A Computer Keyboard is a device that allows you to input text and commands into your computer. It has a set of keys, including letters, numbers, and symbols, that you press to create words and sentences in any language which the keyboard support. You can also type numbers to perform Math related things
The keyboard is connected to your computer either through a wire or wirelessly, and it’s essential for typing, browsing the internet, playing games, and many other activities.
History Of Computer Keyboards
The history of computer keyboards dates back to the early 1800s when Charles Babbage, an English mathematician, proposed the concept of a machine with a keyboard to input data.
The first typewriter was invented in 1868, which led to the development of the QWERTY layout that is still in use today. The first computer keyboard was introduced in 1964 by IBM, which used the same QWERTY Keyboard Layout.
Types of Computer Keyboards
There are several types of computer keyboards available in the market, each designed to cater to different needs.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of computer keyboards.
- Standard Keyboards
- Ergonomic Keyboards
- Gaming Keyboards
- Virtual Keyboards
1- Standard Keyboards
Standard keyboards are the most commonly used type of computer keyboard. They come with a standard layout and features that are suitable for general use. Standard keyboards are affordable and widely available in the market.
2- Ergonomic Keyboards
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce the strain on your hands and wrists. They come with a curved design that is more comfortable to use for extended periods. Ergonomic keyboards are ideal for people who spend long hours typing.
3- Gaming Keyboards
Gaming keyboards are designed for gamers who want a high-performance keyboard with customizable features. They come with programmable keys, backlighting, and other features that enhance the gaming experience.
4- Virtual Keyboards
Virtual keyboards are software-based keyboards that can be accessed using a touchscreen or a mouse. They are commonly used in smartphones and tablets.
Computer Keyboard Keys And Their Functions
A computer keyboard is made up of various keys, each with its own unique function.
Here is a breakdown of some of the most commonly used keys and their functions:
Computer Keyboard Keys Functions
ESC (Escape) Key: This key is used to cancel or exit a command, program, or operation.
F1-F12 Keys: These are function keys that perform various tasks, depending on the program or application being used.
Print Screen (PrtSc) Key: This key captures a screenshot of the entire screen or active window, which can then be pasted into an image editing program or document.
Scroll Lock (ScrLk) Key: This key is used to toggle the scroll lock function on or off, which controls whether the arrow keys scroll the screen or move the cursor.
Pause/Break Key: This key is used to pause the current operation, such as a software installation or download.
Insert (Ins) Key: This key is used to toggle between insert mode and overwrite mode when typing.
Home Key: This key moves the cursor to the beginning of the current line of text.
Page Up Key: This key moves the screen up one page.
Delete (Del) Key: This key deletes the character to the right of the cursor.
End Key: This key moves the cursor to the end of the current line of text.
Page Down Key: This key moves the screen down one page.
Up, Down, Left, and Right Arrow Keys: These keys are used to move the cursor or highlight text in different directions.
Numeric Keypad: This is a set of keys on the right side of the keyboard that can be used to enter numerical data, perform calculations, and navigate spreadsheets.
Enter Key: This key is used to submit commands, move to the next line, or submit forms.
Shift Key: This key is used to capitalize letters, access alternate characters, and perform other functions when used in combination with other keys.
Control (Ctrl) Key: This key is used in combination with other keys to perform various shortcuts, such as copying and pasting text.
Alt Key: This key is used in combination with other keys to perform additional functions, such as accessing menus or performing special commands.
Windows Key: This key is used to open the Start menu or switch between open programs on a Windows computer.
Caps Lock Key: This key is used to toggle between uppercase and lowercase letters.
Tab Key: This key is used to indent text or move between fields in a form.
Backspace Key: This key deletes the character to the left of the cursor.
Grave Accent (`) Key: This key is used to type accents or diacritical marks in some languages, or as a shortcut in some software applications.
Shift Lock Key: This key is similar to the Caps Lock key, but it only affects the shift key and not the other keys on the keyboard.
Left And Right Alt Keys: These keys are located on either side of the spacebar and are used in combination with other keys to perform additional functions.
Spacebar: This key is used to insert a space between words or sentences.
Windows Menu Key: This key is used to open a context menu with options specific to the current program or application.
Left And Right Control Keys: These keys are located on either side of the spacebar and are used in combination with other keys to perform various shortcuts.
Context Menu Key: This key is used to open a context menu with options specific to the current program or application.
Left And Right Shift Keys: These keys are located on either side of the keyboard and are used to capitalize letters or access alternate characters.
Function (Fn) Key: This key is used to access additional functions on laptops or other devices with limited keyboard space.
Multimedia Keys: These are a set of keys found on some keyboards that allow you to control multimedia functions, such as volume, play/pause, and track skipping.
AltGr Key: This key is used to access additional characters or symbols on keyboards with non-US layouts.
Application Key: This key is used to open a context menu with options specific to the current program or application.
Comma (,) Key: This key is used to insert a comma when typing.
Period (.) Key: This key is used to insert a period when typing.
