The orbiTouch® is US Federal Government Section 508 Accessibility Regulations compliant.

Please refer to our FAQ for any questions you may have about the orbiTouch®. For any other questions or support related topics, please e-mail support@keybowl.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

Q:When using windows, how do I press CRTL ALT DEL ?
A:You can do this in one of two ways. You could type the character sequence CTRL-ALT-DEL-ALT-CTRL. This turns on CTRL and ALT modes, puts in the DEL character, and then turns off CTRL and ALT modes. Or..., you can type the orbiTouch®'s special "CTRL ALT DEL" character--this single character is shown on the Character Guide. Back to Top

Q:How easy are the domes to move? (I have bad elbows)
A:The domes are very easy to move. The force required is approximately 7 N (1.6 pounds). This is 68% lower than the requirements set by the US Federal Government's Section 508 accessibility regulations.Back to Top

Q:Is voice input technology going to replace manual input and thereby render my orbiTouch® obsolete?
A:Voice input has come a long way in its development. There are several research efforts under way to help determine how effective speech technology is in providing a solution to repetitive strain injury. Vocal cord stress as well as many other physical aspects of voice input are being investigated. Generally speaking (no pun intended), voice input is good at getting information into a word processing program or for general menu commands. Where voice input falls short is in the area of editing, programming, and accuracy. Back to Top

Q: Does it take up more space than a regular keyboard?
A:The orbiTouch® is approximately the same size as a traditional keyboard but the domes make it about 1.5 inches taller than a standard keyboard. Back to Top

Q: What are the ergonomic benefits of the orbiTouch® keyless keyboard?
A:The most publicized typing overuse injury is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a progressively disabling and painful condition of the hand that occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Studies show that the orbiTouch® design may reduce the repetitive finger and wrist motions that contribute to CTS. The orbiTouch® requires no finger motion or wrist motion for use. Back to Top

Q: Does the orbiTouch® have all of the functionality of a regular keyboard?
A: Yes, and then some. The orbiTouch® actually has a 128 position capability (8 motions on the left dome x 8 movements on the right dome). There is also a built in mouse in the right dome. Simply click it to change from typing to mouse mode and vice versa. Back to Top

Q: Will the orbiTouch® cause damage to other parts of the arm given that it eliminates finger motion and wrist motion?
A: Extensive research has lead to the design of the orbiTouch® Keyless Keyboard. Each orbiTouch® dome moves 7 millimeters from their center position. This distance is about the same that most typists move their hands in typing on a regular keyboard. As such, the biomechanical requirements in the upper arm in using a regular QWERTY keyboard are similar to those when typing with the orbiTouch®. Back to Top

Q:How easy is the orbiTouch® to use?
A:It is very easy to use. The basic concepts are mastered in minutes. Most typists are able to type proficiently after using the orbiTouch® keyless keyboard about 3 1/2 hours--45 minutes practice a day for 5 days.Back to Top

Q: Does the order in which the domes move matter? Do the domes have to re-center after each character is typed?
A: Domes can be moved in either order (right hand first or left hand first) or simultaneously. It's the position of the domes in their respective 8 positions that types the character. The domes do not have to be re-centered to type subsequent characters. Holding the left dome in one of its positions allows the typist to type 8 characters using the right dome. If one or more of the characters you wish to type are in that left hand position, you can hold the dome there to type the characters. Back to Top

A: While we are still collecting data on whether the orbiTouch® completely eliminates carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), our research data does indicate that it can help prevent or reduce the repetitive motions that are suspect in causing CTS. The unique design of the orbiTouch® keyless keyboard eliminates the finger and wrist motions that most often contribute to and aggravate CTS symptoms.Back to TopQ:Does the orbiTouch® eliminate carpal tunnel syndrome?

Q: Is it possible to use Finnish/Swedish special characters Ö, Ä with the orbiTouch®?
A:The current model of the orbiTouch® is designed to generate all of the letters, numbers, special characters, and control keys found on a traditional US-English keyboard. The slide guide illustrates the characters generated by specific dome movements when the orbiTouch® is used with Windows in US-English mode. In some cases, use with Windows set for other language implementations is possible with only a change in the dome-movement-character correspondence. For some languages, additional characters will need to be defined. Prior to announcing general availability in any country, we will have tested the requirements of the predominant languages used in the country. In general, if you can produce the characters used by your language with a US-English traditional keyboard, then you will be able to do so with the current orbiTouch® by re-labeling your slide guide.
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Q:Does it work in Linux?
A: The orbiTouch® has been tested extensively in all versions of Microsoft Windows. While it has not been tested by us with computers running Linux, the orbiTouch® should work in any environment that supports a standard PC keyboard and mouse. Back to Top

Q:Where can I try this product out?
A: You can try the product at one of our Resellers. You may also find the orbiTouch® at your local community technology center or assistive technology center.
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Q: What is the fastest words per minute that can be achieved with the orbiTouch®?
A: We're not sure--fastest we've seen so far is about 42 words per minute.... Back to Top

Q: How does the mouse work?
A: Mouse functions are performed very easily. First, sliding the left dome down twice puts the orbiTouch® into "Mouse Mode." Then the right dome controls cursor movement, and the left dome does the mouse "clicks." The "clicks" are actually performed by smoothly sliding the left dome to the left for "left click," right for "right click," and straight up for "middle click" or window scrolling. Back to Top

Q: Does orbiTouch® ship the product overseas?
A: Yes. The orbiTouch® is in use across the United States and in 9 other countries. We have a growing list of Resellers around the world, or you can buy directly from our online Web Store.
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Q: Does orbiTouch® work in MS-DOS ? Can I still use my optical mouse?
A: We are assuming that you are accessing MS-DOS through the Windows "Run CMD" capability. Since the normal Windows keyboard and mouse drivers are still running, the orbiTouch® will work fine. As for the optical mouse, that should work also. If the optical mouse is occupying one of the PS/2 ports, we suggest that you plug the orbiTouch® in via the included USB adapter. Back to Top

Q: Can a lefthander mouse w/ the LEFT dome controlling cursor, RIGHT dome clicking?
A: This would require development of a customized unit. If you would like to discuss this further, please complete the Special Request Form or send an e-mail to info@blueorb.com.
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Q: What is the average number of words typed per minute
A: Average throughput is 30 to 40 words per minute--about the average for a regular keyboard. Back to Top

Q: Does the mouse action have a double-click?
A: Yes. While you're in mouse mode, sliding the left dome once in the left direction produces a "single click." Sliding this dome twice in the left direction produces a "double click." Back to Top

Section 508

orbiTouch® Keyless Keyboard

Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Profile

Blue Orb, Inc. is a technology company that makes assistive technology products that support the universal access objectives of Section 508.

The information in the tables below describes the ways in which Blue Orb's orbiTouch® Keyless Keyboard complies with the requirements of Section 508. The format is in compliance with the ITIC Voluntary Product Assessment Template, Version 1.1, 8/3/01.

Date:	June 10, 2003
Name of Product:	orbiTouch® Keyless Keyboard
Contact for More Information:	407-622-7774 (voice)

Summary Table Voluntary Product Accessibility Template
Criteria	Supporting Features	Remarks and explanations
Section 1194.1 Purpose: "...Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities..."	The orbiTouch® provides equivalent access to information and data for persons who cannot effectively use the traditional keyboard/mouse combination. This is accomplished by creating characters and mouse functions without using the finger and wrist motions that can aggravate or cause repetitive stress injury, and by eliminating fine motor skill requirements.	This easy-to-use product offers unprecedented opportunities for anyone who has difficulty using a keyboard. These individuals include those with cognitive or physical disabilities, repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, limited fine motor function, reduced finger function and others who have difficulty using a keyboard.
Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems	N/A
Section 1194.22 Web-based internet information and applications	N/A
Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products	N/A
Section 1194.24 Video and Multi-media Products	N/A
Section 1194.25 Self-Contained, Closed Products	N/A
Section 1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers	See Details Below
Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria	N/A

Section 508, Subpart B, § 1194.26 Desktop and portable computers: (a) All mechanically operated controls and keys shall comply with §1194.23 (k) (1) through (4).

Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products - Detail Voluntary Product Accessibility Template
Criteria	Supporting Features	Remarks and explanations
(k)(1) Products which have mechanically operated controls or keys shall comply with the following: Controls and Keys shall be tactilely discernible without activating the controls or keys.	Supports: The orbiTouch® uses two ergonomically sculpted domes for typing and mouse functions, instead of the numerous keys found on traditional keyboards. These domes are easily discernable without activating any typing or mouse functions.	Also, for persons with low vision, locating and operating the two orbiTouch® domes is less complex than locating and navigating an array of keys.
(k)(2) Products which have mechanically operated controls or keys shall comply with the following: Controls and Keys shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls and keys shall be 5 lbs. (22.2N) maximum.	Supports with Exceptions:The orbiTouch® currently works best with the use of two hands. The force required to activate each dome is less than 1 N (approx. 0.7 N). The orbiTouch® is specifically designed so as not to require any tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. All typing and mouse functions are achieved via gentle sliding motions once the hands have been placed on the domes.	Two-handed operation may also be accomplished by some users with one hand via prosthetic devices. Development efforts are currently underway to create a version of the orbiTouch® that is designed for operation with one hand, as well as units with domes that can be customized into different sizes and shapes.
(k)(3) Products which have mechanically operated controls or keys shall comply with the following: If key repeat is supported, the delay before repeat shall be adjustable to at least 2 seconds. Key repeat rate shall be adjustable to 2 seconds per character.	Supports: The orbiTouch® supports delay of at least 2 seconds before key repeat, and key repeat rate may be adjusted to 2 seconds per character.	Key repeat may be adjusted to rates greater or less than the 2-second threshold based on user needs and preferences.
(k)(4) Products which have mechanically operated controls or keys shall comply with the following: The status of all locking or toggle controls or keys shall be visually discernible, and discernible either through touch or sound.	Supports with Exceptions: The different modes of the orbiTouch® are clearly indicated via a six-light LED display on the top of the unit. The orbiTouch® automatically initializes itself in "keyboard mode." Each mode or "toggle" state is enabled/disabled by specific dome movements, or by "clicking" the domes, which produces both audible and tactile feedback.	Future models of the orbiTouch® will provide more options for feedback via touch and/or sound.

Additional Support for Accessibility
Criteria	Supporting Features	Remarks and explanations
Section 501, (2)(b): "...an affirmative action program plan for the hiring, placement, and advancement of individuals with disabilities in such department, agency, or instrumentality. Such plan shall include a description of the extent to which and methods whereby the special needs of employees who are individuals with disabilities are being met."	Supports: The orbiTouch® provides a means for government agencies to clearly demonstrate how they are meeting the needs of employees who require an alternative approach for accessing computer-based applications and information. By introducing the orbiTouch® Keyless Keyboard into the workplace, these agencies can hire and place individuals with disabilities (as discussed above), and provide means for them to advance in their careers.	The orbiTouch® also provides a means of rapidly returning employees to the workplace when they have acquired conditions-such as repetitive stress injuries, other injuries to the hands or fingers, arthritis, or the effects of a stroke-that prevent them from performing computer related tasks.