Different Types of Keyboards

The keyboard is an important peripheral that is used as an input device of a computer and many other devices, and is used to enter letters, numbers and other special function keys, which are used for some special functions. Keyboards are available for desktop and laptop computers, PDAs and smart phones. Usually, there are around 110 keys on a computer keyboard. The different types available, depending on the layout, are, QWERTY and AZERTY. The QWERTY keyboards are most commonly used nowadays and have the six alphabets (Q,W,E,R,T,Y) in the first row. The AZERTY keyboards are used primarily in the French countries. Here we shall have a look at the different keyboard types.

Connection Keyboards

Wireless Keyboards
These use three basic types of connections, viz.

• Bluetooth
• Infrared (IR)
• Radio Frequency

The radio frequency keyboards get the required power from batteries or have a USB cable for charging, while the infrared oness are to be kept in the line of sight of the receiver. On the other hand, the radio frequency keyboards provides a greater range than the infrared ones. The bluetooth keyboards use a bluetooth technology, which provides a greater range than the radio frequency and infrared keyboards. The radio frequency keyboards offer a greater mobility than the bluetooth and the infrared ones.

Wired Keyboards
The PS/2 and USB are the two wired connections that connect the keyboards to your desktop computers. The PS/2 keyboards are very commonly used and they are called so because they use the PS/2 connection. They are one of the cheapest ones that are available in the market. The USB keyboards use a USB (Universal Serial Bus) to connect to the CPU. The PS/2 and USB keyboards are usually plug and play. Other types are a bit expensive and require expensive software applications to be installed.

Types of Keyboard Layouts

Ergonomic Layout
These are designed considering the ergonomic aspect. Factors like the comfort of the hands and wrist of the user, are taken into account. They are designed to prevent the carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness and tingling sensation in hands and fingers after typing for a long duration. They also help the user maintain a comfortable position.

Compact Layout
The size of keyboard goes on increasing, especially, those with ergonomic designs that are bigger to accommodate many keys that perform special functions. The compact keyboards are slim and usually do not have the numeric keypad that is present on the right side of the other keyboards. Some even include a rubber pad that can be used instead of the mice. These are not very small in size, but offer portability during travel and storage.

Special Keyboards

Internet Keyboards
These are designed to increase the comfort level of the Internet user. They have hot-keys for the home page of the web browser, inbox and the favorites menu on your computer.

Multimedia and Gaming Keyboards
These are designed for playing audio and has hot-keys for volume control, play, stop and mute operations. The gaming keyboards are designed for the convenience of the gamers and these provide the required controls, like back lighting.

Virtual Keyboards
The virtual keyboards are not actually physical keyboards, but they are simulated using a software. Usually, they are used in the PDA.

These are the different types of keyboards available according to the varying needs of the user. You must choose one as per the space available, type of usage and other factors.