In this article I will discuss various types of computer keyboards and their uses in different applications. I will also recommend some keyboards available in the market.
Keyboard is an essential part of the computer. Today in the world of computer and information technology, everybody is familiar with the keyboards.
Typically, a keyboard is a physical input device attached with a computer or laptop (in case of a touchscreen device keyboard is software based which appears on the screen) via some USB port.
Computers keyboards are used for typing a document, to enter text data into the computer systems or to give commands in some cases. They can support English or any other language.
But either keyboards are physical or virtual, you notice they have different types of keys and designs. Each key has its own function depending upon the application. These keys have a specific layout due to which the computer keyboard can be distinguished in many types. They can be wired or wireless (usually Bluetooth enabled).
Standard Keyboard
This is the most basic type of key board. Actually There is no particular standard for keyboards. Manufacturers offer different types with different numbers of keys including alphanumeric characters, functions, commands, symbol and punctuation keys. In addition to this, most of them also have small numeric keypads on the right side. The number of keys varies from 84 to 106. They can be used best with a desktop computer.
Some Recommended Standard Keyboards
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Virtual Keyboard
As we discussed above this is software based. It appears on touch screen devices like smartphones, tablets, touch PC etc. Generally qwerty layout is available but you can choose other layouts like Azerty or Dvorak from settings.
Another form of virtual keyboard is projection keyboard or hologram keyboard. Using laser light a keyboard is projected on the surface of the table. When you touch the surface where a virtual key is made. The projection device senses it and sends it as input to your computer or smartphone.
Some Recommended Virtual Keyboards
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Mini Keyboard
These types of keyboards are small in size as compared to standard. Usually they don’t have separate numeric keypad. But they can be a good replacement for a laptop keyboard because they have a touch pad.
To reduce the size most of the symbols are adjusted on letters keys. Their popular use is with a desktop computer if you don’t want to use a separate mouse. You can also use it as an alternative to your laptop keyboard.
Some Recommended Mini Keyboards
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Flexible Keyboard
This type is portable because a flexible keyboard has the ability to fold. So either you are working at home or in the office, take it with you. They are made of silicon and very light weight.
Flexible keyboards are very slim. The drawback is that you need a hard surface to use them. The size is in between laptop and a standard keyboard.
Some keyboards are not flexible but they can be folded and do not need a hard surface to use.
Some Recommended Flexible Keyboards
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Multimedia Keyboard
Although the design is similar to a simple keyboard but has some additional multimedia keys for volume control and fast multimedia application launch such as internet browser.
Some Recommended Multimedia Keyboards
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Ergonomic Keyboard
These types of keyboards are specially built for the comfort of a writer. Typically, to reduce the stress on the hand muscles. Since a slight tilt is given to the keyboard so it looks like a V-shaped. Hence a typewriter can use it in the best possible natural way.
Some Recommended Ergonomic Keyboards
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Handheld Keyboard
Using a little keyboard while sitting on a chair or sofa at some distance from your PC. Do you like this idea? A handheld keyboard can do it for you. This is another variation of ergonomic keyboard.
They look more like a gaming console controller, which you can fit in two hands easily. A trackball mouse is also provided in some types which helps to move the cursor.
Some Recommended Handheld Keyboards
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Gaming Keyboard
This is a big sized keyboard typically useful to play games. They are expensive compared to other keyboards. The price varies depending upon quality and features.
Some Recommended Gaming Keyboards
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execllent explanation
thanks ahmed