When we started designing our third-generation iPad keyboard for schools, we addressed two common complaints we’d heard over the years: iPad keyboard cases aren’t easy to use and they’re not durable enough.
The top complaint we heard? Students pry the keys off constantly. Kids of all ages pick at just about everything. Durability is the most important consideration, and pry-resistant keys are the most important feature.
With this feedback in mind, we made pry-resistant keys our top priority when designing our latest iPad keyboard case.
It makes sense that keyboard keys are so important given they contribute to durability, cost savings and a smoother learning experience for students and teachers.
How Brenthaven Keys are Different
Our pry-resistant keyboard features flanges that sit underneath the actual top keyboard housing, and the flanges ensure that hands can’t reach under the keys to pop them off. Our goal is to stop the problem before it happens instead of fix it after the keys are popped off.
Why Pry-Resistant Keys are Important in the Classroom
1. A Full Keyboard is Required for Learning
Keys that can easily be pried off often become damaged or lost over time. While one missing key might not seem like a significant issue, it can hinder typing, create distractions and require schools to constantly repair or replace the equipment.
Pry-resistant keys eliminate this problem by making it difficult for students to intentionally or accidentally remove them.
2. Reduces Distractions for Students
For younger students, the temptation to fiddle with loose or detachable keys is hard to resist. Even for older students, missing or damaged keys can be a source of frustration or distraction.
By providing pry-resistant keys, schools can reduce these distractions and create a more focused learning environment. For teachers, this means less time spent managing technology issues and more time focused on teaching.
3. Minimizes Maintenance and Replacement Costs
Schools operate on tight budgets, and the cost of replacing damaged equipment can add up quickly. When keys are frequently damaged or removed, schools are faced with the choice of either paying for repairs or using keyboards that hinder students’ productivity.
With pry-resistant keys, schools can maximize their investment in iPad keyboards.
4. Ensures Consistent Learning Experiences
When keyboards remain functional and intact, students benefit from a consistent learning experience. In many cases, technology lessons are cumulative, building on skills students learned in previous sessions. If students face obstacles in the form of missing keys or malfunctioning keyboards, it can set them back and disrupt their progress.
Pry-resistant keys help create a uniform experience across the classroom, ensuring that all students have access to fully functional equipment every time they sit down to learn.
5. Supports Accessibility for All Students
Students who rely on specific typing tools, such as screen readers or voice-to-text software, often require full access to the keyboard to navigate commands and shortcuts. Missing keys disrupt this functionality and can create an extra hurdle for these students.
Next Steps : Brenthaven Keyboard
Investing in keyboards with pry-resistant keys is an investment in a better learning experience for students and teachers alike. By choosing hardware that can withstand the daily realities of a busy classroom, schools can make the most of their resources and provide students with reliable tools that enhance their educational journey.
That’s why at Brenthaven, we made pry-resistant keys and durability our main focus. Learn more about our keyboard or request a sample below to try it yourself.
