Switch Interfaces Explained
It can be a bit of a minefield knowing which switch interface you need to purchase to successfully use your switch accessible software. Switch interfaces fall into two broad categories, plug and play switch interfaces and software driven switch interfaces, with several options in each of those categories. The various interfaces are described below:
Plug and Play Switch Interfaces:
Inclusive Simple Switch Box
This is the easiest to use switch interface from Inclusive Technology. You can plug one or two switches into the interface which will emulate the space and / or enter key on the keyboard. All of Inclusive’s own software has been written with space and enter as the default switch presses.
A lot of third party switch software also uses (or can be set to use) space/enter. There are a few exceptions however so this interface would not be suitable for all software or for anyone wanting to use more than two switches with their computer.
USB Switch Interface Plus
This Quizworks switch interface box allows up to five switches. Simple buttons on the interface include 25 optional input characters (as shown in the picture opposite).
This interface can also help someone who might accidentally hit their switch more than once, with a ‘no repeat’ option.
Switch Interface Pro 6.0
Similar to the Quizworks switch interface, this switch box from Don Johnston allows up to five switches and has 20 options for switch input.
It is a small size and has brightly lit led’s so that you know which switch options you have selected.
Software Driven Switch Interfaces:
Joy Cable 2
This switch interface from Sensory Software allows one or two switches.
As it uses Sensory’s Switch Driver software, switches can be set up to press a key on the keyboard (with shift, alt or control) or press a button on the mouse or move the mouse.
Crick USB Switch Box
This switch interface from Crick Software allows up to four switches and will work instantly with any of Crick’s software, such as Clicker 5.
The software that comes with the Crick switch box allows you to set which keyboard press the switch is sending to the computer.
Inclusive MultiSwitch 2
This switch interface can accept up to six switches. Its intelligent Switch Centre software includes an extensive database of switch accessible software meaning that the majority of software’s switch settings are automatically detected.
You can also manually set what your switch/es are doing and a mouse mode on the interface allows you to emulate mouse movements very easily via switches.
Plug and Play or Software Driven Switch Interfaces:
it-Receive
This switch interface is part of Inclusive Technology’s new wireless Simply Works range. It is a plug and play device when coupled with the it-Switch as all of the switch settings can be set on the switch itself. If you wish to turn your existing wired switches wireless, you would need to pair the it-receive with the it-Send which will take one switch (no software required) or the it-Send Pro which can support up to six switches (this uses the same Switch Centre software as the Inclusive MultiSwitch).
