BigKeys Company

The BigKeys LX keyboard includes all the characters available on a standard keyboard, with the exception of the numeric pad, Scroll Lock, and Pause Break keys.

The older model, the BigKeys Plus, had a more limited keyset -- less punctuation and special characters.

For more details, see "What's the difference?".

Back to Question | Back to Top

2. Are special software or device drivers needed to use a BigKeys keyboard?

No! No special software or device drivers are needed to use BigKeys. Just plug the BigKeys keyboard into your computer in place of regular keyboard, and you're ready to go.

Back to Question | Back to Top

3.How big are the keys on a BigKeys keyboard?

The large keys on the BigKeys keyboard are one-inch square, beveled to 3/4-inch square on the top surface. That's about 4 times bigger than the keys on standard keyboards!

Back to Question | Back to Top

4. How big is the lettering on the keys?

The lettering is 1/2 inch tall on the large keys on a BigKeys keyboard.

Back to Question | Back to Top

5. Two keyboards: Can I use both a BigKeys keyboard and the standard keyboard on my PC?

Yes! You can use BigKeys via a USB port in combination with one or more standard (or BigKeys) keyboards.

Back to Question | Back to Top

6. Mac compatibility: Will the BigKeys keyboard work with Macintosh computers?

Yes! Your BigKeys keyboard will work on an iMac computer. Depending on your BigKeys model, you can either plug your BigKeys keyboard directly into a USB port on your iMac, or use a PS2-to-USB adapters.

Read our simple instructions about how to "identify" your BigKeys LX keyboard to your Mac computer.

Back to Question | Back to Top

7. iPad compatibility: Will the BigKeys keyboard work with an iPad?

Yes! Your usb BigKeys keyboard will work with an iPad.

Read our simple instructions or watch a short video about connecting BigKeys to an iPad.

Back to Question | Back to Top

8. USB compatibility: My PC only has a USB connection for the keyboard ... Can I use a BigKeys keyboard?

Yes! Depending on your BigKeys model, you can either plug your BigKeys keyboard directly into your computer’s USB port, or use a PS2-to-USB adapter.

Back to Question | Back to Top

9. Mouse Keys: Can I use BigKeys to move the mouse pointer on the screen?

Because BigKeys doesn't have a numeric pad, the Windows "MouseKeys" feature is not available from the BigKeys keyboard.

One solution would be to attach both BigKeys and the standard keyboard if you need to use the MouseKeys feature. (See the earlier question about using both keyboards.)

Back to Question | Back to Top

10. Lowercase: Are lowercase keycaps available for BigKeys keyboards?

Lowercase keycaps may be available from the manufacturer.

Please contact AbleNet, Inc. (ablnetinc.com)

Back to Question | Back to Top

11. Instructions: I need another copy of the instructions insert that came with my BigKeys keyboard.

You can print or download a copy of the instructions insert by clicking here.

Back to Question | Back to Top

12. What is "Assist Mode" on the BigKeys LX keyboard?

The Assist Mode on BigKeys LX accommodates users who cannot press two keys simultaneously. Assist Mode works with and enhances the Microsoft Windows "Sticky Key" Accessibility Option.

When not in Assist Mode, the function keys are produced on BigKeys LX by pressing simultaneously the F key and a number key. (F+1 produces the F1 function, etc.)

The BigKeys LX Assist Mode enables you to press the F key and have it remain active until you press another key. In Assist Mode, the F key becomes a "Sticky Key".

Examples of using the BigKeys LX Assist Mode:

To obtain an F1 in Assist Mode, press and release the F key, then press and release the 1 key.

To obtain an "Alt-F4" in Assist Mode, press and release the Alt key, then press and release the F key, then press and release the 4 key. (The Windows "Sticky Keys" Accessibility Option must be turned ON for this example.)

To enter the Assist Mode, press the BigKeys LX CapsLock key 3 times in a row.

To exit BigKeys LX Assist Mode and return the keyboard to normal operation, again press the CapsLock key 3 times in a row.

Note that while in BigKeys LX Assist Mode, it is necessary to press the F key twice to send a F to the computer.

Back to Question | Back to Top

13. What is the BigKeys "No Run-On" feature?

On your BigKeys keyboard, a single key depression causes one character to be sent to the computer, no matter how long the key is held down.

This feature prevents multiple characters that might occur inadvertently when holding down a key too long.

