Intro to keyboarding

History
While typewriters are the definitive ancestor of all key-based text entry devices,
the computer keyboard as a device for electromechanical data entry and
communication derives largely from the utility of two devices: teleprinters (or
teletypes) and keypunches. It was through such devices that modern computer
keyboards inherited their layouts.
As early as the 1870s, teleprinter-like devices were used to simultaneously type
and transmit stock market text data from the keyboard across telegraph lines
to stock ticker machines to be immediately copied and displayed onto ticker tape.
[5]
The teleprinter, in its more contemporary form, was developed from 1907 to
1910 by American mechanical engineer Charles Krum and his son Howard, with
early contributions by electrical engineer Frank Pearne. Earlier models were
developed separately by individuals such as Royal Earl House and Frederick G.
Creed.
Earlier, Herman Hollerith developed the first keypunch devices, which soon
evolved to include keys for text and number entry akin to normal typewriters by
the 1930s.[6]
The keyboard on the teleprinter played a strong role in point-to-point and point-to-
multipoint communication for most of the 20th century, while the keyboard on the
keypunch device played a strong role in data entry and storage for just as long. The
development of the earliest computers incorporated electric typewriter keyboards:
the development of the ENIAC computer incorporated a keypunch device as both
the input and paper-based output device, while the BINAC computer also made use
of an electromechanically controlled typewriter for both data entry onto magnetic
tape (instead of paper) and data output.[7]
The keyboard remained the primary, most integrated computer peripheral well into
the era of personal computing until the introduction of the mouse as a consumer
device in 1984. By this time, text-only user interfaces with sparse graphics gave
way to comparatively graphics-rich icons on screen.[8] However, keyboards remain
central to human-computer interaction to the present though mobile personal
computing devices such as smartphones and tablets use a virtual keyboard.

Keyboarding is the activity of typing information into a computer.

Types of Computer Keyboards

There are various types of keyboards available in the marketplace and selecting the
best one depends on your need and creative use. In addition, choosing the layout
like QWERTY or AZERTY can also impact your decision. Having a longer
keyboard with separate number pad also helps to make use of thousands of alt code
key keyboard shortcuts for making symbols.
1. Mechanical Keyboards

As the name indicates, mechanical keyboards are meant for harder usage. The keys
are placed conveniently on switches generally called spring-activated switches.
Below the switches, there will be an electric circuit which will give signals to the
computer for the pressed keys. Mechanical keyboards will make louder noise
compared to the rubber membrane keyboards used commonly on the
desktops/laptops. Gamers and people who learn typing look for using mechanical
keyboard as it reduces the possibility of mistakenly pressing a different key.

2. Wireless Keyboards
Nowadays, wireless keyboards are popular due to its versatile usage. Wireless
keyboards can use either Bluetooth or USB Radio frequency (USB-RF) to connect
to computers without any wires. Bluetooth models are widely available and
compatible with multiple devices. You need to insert a small connector on your
computer’s USB port, turn on Bluetooth on your computer/keyboard to start using
the wireless keyboard without additional wires. The advantage of wireless
keyboard is that you can use the same keyboard on Windows, Mac or even with
mobiles/tablets. This helps to provide seamless user experience when using
different devices.

Bluetooth Wireless
Keyboard
3. Membrane Keyboards

Membrane keyboards are quite opposite in nature compared to mechanical

keyboards. The keys are tightly packed and sometimes covered with a transparent
membrane. This helps to avoid key movements and key pressing sounds. They are
lightweight and protected from accumulating dust between keys. However,
membrane keyboards are not widely used due to error prone nature while typing.
In addition, people those like key sound may not like the quiet key movements.

Membrane Keyboard

4. Flexible or Foldable Keyboards

Flexible keyboards are foldable in nature that you can roll and move easily by
keeping in your pocket. These keyboards are water and dust resistant and typically
made with rubber like material. Flexible keyboards are mostly Bluetooth
keyboards that come with a connector. Though it is easy to use, flexible keyboard
needs a hard surface to place and type. In addition, they can be easily damaged and
you can’t keep it on the lap or use conveniently like mechanical keyboards.
5. Ergonomic Keyboards

As per Oxford dictionary, the word ergonomic means “designed for efficiency and
comfort in the working environment”. Ergonomic keyboards are designed in such
way to avoid wrist and arm problems. The shapes of ergonomic keyboards differ
and generally have curves to accommodate your palms for offering relaxed
experience. Combined with ergonomics monitor and mouse, you can get a
complete comfort while using your computer for longer time. Though generic
ergonomic keyboards are much cheaper, you may need to go for a custom design
when needed for medical reasons.
Ergonomic Keyboard

