Keyboard and its types

KEYBOARD

Keyboard is a device consisting of a set of keys on a piano or organ or typewriter or typesetting machine or computer or the like.

Different Types of Keyboards 

1.      Connection Type

2.      Wireless Keyboards

The wireless keyboards use three basic types of connections, viz.

* Bluetooth Keyboards
* Infrared (IR) Keyboards
* Radio Frequency Keyboards

The radio frequency keyboards get the required power from batteries or has a USB cable to charge the keyboard. The infrared keyboard are to be kept in the line of sight of the receiver. On the other hand, the radio frequency keyboards provides a greater range than the infrared keyboards. The bluetooth keyboards use a bluetooth technology, which provides a greater range than the radio frequency keyboard and infrared keyboards. The radio frequency keyboards offer a greater mobility than the bluetooth and the infrared keyboards.

Wired Keyboards.
The PS/2 and USB are the two wired connections that connect the keyboards to your desktop computers. The PS/2 keyboards are very commonly used and they are called so because they use the PS/2 connection. They are one of the cheapest keyboards that are available in the market. The USB keyboards use a USB (Universal Serial Bus) to connect to the CPU. The PS/2 and USB keyboards are usually plug and play. Other types of keyboards are a bit expensive and require expensive software applications to be installed.

Different Types of Keyboards - Layout

Ergonomic Keyboards
The ergonomic keyboards are designed considering the ergonomic aspect of the keyboards. It is specially designed as per the comfort of the hands and wrist of the keyboard user. The ergonomic keyboards are designed to prevent the carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness and tingling sensation in hands and fingers after typing for a long duration. These keyboards also help the keyboard user maintain a comfortable position.

Compact Keyboard
The sizes of keyboard goes on increasing, especially, those of the ergonomic keyboards. The ergonomic keyboards are designed bigger to accommodate many keys that perform special functions. The compact keyboards are slim and usually do not have the numeric keypad that is present on the right side of the other keyboards. Some compact keyboards even include a rubber pad that can be used instead of the mice. These keyboards are not very small in size, but offer portability during travel and storage.

Different Types of Keyboards - Special Keyboards

Internet Keyboards
The internet keyboards are designed to increase the comfort level of the internet user. The internet keyboards have hot-keys for the home page of the web browser, inbox and the favorites menu on your computer.

Multimedia and Gaming Keyboards
The multimedia and gaming keyboards are designed for playing audio and has hot-keys for volume control, play, stop and mute operations. The gaming keyboards are designed for the convenience of the gamers and these types of keyboards provide the required controls on the keyboards like backlighting.

Virtual Keyboards
The virtual keyboards are not actually physical keyboards, but they are simulated using a software. Usually, the virtual keyboards are used in the PDA.

These are the different types of keyboards available according to the varying needs of the user. The keyboards must be chosen as per the space available, type of usage and wired and wireless needs of the computer user.

A keyboard is the set of typewriter-like keys that enables you to enter data into a computer. Computer keyboards are similar to electric-typewriter keyboards but contain additional keys. The keys on computer keyboards are often classified as follows:

·  alphanumeric keys -- letters and numbers

·  punctuation keys -- comma, period, semicolon, and so on.

·  special keys -- function keys, control keys, arrow keys, Caps Lock key, and so on.

virtual keyboard

)A virtual keyboard is where a full-size image of a QWERTY keyboard is projected onto any surface. Touching the image of a key generates a unique electronic signal corresponding to a key's image. Using a virtual keyboard eliminates the chance of breakage and infection transfer. Additionally virtual keyboards require no cleaning and they have no wires, buttons, or switches. Virtual keyboards are also compatible with many Smartphones and PDAs. A virtual keyboard is also called a projection keyboard. VKEY is the trademarked name of the virtual keyboard developed by Virtual Devices Inc.
* Virtual keyboard image courtesy of Virtual Devices Inc.

·  Computer Keyboard 

• Backlight Keyboard 
• Bluetooth Keyboard 
• Ergonomic Keyboard 
• Flexible Keyboard 
• Gaming Keyboard 
• Internet Keyboard 
• Laptop Keyboard 
• Laser Keyboard 
• Mini Keyboard 
• Multimedia Keyboard
• Numeric Keyboard 
• Portable Keyboard 
• Trackball Keyboard 
• Wireless Keyboard

•  

Types of Computer Keyboards

Filed Under Computer Keyboard 

Glass computer keyboard, new types of computer keyboard?

There are many types of computer keyboards. For instance, multimedia computer keyboard, membrane computer keyboard, slim computer keyboard, etc… Different standards, different results. We list the common classification of computer keyboards here.