Back to Question | Back to Top

14. What if I want "Run-On" using my BigKeys keyboard?

If you would like to defeat the BigKeys "No Run-On" feature (described above):

BigKeys LX with USB connector:

The "No Run-On" feature is selectable during keyboard start-up.

Please see the Instruction Manual that came with your BigKeys LX keyboard.

BigKeys Plus, and BigKeys LX with PS2 connector:

You can defeat the No Run-On feature on PS2 BigKeys keyboards by using a PS2-to-USB adapter.

Back to Question | Back to Top

15. Changing the order of the BigKeys keys: from ABC order to standard QWERTY; or from QWERTY order to ABC order

Check our How to Change BigKeys Keycap Order page for instructions on changing the order of the keys on a BigKeys.

Back to Question | Back to Top

16. Special Characters: What punctuation and special characters are included on BigKeys LX?

BigKeys LX (U.S. model) includes all the number keys, alphabet keys, and special characters that are available on a standard keyboard.

• Shifted Numeric Keys:
! @ # $ % ^ & * ( )

• Other Special

Characters:

; " ' < , > . ? / ~ ` _ - + = | \ { } [ ]

Note: The seldom-used bracket characters are hidden on the keyboard. Use the F key in combination with another key, as follows:

For this character

Use these keys

[
F with ;

]
F with '

{
F with :

}
F with "

• F1 - F10

When you press and hold the "F" key, the numeric keys become F1 - F10.

• F11 and F12

For F11: press the "F" key and the "/" key (under the Caps Lock key).

For F12: press the "F" key and the "`" key (under the Ctrl key).

• Cursor Control Key

Left, Right, Up, Down

When you press and hold the "F" key, these become ... Home, End, PgUp, PgDn

• Print Screen key

Press the "F" key and the "P" key.

• Other function keys

CapsLock, Ctrl, Ins, Del, Esc, Tab, Shift, Alt

Characters available on a standard keyboard that are not on BigKeys LX:

Numeric pad keys

Scroll Lock

Pause / Break

Back to Question | Back to Top

17. Special Characters: What punctuation and special characters are included on BigKeys Plus?

Besides the number keys, alphabet keys, and cursor-control keys, BigKeys Plus (U.S. model) includes these characters:

• Punctuation ! @ , . ' " : * ? / + - =

• Cursor Control
Left, Right, Up, Down

• Backspace
A true "rub-out" key that deletes to the left of the cursor.

• F1 - F10 keys
When you press and hold the "F" key, the numeric keys become F1 - F10.

• 6 standard size keys
CapsLock, Ctrl, Alt, Tab, Del, and Esc.

Back to Question | Back to Top

18. Keyboard Skin: How do I apply the Keyboard Skin to the BigKeys keyboard?

A package insert with application instructions comes with the Keyboard Skin. Here is the text from that insert:

Wipe off the surface of the keyboard.

Remove the silicon release paper from one side of the keyboard skin. The top or bottom side is preferable.

Center the keyboard skin over the keyboard and seal the side from which you removed the silicon release paper.

Peel the silicon release paper from the three sides and press exposed tape onto the keyboard while keeping the keyboard skin centered.

Back to Question | Back to Top

19. Windows Key: Is there a "Windows Key" on a BigKeys keyboard?

Press the Ctrl and Esc keys simultaneously for Windows Key functionality.

Back to Question | Back to Top

• F1 - F10	When you press and hold the "F" key, the numeric keys become F1 - F10.
• F11 and F12	For F11: press the "F" key and the "/" key (under the Caps Lock key). For F12: press the "F" key and the "`" key (under the Ctrl key).
• Cursor Control Key	Left, Right, Up, Down When you press and hold the "F" key, these become ... Home, End, PgUp, PgDn
• Print Screen key	Press the "F" key and the "P" key.
• Other function keys	CapsLock, Ctrl, Ins, Del, Esc, Tab, Shift, Alt

• Punctuation	! @ , . ' " : * ? / + - =
• Cursor Control	Left, Right, Up, Down
• Backspace	A true "rub-out" key that deletes to the left of the cursor.
• F1 - F10 keys	When you press and hold the "F" key, the numeric keys become F1 - F10.
• 6 standard size keys	CapsLock, Ctrl, Alt, Tab, Del, and Esc.

BigKeys Keyboards

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions