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DESCRIPTION
KeyStrokes provides a fully-functional on-screen keyboard that works seamlessly with all standard Mac OS X applications allowing a person with a disability to type virtually anywhere a hardware keyboard can be used. It automatically adjusts to US and international keyboard layouts and has multiple resizable keyboard models. It even includes an editor called LayoutKitchen, which allows users to design their own virtual keyboards. Such virtual keyboards can be used not only for typing, but also to launch applications, speak, run AppleScripts and much more. KeyStrokes handles command key combinations, dead keys, and modifier key click combinations. It offers a quick access toolbar and has many customizable settings. The integrated system wide dwelling function allows people with disabilities to click, double click, drag, and right click by simply holding the cursor motionless for a programmable period of time. You can even type without clicking KeyStrokes provides advanced multilingual word prediction allowing a total effort reduction of up to 70%. Thanks to its revolutionary PolyPredix(TM) word prediction engine it can do word completion, next word prediction and even multi-word prediction in any Roman language as well as many other languages. KeyStrokes provides SmartTransparency technology to provide you with an optimum use of your screen real-estate and make sure the virtual keyboard never gets in your way. Word prediction also works for the hardware keyboard to accommodate one finger typists and with SwitchXS 2.1 to give switch users access to the same great word prediction. Localized in English, Norwegian, French, German, Dutch and Italian.
WHAT'S NEW
Version 4.1 is now Universal Binary, offers enhanced compatibility with Spaces, and on Leopard provides automatic layout switching when the user changes the keyboard layout in the Mac OS X Input menu. Also included is a newly released LayoutKitchen 2.1.1 layout editor, which allows users to design their own on-screen keyboards.
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
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| Keystrokes User Reviews (11 posts) | Write A Review |
 | Jan 18 2008 |
EASER Keystrokes is out of my price range, but Touchstrokes (same company) is definitely worth a look. I've found it to be the most versatile and stable of the virtual keyboards out there. I hope the company makes some of these new Keystrokes features available to Touchstrokes users.
(Version 4.0) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
 | Jan 18 2008 |
DAVIDN We are working on a new TouchStrokes version that will bring some of the new stuff over from KeyStrokes. But given the price differences not all of course. these products are also aimed at very different markets with very different needs and very different sales volumes.
(Version 4.0) | |
 | Jul 29 2005 |
SOLID_SNAKE KeyStrokes is the best piece of disability software that I have used in that great care and attention is given to every aspect of it. Most other developers of disability software have an "eh, close enough" attitude, not addressing bugs and letting their products languish as the wheels of progress grind away. On the other hand, no level of imperfection is acceptable to AssistiveWare, as they work diligently to fix bugs and inovate, allowing the disabled to ride the crest of Apple's latest technology through their products. Working seamlessly with Mac OS X, KeyStrokes almost blends with the operating system, feeling like an Apple developed product rather than just a third party application; the end result is an application that feels as natural to the user as a hardware keyboard. On this forum, much fuss has been voiced over KeyStrokes $299 price, but what some people here fail to realize is that comparable products for the PC cost significantly more, and a $299 one time price is not bad for an application that features a multitude of advancements with every update. The developer is in no way making a killing off of any of his applications, no one is getting fleeced - this I can attest to.
(Version 3.6) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 14 2005 |
RICKY BUCHANAN I have a disability that means I can use a trackpad with one fingers but can seldom type at all. Without KeyStrokes I'd have the choice of Windows, or of not computing at all. And if I chose Windows, similar software with multiple word prediction, and the other *vital* features of KeyStrokes would cost me FAR more. Like me, most other people needing this software will have an agency which can help with funding. Thank God that there are people like David in the world. [Both of my comments typed using KeyStrokes]
(Version 3.6) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 13 2005 |
ANONYMOUS Developer, it´s a crime you make disabled people pay that much to be able to type. Disabled people are poor, wake up to reality. Jobs, do a free on screen keyboard for disabled people, Mac for everybody.
(Version 3.6) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jul 29 2005 |
SOLID_SNAKE And who are we, the morality police? If you had any knowledge about the subject you are commenting on, you would know that KeyStrokes is quite a bit cheaper than similar applications that are available for Widoze. Also, unlike those products, KeyStrokes is continually updated with new features and compatibility for updates to OS X, never falling into obsolescence. Apple hasn't bothered making an on-screen keyboard because it isn't financially feasible for them. No matter how you cut it, people need to make income in order to survive. Food=$$$...
(Version 3.6) | |
| Mar 3 2005 |
ANONYMOUS Give me $299, I'll come to your house tomorrow and type whatever you want for you.
(Version 3.5) | |
| [ 3 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Apr 29 2005 |
ANONYMOUS :-))
(Version 3.5.1) | |
| Apr 30 2005 |
ANONYMOUS That's funny, you're really a joker
(Version 3.5.1) | |
| Jul 29 2005 |
SOLID_SNAKE Nah, you ain't worth the price. I can type faster with KeyStrokes...