Classification By Function of Extra Keys

If there are multimedia/internet/office control buttons, we call it multimedia computer keyboard, internet computer keyboard, office keyboard. No extra function control buttons, it is standard keyboard.
These keyboards are usually used with PC, not mobile device.

Classification By Switch of Keys

Membrane keyboard, Dome-switch keyboard, Scissor-switch keyboard, capacitive keyboard and Mechanical-switch keyboard. Laser keyboard, roll-up keyboard are more and more popular.
Membrane keyboard are most popular because of its low price and high quality, takes up more than 50% market. Scissor-switch are the next star. The latest apple wireless keyboard are scissor switch keyboard.
Bucking-spring keyboard, hall-effect keyboard are less seen in nowadays.

Classification By Size

Standard keyboard, laptop-size keyboard, thumb-size keyboard and numeric keyboard.
Standard keyboards are used with PC, laptop-size keyboard come with laptop, not sale alone. Thumb-size keyboard are small enough to be carried to anywhere.

Other Types of Computer Keyboards

Some types of computer keyboards are hard to classify. We list them here: compact keyboard, mini keyboard, slim keyboard. They are not exact enough.

Different Types of Keyboards
The keyboard is a device used to input data into different devices like desktop computers, phones, laptops, etc. Although the main function of a keyboard is to input data, different types of keyboards exist, that vary in the various kinds of features they offer. This article is about such keyboards.
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Ever since computers came into being, various advancements have taken place on a continuous basis, resulting in the development of better computer-related hardware and software. Keyboards are no exception to this. A keyboard is an important device that enables us to input data into the device that is being used with.

Initially, there was almost no variation in the kind of keyboards that were produced. However, slowly manufacturers started observing the need to come up with keyboards with features that catered to different niches of market segments derived out of different types of needs. This resulted in a huge variation in the keyboards produced, some of which remain extremely popular even today. Given below are some of the most common variations of keyboards available in the market today.

Standard Keyboard

Standard Keyboard
Though standard keyboards have undergone considerable changes in design over the last 20 years, their basic layout remains similar. The average number of keys on a regular keyboard is 105, though some older versions have keys in the range of 95-103. Even though standard keyboards are the most basic form of keyboards, they can have slight variations, especially in the manner the keys are placed.

QWERTY keyboards are the most common and have the six alphabets Q, W, E, R, T, and Y in the first row, while in AZERTY keyboards these letters are replaced with A, Z, E, R, T, and Y in the first row. AZERTY keyboards are used primarily in French countries. Other forms include QWERTZ and Dvorak keyboards.

Ergonomic Keyboards

Ergonomic Keyboard
Ergonomics refers to the study of methods that can reduce stress on muscles to avoid repetitive strain injury. It mostly deals with optimizing posture and technique while working, so the work can be carried out in the easiest manner with the least possible strain on any muscle, joint, or organ.

Ergonomic keyboards are designed in such a way that typing can be done putting the least amount of stress on the fingers and wrist. This is a radical type of keyboard designed to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which causes numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and fingers after typing for a long duration.

Ergonomic keyboards come in two forms:

As a single piece, where a group of keys have been split in such a way, that the angle at which the user places his or her wrist to type is the least stressful.
In the form of separate pieces, each having a group of keys, so that the user can set the angle according to his or her convenience.

Hence, these keyboards differ from the usual single piece keyboards that are straight and contain keys as one whole group.

Wireless Keyboards

Wireless Keyboard
As the name suggests, these keyboards do not need to be connected to the computer via a wire. This makes it very convenient for the user to use the keyboard comfortably. Wireless keyboards use three basic types of connections, Bluetooth, Infrared (IR), and Radio Frequency to connect to the computer.

All the three types of wireless keyboards need external power to function. In most models, the power comes from either 2 or 3 'AA' or 'AAA' batteries. Rare models might have an included battery, which can be charged with the help of a USB cable. In addition to this, all three types also use a transceiver, which connects to a port on the computer and maintains contact between the computer and the keyboard.

The best of the lot are Bluetooth keyboards. These keyboards connect using Bluetooth technology, and hence have the best range of about 30 feet. Moreover, they are also compatible with other devices that support Bluetooth technology.

Next in line are RF keyboards, which have a limited range of only about 6 feet, but are much cheaper than Bluetooth keyboards, and much more effective than IR keyboards. The latest models of RF keyboards have no issues like frequency disturbance, and can be the best bet if you do not need more than around 5 feet of freedom.

