The touchscreen revolution put an end to the days when keyboards reigned supreme but are there still viable reasons for considering a keyboard when you start your kiosk project? From hygiene and maintenance, to aesthetic considerations, we explore the pros and cons of adding keys to your kiosk:
Benefits
- The Millennial generation aside; people are more comfortable typing using a keyboard because they have had more exposure to them over the years. Touchscreen keyboards can be somewhat difficult to use at speed where a tactile keyboard will allow any user to type quickly and accurately
- Some symbols and characters are hard to find on touchscreen keyboards when compared to the more obvious hardware keyboard. Some symbols are removed altogether on touchscreen keyboards that may be required by some users for a variety of reasons. Adding a keyboard could be particularly helpful for disabled or visually impaired users
- Generally speaking; many customers will prefer a hands- on keyboard so it may be worthwhile including both a hardware and touchscreen option to make your kiosk accessible to all
- It will no doubt become obvious after just a few uses that some touchscreens can get very dirty, very quickly. Having a hardware keyboard will limit the amount of touching required on the user’s part and, can therefore, reduce the need for repeated cleaning
Drawbacks
- The touchscreen revolution is in full flow and it is becoming progressively more difficult to buy a modern computer or phone that doesn’t have some form of a touchscreen. Over time, it may become difficult to find a hardware keyboard compatible with your kiosk or anyone capable of performing maintenance as the technology is outmoded
- Hardware keyboards are no longer aesthetically pleasing for many users as touchscreen kiosks are generally self- contained units with uncluttered appearances. To achieve the most modern look for your kiosk; it may be best to avoid the addition of a keyboard
- Hardware keyboards may have Bluetooth and networking functions to avoid the need for cables but these systems aren’t 100% reliable despite longstanding reliance on them. A wholly touchscreen kiosk will be more reliable over time – even from vandals etc
- If you’re hoping for a compact kiosk; you may not have the space available to include a keyboard without it taking up a lot of the functional area
Overall, the decision may rest on the intended purpose of your kiosk but can hardware keyboards be justified in an era where touchscreen dominates the technological market? It may be worth embracing the touchscreen revolution unless you have a very valid reason to include the hardware but get in touch with us to discuss your specific requirements.