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Why is a stop sign red?
(And how can that make your data entry faster?)
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When do Custom Keys
make sense?
A stop sign combines a
distinctive shape with a bright color---red. The shape immediately tells
you that it is a stop sign, but it is the bright color that makes the
sign standout from everything else. Bright color attracts our
attention.
Data entry can benefit from this concept of color-coding. Just as in
traffic where red means stop and green means go, colored keys or
keycaps can attract our attention when entering data or using software. In addition to
better visibility, color-coding helps operators remember the keyboard
commands better. The result is faster, more accurate data entry that is
less fatiguing for the operator.
How do you customize a keyboard?
Keyboards can be customized in a number of different ways depending
upon the specific software needs.
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Custom Keyboard. We can completely customize a keyboard with full
key replacement, keyboard stickers, or a combination depending upon your
needs. One of the advantages of customizing the complete keyboard is
that we use only high quality keyboards for our projects. After you have
invested in color keys, imprinted keys, or special keyboard stickers, you want
your new customized keyboard to provide you with years of trouble-free
service.
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Special Keys and Keycaps. Standard keys and keycaps can be
replaced with colored keys for greater visibility. The color keys can
have a standard key legend or printing or they may have special commands
that match the software
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Keytop and Keyfront
Stickers.
Custom keyboard
stickers can replace the standard key printing with a solid
color, with special commands, or color-coded commands. Using color-coded
commands on a key or stickers can quickly indicate to the operator which
control key (CTRL, SHIFT, ALT, etc.) key to use in conjunction with
another key.
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Keyboard templates and faceplates. A very simple solution to
providing commands at the operator's fingertips is to have a keyboard
template that sits directly on the keyboard. The template can include
the most commonly used commands for the operator's reference. The result
is that the command information is immediately at the user's fingertips.
They spend more time doing accurate data entry and less time looking
through user guides or "cheat sheets." |
When should you
use a customized keyboard?
Customized keyboards work best for situations in
which a computer uses primarily one software application, such as a
word processor or a specialized software application. The single
purpose or primary purpose of the system should be devoted to
helping the operator use the many features of the application
quickly and easily. When the application is easier to use, the data
entry is faster and more accurate. In addition, ease of use reduces
operator fatigue, which can also contribute to increased
productivity and accuracy.
We can manufacture as many customized keyboards, key
sets, or
keyboard stickers as you need. A minimum of 20 units or sets is
generally required to make the job cost effective for you. However,
there are instances when you may have a software application, which
makes even fewer units cost effective for you. One of our Custom
Products Consultants can assist you in determining your needs and
providing possible solutions that can meet your requirements.
When
can you afford to have customized keyboards?
If you have twenty or more computers or workstations
that primarily use one software application, then you might consider
using customized keyboards. A customized keyboard doesn't take
vacations, it doesn't take sick leave, it doesn't even take coffee
breaks. Data entry generally is a labor-intensive job in which the
biggest expense is the labor cost. If you can reduce the cost of
labor while increasing productivity and efficiency by installing an
inexpensive, customized keyboard, then it can be a good investment.
Keyboard
Protectors Protects Hardware
How
to protect your hardware investment
Customized keyboards will cost more than the
"off-the-shelf" clones you can buy at your local computer
store. When you install your custom keyboard, you may wish to extend the
life of your investment by adding a clear protective keyboard cover to
the keyboard. We can provide clear, highly durable keyboard protective covers for
any keyboard we customize. The covers protect the keyboards from spills,
foreign objects, dust, moisture, and other contaminants. A small
addition of a protective cover can extend the life and durability of
your customized keyboard investment.
How do I get more information?
You can complete the Request for Information form describing briefly
the type of keyboard that you need. One of our Custom Products
Consultants will contact you and---together in consultation with
you---describe the products we can provide to solve your need.
We look forward to serving your custom product needs.
For information or custom price quotes on custom keycaps,
custom keyboard, custom mouse pads, custom keyboard stickers, and custom templates, call:
800-459-7931
or 480-813-3100
Fax: 480-813-3280
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