Keyboards have successfully replaced the old-fashioned typewriters and you can hear the tapping of keys anywhere you go such as a library and office. The keyboard is like a mini version of a computer with its separate processor and circuitry and is an essential component of the entire setup. Although these are small devices, a lot is going on inside the keyboard so that it can interact with a computer and produce an output.
Basics of Keyboard & How it Works
The keyboard is an input device that helps you perform various tasks such as writing long documents, playing games, etc. There are many types of keyboards based on the number of keys due to their assigned functions. For instance, some keyboards are more suitable for typing, making them perfect for typing long documents. The number of keys can also vary with the manufacturer or the operating system and are known as keycaps.
These keycaps feature similar shape, size, and distance that remains the same and don’t wary from model to model. Usually, a keyboard can have 80 or 110 keys or in between these numbers, depending on their operating system. There are four types of keys: typing keys, numeric keys, function keys, and controls keys.
- Typing Keys
The typing keys are ones that have alphabets, lettering printed on them and have the same placement in keyboards. There are several types of layouts for placing the keycaps in a specific pattern. The most common layout is the QWERTY, which is given a name after the first six letters that come in the pattern. Another common layout is the Dvorak that has the vowel keys on the left side, but the consonants are on the right side.
The letters commonly used for typing are present next to the home rows where you place your hands. Such placement reduces the amount of fatigue that comes with typing and makes typing much more comfortable. Other layouts are also adopted, such as ABCDE, XPERT, QWERTZ, and AZERTY, mostly used in Europe. Therefore there are different types of layouts used around the world.
- Numeric Keys
Numeric keys cover all the numbers and numerics that you require for conducting data analysis and making calculations. These keys were added later after some time for making quick data calculations without putting much effort. There are 18 numeric keys found on keyboards present in the same pattern and distance in every keyboard.
- Function Keys and Control keys
The Function and Control keys were later added to add convenience for the user and find them on keyboards. For instance, function keys allow you to perform various commands, such as the access menu. The control keys are the arrow keys present in an inverted T shape and enables you to move the cursor around. Other control keys include home, end, insert, delete, and page up that you can find on keyboards.
Types of Keyboards
Many types of keyboards are available in the market that you can use for all sorts of purposes. These keyboards perform various tasks and have distinct specs that make them suitable for different jobs. Here are the major types of keyboards mentioned below.
1. Mechanical Keyboards
The mechanical keyboards are the type of keyboards that come with activated switch keys. Such switches consist of many moving components and are commonly available across the globe. Moreover, the mechanical keyboards have excellent durability, and due to their premium quality construction, these are ideal for typing.
2. Membrane Keyboards
The membrane keyboards are relatively cheaper and don’t have separate keys that have a minimum distance. Moreover, these devices have a flat pressure-sensitive membrane that interacts with the computer by sense touches. These are not for typing and are used on control panels, medical and industrial equipment. Although these kinds of keyboards give you a fantastic response, it will take you time to learn typing on this device.
3. Flexible Keyboards
Flexible keyboards are preferred for their fantastic portability and are ideal travel due to construction material. These are made from silicone, which is a soft material and allows you to fold the keyboard when you’re not using it. Moreover, the device features a silent operation and is a water-resistant device that is an excellent option for small computers and tablets.
4. Ergonomic Keyboards
The ergonomics keyboards are about comfort due to their unique and functional layout and are preferred by professionals. It’s because wrist pains are significant problems when typing, and the ergonomic keyboards prevent wrist pain thanks to their incorporated wrist support. These allow you to work for extended hours without any fatigue and make typing much more comfortable.
5. Gaming Keyboard
The gaming keyboard is mainly for playing games and has all the essentials that gamers require to play like a pro. For instance, these come with high key rollover numbers and have programmable macro functions. Plus, the gaming keyboards are backlit and have the excellent key-travel that most gamers demand. Try out some of the best gaming keyboards of 2021 today.
6. Wireless keyboards
The wireless keyboards are quite popular due to the extra convenience so you don’t get with the wired keyboards. There are different types of wireless keyboards based on their connectivity, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Moreover, wireless keyboards are expensive but are worth an investment due to their quality. Here are some of the best mechanical wireless keyboards of the year.
7. Multimedia Keyboards
These keyboards are ideal for people who enjoy home theater rather than going out for movies due to function keys. In other words, all the multimedia functions are incorporated into a keyboard, and you won’t need additional remote controls. Moreover, multimedia keyboards have special controls and provide you with plenty of video options.
8. Handheld Keyboards
The handheld keyboards come with premium ergonomics and are perfect for professional gamers. These keyboards have a different layout than the QWERTY layout and are more suitable for other jobs than typing. Although it will take you a lot of time to learn typing, it has faster keystrokes than the ordinary ones.
Working of Keyboard
The keyboard is a mini-computer and has its separate processor rather than relying on the central processor. Plus, the keyboard has circuitry consisting of a key matrix that is the grid beneath the keys. There is a broken circuit under keys at a specific point, which is later closed each time you press the key allowing a small amount of current to flow. So the switch produces vibration, which is called a bounce. The processor takes the bounce and comprehends it, and after that, the circuit is closed. In case it stops working, try to reset your keyboard.
However, when the circuit is closed, the processor takes the circuit’s location on the key matrix and compares it to the character map present in the Read-Only Memory. The character map acts as a guide for the processor to identify the keys’ location and acts as a lookup table. For instance, the processor can easily detect the key’s position when your writing is small if you’re writing Capital A by pressing the shift key. Moreover, computers can also have additional character maps that allow the user to type in different languages.
Keyboard Switches
- Mechanical Keyboards
There are three types of keyboard switches used by different companies that include linear switches, tactile switches, and clicky switches. These three types of keyboard switches are usually found in mechanical keyboards and vary in features. The liner switches are the basic ones and don’t come with tactile feedback, and features a quieter operation when hitting the actuation point.
However, the tactile switches aren’t the basic and give you excellent tactile feedback and feature a bump when pressing the key. The bump is an indication that your command is successfully delivered, adding extra convenience to the user. Clicky switches have fantastic tactile and have clicky keys that give you excellent feedback and are ideal for typing. Lastly, if you want switches for your mechanical keyboards then we’ve got it covered.
- Non-Mechanical Keyboards
The capacitive switches are not like the mechanical switches as these do not complete the circuit. In other, the capacitive switches have a constant flow of current through the entire key matrix. The keys are spring-loaded with a tiny plate below the keys, and so when you hit the key, the two plates get closer triggering a change in the current flow. This change is detected by the processor and produces an output, and has fantastic tactile feedback with clicky keys. Keyboards having capacitive switches are expensive but have excellent durability, and you won’t have to purchase another one anytime soon.
Connection of keyboard to Computer
When typing, the key matrix of the keyboard determines the character that you’re typing, which is maintained in the computer’s memory buffer. Most keyboards come with a cable for connecting the keyboard to the computer through a USB port. Moreover, in laptops, the keyboards use internal connectors for carrying the signals between the device and the keyboard. With technological advancement, wireless keyboards are connected to the computer through infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), or Bluetooth connections.