VarioHID 40
Plug in, switch on, read. On any system.
The VarioHID 40 combines the proven operating concept of the Vario family with native support for the new, standardised HID braille protocol. It therefore works with modern operating systems and screen readers without installing a driver – simply plug it in. Where an established environment calls for something different, holding down a key while switching on selects a compatibility mode. This way the VarioHID 40 runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux and ChromeOS – with virtually every common screen reader.
With 40 braille cells, six intuitive function keys and a reversible USB-C port, the VarioHID 40 offers everything you expect from a plug-and-play braille display.
Works with your iPhone, too!
Everything you expect from a braille display
- native HID braille, no driver installation
- simply connect via USB-C
- very compact and lightweight
- 40 braille cells with routing keys
- compatible with iPhones!
- sturdy, elegant metal housing
- switchable display orientation
- 6 intuitive and comfortable display keys
Technical Specification
Equipment
- 40 Braille cells with routing keys
- Six function keys; three left and right of the braille display
Screenreader Compatibility
- JAWS, VoiceOver, NVDA, Narrator, BRLTTY
- any screenreader supporting HID-braille
Measurements and Weight
- 11.9 × 0.8 × 2. inches
- 30.2 × 2.1 × 7.2 cm
- 540 g
Connections / interfaces
- USB Typ C
- VarioHID protocol: HID-Braille compatible
- VarioClassic protocol: VisioBraille-HID compatible
Accessories
- Leatherette bag (optional)
Downloads
Firmware, manuals, information and more for the VarioHID 40.
Each file lists its format, size and language so you know what you are getting before you download.
Which drivers and downloads do I need for my screen reader?
Depending on the screen reader you use, different PC drivers, plug-ins or configuration steps may be required.
Last updated 21 September 2026
Full HID Braille Support
The VarioHID 40 offers full HID Braille support. This means that no drivers, extensions or anything else are required for HID Braille compatible screen readers.
However, not all screen readers include the corresponding key assignments yet. We therefore provide them for JAWS and NVDA.
JAWS
If you want or need to use JAWS with the previously popular VarioClassic-protocol, the JAWS Extension v15.53 is required.
Firmware
Use our VarioUpdater to keep the firmware of your VarioHID 40 up-to-date.
LATEST VERSION
Firmware VarioHID 40 v3.0
12 August 2026 (ZIP | 31.6 MB)
Updates the firmware of your VarioHID 40 to v3.0. Simply download the ZIP and follow the instructions.
For Screenreader
Extensions, configurations and more for smooth operation with different screen readers.
JAWS Extension v15.53
May 2026 (ZIP | 2.96 MB)
You only need this JAWS extension if you want or need to use JAWS with the VarioClassic protocol used in the past and do not want to use the modern HID Braille standard via our VarioHID protocol.
Often referred to as a "JAWS driver", this is not a device driver but a certified JAWS extension that allows connected braille displays to be detected automatically.
The ZIP file contains detailed installation instructions for the extension.
JAWS and NVDA key assignments for the VarioHID protocol
22 September 2026 (ZIP | 610 KB)
JAWS/Fusion up to version 2026 and NVDA do not yet include key assignments, which means that Vario braille displays can connect to the screen reader but cannot be used effectively.
We are therefore making preconfigured key assignments available for download here. Future versions of JAWS will already include these key assignments from the manufacturer (Vispero).
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