The keyboard is one of the most important and used tools on different devices, such as mobile devices, computers and laptops. In computing it is known as a “input peripheral “, (a device that enters information).
The same allows you to enter a large amount of data , both for calculations and for writing, can even be used for games, graphic design, in short, the keyboard has a wide variety of uses . That even different keyboards have been created, in order to facilitate different tasks.
In this article we we will explain all the functions of a keyboard , and how many exist, besides you can know the reason why they were created.
Index:
What is the use of the computer keyboard and what are the main functions?
A computer keyboard, is an input peripheral (input peripherals, are devices that allow data or information to be entered into the system) , in terms of computers and laptops, it is also known as hardware since it is part of the physical elements that make up a computer, laptop or mobile device.
Among its main functions are : Write words, numbers. Either for use in a word processor such as; Word or for accounting data such as; Excel.
The keyboards can also be used as keyboard shortcuts : These allow a more experienced user to enter certain properties or tools of the operating system or programs, in a faster way, with just press a set of keys.
Another frequent use, also occurs with games. Where players use different parts of the keyboard to perform extensive functions within the game, ranging from scrolling the character, to interacting with objects.
How many types of keyboards are there and what are their functions?
There are a wide variety of keyboards, and these can be cataloged from their functionality and type of connection and a combination of these that can be considered a sub category. Over time they are updating their technologies, thereby improving the user experience and quality of the devices.
Ergonomic keyboard
They are designed to provide greater comfort to the user, helping him to have a more comfortable position, of the arms and hands when typing on the keyboard .
Multimedia keyboard
This keyboard adds special keys, which can have direct and diverse functionalities . At first the first keyboards of this type, contained simple functions, such as pause and play a video or audio, increase and decrease the volume. But as time goes by, more features have been added. Like, for example: open the browser, email, help panel, USB ports and more. The interesting thing is that different keyboards of this type have been created. Some being; ergonomic, other touch panel and wireless .
Flexible keyboard
It is similar to any classic keyboard, since it contains the same keys and functions, its peculiarity and usefulness is its flexibility, commonly made of silicone or in some cases of soft plastic. These keyboards can be used on almost any surface and if they are silicone, they are completely sealed. What makes it a great tool for use in laboratories, since it allows a total disinfection of the device.
Numeric keypad
This keyboard is a complement to the keyboard commonly known as QWERT, since in cases such as the ergonomic, virtual and projection keyboard. This section is not included. It basically contains the section of the numbers that go from 0 to 9 and all the basic mathematical operations.
On-screen keyboard or virtual keyboard
It is a keyboard that we can observe mainly in portable devices such as mobile or tables, but it is even available not only in One in all computers. It is also included in laptops and classic computers , it is only necessary to perform some steps to activate it. Its functionality is the same as any conventional keyboard. Only if you do not have a touch screen, its use should be done with the cursor or a joystick.
Mechanical keyboards
These keyboards look similar to a conventional keyboard , their big difference lies in how it works, unlike a normal keyboard which contains a “membrane” in the internal part of it (this can be observed when opening the keyboard). Mechanical keyboards contain a kind of “ switch ” or switch that works individually for each key.
These are used especially in the Gamer community , due to the high requirement that is needed and the intensity of work that are submitted by their users. At first they can be annoying since they generate more noise for each press, but once you get used to it you will find it comfortable. Another detail is that depending on the mechanical keyboard model you use, it will be necessary to apply more or less force on the keys.
Projection or virtual keyboard
As the name implies, it is a keyboard that can be projected onto a flat surface, and it works with infrared technology, which detects which keys the user is pressing, and then transmits it to device with which it is docked. Its connection technology is via bluetooth , it can be used with any device that is compatible.
Keyboards per connection
Technically this is not a type of keyboard, but a sub-category of them. Since with the passing of time the technology with which the keyboards have been connected to the computers has been modified, among the types of connections we have the following:
- Keyboard with Parallel connector : This keyboard is obsolete (out of series)
- Keyboard with DIN or PS / 2 connector : The DIN connector was used in a few computers, quickly replacing it, with the PS / 2, also known as “Mini DIN”, it is similar to the DIN connector, but with a smaller size, in very few cases they are still used, but They are already disappearing. These are characterized by being round and contain several pins inside.
- USB connection keyboards : These can be a classic USB connection or a miniUSB connection. They are the most commonly used connection on keyboards that come on the market.
- Wireless keyboards : They are keyboards that have no cables , at first they used connection infrared, but as time went by and technology improved, they started using bluetooth connection. This makes it a more comfortable tool, as it avoids the inconvenience of cables.
Many of the above-mentioned keyboards can be wireless technology or use cables. There are even some that mix both types of connection. (Whenever wired it will be USB)
What do f1, what do f, what f2, what do f2, what do f2 , f5, f6, f7, f8, f9, f10, f11 and f12?
The function keys are a tool, which can be used in different programs. This may vary depending on the configuration that the manufacturer has included or that the user has programmed to the system.
- F1: Opens the help window of the program or application that is running.
- F2: You can change the name of a file you have already selected.
- F3: Open the search assistant.
- F4: If you use it in it Explorer browser you will see all the pages you have visited lately.
- F5: Refresh screen.
- F6: Use to move with the keyboard depending on where you are working.
- F7: It has no action in Windows, but it can work in some program or application you are using.
- F8: If you restart your computer and press this key several times, you can enter the system variants (Safe Mode).
- F9: It does not perform any action in Windows.
- F10: It serves to move between the Toolbar of any r application.
- F11: Maximize the window to 100% in any program.
- F12: No action on Windows.
How is a keyboard structured?
A conventional keyboard, is divided or structured into 6 areas . These exert a function or can exercise different functions. The functions may also depend on the program being used.
- Function keys: They are the F1, F2, F3 to F12 keys and are used to perform a specific function according to the program.
- control: They can be used individually or in combination with numbers to enter functions, even do certain actions. The most used on Windows systems are Ctrl, Alt, Esc and the Start key of Windows. On computers with macOS X operating system one of the most used keys is
- Typing or alphanumeric keys : In this area are all the letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation marks .
- Numeric keypad: They are used to enter numerical data quickly. The keys and symbols were grouped in the same way as you can see on a calculator.
- Special and scroll keys: They allow you to scroll through documents or web pages and edit texts. These keys are: Delete, Start, End, Page Up, Page Down, ImpPt and the arrow keys. With the ImpPT key, , you can take screenshots. Generating images of what you are viewing at that time.
How many keys does a keyboard have?
There is no exact amount of keys, which a keyboard can contain, since that amount may vary, depending on the type of keyboard. For example, from a numeric keypad to an alphanumeric keypad, the difference in the number of keys is noticeable.
- An alphanumeric keypad can contain from 102 to 105 keys .
- Apple keyboard that includes the numeric keypad has 109 keys .
- The numeric keypad, can have 17 or 18 keys .
- An ergonomic keyboard that does not contain the numeric part can have 87 keys .
What is it and how to get the third function of the keys?
The third function in keyboards is one that cannot be accessed by pressing the shift key, it is commonly activated using the Alt or AltGr key. An example can be by pressing ATL Gr + 2 (The one on the w) and the @ symbol will appear. If the key is pressed E in combination with the AltGr keys ( AltGr + E) the € symbol will appear.
This depends on the nomenclature that the keyboard uses , whether Spanish or Latin American. As well as the language that the operating system has programmed. You can see here how to put your keyboard in Spanish .