat sells through Newegg (I assume) but when I then went to the company website to order it, they only had the PB-323.
The PB-323 is the same as the PB-325 except it doesn't have the 2-port USB hub which I find very useful.
I'm going to call Newegg to see what they say - since it's coming directly from China, they should be able to send it to Canada directly.
I also just tried to order from the Chinese company directly, I vaguely remember that I could find the PB-323 for around $US68.- but now I can't find any keyboard at the Chinese store.