Cherry Internet keyboard and guard 

For those of you who wish to have a full extended keyboard with a keyguard, then this is the option for you!

Needless to say, the fact that there is a special needs option available for the keyboard (the keyguard) does mean that the price hikes up, well beyond what you would normally expect to pay for a standard keyboard. If you went shopping for a standard, run-of-the-mill extended keyboard (102 keys), then you would expect to pay around £10, but since none of these keyboards are likely to accept a keyguard due to their exact dimensions, you will be forced down the route of buying this keyboard for around £50 and then a further £30 for the guard.

What is a keyboard guard?

We're not looking at anything Hi-Tech here, unless you call a sheet of metal with round holes drilled into it Hi-Tech, for this is what a keyboard guard is (yes there are plastic versions available for other keyboard sizes as well).

The metal sheet is is bent around the edges to make sure that the guard sits on top of the keyboard and doesn't move as well as making sure it won't fit another, cheaper keyboard. the metal sheet then has holes drilled into it that corresponds to the keys so that you can see and access the key underneath.

Why have a keyboard guard?

Some people may find that due to poor fine and gross motor skills (reduced dexterity) that they may often accidentally press 2 keys at once or miss the intended key all together. Having a guard over the keyboard will help prevent this as it is now impossible to press 2 keys at once and the holes can often help guide your finger to the correct key.

Another advantage of having a keyboard guard is having the ability to rest your hands on the keyboard guard without pressing any keys. This is an advantage for those with reduced muscle strength, allowing them to rest their hands on the guard and drag their hands over the keyboard without pressing any keys accidentally.

The verdict

So simple, yet so effective for many people.

There will be many people out their who do struggle with a keyboard but could be better served by tweaking some of the keyboard settings from within Windows (feel free to call us for more information on how to do this on 0808 800 0009, it may save you £80)