Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

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Table of Contents
Introduction to How Computer Keyboards Work
Keyboard Basics
Inside the Keyboard
Keyboard Switches

Submit Query

Keyboard Basics

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

A keyboard's primary function is to act as an input device. Using a Related Content:

keyboard, a person can type a document, use keystroke shortcuts,
access menus, play games and perform a variety of other tasks.
Keyboards can have different keys depending on the manufacturer, ● Learn More:
the operating system they're designed for, and whether they are ❍ Why are the keys
attached to a desktop computer or part of a laptop. But for the most arranged the way they
part, these keys, also called keycaps, are the same size and shape are on a "QWERTY"
from keyboard to keyboard. They're also placed at a similar distance keyboard?
from one another in a similar pattern, no matter what language or ❍ How Computer Mice
alphabet the keys represent. Work
❍ Keyboards and Mice
Buying Guide
Most keyboards have between 80 and 110 keys, including:

● Typing keys ● Advice from the

● A numeric keypad Experts:
● Function keys ❍ Keyboards & Mice

● Control keys Reviews

The typing keys include the letters of the alphabet, generally laid out
in the same pattern used for typewriters. According to legend, this ● What do you think:
layout, known as QWERTY for its first six letters, helped keep Best Laptop Keyboards?
mechanical typewriters' metal arms from colliding and jamming as Post your response now.
people typed. Some people question this story – whether it’s true or
not, the QWERTY pattern had long been a standard by the time ● Go Shopping:
computer keyboards came around. ❍ Logitech Cordless
Desktop® S 510
(9675550403)
❍ Logitech Cordless
Desktop® MX 5000
Laser (9675580403)
❍ Microsoft Natural
Ergonomic 4000
(B2M00012)

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Library
Photo courtesy HSW Shopper
This Logitech wireless keyboard uses a QWERTY layout.
Reference Links

> Pentax Optio S6 Keyboards can also use a variety of other typing key arrangements.
> Pentax Optio S40 The most widely known is Dvorak, named for its creator, August
> Pentax Optio S4i Dvorak. The Dvorak layout places all of the vowels on the left side of
> Pentax Optio 750Z the keyboard and the most common consonants on the right. The
> Pentax Optio 60 most commonly used letters are all found along the home row. The
home row is the main row where you place your fingers when you
begin typing. People who prefer the Dvorak layout say it increases
Explore Stuff their typing speed and reduces fatigue. Other layouts include ABCDE,
> Big List of Articles XPeRT, QWERTZ and AZERTY. Each is named for the first keys in
> Get the Newsletter the pattern. The QWERTZ and AZERTY arrangements are commonly
> Shop for Top Products used in Europe.
> Compare Prices for
Computer Keyboards The numeric keypad is a more recent addition to the computer
> Search HSW and the Web keyboard. As the use of computers in business environments
increased, so did the need for speedy data entry. Since a large part of
the data was numbers, a set of 17 keys, arranged in the same
configuration found on adding machines and calculators, was added
to the keyboard.

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

The Apple keyboard's control keys include the "Command" key.

In 1986, IBM further extended the basic keyboard with the addition of
function and control keys. Applications and operating systems can
assign specific commands to the function keys. Control keys provide
cursor and screen control. Four arrow keys arranged in an inverted T
formation between the typing keys and numeric keypad move the
cursor on the screen in small increments.

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Photo courtesy www.artlebedev.com

Optimus keyboard OLED arrow keys

Other common control keys include:

● Home
● End
● Insert
● Delete
● Page Up
● Page Down
● Control (Ctrl)
● Alternate (Alt)
● Escape (Esc)

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Photo courtesy www.artlebedev.com

This Optimus keyboard has programmable hot keys.

The Windows keyboard adds some extra control keys: two Windows
or Start keys, and an Application key. Apple keyboards, on the other
hand, have Command (also known as "Apple") keys. A keyboard
developed for Linux users features Linux-specific hot keys, including
one marked with "Tux" the penguin -- the Linux logo/mascot.

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Photo courtesy www.artlebedev.com

Optimus keyboard OLED Windows key

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Top Selling Mouse And Keyboards

Logitech Cordless Desktop® S 510
$45 - $80
(9675550403)
Remote Control, Multimedia Control Panel,
Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
from 11 stores
Wireless Technology: RF, Mouse Motion Type: ...

Logitech Cordless Desktop® MX? 5000 Laser

$76 - $180
(9675580403)
Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
Wireless Technology: Bluetooth, Mouse Motion
from 20 stores
Type: Laser, Platform(s): PC

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 (B2M00012)

$26 - $64
Keyboard, Connectivity: Cable, Platform(s): PC,
Mac
from 16 stores

Apple PowerBooks and IBM (now Lenovo) Thinkpads are generally considered to have the
best keyboards. But which is your favorite and why?
Post and read comments >>

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Table of Contents:
› Introduction to How Computer Keyboards Work
› Keyboard Basics
› Inside the Keyboard
› Keyboard Switches
› Non-Traditional Keyboards
› From the Keyboard to the Computer
› Lots More Information
› Compare Prices for Computer Keyboards

Rate this Article!

Home Store Newsletter Search Advertising Privacy Terms and Conditions Contact About Help
© 1998 - 2006 HowStuffWorks, Inc.

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

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Table of Contents
Introduction to How Computer Keyboards Work
Keyboard Basics
Inside the Keyboard
Keyboard Switches

Submit Query

Inside the Keyboard

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

A keyboard is a lot like a miniature computer. It has its own processor Related Content:
and circuitry that carries information to and from that processor. A
large part of this circuitry makes up the key matrix.
● Learn More:
❍ Why are the keys
arranged the way they
are on a "QWERTY"
keyboard?
❍ How Computer Mice
Work
❍ Keyboards and Mice
Buying Guide

● Advice from the

Experts:
❍ Keyboards & Mice
The microprocessor and controller circuitry of a keyboard
Reviews

The key matrix is a grid of circuits underneath the keys. In all

keyboards (except for capacitive models, which we'll discuss in the ● What do you think:
next section), each circuit is broken at a point below each key. When Best Laptop Keyboards?
you press a key, it presses a switch, completing the circuit and Post your response now.
allowing a tiny amount of current to flow through. The mechanical
action of the switch causes some vibration, called bounce, which the
● Go Shopping:
processor filters out. If you press and hold a key, the processor
❍ Logitech Cordless
recognizes it as the equivalent of pressing a key repeatedly.
Desktop® S 510
(9675550403)
When the processor finds a circuit that is closed, it compares the ❍ Logitech Cordless
location of that circuit on the key matrix to the character map in its Desktop® MX 5000
read-only memory (ROM). A character map is basically a comparison Laser (9675580403)
chart or lookup table. It tells the processor the position of each key in ❍ Microsoft Natural
the matrix and what each keystroke or combination of keystrokes Ergonomic 4000
represents. For example, the character map lets the processor know (B2M00012)
that pressing the a key by itself corresponds to a small letter "a," but
the Shift and a keys pressed together correspond to a capital "A."
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A computer can also use separate character maps, overriding the one
Mixers, Keyboards, Vehicles &
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> ShortStuff language that uses letters that don't have English equivalents on a
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> Software keyboard with English letters. People can also set their computers to
www.HenryButcher.com
> Browse the Computer interpret their keystrokes as though they were typing on a Dvorak
Library keyboard even though their actual keys are arranged in a QWERTY
layout. In addition, operating systems and applications have keyboard
Reference Links accessibility settings that let people change their keyboard's
behavior to adapt to disabilities.
> Pentax Optio S6
> Pentax Optio S40
> Pentax Optio S4i
Next Page >>
> Pentax Optio 750Z
> Pentax Optio 60

Explore Stuff

> Big List of Articles Top Selling Mouse And Keyboards

> Get the Newsletter
> Shop for Top Products Logitech Cordless Desktop® S 510
$45 - $80
> Compare Prices for (9675550403)
Computer Keyboards Remote Control, Multimedia Control Panel,
> Search HSW and the Web Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
from 11 stores
Wireless Technology: RF, Mouse Motion Type: ...

Logitech Cordless Desktop® MX? 5000 Laser

$76 - $180
(9675580403)
Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
Wireless Technology: Bluetooth, Mouse Motion
from 20 stores
Type: Laser, Platform(s): PC

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 (B2M00012)

$26 - $64
Keyboard, Connectivity: Cable, Platform(s): PC,
Mac
from 16 stores

Apple PowerBooks and IBM (now Lenovo) Thinkpads are generally considered to have the
best keyboards. But which is your favorite and why?
Post and read comments >>

Submit Query

<< Prev Page Intro Next Page >>

HSW Home

Table of Contents:
› Introduction to How Computer Keyboards Work
› Keyboard Basics
› Inside the Keyboard
› Keyboard Switches
› Non-Traditional Keyboards
› From the Keyboard to the Computer
› Lots More Information
› Compare Prices for Computer Keyboards

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Rate this Article!

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© 1998 - 2006 HowStuffWorks, Inc.

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Table of Contents
Keyboard Basics
Inside the Keyboard
Keyboard Switches
Non-Traditional Keyboards

Submit Query

Keyboard Switches

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Keyboards use a variety of switch technologies. Capacitive switches Related Content:

are considered to be non-mechanical because they do not physically
complete a circuit like most other keyboard technologies. Instead,
current constantly flows through all parts of the key matrix. Each key ● Learn More:
is spring-loaded and has a tiny plate attached to the bottom of it. ❍ Why are the keys
When you press a key, it moves this plate closer to the plate below it. arranged the way they
As the two plates move closer together, the amount of current flowing are on a "QWERTY"
through the matrix changes. The processor detects the change and keyboard?
interprets it as a key press for that location. Capacitive switch ❍ How Computer Mice
keyboards are expensive, but they have a longer life than any other Work
keyboard. Also, they do not have problems with bounce since the two ❍ Keyboards and Mice
surfaces never come into actual contact. Buying Guide

All of the other types of switches used in keyboards are mechanical

in nature. Each provides a different level of audible and tactile ● Advice from the
Experts:
response -- the sounds and sensations that typing creates.
❍ Keyboards & Mice
Mechanical key switches include:
Reviews

● Rubber dome
● Membrane
● What do you think:
● Metal contact Best Laptop Keyboards?
● Foam element Post your response now.

● Go Shopping:
❍ Logitech Cordless
Desktop® S 510
(9675550403)
❍ Logitech Cordless
Desktop® MX 5000
Laser (9675580403)
❍ Microsoft Natural
Ergonomic 4000
This keyboard uses rubber dome switches. (B2M00012)

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> Browse the Computer Rubber dome switches are very common. They use small, flexible ends 6 Dec
Library rubber domes, each with a hard carbon center. When you press a www.HenryButcher.com
key, a plunger on the bottom of the key pushes down against the
Reference Links dome, and the carbon center presses against a hard, flat surface
> Pentax Optio S6 beneath the key matrix. As long as the key is held, the carbon center
> Pentax Optio S40 completes the circuit. When the key is released, the rubber dome
> Pentax Optio S4i springs back to its original shape, forcing the key back up to its at-rest
> Pentax Optio 750Z position. Rubber dome switch keyboards are inexpensive, have pretty
> Pentax Optio 60 good tactile response and are fairly resistant to spills and corrosion
because of the rubber layer covering the key matrix.

Explore Stuff Rather than having a switch for each key, membrane keyboards use
a continuous membrane that stretches from one end to another. A
> Big List of Articles
pattern printed in the membrane completes the circuit when you press
> Get the Newsletter
a key. Some membrane keyboards use a flat surface printed with
> Shop for Top Products
> Compare Prices for
representations of each key rather than keycaps. Membrane
Computer Keyboards
keyboards don't have good tactile response, and without additional
> Search HSW and the Web
mechanical components they don't make the clicking sound that some
people like to hear when they're typing. However, they're generally
inexpensive to make.

Metal contact and foam element keyboards are increasingly less

common. Metal contact switches simply have a spring-loaded key with
a strip of metal on the bottom of the plunger. When the key is pressed,
the metal strip connects the two parts of the circuit. The foam element
switch is basically the same design but with a small piece of spongy
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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

foam between the bottom of the plunger and the metal strip, providing
a better tactile response. Both technologies have good tactile
response, make satisfyingly audible "clicks," and are inexpensive to
produce. The problem is that the contacts tend to wear out or corrode
faster than on keyboards that use other technologies. Also, there is no
barrier that prevents dust or liquids from coming in direct contact with
the circuitry of the key matrix.