Last come IR keyboards, which have a major drawback. They need to be in the line-of-sight of the transceiver. This makes it very difficult to use such keyboards effectively, and almost impossible to use mice featuring this technology. Though they are not as expensive as Bluetooth keyboards, and have a decent range of about 12 feet, the line-of-sight problem makes this type very ineffective.

Compact Keyboards

Compact Keyboard
Compact keyboards are slim and usually do not have the numeric keypad that is present on the right side of other keyboards. These are typically used in laptops, where sizing issues make it difficult to accommodate a standard keyboard. To make up for the small size, these keyboards rely on the use of multiple keys to carry out functions that would only use a single key on a standard-sized keyboard. Some models also include a touch-pad that can be used instead of the mouse.

These are not extremely small in size, but offer portability during travel and storage. Another benefit of compact keyboards is that they can be used by people with certain disabilities that hinder them from effectively using hand and finger movements.

Internet Keyboards

Internet Keyboard
The Internet is one of the main reasons why a majority of the people use computers these days. Internet keyboards have special keys, called hot keys, which perform functions related to Internet usage. Typical hot keys have functions like back, forward, bookmarks list, e-mail inbox, Google search, YouTube, shopping online, etc.

This makes browsing the Internet very convenient, as the user does not have to go through the process of clicking buttons via a mouse. These days, many standard keyboards have adopted the concept of Internet keyboards by placing these buttons on the top, since almost every kind of work requires the use of the Internet.

Gaming Keyboards

Gaming Keyboard
As the name suggests, gaming keyboards are designed specifically for gamers. They include features meant to enhance gaming experience, as well as provide convenient usage for gamers. They include features like volume control, key lighting, programmable keys, interchangeable keys, touch screens to customize the keyboard, in-built joysticks, fancy lighting, etc.

Gaming keyboards come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from round keyboards to v-shaped ones, but this is mainly done as a marketing gimmick to attract gamers. Many gaming keyboards are designed for specific types of games. For instance, first-person shooter games require the direction keys to be placed in a manner that do not cause repetitive stress to the fingers and wrists.

Virtual Keyboards

Virtual Keyboard
Virtual keyboards are software devices that let you input data just like a hardware keyboard. They open up as an application and can be controlled by a mouse or via a touch screen. They are mainly used in devices which do not necessarily require a keyboard, like a tablet or a smart-phone.

They are useful as they aid in making the size of the device smaller. Virtual keyboards are also used in situations concerning security, as anything entered on an ordinary keyboard is recorded in a key log, leading to security risks associated with passwords or PIN numbers. This is the reason many banks provide the facility of a virtual keyboard in their online banking operations.

This was a little information on the different types of keyboards available. Based on your requirement, you can choose any of the keyboards mentioned above. When choosing a keyboard, remember that the most important thing to look for is comfort.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-keyboards.html

Types Of Keyboard Hardware &Technologies For Windows PC

RECOMMENDED: Click here to fix Windows errors and optimize system performance

Keyboards have been an integral part of computer systems since the beginning. Though there are many types of input devices, keyboards are essential to perform most functions in an average computer with Windows operating systems. Did you ever wonder what type of keyboard to buy for Windows PC? If yes, here are some details that should help you decide.

Types Of Keyboard

There are two major types of computer keyboards: Basic and Extended. The Basic keyboard contains 104 keys and is enough to perform all the functions that can be done on a Windows PC. The Extended keyboard may have additional keys and the design varies among the companies manufacturing them. These are usually customized keyboards that are specific to certain operating systems or applications. The best example I can think of, for Extended keyboards, is the Windows 8 keyboard designed by Microsoft for use with its first “start screen” operating system.

Types of keyboard technologies

The Windows Club has already covered some good keyboards from Microsoft. We will be looking at them in a while. Before that, let us take a look at the different types of keyboard technologies. When I say keyboard technology, I speak of the mechanism that is used to send signals to the computer that a key was pressed or, a combination of keys were pressed. The work of translating key presses into digital information (key press, code of key, hold time, repeat instances etc) are done by the device drivers of the keyboard. You need not worry about drivers of keyboards as Windows OS has them built in for most of the keyboards. Rarely, you may have to install keyboard drivers separately – in case of special, extended keyboards.

Scissor Switch Keyboards

These are the most common types found in notebooks and netbooks, especially from the HP and Compaq range. The keys are formed by a pair of plastic pieces that intertwine as if a scissor. When you press the key, they are flat across each other and touch a particular keyboard point to complete a circuit. This done, the keyboard driver determines the key pressed and sends the information to input buffer from where, your operating system takes over the information.

