What are keyboards used for and what types are there and what are their functions for each key?

An essential element when using a computer, cell phone or tablet is a keyboard; This allows information to be entered into the electronic device in a simple manner. This article explains to what keyboards are used for and what types there are and their functions for each key.

What are keyboards for?

The keyboard is a data entry device made up of keys or switches. These keys consist of letters, numbers, signs and other special keys.

In computers or laptops, the keyboard is a external element . On the other hand, in tablets or smartphones, it is an internal component, but you can connect a keyboard to these devices. However, you can connect an external keyboard to your iPad or tablet if that suits you best.

Keyboards are primarily responsible for entering information or text on the PC or mobile device. Also, in the case of computers, the keyboard is really useful for creating commands that serve as shortcuts when using certain functions of the computer; For example, in Microsoft Windows the combination of Ctrl + Alt + Del, Ctrl + C, or Ctrl + V is widely used. When using programs like Excel, know the keyboard shortcuts can be very useful in speeding up your work.

What types of keyboard are there?

There is a variety of keyboard that adapts to the circumstances and needs of each person, here we will indicate each type:

• Qwerty or conventional: it is the keyboard most used by most users; its name comes from the first 6 letters of its top row and is composed of 101 to 108 keys.

• Multimedia : This keyboard incorporates a variety of additional special keys. Among these keys you can find direct access to music and video player, Internet, volume control, among others. There are also keys for quick actions such as putting the computer to sleep.
• Gamer or Gaming : this type of keyboard is ideal for video game enthusiasts, because it has keys that allow the player to develop; like, the famous hand lever or joystick which allows to control the axes of movement. It also includes reprogrammable keys that allow the player to configure them to perform functions tailored to the needs of the game. However, there are also shortcuts that you can use with any keyboard to improve your skills in a game; for example you can avoid hits in GTA 5 .
• Wireless : This keyboard contains a small antenna that transmits information by electromagnetic waves, without the need for a cable to connect it to the PC.
• Ergonomic : it is perfect for users who spend long working days using the PC; its design allows you to relax your arms while writing on it.
• Flexible : This keyboard is made of silicone or plastic, so it is easy to wash. They are also easy to transport because you can roll them up and store them easily.
• Virtual : they are also called screen keyboards; this type of keyboard are those that appear on the screens of mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones, but they perform the same function as an external keyboard.

Functions of each key

The most used keyboard is the Qwerty (conventional); It is divided into 5 blocks and each block has a group of keys that perform different functions. Before talking about the function of each key group, it would be good to check if you need any increase your keyboard response speed , and thus have a more optimal work.

• Function keys

These are the keys that serve as shortcuts when using the PC operating system ; You can find these switches at the top of the alphanumeric keypad, labeled F1 through F12.

• Alphanumeric keys

This block is the one that contains the greater number of keys ; therefore, you can find the keys with the letters of the alphabet, 10 decimal digits and punctuation marks.

• Special keys

They are made up of three groups of buttons : first, it contains the keys screen print, scroll lock, inter-pause; second, it contains the Home, End, Insert, Previous page, Del and Next page keys and third, the 4 directional arrows.

• Control keys

All of this keys surround the alphanumeric block and are responsible for monitoring various programs. These keys are: Tab, Caps Lock, Ctrl, Alt, Spacebar, Alt Gr, Shift, Esc, Windows Key.

• Numeric Keys

In this block you can find the numbers from 0 to 9 , the keys to perform mathematical operations (/, *, -, +) and the key to disable or enable the numeric keypad (Num Lock).

Knowing what the keyboards you use every day are for saves you a lot of time and you will use your electronic device more efficiently.