Different manufacturers have used these standard technologies, and

a few others, to create a wide range of non-traditional keyboards.
We'll take a look at some of these non-traditional keyboards in the
next section.

Next Page >>

Top Selling Mouse And Keyboards

Logitech Cordless Desktop® S 510
$45 - $80
(9675550403)
Remote Control, Multimedia Control Panel,
Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
from 11 stores
Wireless Technology: RF, Mouse Motion Type: ...

Logitech Cordless Desktop® MX? 5000 Laser

$76 - $180
(9675580403)
Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
Wireless Technology: Bluetooth, Mouse Motion
from 20 stores
Type: Laser, Platform(s): PC

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 (B2M00012)

$26 - $64
Keyboard, Connectivity: Cable, Platform(s): PC,
Mac
from 16 stores

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Apple PowerBooks and IBM (now Lenovo) Thinkpads are generally considered to have the
best keyboards. But which is your favorite and why?
Post and read comments >>

Submit Query

<< Prev Page Intro Next Page >>

HSW Home

Table of Contents:
› Introduction to How Computer Keyboards Work
› Keyboard Basics
› Inside the Keyboard
› Keyboard Switches
› Non-Traditional Keyboards
› From the Keyboard to the Computer
› Lots More Information
› Compare Prices for Computer Keyboards

Rate this Article!

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

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© 1998 - 2006 HowStuffWorks, Inc.

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Table of Contents
Inside the Keyboard
Keyboard Switches
Non-Traditional Keyboards
From the Keyboard to the Computer

Submit Query

Non-Traditional Keyboards

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

A lot of modifications to the traditional keyboard design are an attempt to Related Content:
make them safer or easier to use. For example, some people have
associated increased keyboard use with repetitive stress injuries like
carpal tunnel syndrome, although scientific studies have produced ● Learn More:
conflicting results. Ergonomic keyboard designs are intended to keep a ❍ Why are the keys
person's hands in a more natural position while typing in an attempt to arranged the way they
prevent injuries. While these keyboards can certainly keep people from are on a "QWERTY"
holding their hands in a "praying mantis" position, studies disagree on keyboard?
whether they actually prevent injury. ❍ How Computer Mice
Work
❍ Keyboards and Mice
Buying Guide

● Advice from the

Experts:
❍ Keyboards & Mice

Reviews

● What do you think:

Best Laptop Keyboards?
Post your response now.

● Go Shopping:
❍ Logitech Cordless
Desktop® S 510
(9675550403)
Photo courtesy www.safetype.com ❍ Logitech Cordless
The SafeType keyboard places the two halves of the keyboard Desktop® MX 5000
perpendicular to the desk surface. Laser (9675580403)
❍ Microsoft Natural
The simplest ergonomic keyboards look like traditional keyboards that Ergonomic 4000
have been divided down the middle, keeping a person's hands farther (B2M00012)
apart and aligning the wrists with the forearms. More complex designs
place the two halves of the keyboard at varying angles to one another
Popular Searches and to the surface on which the keyboard rests. Some go even further,
placing the two halves of the keyboard on the armrests of chairs or
making them completely perpendicular to the desk surface. Others, like
the Datahand, don't look much like keyboards at all.

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

> BitTorrent Ads by Google

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● Bluetooth Keyboard
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Info The Latest on Bluetooth Here
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wireless.eweek.com
> Wi-Fi
> WiMAX ● Broadcast & Editing Equip
Mixers, Keyboards, Vehicles &
Subjects More Bid Now! Online Auction
ends 6 Dec
> Hardware
www.HenryButcher.com
> Internet
> Peripherals Photo courtesy www.saitek.com
● X-keys Programmable Keys
> Security Saitek Truview backlit keyboard buttons
User programmable keyboard
> ShortStuff puts macros at your fingertips
> Software Some modifications, while not necessarily ergonomic, are designed to http://www.piengineering.com/
> Browse the Computer make keyboards more portable, more versatile or just cooler:
Library
● Das Keyboard is a completely black keyboard with weighted keys
Explore Stuff
that require more pressure from a person's strongest fingers and
less pressure from the weaker ones.
> Big List of Articles ● The Virtual Laser Keyboard projects a representation of a keyboard
> Get the Newsletter onto a flat surface. When used successfully, a person's fingers
> Shop for Top Products pass through the beam of infrared light above the projected
> Compare Prices for surface, and a sensor interprets it as a keystroke.
Computer Keyboards ● The True-touch Roll-up keyboard is flexible and can be rolled up to
> Search HSW and the Web
fit in a backpack or bag.

