What is computer keyboard?

In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. It is one of the most important parts of a computer which is used to enter commands, text, numerical data and other types of data by pressing the keys on the keyboard. A user talks with a computer through input devices such as keyboard and mouse. Input devices are used to enter data to a computer. The entered data then converted into machine language so that a CPU understands the data or instruction comes through the input devices. Types of keyboard Computer keyboard comes in several type and variation, however, the basic elements are the same in all keyboards. The most common types include - 101 or 102-Key enhanced keyboard (this is a popular type of keyboard now used almost in all system units) - 104-Key Keyboard Commonly, a keyboard layout type which is called QWERTY (takes its name from the first six letters of the typing keys) is used widely for English language keyboard.

Keyboard types a) Standard Layout Type b) Non-Standard Layout Type

One factor determining the size of a keyboard is the presence of duplicate keys, such as a separate numeric keyboard, for convenience. Further the keyboard size depends on the extent to which a system is used where a single action is produced by a combination of subsequent or simultaneous keystrokes (with modifier keys, see below), or multiple pressing of a single key. A keyboard with few keys is called a keypad. See also text entry interface. Another factor determining the size of a keyboard is the size and spacing of the keys. Reduction is limited by the practical consideration that the keys must be large enough to be easily pressed by fingers. Alternatively a tool is used for pressing small keys.

a) [edit] Standard

Standard "full-travel" alphanumeric keyboards have keys that are on three-quarter inch centers (0.750 inches, 19.05 mm), and have a key travel of at least 0.150 inches (3.81 mm). Desktop computer keyboards, such as the 101-key US traditional keyboards or the 104-key Windows keyboards, include alphabetic characters, punctuation symbols, numbers and a variety of function keys. The internationally common 102/105 key keyboards have a smaller 'left shift' key and an additional key with some more symbols between that and the letter to its right (usually Z or Y). Also the 'enter' key is usually shaped differently.[1] Computer keyboards are similar to electric-typewriter keyboards but contain additional keys. Standard USB keyboards can also be connected to some non-desktop devices.[2]

[edit] Laptop-size
Keyboards on laptops and notebook computers usually have a shorter travel distance for the keystroke and a reduced set of keys. They may not have a numerical keypad, and the function keys may be placed in locations that differ from their placement on a standard, full-sized keyboard.

The keyboards on laptops usually have a shorter travel distance and a reduced set of keys.

[edit] Thumb-sized
Smaller external keyboards have been introduced for devices without a built keyboard, such as PDAs, and smartphones. Small keyboards are also useful where there is a limited workspace. A chorded keyboard allows pressing several keys simultaneously. For example, the GKOS keyboard has been designed for small wireless devices. Other two-handed alternatives more akin to a game controller, such as the AlphaGrip, are also used as a way to input data and text. A thumb keyboard (thumbboard) is used in some personal digital assistants such as the Palm Treo and BlackBerry and some Ultra-Mobile PCs such as the OQO. Numeric keyboards contain only numbers, mathematical symbols for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, a decimal point, and several function keys. They are often used to facilitate data entry with smaller keyboards that do not have a numeric keypad, commonly those of laptop computers. These keys are collectively known as a numeric pad, numeric keys, or a numeric keypad, and it can consist of the following types of keys:

arithmetic operators such as +, -, *, /

numeric digits 09 cursor arrow keys navigation keys such as Home, End, PgUp, PgDown, etc. Num Lock button, used to enable or disable the numeric pad enter key.

b) Non-standard layout and special-use types

[edit] Chorded
While other keyboards generally associate one action with each key, chorded keyboards associate actions with combinations of key presses. Since there are many combinations available, chorded keyboards can effectively produce more actions on a board with fewer keys. Court reporters' stenotype machines use chorded keyboards to enable them to enter text much faster by typing a syllable with each stroke instead of one letter at a time. The fastest typists (as of 2007) use a stenograph, a kind of chorded keyboard used by most court reporters and closed-caption reporters. Some chorded keyboards are also made for use in situations where fewer keys are preferable, such as on devices that can be used with only one hand, and on small mobile devices that don't have room for larger keyboards. Chorded keyboards are less desirable in many cases because it usually takes practice and memorization of the combinations to become proficient.

[edit] Software
Software keyboards or on-screen keyboards often take the form of computer programs that display an image of a keyboard on the screen. Another input device such as a mouse or a touchscreen can be used to operate each virtual key to enter text. Software keyboards have become very popular in touchscreen enabled cell phones, due to the additional cost and space requirements of other types of hardware keyboards. Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and some varieties of Linux include on-screen keyboards that can be controlled with the mouse.

[edit] Foldable
Further information: Flexible electronics

A foldable keyboard.

