The Keyboard parts and their functions

Khadam Ali

The keyboard is the most important peripheral for entering information into your computer. In general, the key refers to letters, numbers, special symbols, and XNUMX or more letters in a particular function. The way these keys are distributed has specific implications. This is discussed in more detail in this article on keyboard parts.

<img src="Keyboard.webp" alt="Keyboard keys functions">

Keyboard and its Parts

In the field of computing, a keyboard is a device or hardware component used to enter by pressing a key or button, command, and data on a computer. The keyboard can be both a physical keyboard or a virtual keyboard, such as an on-screen keyboard or a touch keyboard.

There are many types of keyboards, but they are basically categorized by the distribution of keys in the alphanumerical area. This is very similar on all models and brands (even on non-Latin keyboards), with a few exceptions.

Its origins are inspired by the keyboards of teletype and electric typewriters, which were first used as a means of entering data into the first computers and storage devices (paper tape recorders and perforated cards). The keyboard functions based on a system of buttons or keys that act as mechanical levers or electronic switches, and when pressed, sends the signal corresponding to the key to the memory of your computer or mobile phone.

1. IBM keyboard

The rise of IBM PC-type computers in the 1980s created standards that were reproduced by almost every participant in the computer sector, and keyboards are part of that standard. Early versions of the IBM PC keyboard and IBM AT could not be spread beyond cloned computers, but were captured and realized on the 1987 Multifunctional II model (or extended 101/102 key AT keyboard). In fact, modern keyboards have been normalized.

83-key XT keyboard: Used on XT computer (8086/88).
84-key AT keyboard: Used on AT computers (286/386).
101/102 Key Expansion Keyboard: This is the keyboard currently in use and has a large number of keys.

It consists of 10 well-distinguished groups of keys. An alphanumerical key with at least 12 keys on either side of the spacebar to access symbols that do not exist on the keyboard. XNUMX or XNUMX function key lines on it. On the right is the numeric keypad, which allows you to get the lower cursor key and the various edit keys above between these XNUMX large groups.

In one of the variations, this will be the distribution used by the;

Atari ST,
Commodore Amiga (from Commodore Amiga 500),
Sharp X68000,
SUN and Silicon Graphics workstations,
Acorn Archimedes / Acorn RISCPC.

Apple is the only company on Mac computers that maintains an alphanumerical + numeric block system, but it also manufactures extended AT keyboards, especially for models that emulate a PC in hardware.

Since 1994, Microsoft has introduced a series of keyboards to the market that feature significant ergonomic advances under the name Microsoft Natural Keyboard. After the launch of the Windows 95 operating system, XNUMX and two new keys have been added.

The use of multimedia keyboards has become widespread, including keys for volume control, CD-ROMs on reader units, or Internet browsers. It also has a built-in speaker, calculator, touchpad or ball for moving the cursor.

2. Standard keyboard

The MF-II (multifunctional II or extended keyboard) based on the AT keyboard was developed by IBM in 1987. It uses the same interface as the AT, but in addition to adding more keys, it has an "LED" light and supports the scancode set 3 character set (the code that corresponds to each key pressed). To do. The fact that you are using set 2 by default.

This keyboard model is available in XNUMX versions, a 101-key American version and a 102-key European version. The standard keyboard is divided into XNUMX blocks.

Function block

It consists of four groups (F5 to F8, F9 to F12, and F1 to FXNUMX) with keys F1 to F12. The operation is affected by the running program or application. For example, in many programs, pressing the FXNUMX key usually gives you access to the help services linked to that program. To the left of this block is usually the Esc key.

Alphanumerical block

Below the group of function keys, it consists of numeric keys from 1 to 0 and the entire alphabet, arranged like a traditional typewriter. In addition,

Tab ↹ (tab),
⇪ Caps Lock (Caps Lock),
⇧ Shift (Shift key),
Ctrl,
⊞ Win (Windows key),
Alt,
Space,
Alt Gr,
↵ Enter (key Enter, Enter or Enter).

Special block

To the right of the group of alphanumeric keys, it contains the Print Screen or other special keys such as;

SisRequest,
Scroll Lock,
Pause,
Insert,
Delete,
Home,
End,
PageUp,
PageDown, and the direction arrow to create it.
You can move the cursor to one of the XNUMX directions (↑, ↓, ←, →).

Numerical block

It's to the right of the group of special keys, and you need to press the NumLock key to activate it. Includes Arabic numerals organized like a calculator for easy typing. In addition, it contains points as decimal points and 9801 basic operation symbols for;

Addition +,
Subtraction-,
Multiplication *,
And division /.

