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 BigKeys Plus keyboard has a more limited keyset -- less punctuation and special characters.

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

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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.

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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!

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4. How big is the lettering on the keys?

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

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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.

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6. 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 one of our PS2-to-USB adapters.

If you are using an adapter, we recommend that you use one of the USB adapters sold on this site. Other USB adapters may not work with BigKeys. Adapters sold on our web site have been tested for compatibility with BigKeys.

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

Yes! Your BigKeys computer 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 one of our PS2-to-USB adapters.

If you are using an adapter, we recommend that you use one of the USB adapters sold on this site. Other USB adapters may not work with BigKeys. Adapters sold on our web site have been tested for compatibility with BigKeys.

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8. 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.)

Another option is to use RJ Cooper's software for BigKeys, which lets you use keystrokes to move the cursor and perform mouse-button actions.

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

Yes, lowercase keycaps are available on this website. See the Accessories section.

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10. 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.

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11. 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.

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12. 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.

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13. 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 the "generic" PS2-to-USB adapter sold on this site, in the "Adapters & Parts" section.

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14. 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.

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15. 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

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16. 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.

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17. 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.

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

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

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19. Special Mac Keys: Is there a Macintosh "Command" key ("Apple" key) and an "Option" key on a BigKeys LX keyboard?

Mac users can download RJ Cooper's free software to use the BigKeys "Alt" key as the "Command" (Apple) key and the BigKeys "Insert" key as the Mac "Option" key.

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20. BigKeys LX Warranty: What is the warranty on a new BigKeys LX keyboard?

BigKeys LX carries a Five-Year Limited Warranty in the U.S.
You can read the details on our BigKeys LX Warranty page.

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21. BigKeys Plus Warranty: What is the warranty on a new BigKeys Plus keyboard?

BigKeys Plus carries a One-Year Limited Warranty in the U.S.

You can read the details on our BigKeys Plus Warranty page.

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22. Returns Policy: What is your policy on Returns?

Please call to arrange return of a BigKeys keyboard purchased through our On-Line Store. We'll issue an RMA number, which must be included with your return in order for you to receive credit. (800) 249-5397, 9am-6pm EST.

Warranty Returns : If your BigKeys keyboard is defective, or, if within the warranty period, your BigKeys keyboard stops working in some way (given reasonable "wear and tear"), we'll fix it or replace it, free.

Non-Warranty Returns: Within 30-days of purchase, BigKeys products can be returned to us for a refund if they are unused: in "like new", resellable condition. Full credit will be issued, less a $20 Re-Stocking Fee and original shipping costs.

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23. BigKeys Repairs: Can I get my BigKeys keyboard repaired?

We do have a BigKeys Repair Department. See our BigKeys Repairs page for more information.

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• 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.

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