When it comes to selecting the best keyboard for the visually impaired, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming.There are no simple answers because the best option depends on one’s personal preferences, abilities, and goals for the keyboard.
For example, if you like to read braille, you might prefer to type in braille. This might involve the use of a braille display, braille input keyboard, or braille notetaker. Others will find that they are faster on a QWERTY keyboard. This might involve the use of a wireless keyboard or wired keyboard. Someone with low vision might prefer a large print keyboard, while someone who relies on braille might enjoy a keyboard with a braille overlay.
The suitability of any of these options comes with its own sets of pros and cons, especially when it comes to portability and the types of devices you actually want to use.
Are You Looking For The Best Keyboard For Your Smartphone?
With built-in accessibility, many blind users prefer to use their smartphones, and they love the ability to access their information anywhere they go. When it comes to typing and controlling a smartphone, one’s options tend to prioritize use at home versus use on the go. Transporting and trying to use a QWERTY keyboard may not be realistic.This has caused some to rely on dictation, touchscreen keyboards, or braille input devices. Unfortunately, each of these options has limited blind users in the past.
Introducing The Hable One, A Bluetooth Braille Keyboard For The Visually Impaired
If other devices have left you wanting, you might want to consider the Hable One. Its thoughtful design helps you turn your phone into a portable powerhouse. Let’s discuss an example of how this portable Bluetooth phone controller allows you to enjoy using your smartphone simply and intuitively.
Imagine, you're riding the bus or crowded train to work.
You hear a chime amongst the noise, indicating that you’ve received a text message or an important email from a friend, but you don’t want to pull your phone out of your pocket for fear of dropping it or losing it.
In the past, you’ve waited to respond.
With the Hable One, you don’t have to anymore. The device is designed to make your mobile phone more accessible in more situations. With your phone’s screen reader and your Hable One, you’re always in control!
More Than Just a Keyboard for the Blind
The Hable One is a portable Bluetooth phone controller with physical buttons that allows you to wirelessly control your phone with its screen reader. You can control the phone and type in braille whether you’re standing up, lying down, or sitting down.
There’s no need to have a table to set it on. This is accomplished with a Perkins keyboard and innovative design that allows you to hold the device in mid-air.
If you’re familiar with typing in braille on your phone’s touch screen, using the Hable One is similar. It has six buttons for typing in braille and two additional buttons for navigation. With the Hable One, you gain the satisfaction, precision, and control that comes from typing on a physical keyboard. Built-in haptic feedback provides extra confidence during use.
Made in the Netherlands with sustainable recycled plastic, its unique shape makes it simple to hold and easy to slip into your pocket. It’s lightweight, weighing only 3.17 ounces. Don’t be misled though, it still packs a powerful battery. You can expect to use it for up to 50 hours on a single charge!
It comes with modern USB-C charging and excellent wireless connectivity. Its Bluetooth is superior to similar braille input devices, producing excellent connectivity and reliability. What’s more, the device is not categorized as a braille display on your smartphone, so it’s easier to pair up and get started. In our independent tests and discussions with braille input device users, we’ve found it to be very reliable. We were able to control our phones from over 30 feet away!
Even if you don’t know how to read or type in braille, the Hable One’s intuitive commands and simple interface can allow you to enjoy your phone in new ways. For example, if you don’t like swiping on your phone screen, the Hable One allows you to navigate your phone more comfortably with physical buttons. You might find that you’re faster with it. Moreover, even if you can’t type in braille, you can easily initiate dictation with a single button and learn a simple way to activate your device’s voice assistant.
Imagine being able to lie in a hammock or in bed while listening to your favorite podcasts or audiobooks. If an important email comes in, there’s no need to get out of bed! Users with wireless headphones will enjoy being untethered to their phones in all sorts of situations and environments. You can leave your phone in the safety of your pocket, on a side table, or across the room.
What Are Some Examples Of Situations Where This Device Can Help Blind People In Their Daily Lives?
If you’re taking public transit, you might enjoy the ability to use your phone while keeping it in the safety of your pocket. If you’re attending a public gathering, you might enjoy the ability to use your phone while standing up.
If you’re in a situation where you don’t want to distract others, you might find that the Hable One allows you to control your phone more discreetly.
If you typically control your phone with a braille display, you might find that you end up leaving it safely at home since you can do most everything that you need with your screen reader’s audio and the ability to type precisely on the portable braille keyboard.
If you’re frequently placing your phone far away, you might find that you’re faster to respond with remote access to your phone at a distance. You can control your phone from several feet away!
To see the Hable One in action, check out this recent video by The Blind Life:
Have More Questions? Let’s Talk!
At Boundless Assistive Technology, we pride ourselves in our expert product knowledge, friendly staff, and wide selection of devices for the visually impaired. We can help you identify the best keyboard for you.
