What is Keyboard?

One of the main input methods for computers is the keyboard. A keyboard is made up of buttons that may be used to produce letters, numbers, and symbols as well as carry out other tasks, much like an electronic typewriter.

The main use of a keyboard is to enter data into a computer. It is probably the main part of a computer and is by far the most important input device.

 Keyboard

The type of keyboard used in modern computers is known as a QWERTY-type keyboard.

For typing data into a laptop or desktop computing device, a keyboard is a portable wired or wireless electronic device with all the alphabets, numerics, symbols, and special characters. Qwerty keyboards, gaming keyboards, virtual keyboards, and multimedia keyboards are among the several types of computer keyboards that users typically use for various tasks.

Types of Keyboards

Based on the connectivity options used for a keyboard to connect with a computer, it is classified as a wired keyboard, a wireless keyboard, a Bluetooth keyboard, and a USB keyboard.

Keyboards are classified based on their size and mode of usage. Those types are discussed below.

• QWERTY Keyboard

Due to how the strings were arranged, the original typewriters had keys that fell inside the QWERTY range. k  keyboards are also constructed in a similar way to make them easier for users to operate. We all use this keyboard the most frequently.

QWERTY Keyboard

• Wireless or Bluetooth keyboard

These types of keyboards are connected to the main computer via Bluetooth or another form of wireless connection, thus making them convenient and easy to use.

Wireless Keyboard

• Laptop Sized Keyboard

In this sort of keyboard, the number of keys and the distance between them are both decreased. These were created especially for laptops. Numeric keypads are uncommon on keyboards, and some keyboard operations can be performed using other keys.

Laptop-Sized Keyboard

Uses of a Keyboard

• The keyboard may be used by users to type letters and numbers. Furthermore, by using the keyboard you can issue certain specific instructions and data which can only be entered using the keyboard.  

• The majority of tasks can be completed with just a keyboard and no mouse. Control and function keys are used to perform certain mouse actions. Thus, making a keyboard even more functional.

• The use of certain shortcut keys in the keyboard makes the whole procedure of using a computer way more convenient and efficient.

Keyboard Shortcut Keys

Using shortcut keys in computer applications can help you navigate and carry out tasks more quickly and easily. Some very efficient and commonly used keyboard shortcuts include the following:

• CTRL+C: used to copy any given text or image.

• CTRL+V: used to paste any copied text or image.

• CTRL+Z: undo any task.

• CTRL+A: select all text on the given screen.

• ALT+F4: close the currently active programme.

• F1: view help information

• ALT+TAB: switch between open programmes.

• F2: rename a selected file.

Practice Questions

1. Which of the following is an input device? 

• Monitor

• Printer

• CPU

• Keyboard

2. What is the main use of a keyboard?

• To enter data in a computer

• To view different images in a computer

• To process data in a computer

Sample Solved Questions

1. Why is a keyboard considered the main input device of a computer?

Ans: The keyboard may be used by users to type letters and numbers. Furthermore, by using the keyboard you can issue certain specific instructions and data which only can be entered using the keyboard thus, making it the most important input device of a computer.

2. What are the different types of keyboards based on their connectivity?

Ans: Based on the connectivity options used for a keyboard to connect with a computer, it is classified as a wired keyboard, a wireless keyboard, a Bluetooth keyboard, and a USB keyboard.

3. What are the different uses of a keyboard?

Ans: The keyboard may be used by users to type letters and numbers. The majority of tasks can be completed with just a keyboard and no mouse. Control and function keys are used to perform certain mouse actions. The use of certain shortcut keys on the keyboard makes the whole procedure of using a computer way more convenient and efficient.

Summary

• The main use of a keyboard is to enter data in a computer. 

•  A keyboard is made up of buttons that may be used to produce letters, numbers, and symbols as well as carry out other tasks, much like an electronic typewriter.

• Based on the connectivity options used for a keyboard to connect with a computer, it is classified as a wired keyboard, a wireless keyboard, a Bluetooth keyboard and an USB keyboard.

• Modern computers mainly use a QWERTY type keyboard.

• Keyboard is probably the most important input device of a computer.

• The use of certain shortcut keys in the keyboard makes the whole procedure of using a computer way more convenient and efficient.