6. Multimedia Keyboards

Apple keyboard on Mac, by default comes with multimedia keys for play/pause,
rewind, froward and volume adjustments. However, most other desktop/laptop
keyboards do not have dedicated multimedia keys. If you have the habit of
frequently watching videos or listening songs on your PC, then multimedia
keyboard with special keys can be handy for you. Multimedia keyboard replaces
the controls on the video/audio player apps in your computer. You can use the
keyboard keys as a quick control instead of using the media player app in your
device. Multimedia keyboards are generally mechanical keyboards with bright
backlit display. Some multimedia keyboards also come with gaming
controls which you can use along with normal audio/video controls.
Multimedia Keyboard
8. Projection Keyboards

Computers come with default onscreen or virtual keyboard which you can use in
case your physical keyboard is damaged. It is also useful with touch screen
monitors thus avoiding the need to have a physical keyboard all the time.
Projection keyboards are similar to onscreen virtual keyboards and do not have
physical components on the layout section. However, the projection of keyboard
layout needs a small handheld device which you need to connect with computer
using Bluetooth or USB cable.

Once switched on, the device will show a laser projection of keyboard layout. You
can simply type on the projected keyboard layout like normal keyboard. Projection
keyboards are costlier compared to other models and you need a flat solid surface
for projecting the layout. In addition, the data accuracy may not be perfect leading
to errors and the projection may not be convenient for all users.

Projection Keyboard

QWERTY-Based Keyboard

QWERTY is a keyboard layout for Latin-script alphabets. The name comes from
the order of the first six keys on the top left letter row of the keyboard. The
QWERTY design is based on a layout created for the Sholes and Glidden
typewriter and sold to E. Remington and Sons in 1873

AZERTY
AZERTY is a specific layout for the characters of the Latin alphabet on typewriter
keys and computer keyboards. The layout takes its name from the first six letters to
appear on the first row of alphabetical keys; that is. Similar to the QWERTZ
layout, it is modelled on the English QWERTY layout.

Dvorak
Dvorak is a keyboard layout for English patented in 1936 by August Dvorak and
his brother-in-law, William Dealey, as a faster and more ergonomic alternative to
the QWERTY layout

Gaming keypad
A gaming keypad is a small, auxiliary keyboard designed only for gaming. It has a
limited number of the original keys from a standard keyboard, and they are
arranged in a more ergonomic fashion to facilitate quick and efficient gaming key
presses.

Bluetooth Keyboards

A bit pricier than other wireless keyboard models, Bluetooth keyboards offer
numerous features and benefits. As you might be able to guess by the name, these
keyboards sync up with a laptop using Bluetooth connectivity.

PARTS OF KEYBOARD AND ITS FUNCTIONS

Keyboard Part Function

Keycaps Visible keys that activate underlying switches

Switches Transfer keystrokes to Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Holds everything together and protects internal components. It can be

Case made up of a top case that sits below the switches, or only have a bottom
case.

Gaskets Protect internal components from dust and liquids

Plate Aligns and stabilizes switches

 Printed Circuit Converts keystrokes into electrical signals and sends them to a
Board (PCB) computer. Some have diodes for RGB backlighting

Stabilizers Keep large keys stable while typing (spacebar, shift, enter, delete)

Power Cable Plugs into the computer with a USB connection

Optional keyboard parts that might not be on all keyboards include:

Keyboard Part Function

Gives the keyboard

Keyboard Feet
a removable footba

Volume Wheel or
Controls the volum
Knob

Media Keys Keys like play/pau

LED Indicator Usually used to ind

Lights activated.

Sound-Absorbing
Absorbs sound and
Foam

O-Rings Dampens noise and

Puts the computer

Sleep button
models)

USB Passthrough/s Allows for pluggin

Mechanical Switches
 Shares

All the Parts of a Mechanical Keyboard

Explained
The different parts of a keyboard work together to convert keystrokes
into electrical signals and send them to a computer. Each part has a
critical function and can significantly impact keyboard performance,
comfort, and aesthetics. This guide explains all the parts of a
keyboard, including what they do, common options, and how they
affect the keyboarding experience for writers, gamers, programmers,
and business professionals.

Parts of a Keyboard: At a Glance

Illustration of a Mechanical Keyboard Courtesy of TechWithTech.com

This table lists parts of a computer keyboard and their functions.

