trackpad on keyboards, are they useful?

By Daybreaker, 4 February, 2025

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

Hello. I have a keyboard here with integrated trackpad. Is that useful for me who is completely blind?

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Comments

By TheBlindGuy07 on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 16:26

I am assuming that it's from apple? I thought they sell trackpad and magic keyboard separately? ... Anyways. I'd say that on the mac (the trackpad of the ipad is just seen as a regular pointing device (mouse) thus it doesn't have the vo integration mac trackpad does which is very sad) trackpad can be quite helpful sometimes when used properly. For example I regularely use obs on my mac and it's not natively accessible with voiceover everywhere but trackpad allows me to use all its feature as when I drag my finger I can still see all the ui elements in that interaction layer I am on. Similarely, there is the help interactive menu which basically will allow you to search the guide of the app as well all the menu elements from one text field which is broken with arrow keys but accessible from the trackpad.

By Brian on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - 16:26

They also make third-party Bluetooth keyboards, with integrated track pads. Shame if they do not work with trackpad Commander. Trackpad Commander on macOS is simply amazing.

By Daybreaker on Monday, February 10, 2025 - 16:26

Many VO gestures seem to actually work. I am learning. The only thing I cannot figure out is the rotor. I can swipe or use touch explore just fine.

By TheBlindGuy07 on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 16:26

I am so frustrated that the 3 finger scrolling gesture are inherently broken especially when we are fast and it's the only way to scroll properly. Filed a feedback somewhere here.