Computer Keyboards for Kids

The ability to type fast and accurately is essential skill for school and work. As keyboarding skill improves through practice, the younger a person begins keyboarding, the faster they will become proficient. For younger children who are still learning their colors or numbers and may still have difficulty with hand / eye coordination, a simple keyboard-like device is probably the best. These introduce the concept of typing, but don’t necessary use the QWERTY keyboard, or even letters (some simply use pictures of common objects on the keys). Older children may not quite have the coordination of adults, but it is best to switch to a QWERTY keyboard once they have mastered basic reading and writing. Even though they may achieve the speed that older children or adults do, they will not need to break bad habits later in life when they begin using regular keyboards. Listed below are some of the keyboards available for children, from toddlers to nearly ready for a regular keyboard (in fact, some are standard, just with bright colors to make them more interesting).

A colorful keyboard with extra large keys, the Crayola EZ Type keyboard is one of the most popular keyboards for children.  Although basically a QWERTY layout, the keys are set up slightly differently and are lined up on top of each other, unlike the standard keyboard where the keys are slightly offset.  This shouldn’t be a problem with younger kids, but could be a concern with older kids if they are beginning to learn touch typing.  However, at that point you would probably want to switch to a standard sized keyboard.  The Crayola EZ Type keyboard also doesn’t include the various Function and other “extra” keys, making it less confusing for children who are just beginning to use the keyboard.  The Crayloa EZ type Keyboard is also available in a set which includes a mouse and a mouse pad.

This is a very simple keyboard designed for young children. It includes a simple and colorful set of the basic letters and numbers, along with a just a few other keys to keep it from becoming confusing. The keys are extra large to accommodate youngster’s smaller and less nimble hands and the keyboard features a spill proof design with a washable cover that can be removed. No software is necessary to use this computer and a pink model is also available.

The Kizmouse keyboard features the ever popular SpongeBob SquarePants. It includes only the main keys without function keys, pause/break, and number lock, etc. This makes it easier for kids to learn the core keyboarding techniques. The keys are also color coded with letters yellow, numbers red and all the other keys green. One nice feature of the SpongeBob Keyboard is that it includes built in software that sends only one letter to the screen at a time and prevents run on letters if a child holds the key down too long.

This is a colorful complete set that includes a keyboard, a mouse and headphones. All three components are constructed of tough ABS plastic and should withstand years of use. Both the headphones and mouse are smaller than adult size, so smaller children can use them comfortably. The keyboard features color coded keys for easy memorization. Unlike some of the other keyboards, the Califone Kids keyboard does includes the function keys and Microsoft hot keys. Although this makes the keyboard more realistic, and allows more standard functions, it may also confuse younger children who are just beginning to learn to use a keyboard.

The Leapfrog Clickstart is more than just a keyboard. Designed for children between the ages of three through six, it plugs into a television, eliminating the need for an actual computer. It includes a built in child sized mouse (the mouse can be adjusted for both right and left handed children). The keyboard is QWERTY style with simple bright and colorful keys. The package includes four learning games, and additional games can be purchased separately (the games are cartridge based). The Leapfrog Clickstart is also wireless, so you have fewer cables to worry about.

The Vtech Tote and Go “Laptop” is not really a traditional keyboard, but is a device designed for preschoolers and is focuses more on basic learning skills, such as learning the alphabet and colors rather than learning touch typing or improving typing speed. The keyboard is alphabetical, going from A to Z instead of the standard QWERTY layout. The Tote and Go also includes a built in mouse. Featuring over 30 built in activities that help teach children language, math and music skills, the Tote and Go is a great learning toy. The screen is somewhat small, but considering the price (under $30.00 for the entire package) it is a nice little device for introducing small children to computers and keyboards.

For older children, once you have right keyboard, you probably want to buy a good typing program to help them improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy. Typing Instructor for Kids is the bestselling typing program for kids on Amazon and includes a solid variety of activities for specific age groups beginning with six or seven years old. Children can quickly improve their skills with hundreds of different typing lessons and exercises and typing games. Typing Instructor for Kids is designed for a standard QWERTY keyboard.