Scroll down for more detailed explanations.

Keyboard Part Function

Keycaps Visible keys that activate underlying switches

Switches Transfer keystrokes to Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Holds everything together and protects internal components. It can be made up

Case
of a top case that sits below the switches, or only have a bottom case.

Gaskets Protect internal components from dust and liquids

Plate Aligns and stabilizes switches

Printed Circuit Converts keystrokes into electrical signals and sends them to a computer. Some have diodes
Board (PCB) for RGB backlighting

Stabilizers Keep large keys stable while typing (spacebar, shift, enter, delete)

Power Cable Plugs into the computer with a USB connection

Optional keyboard parts that might not be on all keyboards include:

Keyboard Part Function

Gives the keyboard an angle, some Das Keyboard models use a removable footbar that is
Keyboard Feet
also a ruler

Volume Wheel or
Controls the volume on a computer
Knob

Media Keys Keys like play/pause, previous track, next track

LED Indicator Lights Usually used to indicate when caps lock, num lock, or scroll lock is activated.

Sound-Absorbing
Absorbs sound and minimizes noise
Foam

O-Rings Dampens noise and tactile feedback on mechanical keyboards

Sleep button Puts the computer to sleep instantly (exclusively on Das Keyboard models)

USB Passthrough/s Allows for plugging in external devices to charge, or transfer files

Parts of a Keyboard: In Detail

The following parts make up most mechanical keyboards. The quality
and style of each part can vary significantly between brands and
manufacturing processes, so it’s essential to understand the different
options before building or buying a pre-built keyboard.
Keycaps

Keycaps are the part of the keyboard that sits on top of the
mechanical switches and that you press with your fingers. When you
push on a keycap, it pushes down the switch and activates the
keystroke. Both the keycaps and the switches are above the top
plate, which has holes for the switches to attach to the plate and PCB.
Most keycaps are made from either Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), but keycaps can be made of
virtually any material, such as resin, wood, metals like aluminum,
stainless steel, or even gold! PBT keycaps are a popular choice
because they are strong and durable, resist fading, and tend to have a
matte, grainy feel. They’re generally more expensive than ABS
keycaps, which are flexible, impact-resistant, and boast sharp colors
and crisp legends. The large cost difference between PBT and
ABS has led to ABS keycaps being the most common keycap material
used in the market today. They cost a fraction of what ABS keycaps
cost, which is why they are also on most mass-produced keyboards
today.

PBT and ABS keycaps can be single shot or double shot:

 Single Shot Keycaps: Made from one layer of plastic.

  Double Shot Keycaps: Two layers of plastic molded together. One
plastic comprises the main housing. The other is injected inside the
keycap to form the stem and legend.

Some keycaps are dye-sublimated (also known as just dye-sub), which

means their legends use digital printing technology to print the legend
on the keycap. Dye-sublimated keycaps can fade over time, but laser-
etched or double shot keycaps won’t fade. Laser-etched keycaps are
cut into the keycap so can’t fade, and double shot keycaps are a
second layer of plastic in a different color for the inscription, so won’t
rub off. Double shot keycaps are usually a better quality keycap
because more material is used so they’re stronger and heavier.

Keycaps come in many different profiles, distinguished by the

following features:

 Height (high, medium, or low)

 Shape (angled or concave)
 Row Shape (sculpted or uniform)

Below are three of the most popular keycap profiles found on the
market today, Cherry, SA (spherical all), and OEM (original equipment
manufacturer).

Keycap profiles are largely a matter of personal preference, though

they can affect performance. For example, SA profile keycaps are tall
and not optimized for speed, while Cherry profile keycaps are popular
among Esports gamers and writers for their balance of comfort,
accuracy, and speed.
Mechanical Switches

Keyboard switches are perhaps the most important parts of a

keyboard because they determine the sound and feel of the keyboard
while typing (in addition to the feel of the keycaps). They’re
responsible for transferring keystrokes to the PCB (Printed Circuit
Board) through the crosspoint (also known as the contact). Keyboard
switches have several characteristics, such as the force needed to
press or depress the key, the feel (tactile or linear), the sound they
make while typing, the amount of travel, if they are unlit, backlit, or
RGB switches, and more. Switches come in many different styles, but
in general, they’re comprised of:

 Upper Housing: The top of the switch that the keycap rests on
 Stem: When pressed, the keycap travels partway down the stem and
activates the contact
 Contact or Crosspoint: When activated, the contact closes the circuit
on the PCB, which sends the signal to the computer
 Spring: The spring provides resistance and returns the keycap to its
original position
 Housing Base: Mounts the switch to the PCB or the keyboard plate
 LED Pipe: Backlit keyboards have a single color LED light that inserts
into the switch

A keyboard’s case can be made up of a top case, and a bottom case.

