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Keyboard What is it, what is it for, types and functions of the keys?

Keyboard What is it

The keyboard of our computer is one of the tools with which we interact most on a day-to-day basis, but I am almost sure that you do not know all the mysteries that it conceals from us by simple sight. This is one of the hardware that has evolved the most, being essential to guarantee an excellent user experience .

It is more than likely that you ignore the hundreds of changes that have been made to them over the years . It is normal, we are currently so immersed in various tasks that it is logical that we overlook the most common things, but this does not mean that it is right.

In this article we are going to talk to you about the keyboard so you know everything about it , from its history and functions to the most representative changes it has had over the years. This way we are sure that you will appreciate everything that has to do with it.

What is a computer keyboard? Origin and history

Evolucion historia teclados de ordenador

The keyboard is an input device that is part of our computer hardware. 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.

Then we can easily say that a keyboard is a modern version of the old typewriters , but the question is when and how did the typewriters really become a keyboard? >

We know that the first computers were created to analyze and process data and these were then reflected on paper. Therefore the computers did not have what we know today as a monitor or screen, so How did they know that the keyboard was working if they did not see what was being done? Simple answer, with a system of lights on a panel .

teclado virtual o de proyección

The arrival of the keyboard as we know it now, came with the entry of home computers to the market in the 80s approximately , with the IBM industry rapidly dominating the hardware market, with all its devices for the new computers of the time.

Although you find it 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 micro controller, an installed program, 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 which order they were pressed , which are being held down and which were ejected.

What is it for and what are the main functions of the keyboard in computing?

The keyboard functions are very varied as simple , as already mentioned is an input device, which allows the computer to receive data, both for writers and programmers this is a essential tool when working, as it allows us to introduce and save thought and ideas.

Programmers allow them to enter commands and commands , and for other people it facilitates communication, among other things the keyboard is simply a tool that gives us control over the computer software, so be to play.

How many types of keyboards exist 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 types available to inform you and make your choice.

Standard keyboard

The model created by IBM was based on typewriters, and this in turn transcended influencing the market , so that the entire industry in one way or another produced the same design or the same distribution on the keys of the keyboard, with slight variations with the amount of these, being 104 keys the keyboard for the English of the United States and 105 keys for the Latin due to the inclusion of the “ Ñ ”.

Ergonomic keyboard

teclado ergonómico

These types of keyboards have the peculiarity that are made adapted to the natural shape of our body, with a curved V-shaped conformation and slightly softened keys facilitating the pressing, 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

teclado multimedia

Multimedia keyboards are characterized by having the same conformation as a standard keyboard , but with the difference that at the top, bottom or some side, have playback keys included, volume, brightness, shortcuts to emails, calculators or other functional applications , and it depends on the area in which you work this keyboard can be optimal for you since it allows you to save time, shortening some steps in your daily operation.

Flexible keyboard

teclado flexible

They come literally rolled up on themselves, therefore they are very flexible, 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 with plastic known as “silicone” , which makes it virtually waterproof, this makes them perfect for laboratory analysts, who need to work in completely sterilized environments, because they can regularly apply cleaning with alcohol or other disinfectants.

Keyboard on screen or touch

teclado de pantalla o virtual

The on-screen keyboard can be a very little used alternative in computers, and for many unknown, but in emergencies it can save you the day if it is the case that some keys stop working or unfortunately a liquid is spilled on your physical keyboard, you can access it quickly from “ start ” then “ Windows accessories ” and finally “ tabtip ” Instead in smartphones and tablets if it is very common to use this type of touch keyboard.

Keyboards according to the connection

Another way to classify keyboards is according to the way they connect to computers. In that sense we can identify the following .

USB keyboards

We will only talk about two of them because the others are already extinct and were mainly replaced by USB keyboards , because being a standard input port, it facilitates its commercialization and its use independently of the brand of the computer that is occupied.

Wireless keyboards

We also have the wireless keyboards that can be via infrared, bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connection , which at the time I am sure will replace USB.

Mechanical keyboards

teclado mecanico

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 pace at each press This thanks to the letters are written halfway and it is not necessary to press the key until it is activated , unlike the slightly more modern gomilla keyboards. Mechanical keyboards require a bit of skill at first but finally the habit expires.

Capacitive keyboards

The name will sound strange to you, as much as I did the first time I read it, but the truth is that 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 capacitance difference, 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 is literally a projection , on your desktop, that is to say a virtual keyboard with connection either bluetooth or WIFI, 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 on their hands.

These were all the keyboards that currently have use, I have left out a few types because they are already obsolete and you can hardly find them in the market.

What parts and types of keys does a computer keyboard have?

estructura de un teclado

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 thickness of the keyboard, it is the one with the greatest number of keys and therefore the most used, it includes the entire upper numeric keypad located just below the group of function keys, and all the letters of the alphabet also include Expression question marks, semicolons in addition to the “enter”, “space” key and the “backspace or delete” key. >

It is used to write or write, whether works, articles, or messages in order to enter text into the computer, is the main way to enter data to the computer.

Numeric keys

The numeric keypad located as seen, on the right side of the keyboard, comprises all numbers from 0 to 9 and the symbols of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. This group of the keyboard is excellent for carrying out mathematical operations, it can be activated and deactivated by pressing the special “num lock” key.

teclado numerico

Control keys

This small group of keys is made up of the “Ctrl”, “Shift”, “Esc” and “Alt” keys that, together or separately, can trigger different actions that we will know later.

Navigation keys

The navigation keys is another small group that is made up of the “ini”, “supr”, “Page Up”, “Page Down”, “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 very little used by most people they have excellent functions according to the program with which we are working and they can function as excellent shortcuts, comprises the keys from F1 to F12 .

What does QWERTY mean the famous distribution of the keys on a keyboard? Are there other distributions?

Teclados QWERTY

The distribution of keyboards was inherited from the typewriters of yesteryear, therefore, QWERTY has no greater meaning than the symbolic memory of another era. They are called that because they are the first letters that appear in the upper left area of ​​the alphanumeric key group.

Originally on the typewriters, the QWERTY configuration was adopted to separate the keys from the most repeated letters in order to avoid machine jamming, that worked with small mechanical arms and it was really a resounding success.

This letter configuration was transmitted over time and today all American and Latin American devices have this configuration and also the Spanish.

Now we have also heard that there are more configurations in the distribution of the keyboard keys and we have heard quite a lot about the fact that the QWERTY configuration is the least ergonomic but as they say, weed never dies, and this is the case in this case the custom has been able more than the health of our hands for these companies.

The best-known keyboard variant in addition to the QWERTY is the AZERTY, configuration used in France primarily and in Belgium also , and the Another equally known variant is the QWERTZ, and is the most widely used in countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Among the most ergonomic recommended configurations we have the Drovak keyboard which is characteristic for reducing the effort when writing with it, because this configuration includes all the vowels and consonants most used in the row central, which is where we are taught to place our fingers in typing courses, and therefore increasing writing speed.

List of the main keyboard shortcuts and key combinations

Now going to the most functional point of this article you will learn the best key combinations time-saving that you can activate with your keyboard and that you surely do not know.

We start with the function keys: