KidBoard

Copyright: KBkids.com

In the past few years, several 'kid-friendly' keyboards have been released. Each of these have their own specific strengths and weaknesses. Many companies disagree with each other on how these keyboards should be constructed. Some companies make keys larger than normal, some make them smaller, while others leave the size alone. KidBoard, with it's standard sized keys is one of the most popular.

KidBoard is a bright colored keyboard shaped like a smiling face. The keyboard itself is visually appealing for younger kids. This keyboard is designed especially for the preschool crowd. The keys are full size, and the sports all of the latest Windows keys. While most of the keys are bright yellow, the number keys and space bar are red. The letter keys are blue, with icons on each which help your child identify the letter. For example, the 'K' key has a picture of a kite on it, and the 'R' key has a rabbit's head on it. Keys on the left side of the keyboard have bright yellow letters, and keys on the right side have dark red letters. Testers found the yellow letters much easier to see. Perhaps white letters on a blue background would have been better for the right side of the keyboard.

The KidBoard is built of extremely tough materials. Testers found it very 'kid-proof' and much more durable than other keyboards. Families with several small children will appreciate the lifetime warranty. This keyboard may even help beginning spellers as they sound out words. Whether or not it will help with longer words, or the middle sounds is debatable, but the keyboard will definitely help with beginning sounds.

The only serious flaw found with this keyboard was the fact that the wrist rest is terribly off-center. In order to make the keyboard look like a face, the manufacturer, has curved the bottom of the keyboard. As a result, the wrist rest is not centered below the main section of the keyboard. Very small children may not notice, but adults who type much will go crazy! An older child, or adult who uses this keyboard will find their right wrist rests nicely on the pad, while their left wrist dangles in mid-air! Testers felt this was a fairly serious design flaw, and may limit the keyboards usefulness as a 'family keyboard.'

You will also find KidBoard Coach packaged with this keyboard. This is a mediocre keyboarding program, but you aren't paying anything extra for it. The program contains five arcade-style typing games which help younger children learn the keyboard. Children over the age of eight will most likely find this game much to juvenile.

Aside from the ergonometric design flaw, this is a sturdy, well designed keyboard. The addition of letter sound icons is a very nice touch. If you plan to use this as a family keyboard, proceed with caution if you do a lot of typing. You may find this keyboard somewhat uncomfortable as an adult.

Bottom Line: An extremely sturdy, kid-friendly keyboard. Ergonometric design flaws may be serious enough to cause you to proceed with caution.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 2 1/2

BrainGain: 2 1/2

FunFactor: 3 1/2

EasePlease: 1

Buy Little Tykes: kidBoard at Amazon!