(Version 3.6) | |
| Feb 18 2005 |
W. PFROMMER There have been some misconceptions about who might need KeyStrokes and whether voice recognition could be a substitute. Well, it is not for the lazy typist! Voice recognition may be nice, but what is if you have no voice or no hands to edit those 4% blunders? Voice recognition may supplement KeyStrokes and vice versa, but it is neither way a substitute. And if you needed to hire someone to type for you 24/7, $ 299 wouldn't get you far, either. KeyStrokes is a very advanced special access tool for point-and-click computer access. As such, it is resonably priced. (This message written using KeyStrokes and a HeadMouseŽ head tracking device)
(Version 3.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Feb 17 2005 |
MAC NEW USER Thanks to the developer for your kind explanation about the target user of this utility. After go thru the link provide by developer and read thru the review from the user, I feel guilty for what I rate on this utility in my previous post. I re-rate the features and ease of use column. But I still feel it's too expensive for the target market. Is it possible to lower the price and public still can donate for the utility development so that more affordable for targeting market? I wonder what would Jobs said?
(Version 3.5) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jul 14 2005 |
RICKY BUCHANAN This type of software is not something that any random programmer could knock up in a few days or even weeks ... I happen to be a beta tester for KeyStrokes and also a programmer and I am extraordinarily impressed with the quality of the software and of the support that the developer provides for users. KeyStrokes is an advanced program with a very specific audience. To make a living on software like this is not possible unless you change what David is charging. I can assure you that he is NOT getting rich on the back of people with a disability, and he never would.
(Version 3.6) | |
| Feb 17 2005 |
ANONYMOUS For the price, a person might as well just hire someone to type the words. I think the point about encouraging further development would be better taken if the price were reduced. You'd surely get more customers, at the very least. At $249, it sure is hard to believe nobody's being taken advantage of. Especially considering the target users here. Last suggestion... I don't think you'll reel in more buyers by raising your voice at them. This software is overpriced.
(Version 3.5) | |
| [ 1 Reply - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Feb 18 2005 |
ANONYMOUS I won't re-iterate what I already tried to explain before, but I will comment on one point. What I can tell you from experience is that a lower price actually makes it less accessible to the people who need it most. Back in 2000 I released a first shareware version at $45. You know what the complaint was I got then, that people could not buy it because it was only sold through the internet and many people with disabilities do not have a credit card and many schools and institutions are not allowed to buy on internet. People asked me whether I could not sell it through specialized dealers. So I talked with those dealers and they laughed at me because their is no margin on a $45 product. So I had to increase the price because otherwise no dealer would sell it. I also needed to increase it because way to few people where buying it even though it was better than many of the commercial solutions out there at that time. After a year it became clear to me that without making it a commercial product at a commercial price I would not be able to continue working full time on its development and would have to abandon this product for some more lucrative mass-market program project. Now that the price is higher there are many more people buying it and it is easy for schools to buy it and for people to get it paid through their insurance or special funding (which was impossible with the internet only distribution). Sure for some people the new pricing is a real problem. Whenever possible we try to find a solution for them. | |
| Feb 17 2005 |
DAVID NIEMEIJER This is to once and for all explain why this software is (1) vital and (2) not free or cheap. 1) Voice recognition software still does not work well enough to use it for every task. In many cases an on-screen keyboard is more practical and more efficient. In practice we see that some people combine the two solutions. Keep in mind also that with some disabilities voice quality suffers or the ability to speak is altogether lost. KeyStrokes has actually led some people to switch from Windows to Mac because it has features unavailable on the PC. 2) In an ideal world this kind of software should perhaps be free, but it is better that someone takes the time to develop it (and thus needs to earn an income by selling it) than that the software does not exist at all. It took three years to develop KeyStrokes for Mac OS X and given the small market for these kinds of products (not everyone uses a Mac and those needing this kind of software form an even smaller group), it is not possible to sell it for less. And, it is still cheaper than comparable products for Windows (a much larger market). Also, if someone is short on cash there are all kinds of ways to get software like this funded. I think that in the long run everyone is better off if the software generates enough income to allow continued investment in further development. Having free or cheap software that is not updated to add new effort-saving features or is made compatible when new OS releases come out does not serve anyone much. KeyStrokes is NOT made to gain a quick buck. The price is not set to made profit, just to gain enough income to continue further development and let KeyStrokes make a difference in people's lifes. David Niemeijer, CTO and lead developer
(Version 3.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Feb 17 2005 |
MAC NEW USER It's a very good utility for some of my friend who unable to type with hand but still can play with mouse, or so call conditioning handicap. They can use the mouse to perform typing on screen but just can't type on the keyboard. That might help them to survive in IT world. But hey.... you already kill them with the price before they get it. Nowadays, people are go for voice recognition to solve unable typing problem. If people still able to move the mouse and click the button, he should still able to perform typing, even with one finger. So what is the deal with this utility? Or there's any other condition that I can't imagine; need this utility, please let me know. You create utility that trying to solve difficulty but yet difficult to get it. You create utility for those with certain condition requirement where those condition didn't need this utility. You are really making money. Please do let me know if I misunderstand you initial idea of this utility. | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Feb 17 2005 |
DAVID NIEMEIJER See my "from developer review" for the main response to this reccurent question about pricing. What I forgot to mention there is that many users of on-screen keyboards move the mouse with a trackball or with a head pointer and thus can use an on-screen keyboard but cannot type with one finger on a hardware keyboard. If you want to see some examples go to http://www.assistiveware.com/testimonies.php | |
| Feb 17 2005 |
MAC NEW USER My point is that, the price is still too high (especially after I look at the link you provide). You can check all my post, I never comment anything on the price. It's a good utility like I said. I hope that "small market" is not the reasons for you to charge them so high. About the rating I gave, I'm sorry, like I mention, I don't realize the initial idea of this utility... Please accept my apologize about my rate. Lastly, you've developed a very wonderful utility, but I still feel it's too expensive.
(Version 3.5) | |
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