Slash (/) Key: This key is used to insert a forward slash when typing.
Semi-Colon (;) Key: This key is used to insert a semi-colon when typing.
Apostrophe (‘) Key: This key is used to insert an apostrophe when typing.
Bracket Keys ([ and ]): These keys are used to enclose text or characters within brackets.
Backslash () Key: This key is used to insert a backslash when typing.
Hyphen (-) Key: This key is used to insert a hyphen or dash when typing.
Equals (=) Key: This key is used to insert an equals sign when typing.
Num Lock Key: This key is used to toggle the numeric keypad between numeric and function mode.
Enter Key On Numeric Keypad: This key is used to submit commands or move to the next line when using the numeric keypad.
Numeric Keypad: This is a set of keys on the right-hand side of the keyboard that allow you to input numeric data and perform mathematical calculations.
Scroll Lock Key: This key is used to toggle the scroll lock feature on and off, which is used to control the scrolling of a document or webpage.
Pause/Break Key: This key is used to temporarily stop a program or process.
Insert Key: This key is used to toggle between insert mode and overwrite mode when typing.
Home Key: This key is used to move the cursor to the beginning of a line of text.
End Key: This key is used to move the cursor to the end of a line of text.
Page Up Key: This key is used to scroll up one page at a time in a document or webpage.
Page Down Key: This key is used to scroll down one page at a time in a document or webpage.
Arrow Keys: These are a set of four keys (up, down, left, and right) that are used to move the cursor or select items on the screen.
Print Screen Key: This key is used to take a screenshot of the current screen.
Delete Key: This key is used to delete the character to the right of the cursor.
Windows Logo Key: This key is used to open the Start menu on Windows computers.
Menu Key: This key is used to open a context menu with options specific to the current program or application.
Ctrl Key: This key is used in combination with other keys to perform certain functions, such as copying and pasting text or executing keyboard shortcuts.
Alt Key: This key is also used in combination with other keys to perform functions, such as accessing menu options or alternate characters.
Shift Key: This key is used to capitalize letters or type symbols that are not readily accessible on the keyboard.
Caps Lock Key: This key is used to toggle between lowercase and uppercase letters. When turned on, all letters are typed in uppercase until turned off.
Tab Key: This key is used to move the cursor to the next field or box when filling out forms or navigating through certain programs.
Backspace Key: This key is used to delete the character to the left of the cursor.
Escape (Esc) Key: This key is used to cancel or escape from a program or operation.
Function (Fn) Key: This key is used in combination with other keys to perform certain functions, such as adjusting the brightness or volume on a laptop.
F1-F12 Keys: These keys are used as shortcuts to perform specific functions within programs, such as opening help menus or saving files.
Power Key: This key is used to turn the computer on or off.
Sleep Key: This key is used to put the computer into sleep mode, conserving power while allowing quick startup when needed.
Eject Key: This key is usually found on Mac keyboards and is used to eject CDs or DVDs from the disc drive.
Volume Control Keys: These are usually found on laptops and some multimedia keyboards and are used to adjust the volume of the computer’s speakers or headphones.
Mute Key: This key is used to mute or unmute the sound on the computer.
Media Playback Keys: These are usually found on multimedia keyboards and are used to control media playback, such as play, pause, stop, forward, and rewind.
Browser Navigation Keys: These are also found on multimedia keyboards and are used to navigate through web pages, such as going back or forward a page or opening a new tab.
Email Key: This key is found on some keyboards and is used to open the default email program or webmail service.
Calculator Key: This key is found on some keyboards and opens the built-in calculator program on the computer.
Help Key: This key is found on some keyboards and opens the help menu for the current program or application.
Lock Keys: These are a set of keys that toggle certain functions on or off, such as the Num Lock key, which toggles the numeric keypad, and the Scroll Lock key, which toggles the scrolling feature.
Print Screen (PrtScn) Key: This key is used to take a screenshot of the entire screen and copy it to the clipboard. On some keyboards, it may also be labeled as “PrtSc” or “Print Screen SysRq.”
Scroll Lock Key: This key is used to toggle the scrolling feature on or off. When turned on, it allows the user to scroll through a document or spreadsheet without moving the cursor.
Pause/Break Key: This key is used to pause or break the current operation or process, such as when installing software or running a program.
Insert (Ins) Key: This key is used to toggle between insert mode and overwrite mode when typing. In insert mode, text is inserted at the cursor’s location, while in overwrite mode, text replaces the character to the right of the cursor.
Home Key: This key is used to move the cursor to the beginning of a line or document.
End Key: This key is used to move the cursor to the end of a line or document.
Page Up Key: This key is used to scroll up one page in a document or webpage.
Page Down Key: This key is used to scroll down one page in a document or webpage.
Arrow Keys: These keys are used to move the cursor or selection up, down, left, or right.
Numeric Keypad: This is a set of keys that resemble a calculator and provide a quick and efficient way to enter numbers and perform mathematical functions.
Function Keys (F1-F12): These are a set of keys located at the top of the keyboard and are labeled F1 through F12. They are used to perform specific tasks or functions within programs or applications. For example, F1 is often used as a help key, while F5 is commonly used to refresh a webpage.
Windows Key: This key is found on most Windows-based keyboards and is used to open the Start menu or switch between open windows.
Alt Key: This key is used in combination with other keys to perform keyboard shortcuts or access menus.
Ctrl Key: This key is used in combination with other keys to perform keyboard shortcuts or access menus.
Shift Key: This key is used to type uppercase letters and symbols and is also used in combination with other keys to perform keyboard shortcuts or access menus.
Caps Lock Key: This key is used to toggle between typing in uppercase or lowercase letters. When turned on, all letters will be typed in uppercase.
Tab Key: This key is used to indent text or move between fields or sections in a form or document.
Enter Key: This key is used to submit a form or confirm an action, such as when logging in or submitting a search query.
Backspace Key: This key is used to delete the character to the left of the cursor.
Delete Key: This key is used to delete the character to the right of the cursor.
Context Menu Key: This key is usually located next to the right Ctrl key and is used to open a context menu, similar to right-clicking with a mouse.
Media Keys: Some keyboards have additional keys for controlling media playback, such as play, pause, next track, and previous track.
Gaming Keys: Gaming keyboards may include additional keys that are specifically designed for gaming, such as programmable macro keys or keys for adjusting settings like lighting and volume.
Touchpad: Some laptops have a built-in touchpad that functions as a pointing device and allows the user to control the cursor with their fingers.
Trackpoint: Some laptops also have a trackpoint, which is a small, joystick-like device located in the middle of the keyboard that can be used to control the cursor.
Touchscreen: Some laptops and desktop monitors have touchscreens, allowing the user to interact with their computer using their fingers.
Shortcut keys: In addition to the standard keys on a keyboard, many programs and applications also have their own specific shortcut keys for performing common tasks. For example, in Microsoft Word, pressing Ctrl + B will bold the selected text.
Features to Consider When Buying a Keyboard
When buying a keyboard, there are several features that you should consider to ensure that it meets your needs.
Here is the list.
- Key Switches
- Backlighting
- Connectivity
- Multimedia Controls
- Customization Options
Key Switches
The key switches determine the tactile feedback and noise level of the keyboard. There are several types of key switches available, including mechanical, membrane, and scissor switches.
Backlighting
Backlighting is a useful feature that allows you to use the keyboard in low-light conditions. It can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
Connectivity
Keyboards can be connected to a computer using a wired or wireless connection. Wireless keyboards offer more flexibility, while wired keyboards provide a more stable connection.
Multimedia Controls
Multimedia controls allow you to adjust the volume, play/pause music, and perform other functions without leaving your keyboard.
Customization Options
Some keyboards come with customization options that allow you to reprogram keys or set up macros for faster access to certain functions.
Maintenance Tips for Computer Keyboards
Maintaining your keyboard is essential to ensure that it lasts longer and performs well. Here are some tips to help you maintain your keyboard
- Cleaning the Keyboard
- Protecting the Keyboard from Damage
Cleaning the Keyboard
Over time, your keyboard can accumulate dust, dirt, and other debris that can affect its performance. To clean your keyboard, you can use a soft, dry cloth or a can of compressed air to remove the dirt between the keys.
For more thorough cleaning, you can use a damp cloth or a cleaning solution that is safe for your keyboard.
Protecting the Keyboard from Damage
To prevent damage to your keyboard, you should avoid eating or drinking near it. You should also keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
If you’re transporting your keyboard, make sure to protect it with a carrying case or a padded bag.
Computer Keyboard Keys And Their Functions
Conclusion
The computer keyboard is a vital component for any computer user, and each key serves a specific function.
From the letters and numbers used for typing, to the function keys, modifier keys, and specialty keys, understanding how to use each key efficiently can greatly increase productivity when using a computer. Additionally, many programs and applications have their own specific shortcut keys, which can be utilized to perform common tasks quickly and easily.
Overall, becoming proficient with the keyboard is an important skill for anyone who uses a computer on a regular basis.
What is the best type of keyboard for typing?
Ergonomic keyboards are the best type of keyboard for typing, as they reduce the strain on your hands and wrists.
What is the difference between mechanical and membrane keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards have individual switches under each key, while membrane keyboards have a single membrane that detects key presses.
Can I clean my keyboard with soap and water?
No, you should avoid using soap and water to clean your keyboard, as it can damage the internal components. Instead, use a damp cloth or a cleaning solution that is safe for your keyboard.
How do I know if a keyboard is compatible with my computer?
Most keyboards come with either a USB or a PS/2 connection, which are both compatible with most computers. Make sure to check the compatibility before purchasing.
What should I do if a key on my keyboard is not working?
If a key on your keyboard is not working, you can try cleaning it with a can of compressed air. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the keyboard or the key switch.
