The keyboard of our computer is one of the tools with which we interact the most on a day-to-day basis, but I am almost sure that you do not know all the mysteries that it hides from us with the naked eye. This is one of the hardware that have evolved the most, being essential to guarantee an excellent user experience.
It is more than likely that ignore the hundreds of changes that have been made to these over the years. It is normal, currently we are so immersed in various tasks that it is logical that we overlook the most common things, but this does not mean that it is okay.
In this article we are going to talk to you about the keyboard so that you know everything about it., from its history and functions to the most representative changes it has undergone over the years. In this way we are sure that you will better appreciate everything that has to do with it.
What is a computer keyboard? Origin and history
The keyboard is an input device that is part of the hardware of our computer. Input means that its main function is to enter information, either in the form of text or numbers. As we can imagine, its origin dates back to the not-so-distant era of typewriters.
So we can easily say that a keyboard is a modern version of the old typewritersbut the question is, when and how did typewriters actually become keyboards?
We know that the first computers were created to analyze and process data and these were later reflected on paper. Therefore, computers did not have what we know today as a monitor or screen, so How did they know the keyboard was working if they didn’t see what was being done? simple answer, with a lighting system on a panel.
The arrival of the keyboard as we know it now, It came with the entry of home computers to the market in the 80s approximatelybeing the IBM industry that quickly dominated the hardware market, with all its devices for the new computers of the time.
Although it may be hard to believe, the operation of a keyboard is much more complex than simple letters and numbers. This is because each key is not equivalent to what is printed on it but to a numerical value that is linked to the position it occupies on the keyboard.
This can only work with a microcontroller, a program installed, which is executed at each press, and when this happens a matrix scan is carried out that tells the computer which keys are pressed, in what order they were pressed, which ones are being steadily pressed and which were ejected.
What is it for and what are the main functions of the computer keyboard?
They are very varied as simpleas already mentioned, is an input device, which allows the computer to receive data, both for writers and programmers, this is an essential tool when working, since it allows us to enter and save thoughts and ideas.
To the programmers allows them to enter orders and commandsand for the rest of the people it facilitates communication, among other things the keyboard is simply a tool that gives us control over the computer software, even if it is to play.
How many types of keyboards are there and what are their functions?
Depending on the purpose for which you use your computer, it will be necessary and advisable to use each type of keyboard, and then I present the different existing types so that you can inform yourself and make your choice.
standard keyboard
The model created by IBM was based on typewriters, and this in turn transcended influencing the marketso that the entire industry in one way or another produced in a general way the same design or the same distribution in the keyboard keys, with slight variations with the number of these, being of 104 keys the keyboard for the English of the United States and 105 keys for the Latin due to the inclusion of theÑ”.
ergonomic keyboard
This type of keyboards have the particularity that They are made adapted to the natural shape of our body, with a curved V-shaped conformation and slightly softened keys making it easier to press, therefore they are ideal for working for hours in front of the PC, avoiding certain injuries and pathologies that we can develop if we spend a lot of time in front of the computer, and with the great advantage that we can increase productivity at work.
multimedia keyboard
multimedia keyboards are characterized by having the same conformation as a standard keyboardbut with the difference that at the top, bottom or on some side, have included playback keys, volume, brightness, shortcuts to emails, calculators or other functional applicationsand depending on the area in which you work, this keyboard may be optimal for you since it allows you to save time, shortening some steps in your daily operation.
flexible keyboard
They are literally rolled up on themselves, therefore they are very flexible, they are portable and, due to their flexibility, easily adaptable to non-flat surfaces. perfect for trips and camping, they are internally very thin, and are covered by a plastic known as “silicone”which makes it practically waterproof, this makes them perfect for laboratory analysts, who need to work in completely sterile environments, because they can regularly apply cleaning with alcohol or other disinfectants.