Advantages of this type is that you need not press hard as the travel time of any key to the circuit board is very less. Problem is with cleaning as you cannot move the keys. A blower should help but the better method to keep such keyboards clean is precaution – avoid using them in areas with dust or when travelling, with windows open.

Flat Panel Membrane Keyboards

These are not generally used as computer keyboards. You can find them on printers and photocopiers. They have two plastic membranes parallel to each other. The lower one has a conductive strip places just above the contact points over keyboard base. The upper one has signs (alphabets, numbers or icons) just opposite to the conductive strip. When user touched any sign, that part of membrane goes down to push the conductive strip to the contact points, triggering off a key-press. Since there is no audible warning on its own when pressed, these keyboards incorporate a beep sound or visible warning such as lights to tell the users that key-press has been registered.

Full Press Membrane Keyboards

These are the most common type of keyboards found with desktops these days. You can relate them to the old-fashioned remote control boxes, only that, in case of computer keyboards, they do not easily give out that they are just a bulge waiting to be pressed. Each key is a separate plastic cup that goes down when pressed. Logic is same as the others: when you press any key, the membrane shrinks so that a full circuit is formed to send out a key-press event to the computer. Easy to clean and tough to handle, this type is better for all types of environments (except under-water?).

Direct Switch Keyboards

You can find these in phones, handheld devices and things where you need to know you pressed a key irrespective of where you are. Keys on these keyboards give you a positive feedback (a crisp feeling telling your fingers that you pressed a key). They are usually some metal conductors covered by a plastic on the upper side that contains signs (numbers, alphabets and icons). The base plate is usually gold plated for better conductivity. When you press any key, the metal conductor goes down to the plate and creates a complete circuit to tell the computer that a key has been pressed. A good (not exact) example of the keys would be the mouse keys. The way you can tell the physical feeling on your finger when you press a mouse key, it is a direct switch key.

Good Keyboard For Windows PC – As Reviewed On TWC

The following are some of the good keyboards that have already been reviewed on The Windows Club. I am presenting a summary of the keyboards here. Click the links accompanying each of the following to read the full review of that keyboard by other authors of The Windows Club.
The Microsoft Arc Keyboard – Looks like an art piece, a finely crafted artwork that doubles up as a keyboard! The first thing you will notice with this keyboard is that it does not have the traditional arrow keys. In fact, all the four arrow keys are drawn on a single key that goes down in four ways, each triggering a different kind of arrow key press.

Read the full review of Microsoft Arc Keyboard.

The Microsoft BT Mobile Keyboard 6000

Another design by Microsoft, this is just the perfect thing for use with all types of Windows devices: from desktop PCs to Windows Phone or even Android phone. The design is a curve, making it easier to type for long hours. The best part is – you can keep out the numeric keypad part. Most of us used to typing on notebooks, the presence of number pad is often very irritating and space consuming. If you think you won’t need it, just keep it in the bag/pouch wherever you took it out from. And yes, the keyboard is very slim, allowing you to keep it over a notebook whose built-in keyboard is damaged!

Read the full  review of Microsoft BT Mobile Keyboard 6000.

The Microsoft Desktop Keyboard 2000

If you love the sound of keys striking the base of keyboard circuits, this keyboard is for you. To add to the experience, Microsoft claims it encrypts the wireless key signals as they travel on radio waves to the USB receptor on the computer. It comes with a mouse that can be turned off when not in use – to save on battery. You would not notice anything special simply by looking at it. Fun begins when you start working on it: easier to type plus the physical feedback of key-press! The plus point about the keyboard is it has dedicated blue colored keys specially for Windows 7.

Learn2Type.com has FREE online typing lessons, exercises and typing speed tests available for the following keyboard types.
QWERTY Standard PC Keyboard	Almost every English speaking country uses the standard QWERTY PC (or Mac) keyboard. As seen in the picture to the left, the first five letters on this keyboard layout are Q W E R T Y giving its name QWERTY. Click to sign up for FREE typing lessons and learn how to improve your typing skills on the QWERTY keyboard.
DVORAK Standard Keyboard	Another popular keyboard layout is the DVORAK format. Named after its creator, the Dvorak keyboard is often credited as being faster to learn and more efficient than the standard QWERTY keyboard layout. Click to sign up for FREE typing lessons and learn how to improve your typing skills on the DVORAK keyboard.
AZERTY European Keyboard	Many European as well as Spanish speaking countries use the AZERTY European keyboard. As seen in the picture to the left, the first five letters on this keyboard layout are A Z E R T Y giving its name AZERTY. This keyboard format allows the use of accents and other language specific characters that the standard QWERTY keyboard does not support. Click to sign up for FREE typing lessons and learn how to improve your typing skills on the AZERTY keyboard.

