At Clevy, we believe that technology should adapt to YOU—not the other way around. That’s why it was a pleasure to meet Jo Boonstra, a passionate photographer who refuses to let rheumatoid arthritis and neuropathy hold him back. For Jo, using a standard keyboard had become increasingly frustrating due to pain and reduced finger control, making typing an exhausting challenge. But with the right tools, he discovered a new level of ease and confidence in his digital experience.
Jo had tried many keyboards before, but traditional designs didn’t accommodate his needs. “The keys on a standard keyboard are too close together,” he shared. “I often press two at once”
Finding Comfort and Control with the Clevy Keyboard
When Jo tested the Clevy Keyboard, he immediately noticed an improvement. “Typing is already much better,” he said. “The larger keys reduce typing errors, and the color-coded layout makes it easier to find vowels and consonants quickly.” With its intuitive design, the Clevy Keyboard allowed Jo to type more comfortably, helping him focus on his creative work.
Enhanced Visibility with the Clevy Contrast Keyboard
Jo also explored the Clevy Contrast Keyboard, which offers the same thoughtful design but with high-contrast keys for users with reduced vision. “It provides the same functionality but improves visibility, making typing even more comfortable for those with visual challenges,” Jo noted. This option ensures that users with both motor and visual impairments can experience greater accessibility and ease.
Additional Support with the Clevy Keyguard
While the Clevy Keyboard made typing smoother, Jo still found himself making occasional mistakes. That’s when he tried the Clevy Keyguard—and it made all the difference.
“The support from the Clevy Keyguard feels great,” Jo explained. “I can rest my hands on the keyboard without accidentally pressing extra keys. It takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it significantly improves accuracy.” He quickly adapted and found that the Keyguard provided a valuable solution for those needing extra stability and precision.
Adjusting to a Different Keyboard Layout
One aspect that required adjustment was the missing function keys. “At first, I missed the F keys,” Jo admitted. “But I learned they can still be used by combining the ‘F’ key with a number. It’s an adjustment, but for most users, it won’t be a problem. For those who rely on function keys frequently, it may take some getting used to.”
A Step Toward Accessibility
Reflecting on his experience, Jo summed it up: “The Clevy Keyboard is a good option for people with motor impairments and anyone who benefits from larger keys. It’s easy to use, and minimizes typing errors. Paired with the Clevy Keyguard, accuracy improves even further. And for those who need enhanced visibility, the Clevy Contrast Keyboard is an excellent choice, especially in low-light conditions.”
Jo’s story is a powerful reminder of why accessibility matters. With the right tools, technology becomes a gateway to independence, creativity, and connection. At Clevy, we’re proud to design solutions that empower individuals like Jo to keep doing what they love—without limitations.
Video interview
Watch our youtube video to view the full interview we had with Jo Boonstra! Video is in Dutch, but English subtitles are included.
