Custom Keyboards

Throughout its history Access IS (formerly Access Keyboards) has manufactured highly reliable custom keyboards customised to satisfy customer-specific requirements.

A custom keyboard is either designed from scratch or based on one of Access' wide range of existing designs, providing a fast time to market and reduced design costs when compared to full custom keyboard designs. Smaller volume users may also take the option to minimise their tooling charges by taking a machined modification of an existing keyboard molding. Base designs exist with between 48 and 127 keys, and are available with QWERTY and matrix layouts.

Keyboards are simple to programme using the Access designed SoftProg programming software.

The keyboard can also be configured to operate with external keyboard, mouse and video switches to control multiple processes running on several computers.

Keyboard reliability from Access IS manufactured keyboards

Base models used in many designs

Keyboard programming using SoftProg utility (including utility download)

Key colour options

Examples of some custom keyboard designs

Custom Keyboard Considerations

The Key Switch

The key switch is at the heart of keyboard design and has a large influence on the reliability and ease of use any keyboard device. The standard Access key switch has a full travel of 4mm with operation occurring at half the travel length, specifications optimised for fast data entry and operator comfort.

Our technology is faster than membrane or elastomer switches or touch screen devices. Standard key switches have gold contacts and a lifetime of over 50 million operations. Two-shot moldings are used for heavy-duty applications, where printed lettering is likely to wear.

Lower cost switches are also available for price sensitive applications.

Optimising the Layout and Pre-programming

Reduced keysets provide compact keyboard designs providing less opportunity for operator error. Colour-coding, the use of double or quad keys and clear legends improve ease of use. Careful selection of key colours can significantly assist users with a visual disorder or those visually impaired. For more information click here.

Macros can be programmed into the keyboard so that they operate by a single key press and the keytop legend can identify the function.

Access keyboards are programmed using the Access developed free-to-use programming utility, called SoftProg (click here to go to SoftProg utility download).

With utility, users can design and create their own key code settings and download them into the keyboard's non-volatile memory. This code can be transferred to other keyboards in service, or can be passed back to our manufacturing facility to programme keyboards with the same code during the manufacturing process.

More on SoftProg (including utility download & instructions)

Language Variants

Access sells to companies throughout the world and supplies many blue-chip multinationals that have operations in many different countries. Through its history, Access has produced keyboards in every common language, in many regional languages and has provided many customer specified key graphics to represent certain key functions.

Access has extensive in-house facilities to design and manufacture various custom key types. Two-shot moulded and laser-etched keys provide legends that will not wear out with use, while printed keys provide a lower cost alternative. Each technology maintains the versatility of custom lettering and legends.

Biometrics

In applications where access to sensitive data or the execution of financial transactions needs to be restricted to authorised users, biometric fingerprint readers have been found to be more secure alternatives to a typed password, which can be seen, and user ID cards or tokens, which can be lost or stolen.

Furthermore, the use of such a system also protects employees from identity theft and the risk of fraudulent activities being carried out in their name. Finger print modules are available on most keyboard layouts, using the proven 'U.are.U' biometric engine manufactured by Digital Persona. Click here for more information on biometric finger print reader keyboards.

Integrated OCR, MSR and Smartcard Readers

An increasingly common enhancement to customised keyboard design is to integrate combinations of magnetic stripe readers (MSRs), optical character readers (OCRs) and smartcard readers into the keyboard.

The integration of these devices in to the keyboard body ensures a consistent workstation set up and enhances workstation ergonomics by maintaining the same position on the desk for operators. The integration also prevents the 'borrowing' of peripherals by other employees and reduces cable and desktop clutter. Reduced cabling simplifies installation.

Glide Points, Trackpoints and Trackerballs

For applications where the use of an external mouse is not appropriate or required, or where desk space is scarce, a range of integrated mouse pointing devices is available. The most popular device for the custom keyboard is the touchpad which can include left and right 'mouse-click' buttons. Alternatives include a pointing stick which occupies the minimal amount of keyboard space, or trackerballs that offer a similar mouse feel.

Protective removable covers for any keyboard

Waterproof keyboard covers are available for all Access keyboards and keypads. Covers are flexible and wrap beneath the keyboard to prevent seepage and fully protect against liquids, food debris, oil and grease, dust, chemicals and infections.

PS/2 to USB Converters for Keyboards

A low cost solution to convert PS/2 style keyboards to USB connection, this converter is able to handle high data transfer rates, for example for custom and standard keyboards with integrated magnetic stripe readers (MSR).