COMPUTER KEYBOARDS

What is a keyboard?

The keyboard is an input device for a PC or other multimedia devices.

Keyboards are used to type text and numbers into a word processor, text editor or other program.

Keyboards are also used for computer gaming, either with regular keyboards or by using keyboards with special gaming features.

Varieties of keyboard

The Dvorak Keyboard layout arranges keys so that frequently used keys are easiest to press, when typing common English.

Modern keyboards

inventor Christopher Sholes developed the QWERTY layout to reduce the likelihood of jamming. With the advent of computers, lever jams are no longer an issue.

The QWERTY layout was designed to allow letters commonly used together to placed near each other.

Future and beyond for keyboards

New keyboards include: Multimedia buttons that give quick access to the

programs or control volume. Some keyboards have been produced which

project a keyboard layout onto any flat surface using a laser. Using infrared key presses are detected and produce the data onto the screen

Flexible keyboards are made of soft plastic or silicone which can be rolled or folded on itself.