Keyboard

Keyboard

A computer keyboard is one of the primary input devices used with a computer that looks similar to those found on electric typewriters, but with some additional keys. Keyboards allow you to input letters, numbers, and other symbols into a computer that can serve as commands or be used to type text.

• Keyboard overview
• QWERTY keyboard layout
• Keyboard ports and interfaces
• Types of keyboards
• Laptop keyboards
• Smartphone and tablet keyboards
• Why is the keyboard an input device
• How to use a keyboard
• How can I improve my typing?
• When was the first keyboard invented?
• Keyboard shortcut keys
• Related keyboard pages
• Computer keyboard help and support

Keyboard overview
The following image shows a 104-key Saitek keyboard with indicators pointing to each of the major key sections of a keyboard including the control keys, function keys, LED indicators, wrist pad, arrow keys, and keypad.

 QWERTY keyboard layout

 
Below is a closer up image of a QWERTY computer keyboard with each of the keys selectable. Hover over any of the keys below to see a description of the key and click any of the keys to open a new page with full details about the key.


Keyboard ports and interfaces
 

Today, most desktop computer keyboards connect to the computer using either USB or Bluetooth for wireless communication. Before USB, a computer may have used PS/2, Serial, or AT (Din5) as a keyboard interface.

How to connect and install a keyboard.
Types of keyboards
Today, most keyboards are similar to each other, but may be missing one or more of the sections mentioned earlier (e.g., the keypad). Where keyboards begin to differ the most is with the keyboard layout. While most keyboards use the QWERTY layout, there are still people who use the DVORAK layout.

How many keys are on a computer keyboard?
Laptop keyboards

A laptop keyboard is different from a desktop keyboard to help reduce the size and the overall weight of the laptop. Most laptop keyboards are made smaller by placing the keys closer to each other and not always including control keys or a keypad. For a laptop to have all the same functions of a desktop keyboard, laptop keyboards use a Fn key that is used in conjunction with other keys to perform special functions. For example, pressing the Fn key and the up or down arrow on the keyboard shown below, increases and decreases the brightness of the screen.

Another difference with a laptop keyboard is the type of switch beneath each key or how the keys feel when pressed down. Some users may even experience more typing errors when typing on a laptop because of how easy it can be to press another key next to the key you intended to press.



Smartphone and tablet keyboards

Today's smartphones and tablets do not come with a physical keyboard, although it may be purchased as an optional peripheral add-on. These devices utilize a thumb keyboard or on-screen keyboard to type messages and enter text into various fields. The image to the right shows an example of the Apple iPhone on-screen keyboard, used on all of apples touch-based devise.

Why is the keyboard an input device?
A computer keyboard is considered an input device because it only sends data to a computer and does not receive any information back.

Related keyboard pages
How to use a keyboard.
How can I improve my typing?
Not all of the keys on my keyboard are functional.
When was the first keyboard invented?
Keyboard shortcut keys.
Computer keyboard manufacturers.
Computer keyboard help and support.
AFK, Alt, Ctrl, Delete, Enter, Hardware terms, Home row keys, Keyboard terms, Natural keyboard, Numeric keypad, OSK, Shift, Spacebar, Tab, Typewriter, Windows key

Read More

How do I remove the keys on a keyboard?

How do I remove the keys on a keyboard?
If you're trying to remove a key from a laptop keyboard, see removing keyboard key and keycap steps, as this page relates only to the removal of keys from a traditional computer keyboard.
 

Caution: Before removing any of the keyboard keys, unplug the keyboard from the computer or turn off the computer. We also suggest not removing the spacebar key unless absolutely necessary, since many keyboards use a retention spring that can be very difficult or impossible to put back into place.

Many people need to remove a key when they need to clean the key itself or get below the key to clean it. Cleaning a key or beneath a key is often necessary especially when a drink is spilled on the keyboard.
 
To remove a standard keyboard key, start by pressing down on the key in front of the key you want to remove. Insert a flat object below the key, such as a small flathead screw driver or a car key, as shown in the picture. Once placed below the key, twist the flat object or push down until the key pops off. If you want to remove more than one key, repeat this process until all keys are removed.
 

Once the key has been removed, you'll notice the hair, dust, dirt, and food particles under the key, as shown in the picture. This substance can be removed with compressed air, a damp cloth, or cotton swabs.
 
If you're removing the key because a substance was spilled on the keyboard, make sure to not only clean below the key, but also the shaft that holds the key and the bottom of the key.
 
Once everything has been cleaned, position the key back into the normal position and snap it back into place by pressing in on the key.

                                **************************

Read More