It also includes an Enter or ↵Enter key. Nec PC-As with XNUMX computers, certain models have both dots and commas built-in.

Keyboard Type

Keyboards are usually categorized according to appearance and appearance, and the type of connector that needs to be connected to a computer or other device.

1. According to Your Appearance

The following are keyboard types depending on their appearance or physical characteristics.

1. Ergonomic keyboard

The purpose of this design is to help the user work more comfortably when using this keyboard model, as it contributes to a more relaxed position on the arm.

2. Media keyboard

It contains some special keys that give you direct access to email programs, calculators, multimedia players and more.

3. Flexible keyboard

They are made from soft plastic or silicone and can be folded and rolled up on their own. In use, they can adapt to irregular surfaces and are usually more resistant to liquid spills than the standard model. You can also connect to mobile devices and smartphones. Some models are widely used in hospitals and laboratories because they can be completely submerged in water and disinfected.

4. On-screen keyboard

Currently, there are so-called on-screen keyboards or virtual keyboards. These usually appear on your computer screen and you use a special device such as a mouse or joystick to select a key. This keyboard mode is primarily used on mobile devices such as phones, tablets and PDAs, as well as game consoles and smart TVs.

5. Projection keyboard

It has a projection keyboard and uses laser light to project an image of the keyboard onto any surface while maintaining the same size as a standard keyboard. The key is selected by touching the area where the image is located. You can connect via wifi,USB and Bluetooth.

6. Membrane keyboard

They consist of XNUMX thin sheets of plastic (film) with conductive channels etched on the inside. The XNUMXth separation membrane has a hole in the area where the key enters. When you press a key, electricity flows from one sheet to another, so you can see which key was pressed. These keyboards tend to be severely damaged with use and are not usually built into modern computers.

7. Capacitive keyboard

This keyboard model uses a capacitance sensor to recognize user activity.

8. Mechanical keyboard

These mainly consist of switches that operate independently. All mechanical keyboards have a circuit that closes when a key is pressed correctly. Most switches use a spring or spring to return a key to its original position, as opposed to a membrane keyboard that uses a rubber dome to activate and return the key.

These keyboards provide a better feel, their keys are more durable, and in addition, you can type faster, so you can press many keys at the same time. These keyboards are of excellent quality and are currently used primarily for gaming and typing, but tend to be more expensive than membrane keyboards.

9. Metal contact keypad

This type of keyboard is like a combination of a membrane keyboard and a mechanical keyboard because it is a circuit that is closed by the interaction of XNUMX metal plates. Both of them feel and interact very well, but they usually don't last long because keyboard circuits don't have any kind of protection as opposed to membrane circuits. Some models incorporate a sponge-like material between the XNUMX plates, which does not guarantee as much protection as a rubber sheet.

2. Depends on the type of Connector

The following line shows the keyboard model depending on the type of connector you are using.

The PS / 2 port has a rounded shape, has 6 pins, and the keyboard connector is usually identified in purple. The PS / 2 was officially considered a "legacy port" in 2000, leaving the way for USB connectors open. In most cases, PS / 2 is no longer actually used.

1. USB keyboard

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a data transfer method that specifies by default the types of elements and procedures used to enable connectivity, communication, and power supply between computers, peripherals, and other electronic devices. USB is a widely used connector for keyboards instead of keyboards. Virtually obsolete PS / 2.

2. Wireless keyboard

Keyboards on these models usually have a built-in transmitter and a receiver connected to the keyboard port of your computer. Wireless communication between the keyboard and the computer is established via infrared, radio, or Bluetooth. Considering the flexibility of use, it is very popular.

3. Keyboard distribution

The method of distributing keys on the keyboard of a computer, typewriter, or other similar device is called keyboard layout. Different keyboard layouts are known that are directly related to different languages. The key layout goes back to the first fully mechanical typewriter.

4.Quarty

QWERTY is commonly referred to in English as the standard model of the keyboard and is used in computers and typewriters commonly used in the western countries of the Latin alphabet. These abbreviations correspond to the acronyms that appear to the left of the top line of the group of alphanumerical keys.

Alternative distribution

Since the layout of the QWERTY keyboard has been strongly criticized for lack of ergonomics, various alternatives such as Colemak, Carpalx, Workman have been proposed, pointing out advantages such as faster typing and reduced labor. It has been.

Today's computers allow you to use keyboard layouts in several different languages on the same keyboard that is physically related to a single language.

Inactive key

Certain languages have additional characters, such as accented characters, which are easier to type using the dead key. If you press only the key that corresponds to the desired accent, nothing happens on the screen, so you need to press the key that corresponds to the character you want to accent. Such key combinations are valid only if an acceptable character sequence is entered.