Different types of computer keyboards

Keyboards are an indispensable accessory for a computer. One of the most basic input devices, computer keyboards are used in navigation, execution of processes, programming and several other purposes. Several software based application directly derive their existence from a keyboard. For instance, social networking websites, programming languages, navigation over the computer menus etc. utilize a computer keyboard. Even this very article wouldn’t have been possible without a keyboard.

Different Types of Computer Keyboards

A normal computer keyboard is composed of around 110 keys. Although on the basis of key arrangements there are four major keyboard layouts being used worldwide, QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ and HCESAR, but they can be classified in many more different categories depending on types of computer connector, size, number of keys etc.  Among the various types listed below, keyboards can be based on multiple types. For instance, an ergonomic keyboard can have a PS2 interface and be an internet keyboard too.

ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD

The artifact of this keyboard is slightly broader and different in shape, when compared       with the normal keyboard. In this key board certain space will be existing between the two sets of keys and the countered shape of this key board allow the users to place their hands in the natural position to type. These key boards are mostly used by the people who often work with the key board as their usage is easier and is less stressful for the wrist. The following figure: Ergonomic keyboard shows how the set of keys are separated with gaps in between.

 

ADB (Apple Desktop Bus)

ADB refers to a special type of port which is enabled in some computers such as Apple computers. The ADB key boards can be connected only to the ADB jack enabled computers, but with the use of the adapter, the ADB key boards can also be inserted over a USB port.

 

XT

An obsolete type, these keyboards only support the older computers such as IBM 8086/8088, XT-286. Not supported by present computers, keyboards are much larger than the modern keyboards and the “Enter” key is backward-”L” shaped.

 

PERSONAL SYSTEMS (PS/2)

In the late 1990, most of the computers are integrated with standard PS/2 connector, rather than USB ports, there by the keyboards used for these computers are usually round pin that fits into the PS/2 keyboard jack. For this reason these keyboards are named as PS/2 keyboards.

 

MINI PS/2

The MINI PS/2 keyboards are very small in size and are compatible with the PS/2 computers. This keyboard resembles the laptop keyboard and it is square in shape. This keyboard is composed of fewer key and do not have detach numeric keypad.

 

MULTIMEDIA

The multimedia keyboard is specially designed for the people who are much into multimedia designing. This keyboard is just like the standard key board, but composed of additional keys for the multimedia purposes such as multimedia application launch, volume control and mute button.

 

INTERNET

The Internet keyboards are designed for wider range of multimedia applications, these keyboards are specially designed for the intense Internet user. The special keys included in this keyboard are the home key, back and forward key, e-mail launch key, and browser launch key etc. these keys carry out the same functionality as of the buttons on the webpage. In order use these extra keys the computer must be embedded with right operating system.

 

WIRELESS

A wireless keyboard, the name itself doles the meaning that this keyboard can be operated without addressing a wired connection to the processor. The wireless keyboards are also referred as Cordless keyboards; these keyboards require batteries to provide the electricity which usually delivered through a PS/2 or USB cable. “AA” or “AAA” batteries are most widely used standard batteries for wireless keyboards.  Apple Macs are known to revolutionize the wireless keyboard by making them thinner than the wired ones. These keyboards usually work at 2.4 GHz frequency and come with a dongle that connects and makes them communicate with the computer.

 

GAMING

As the name suggest, gaming keyboards are those who are into gaming and need easy access to the keys that are usually utilized in gaming. These keyboards are composed of particular gaming-oriented features such as key lighting, programmable keys, and/or extra controls of volume and brightness. These keyboards are available in wired and wireless, in case if wired, it usually supports the USB port.

 

MEMBRANE

Membrane keyboards are one of the keyboard types, which are used very rarely. The keys integrated in this keyboard are non-moving pressure-sensitive keys. The keys in this keyboard are so close, so that there is no scope for spilling liquids into the keyboard.  Such keyboard types are also used in mobile phones and old landline phones.

 

Keyboards are slowly being incorporated into touch screens that are being widely incorporated in various phones and tablet computers. Named as touch screen keyboards, these are virtual keyboard units have a QWERTY and numeric appearance so that message typing and number calling are quite easy. Also, gaming consoles that provide social networking such as the PlayStation 3 have an on-screen keyboard which can be accessed by user joystick.

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