On-screen or touch keyboard
The on-screen keyboard can be an alternative that is rarely used on computers, and unknown to many, but in cases of emergency it can save your day if some keys stop working or unfortunately a liquid is spilled on your physical keyboard. , you can access it quickly from “beginning” later “windows accessories” and finally “tab tip” On the other hand, in smartphones and tablets it is very common to use this type of touch keyboard.
Keyboards depending on the connection
Another way to classify keyboards is by how they connect to computers. In this sense, we can identify the following.
usb keyboards
We will only talk about two of them because the others are already extinct and they were mostly replaced by USB keyboardsbecause as it is a standard input port, it facilitates its commercialization and its use regardless of the brand of computer used.
wireless keyboards
We also have the wireless keyboards that can either be by infrared, bluetooth, or Wifi connectionwhich at the time I’m sure will replace USB.
mechanical keyboards
These types of keyboards are usually preferred by many gamers and office workers.and they are right to prefer them because of their resistance, some writers also prefer them because lightens their step with each pulsation this thanks to the letters are written halfway and it is not necessary to press the key all the way down to activate it, unlike the slightly more modern rubberized keyboards. Mechanical keyboards require a bit of dexterity at first, but eventually habit takes over.
Capacitive keyboards
The name will sound strange to you, as much as it did to me the first time I read it, but the truth is that This is one of the best quality keyboard types you can find on the market. Although they are a bit expensive, they are worth it. Its operation comes from a difference in capacitances, this means under each pulse there is a mini capacitor which, when pressed, sends an electrical impulse, which is detected and processed by the computer.
projection keyboards
These are the most futuristic model of keyboards in my opinion, since its operation is with laser and it is literally a projectionon your desk, that is, a virtual keyboard with either bluetooth or WIFI connection, it is a very practical model, although a bit disadvantageous when it comes to productivity or quick responses for gamers, who probably want to feel the pressure in their hands .
These were all the keyboards that are currently in use, I have left out a few types because they are already obsolete and it is very difficult to find them on the market.
What parts and types of keys does a computer keyboard have?
The traditional keyboard can be easily divided between 5 parts or groups with functions and different purposes, presented below.
alphanumeric keys
This group represents the bulk of the keyboard, it is the one with the greatest number of keys and therefore the most used, it includes the entire upper numeric keyboard located just below the group of function keys, and all the letters of the alphabet also includes expression symbols question mark, periods, and commas in addition to the key “enter”, “space” and the key “go back or erase”.
It is used to write or compose, be it jobs, articles, or messages in order to enter text into the computer, it is the main way to enter data into the computer.
numeric keys
The numeric keypad located as shown, on the right side of the keyboard, includes all the numbers from 0 to 9 and the symbols for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. This keyboard group is excellent for carrying out mathematical operations, it can be activated and deactivated by pressing the special key “bloq NUM”.
control keys
This small group of keys is made up of the keys “Ctrl”, “Shift”, “Esc” Y “Alt” that either together or separately can trigger different actions that we will learn about later.
navigation keys
The navigation keys is another small group that is made up of the keys “ini”, “delete”, “PageUp”, “PageDown”, “ImpPt” and scroll cursors “up”, “down”, “left” and “right”.
function keys
The function keys are the group that is located at the top of the keyboard just above the alphanumeric keyboard, and even though they are rarely used by most people, they have excellent functions depending on the program with which we are working and can function as great shortcuts, includes the keys from F1 to F12.
What does QWERTY mean, the famous layout of the keys on a keyboard? Are there other distributions?
The layout of the keyboards was inherited from the typewriters of yesteryear, therefore, QWERTY It has no greater meaning than the symbolic memory of another time. They are called this way because they are the first letters that appear in the upper left area of the group of alphanumeric keys.
Originally in typewriters the configuration was adopted QWERTY for separate the keys of the letters that were repeated the most in order to avoid the jamming of the machines, which worked with small mechanical arms and it really was a resounding success.
This configuration of letters was transmitted through time and today all American and Latin American devices have this configuration and also the Spanish ones.
Now we have also…
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