What is a keyboard?(What is, Concept and Definition)

A computer keyboard is one of the main input devices used with a computer.Similar to an electric typewriter, a keyboard is made up of buttons that create letters, numbers, and symbols, as well They also perform other functions.The following sections provide more detailed information and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the keyboard.

Keyboard Overview

The image below shows a Saitek 104-key keyboard with arrows pointing to each section, including the control keys, function keys, LEDs, wrist pad, arrow keys, and keyboard.

Layout of the QWERTY keyboard

Below is a close-up image of a QWERTY computer keyboard with each of the keys selectable.You can hover your mouse over any of the keys to see a description.Clicking on any of the keys , a new page opens with all the details.

Ports and keyboard interfaces

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

Types of keyboards

Today, most keyboards are similar to each other, but one or more of the sections mentioned above (for example, the keyboard) may be missing.Where keyboards start to differ the most is with their builds.Some keyboards are mechanical , while others use membrane keys.Some keyboards split in half and others even fold in half or roll up.While most keyboards use the QWERTY layout, there are still people who use the DVORAK layout.

Laptop keyboards

A laptop keyboard is arranged differently than a desktop keyboard to accommodate the laptop's narrower footprint.Most laptop keyboards are made smaller by placing the keys closer together and including a key Fn.The Fn key 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 display.Also, many portable keyboards bypass the numeric keypad to save space.

Keyboards for smartphones and tablets

Today's smartphones and tablets do not come with a physical keyboard, although they can be purchased as an optional peripheral plug-in.These devices use a miniature keyboard or on-screen keyboard to type messages and enter text in various fields.The image is an example of the Apple iPhone on-screen keyboard used on all Apple touch devices.

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.

Multimedia keys are those keys that allow the user to control music on the keyboard of your computer.These keys add functionality like play, pause, stop, rewind, fast forward, skip track, eject, shuffle and repeat.