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Keyguards: Improve Activation Accuracy

May 28, 2021 NWACS
Keyguard Blog Cover.png

by Carrie Elliot, MA, CCC-SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist); NWACS Board Member

What is a keyguard?

A keyguard is an accessory that can be placed on a communication device to create a barrier between buttons to improve motor accuracy. 

Two keyguards for tablets.

Two keyguards for tablets.

Why use a keyguard? 

Keyguards can help individuals with motor difficulties. Keyguards can help users avoid mis-hits and help guide their touches. 

An iPad in an Otter Box Case with a keyguard for the app Touch Chat by Saltillo.

An iPad in an Otter Box Case with a keyguard for the app Touch Chat by Saltillo.

Factors To Consider

When ordering a keyguard, there are actually a lot of factors to consider! 

  • Material

    • Plastic

    • Wood

    • 3-D Printed

  • Height From Screen 

    • Too flush to the screen and doesn’t make much of a difference

    • Too thick and it may make activating a button more difficult

  • Shape of Button Holes

    • Rectangular

    • Circular 

  • Size of Button Holes

    • Too large and the barrier between buttons can be broken more easily

    • Too small and it may cause more difficulty accessing a button

  • Attachment Method

    • Straps

    • Suction cup

    • Magnet

    • Snap In under the case

    • Velcro

An iPad with a clear keyguard for the app Proloquo2Go.

An iPad with a clear keyguard for the app Proloquo2Go.


Before You Order

When ordering a keyguard you also need really specific information to make sure everything fits right! You need to know: 

  • The Device: An iPad? A mini? A Kindle? What size? 

  • The Case: What dimensions are the screen opening? 

  • Orientation: Will the user have the device setting horizontally or vertically?

  • The App: What version exactly? Sometimes the version updates make just the slightest changes which can impact the fit of the keyguard.

  • The Vocabulary: Within the app Touch Chat for example, there are many different vocabulary files to choose from. Word Power 42 Basic or Word Power 60 Basic? 

Touch Chat 42 Basic.PNG
WP60B.PNG
Grid Super Core 30.PNG
Grid Super Core 50.PNG
Snap Core First.PNG
LAMPWFL.PNG
Touch Chat 42 Basic.PNG WP60B.PNG Grid Super Core 30.PNG Grid Super Core 50.PNG Snap Core First.PNG LAMPWFL.PNG


App Settings:

Once you decide on a keyguard there are a couple settings you can change in apps. This will be specific to whichever app you are using. Some examples include:  

  • Margin between buttons

  • Background color

  • Keyguard inset 

Where to Buy: 

There are several keyguard manufacturers. (Do you know of other ones? Please share in the comments!)

  • Forbes AAC

  • Keyguard Assistive Technology

  • Communicate AT

  • Logan Technologies

  • Talk to Me Technologies

Keyguard on a Gridpad by Smartbox

Keyguard on a Gridpad by Smartbox


What are your favorite keyguard tricks? Have you ever tried one? 

Carrie Bio Blogger.png
In AAC Systems, AAC Education Tags accessory, access
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