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The Perixx PERIBOARD-317 and the Big Bright Easy-See Yellow Keyboard are the two heavy hitters in low-vision accessibility right now. Both nailed our best keyboards for the visually impaired roundup, but they take very different approaches. Which one is right for you depends on a few specific things — let’s break it down.
The PERIBOARD-317 has a big print letter together with a backlit feature, and it helps the user to use the keyboard at night or in a dark environment without any problem.
Prominent High-Contrast Keys for Optimal Visibility We've carefully engineered our keyboard with large, striking black letters on high-contrast yellow keys to accommodate those suffering from visual impairments or low vision. Traditional keyboards can have small white letters on dark black keys...
Quick Take
Both keyboards solve the same problem (low-vision users struggling with tiny standard keycaps) but they get there from opposite directions. The Perixx uses a calm white-on-black design plus a backlight to maximize flexibility. The Big Bright skips the backlight and goes all-in on extreme color contrast with massive black letters on yellow keys.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Perixx PERIBOARD-317 | Big Bright Easy-See |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 104 keys, full size | 104 keys, full size |
| Legend Color | White on matte black | Black on bright yellow |
| Legend Size | ~3x standard | ~3x standard, very bold |
| Backlight | White LED, 3 brightness levels | None |
| Switch Type | Low-profile membrane | Standard membrane |
| Sound | Quiet | Slightly clickier |
| Connection | USB-A, ~5 ft cable | USB-A wired |
| Price | ~$17 | ~$14 |
Legend & Contrast — Round 1 to the Big Bright
For pure contrast, the Big Bright wins. Yellow-on-black is the highest-contrast color pairing the human eye can register — same logic used on highway warning signs and emergency exits. If you’re working with severe contrast sensitivity issues (advanced macular degeneration, post-cataract recovery, diabetic retinopathy), the Big Bright will be visible when the Perixx starts to fade.
The Perixx’s white-on-black is still very readable, but it’s a more “normal looking” keyboard. Some users prefer that — the Big Bright looks unmistakably like a medical aid, which not everyone wants on their desk.
Lighting Conditions — Round 2 to the Perixx
This is where the Perixx pulls ahead. Its white LED backlight makes it usable in dim rooms, late at night, or anywhere the ambient lighting isn’t ideal. The Big Bright needs decent room lighting to be readable — without it, the yellow keycaps just look dim gray.
If the user’s workspace varies (bedroom, living room, basement office) or they tend to use the computer in the evening, the backlight wins. If they’re always in a brightly lit room, it’s a non-issue.
Typing Feel — Slight Edge to Perixx
The Perixx’s low-profile membrane keys are noticeably quieter than the Big Bright’s standard membrane action. Both have F/J tactile bumps. Both feel responsive. The Perixx also adds a bump on the numpad 5 — a small touch that data-entry users will love.
Build-wise, neither is a tank. They’re both light plastic. The Big Bright feels slightly chunkier in hand, which some older users prefer for grip stability.
Compatibility & Setup
Both are plain USB plug-and-play. No drivers. Works on Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Linux. Both register as generic USB HID keyboards so they’re transparent to JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and Windows Narrator. No difference here.
Price
The Big Bright is the budget pick at around $14. The Perixx runs about $17. Both are remarkable values for what you get. The price difference isn’t really a meaningful factor — neither is going to break the bank.
Verdict — Which Should You Buy?
Get the Perixx PERIBOARD-317 if: you want flexibility. It works in any lighting, looks like a normal keyboard, and the backlight is genuinely useful. It’s the better “default” recommendation.
Get the Big Bright Easy-See if: contrast is the #1 priority. If standard white-on-black is already hard to read for the user, the yellow-on-black on the Big Bright will likely be visible when nothing else is. Also the right pick if the room is always brightly lit (so the lack of backlight doesn’t matter).
Bottom Line
The Perixx is the better all-around pick. The Big Bright is the better severe-low-vision pick. Both are excellent for what they’re designed to do. Read the full best keyboards for the visually impaired guide for the full lineup.