Foldable (also called flexible) keyboards are made of soft plastic or silicone which can be rolled or folded on itself for travel.[3] When in use, these keyboards can conform to uneven surfaces, and are more resistant to liquids than standard keyboards. These can also be connected to portable devices and smartphones. Some models can be fully immersed in water, making them popular in hospitals and laboratories, as they can be disinfected.

[edit] Projection (as by laser)

Projection keyboards project an image of keys, usually with a laser, onto a flat surface. The device then uses a camera or infrared sensor to "watch" where the user's fingers move, and will count a key as being pressed when it "sees" the user's finger touch the projected image. Projection keyboards can simulate a full size keyboard from a very small projector. Because the "keys' are simply projected images, they cannot be felt when pressed. Users of projected keyboards often experience increased discomfort in their fingertips because of the lack of "give" when typing. A flat, non-reflective surface is also required for the keys to be projected onto. Most projection keyboards are made for use with PDAs due to their small form factor.

[edit] Optical keyboard technology

Also known as photo-optical keyboard, light responsive keyboard, photo-electric keyboard and optical key actuation detection technology. An optical keyboard technology utilizes light emitting devices and photo sensors to optically detect actuated keys. Most commonly the emitters and sensors are located in the perimeter, mounted on a small PCB. The light is directed from side to side of the keyboard interior and it can only be blocked by the actuated keys. Most optical keyboards require at least 2 beams (most commonly vertical beam and horizontal beam) to determine the actuated key. Some optical keyboards use a special key structure that blocks the light in a certain pattern, allowing only one beam per row of keys (most commonly horizontal beam).

Back to Top Basically, all keyboards have the following parts:Typing area It looks and arranged like a traditional typewriter where you press alphabetic keys. It holds alphabetic character such as letter, special characters and numbers. This is the area you use mostly when you do word processing. Function keys The functions keys are located at the top of a keyboard and grouped into four. There are 12 functions keys starting from F1 through F12. These keys are used for special purposes and most programmers use these keys to do a specific task.

For example, if you are writing text with Microsoft Word and wanted to read Help, you can press F1 to display the Help. F5 key will display Find and Replace dialogue box. F12 key will display Save As dialogue box. These keys used differently again in other applications, for example, if you are a user of AutoCAD, pressing F2 will display AutoCAD text window. Similarly, you can check all the keys and how they carry out specific task depending on the type of application you are running. Most applications will tell on their manuals and guides how these functions keys are used in the applications. Generally, functions keys will greatly benefit you if you know how to use them well. More on computer keyboard shortcuts... Back to Top Numeric keypad Numeric keypad is the other part of computer keyboard. Usually, it is located at the right side of a keyboard. It is arranged like a standard calculator used to enter numerical data. It can also be used as directional keys. Pressing the Num Lock key above the numeric keypad will tell whether the keys are on numeric or directional mode. If it is on, it is on numeric mode and can enter numbers. If it is off, it is on directional mode and only used for moving a cursor on screen UP, Down, Left or Right. Cursor and monitor controls These are keys found between the typing keypad and the numeric keypad. It has two groups of keys, arranged top and bottom. The top keys holds Insert, Home, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and End keys. Insert key switches between insert and overtype modes. Home key brings you back at the beginning of a page. Page Up and Page Down keys help you to move one page or screen up or down. Delete key erases a text or page. The End key takes you at the end of a page. The bottom keys are independent directional keys, which let you to move the cursor Left, Right, Up and Down. Status lights, Escape key, Print Screen/SysRq, Scroll Lock, Pause/Break are user for frequent functions. For example, if you press the Caps Lock on the typing keypad, the Caps Lock Status light tells you that is on and can type Capital letters. You press Print Screen key if you want to save the current Window as an image. These are the parts found in standard computer keyboard and mostly used in desktop computers. Laptop and Notebook keyboard types are more compact, but recently we are beginning to see laptops that have dedicated numeric keypads as well.

Other than the above parts, some keyboards incorporate additional buttons. These buttons used to activate actions such as music buttons (play, pause, forward, rewind, stop and mute), Bluetooth, e-mail and so on. Back to Top How keyboard connects to a computer? computer Keyboard can connect with a computer through a cable or signal (wireless connection). Until recently, a keyboard connects with the standard PS/2 type or Serial. Now this trend is changed and the connection is replaced by USB (universal serial bus) and wireless connectors. Most modern PCs (motherboards) even dont have PS/2 connectors, only USB. Since there is no connection with main pc, wireless keyboard gets power from battery or AC power connection. This is the side effect of wireless keyboards, you often change battery. Conclusion In summary, computer keyboard is an input device that cant be escaped. When you buy keyboards go for the known and best brand types, otherwise it will soon fail to operate.