Best Keyboards for Seniors of 2023

seniors typing keyboard

The standard computer keyboard clearly wasn’t designed for seniors. 104 small keys with tiny print doesn’t make life easy for those with declining eyesight and conditions like arthritis. Over half of Americans over the age of 65 have been diagnosed with arthritis, so you can see why the computer keyboard can present a challenge. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best keyboards to buy for senior citizens.

Luckily, older people aren’t stuck with a keyboard that is difficult to use. There’s a lot of great keyboards for senior citizens designed to make using the computer easier and more comfortable. Here are some of the benefits you’ll see with these keyboards –

  • High contrast keys. The color of the letters on the keycaps are usually designed to be high-contrast so that it’s easier to spot the letters without straining your eyes.
  • Large print. Another welcome change is the letters on the keys are much larger than a standard keyboard, which makes it easier to see for people with poor vision.
  • Larger keys. Some of these keyboards also have physically larger keys, which makes it easier to strike the right key you’re after.

Let’s jump into our list to help you find the best keyboards for senior citizens!

Best Keyboards for Seniors

Our Top Keyboard for Senior Citizens: BigKeys LX

When it comes to picking out the absolute best keyboard for older people, the BigKeys LX is without a doubt our top pick. First of all, the BigKeys LX is the only mechanical keyboard for seniors we could find, which we believe will help seniors operate the keyboard as the tactile feedback is important for recognizing when a keypress has been recognized.

The other main factor that makes the BigKeys LX our top choice is that each key is 1 square inch, 4 times larger than a standard keyboard. One of the main issues cited for seniors when using keyboards is the fact that the letters are so small. Since most current senior citizens aren’t used to typing daily, they need to be able to see the letters on the keyboard well. Another unique feature is this keyboard has a “no repeat” feature that if a key is pressed and held down, it will only type 1 character. This can be beneficial for people who tend to hold down the key longer than expected because they aren’t fast at typing.

elderly typing bigkeys keyboard

This keyboard plugs into any USB port and is compatible with any computer. No software or drivers are required to be installed.

Top Cheap Keyboard for Seniors: Azio Vision Backlit Keyboard

If you’re looking for something cheaper, then the Azio Vision Backlit Keyboard is our best budget keyboard for seniors. It features backlit keys which can be easier on the eyes and easier to view in low-light conditions. You can even change the backlighting between 5 different color choices to choose whichever is best for your eyes.

The font on the keys are large and bold, perfect for seniors. You can turn the backlighting off as well if you wish.

This keyboard features hotkeys along the top to make operating a computer easier. With the press of one button, a person can easily access programs like their web browser or email software. No additional setup is required for this keyboard either, simply plug it into a USB port and you’re ready to type!

That wraps up our list for the best keyboards for senior citizens. Large and visible fonts combined with an easy-to-use design is what separates these keyboards from your everyday one. See below for some computer tips and resources for seniors.

Computer Tips for the Elderly

Once you’ve got a keyboard designed for the elderly, there are a few other tips we can give you to make using the computer easier and more enjoyable.

  • Take your time and relax. Try to not be in a hurry when you’re using your keyboard. Relax, and try not to get flustered if you’re struggling. Take a break if needed.
  • Practice makes perfect. Even at an older age, you can always learn to improve your typing skills. It’s the only way to get better! There are some helpful websites with exercises you can do to improve your skills, like SenseLang.org.
  • Use shortcuts when possible. One way to save yourself a lot of time and frustration is to set up as many shortcuts as possible to make your computer use more efficient. Place shortcuts on your desktop for frequently used programs, and bookmark the websites you frequently visit.

We also have a list of the best computer keyboards for kids that may be something the elderly would like as well.