Information About Computer Keyboards
People use computers for a variety of functions. Peripherals, or certain electronic devices that attach to computers, allow us to effectively interact with our PCs. One device often crucial to human-computer interaction is the keyboard.
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Definition
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A computer keyboard is a data-input peripheral device that uses an arrangement of keys or buttons modeled after the typewriter keyboard. Characters, or symbols, are printed on each key for user reference.
Function
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Keyboard users can input data by pressing the key that corresponds to the appropriate written symbol. The majority of keys are designed to produce numbers, letters or characters. Certain simultaneous key presses can also be used to produce certain computer commands or other actions.
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Process
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A keyboard is composed of a circuitry grid called the key matrix. Each circuit is broken at a section below a key. When a key is pressed, a switch activates, which completes the broken circuit and allows a current to flow through the processor in the keyboard. The keyboard processor detects the current change and interprets it as the appropriate data input.
Fun Fact
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Computer keyboards remain the most common device used for direct data input, despite the development of such alternative devices as pen devices and touch-sensitive screens.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit keyboard image by Fyerne from Fotolia.com
