Computer Keyboards

A computer keyboard is the peripheral used to input text and characters but also to perform functions on a computer. It’s partially based on the typewriter keyboard and is made up of a varying number of keys with characters engraved or printed upon them. Most keys input a single symbol, however, some keys require the simultaneous depression of another key for a symbol to be inputted or a function to perform.

The most common keyboard layout is the ‘QWERTY’ keyboard, so called because the first five letters on the first line of letters spell ‘QWERTY.’ The number of keys on a standard keyboard vary between 101 and 130. Newer keyboards include buttons that load programs such as internet browsers and also include music player controls such as volume and track selection.

Wireless keyboards are becoming very popular nowadays due to the extra freedom it gives but they run on batteries and are susceptible to eavesdropping. This is because signals are sent from the keyboard to the computer via radio frequencies or infrared and these can be intercepted by other people who can then read what users are typing. This is potentially dangerous as credit card numbers, passwords or simply generally privileged information can all be intercepted.

Keyboards tend to be very large because each button has to be big enough to be pressed easily by one’s finger. Reducing the size of the keyboard without affecting ergonomics has been attempted by many manufacturers. One way to decrease the size of a keyboard is to make the buttons smaller and squeeze them into a smaller area. A new type of keyboard called the Laser Keyboard by I-Tech Virtual projects an image of a full size keyboard onto the surface via lasers. Sensors recognise which keys are being ‘pressed’ and send the signal to the computer.

Computer keyboards can be eliminated altogether with speech recognition, however, it isn’t completely perfect with today’s technology. A lot of people can type very fast using touch type, such as receptionists or journalists. Because of this, there have been some computer keyboards that have been specifically produced for speed. The most common speed keyboard is the Dvorak keyboard layout but it isn’t the fastest. The fastest keyboard so far is the stenotype which can be used to write over 300 words per minute.

Keyboard layouts can be changed via the method of keyboard remapping. By using drivers or download add-ons, users can change the layout of their keyboard. Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator is one example of a keyboard remapping tool.

A keyboard is usually used to enter text into a word processor, text editor, web forms or any other text box. It can also be used to enter commands such as the infamous Ctrl-Alt-Del (Control Alt Delete) solution on Windows. The simultaneous depression of these keys brings up the Task Manager wherein a user can shut down the computer or manage programs currently open. This is a popular solution for when a program freezes or crashes and needs restarting.