Keyboards

Description

Keyboards are hardware devices used to input data into a computer. They consist of a set of keys (which act as electronic switches) with all alphabets, numerals, punctuation symbols, special characters and a variety of other functional keys. The keyboards are either connected through cable or of wireless type. Wireless keyboards use infrared signals or radio frequency to transmit keyboard instructions to the computer. In industrial keyboards, the keys are directly connected to a processor to scan or detect the keys that are pressed. The text and numbers are typed into a text editor or word processor or in other programs, using the keyboards. Standard computer keyboards are embedded with 104 keys. Keyboard layouts differ for non-English languages.

Types

There are various types of computer keyboards are listed as follows:

• Ergonomic keyboards
• Illuminated keyboards
• USB keyboards
• Portable keyboards
• Mini keyboards
• Bluetooth keyboards
• Touchpad keyboards
• Multimedia keyboards
• Slim keyboards
• Virtual keyboards
• Wireless keyboards

Features

Keyboards are available with the following features:

• Backlighting
• Ergonomic features
• Integral pointing devices (mouse keypad, touchpad, trackball)
• Integral displays
• Environmental operating parameters
• EMC specifications
• Intrinsically safe construction

Advantages

• The keyboard layout assembles keys in such a manner so that the frequently operated keys are very easy to press, and thereby reducing muscle fatigue while typing
• Some computer commands through mouse clicking process can be time-consuming; using alternative short cut commands by pressing of a combination of keys are easier and quicker

Applications

Keyboards are generally used to enter numbers, letters and special characters in the applications like word processors. Special gaming keyboards are ideal for playing games in the computer. Single key or combination of keys initiates the machine to execute a task. Command like Control-Alt-Delete combination that shuts down the machine can be done by using the keyboard.