Keyboard Devices

What is a keyboard device?

A keyboard device is a peripheral device that enables a user to input text, numbers and instructions into a computer or any other electronic machinery. A keyboard is an input device and is the most basic way for the user to communicate with a computer. This device is patterned after its predecessor, the typewriter, from which the keyboard inherited its layout, although the keys or letters are arranged to function as electronic switches. The keys include punctuation, alphanumeric and special keys like the Windows key and various multimedia keys, which have specific functions assigned to them.

Types of Keyboard Devices

There are different types of keyboard devices that facilitate input to computer systems. We will look at the following in subsequent pages.

• Standard Keyboards

• Numeric Keypads (Keypads)

• Concept Keyboard

• Braille