“Assistive Technology” is a term understood by more people today who are able-bodied than not. Making items that are convenience and easy to use is the top priority of nearly every product-based corporation. One product has caught my attention this week. It’s computer keyboard without keys. 

Yes, no keys. How is that assistive technology at its finest? I’ll tell you.  

The “orbiTouch”, now is made exclusively by Keybowl, which is why I’m spending so much time on this particular product in this column. Soon, I hope, more manufacturers will begin make the device, offering a wider variety of options at competitive prices, to the enormous benefit of people who can’t or don’t want to use regular keyboards. 

The orbiTouch keyboard features two moveable domes, which the user manipulates with his or her hands. It’s an amazing device, developed over ten years to give relief to computer users who suffer from carpal tunnel patients and want to return to work.  

With the importance of computers in the everyday workplace, thousands of people suffer from the painful illness of carpal tunnel syndrome, an ailment resulting in severe burning pain beginning at the wrists and traveling up the arm. The pain is so intense most people take pain-killing medication, have surgery to remove the nerves affected or find other employment. Finding a new job isn’t always the best option, especially if your college degree is in computers. 

Keybowl solved the problem by inventing orbiTouch. Minimal effort is required to use the keyless keyboard, eliminating the possible issue of placing pressure on the elbows or shoulders and creating another medical issue. 

The orbiTouch looks like something out of a Star Trek movie. The user moves the domes in a variety of patterns, and the letters appear as if by magic on the computer screen. It doesn’t need a special adaptor either.  

Keybowl claims the design “reduces harmful hand and wrist motion by 82% over standard keyboards and 60% over ergonomic keyboards”.  You don’t have to have mobility in your fingers or hands to use it, which makes it an ideal alternative to keyboard mouthpieces usually used by quadriplegics. The orbiTouch is the same size as a traditional keyboard and has the same 128 key functionality with an integrated mouse. One simply clicks to toggle from typing to mouse functions. 

Keybowl states the average typist using the orbiTouch will get the hang of it in 3 to 4 hours. It comes with a full tutorial and a “slide guide” to place near the keyboard to remind you of the motions for letters and numbers.  

Each orbiTouch is packaged with an “Open Me First” poster and a fast-start kit that contains two CD-ROMs—“Getting Started” and “Typing Tutor”. Keybowl also has online support, a message discussion board on their website, www.keybowl.com, and telephone support. 

Speedy typists will find the orbiTouch reduces their productivity. Maximum typing speed on the orbiTouch is 60 to 70 words per minute. The point of the orbiTouch is relieving pain and reducing stress, so if you’re a fast typist, the orbiTouch might be more frustration than joy.  

Now comes the price. $695. Yes, it’s expensive. But voice-recognition software is about the same price, and takes about the same amount of time to learn how to use. The restriction of voice recognition software for those with speech disabilities is eliminated with the orbiTouch. 

Keybowl does offer discount programs for educational, government, and corporate customers. Keybowl has no plans to reduce the price if the keyboard becomes popular. But many new devices on the computer market are expensive when first introduced. When the cost of the orbiTouch is compared with the possible loss of income due to carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand stress illnesses, it doesn’t seem so bad.  

I would think a company would rather pay the cost of such a keyless keyboard than pay Worker’s Compensation.  I’d pay the price to keep my job—wouldn’t you?