The bottom case is also sometimes called the bottom housing and
houses the keyboard, while the top encloses the top of the keyboard.
Not all keyboards have a top case, depending on the design and
mounting style. Most keyboard cases are made from ABS plastic, but
some are made from aluminum, brass, carbon fiber, and even
wood. There are several different types of case mounting styles:

Cheat sheet from Thomas Baart

 Gasket Mount: Gaskets inserted between the plate and top and bottom
cases dampen sound and keep dust out.
 Tray Mount: The case features mounting posts to screw the circuit board
on.
 Top-Mount: The plate attaches to the top frame.
 Bottom Mount: The plate attaches to the top of the keyboard case.
 Plateless Mount: The case is designed for a keyboard that doesn’t use a
plate between the switches and PCB.
 Sandwich Mount: The plate is “sandwiched” between the top and bottom
case, keeping it in place.
 Integrated Mount: The top case doubles as the plate.

Gaskets

Gaskets help protect internal components from dirt, dust, water, and other liquids.
They typically lay on the plate between the top and bottom case. Not every
keyboard uses gaskets, which are usually made from rubber, but those that do can
resist minor spills.
Note: all of this are not parts of keyboards but the key types

Alphanumeric keys
A string of characters containing both letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9). An
alphanumeric text entry field will accept both letters and numbers.
1. Space bar is a horizontal bar in the lowermost row. Its main purpose is to enter
the space between words during typing

Modifier keys
Modifier keys are special keys that modify the normal action of another key, when
the two are pressed in combination. For example, Alt + F4 in Microsoft Windows
will close the program in an active window. In contrast, pressing just F4 will
probably do nothing, unless assigned a specific function in a particular program.

Cursor keys
Navigation keys or cursor keys include a variety of keys which move the cursor to
different positions on the screen.
1. The Home key is used to return the cursor to the beginning of the line where
the cursor is located;
2. End key puts the cursor at the end of the line
3. Tab key advances the cursor to the next tab stop.
4. The Insert key is mainly used to switch between overtype mode
5. The Backspace key deletes the preceding character
6. Lock keys lock part of a keyboard, depending on the settings selected. The
lock keys are scattered around the keyboard.
Most styles of keyboards have three LEDs indicating which locks are enabled, in
the upper right corner above the numeric pad. The lock keys include Scroll
lock, Num lock (which allows the use of the numeric keypad), and Caps lock.

Print Screen is a key present on most PC keyboards. It is typically situated in

the same section as the break key and scroll lock key. The print screen may share
the same key as system request.

Escape key

The escape key ( esc ) has a variety of meanings according to Operating System,
application or both. "Nearly all of the time",] it signals Stop, QUIT,[26] or "let me
get out of a dialog" (or pop-up window) It triggers the Stop function in many web
browsers.[28]
The escape key was part of the standard keyboard of the Teletype Model
33 (introduced in 1964 and used with many early minicomputers).
[29]
The DEC VT50, introduced July 1974, also had an Esc key. The TECO text
editor (ca 1963) and its descendant Emacs (ca 1985) use the Esc key extensively.
Enter Key
Alternatively called the Return key, with a keyboard, the Enter key sends the
cursor to the beginning of the next line or executes a command or operation. Most
full-sized PC keyboards have two Enter keys, one above the right Shift key and
another on the bottom right of the numeric keypad.

Shift key
A shift key is one of the modifier keys found on most computer keyboards
and used to enter uppercase characters or other alternate “shifted” functions. When
held down while pressing a letter, number or symbol key, it will produce an
uppercase version of that character instead.

Menu key

Its symbol is usually a small icon depicting a pointer hovering above a menu, and
it is typically found on the right side of the keyboard between the right Windows
logo key and the right control key (or between the right AltGr key and the right
control key).
Number pad

A numeric keypad, number pad, numpad, or ten key, is the palm-sized,

usually-17-key section of a standard computer keyboard, usually on the far
right. It provides calculator-style efficiency for entering numbers. The idea of
a 10-key number pad cluster was originally introduced by Tadao Kashio, the
developer of Casio electronic calculators.