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Blue backlit keyboard 'on'

Blue backlit keyboard 'off'

● Illuminated keyboards, like the Ion Illuminated Keyboard, use light-

emitting diodes or electroluminescent film to send light through the
keys or the spaces between keys.

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Photo courtesy www.artlebedev.com

Optimus keyboard programmable hot keys

● The Optimus keyboard has organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs)

in the keys. Users can change what letter, command or action each
key represents, and the OLED can change to display the new
information.

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Photo courtesy www.artlebedev.com

This Optimus keyboard is set for keystrokes used to play Quake.

With the exception of the Virtual Laser Keyboard, which has its own
sensing system, each of these keyboards uses the same type of
technology as traditional models do to communicate with the computer.
We'll look at that technology next.

Next Page >>

Top Selling Mouse And Keyboards

Logitech Cordless Desktop® S 510
$45 - $80
(9675550403)
Remote Control, Multimedia Control Panel,
Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
from 11 stores
Wireless Technology: RF, Mouse Motion Type: ...

Logitech Cordless Desktop® MX? 5000 Laser

$76 - $180
(9675580403)
Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
Wireless Technology: Bluetooth, Mouse Motion
from 20 stores
Type: Laser, Platform(s): PC

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 (B2M00012)

$26 - $64
Keyboard, Connectivity: Cable, Platform(s): PC,
Mac
from 16 stores

Apple PowerBooks and IBM (now Lenovo) Thinkpads are generally considered to have the
best keyboards. But which is your favorite and why?
Post and read comments >>

Submit Query

<< Prev Page Intro Next Page >>

HSW Home

Table of Contents:
› Introduction to How Computer Keyboards Work
› Keyboard Basics
› Inside the Keyboard
› Keyboard Switches
› Non-Traditional Keyboards
› From the Keyboard to the Computer
› Lots More Information
› Compare Prices for Computer Keyboards

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

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Table of Contents
Keyboard Switches
Non-Traditional Keyboards
From the Keyboard to the Computer
Lots More Information

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From the Keyboard to the Computer

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

As you type, the processor in the keyboard analyzes the key matrix Related Content:
and determines what characters to send to the computer. It maintains
these characters in its memory buffer and then sends the data.
● Learn More:
❍ Why are the keys
arranged the way they
are on a "QWERTY"
keyboard?
❍ How Computer Mice
Work
❍ Keyboards and Mice
Buying Guide

● Advice from the

Experts:
❍ Keyboards & Mice

Reviews

● What do you think:

Best Laptop Keyboards?
Post your response now.

● Go Shopping:
A PS/2 type keyboard connector. ❍ Logitech Cordless
Desktop® S 510
Many keyboards connect to the computer through a cable with a PS/2 (9675550403)
or USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. Laptops use internal ❍ Logitech Cordless
Desktop® MX 5000
connectors. Regardless of which type of connector is used, the cable
Laser (9675580403)
must carry power to the keyboard, and it must carry signals from the
❍ Microsoft Natural
keyboard back to the computer.
Ergonomic 4000
(B2M00012)
Wireless keyboards, on the other hand, connect to the computer
through infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF) or Bluetooth
connections. IR and RF connections are similar to what you'd find in a
Popular Searches
remote control. Regardless of which sort of signal they use, wireless
keyboards require a receiver, either built in or plugged in to the USB
port, to communicate with the computer. Since they don't have a
physical connection to the computer, wireless keyboards have an AC
power connection or use batteries for power.
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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

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This Microsoft wireless keyboard is battery-powered.

Whether it's through a cable or wireless, the signal from the keyboard
is monitored by the computer's keyboard controller. This is an
integrated circuit (IC) that processes all of the data that comes from
the keyboard and forwards it to the operating system. When the
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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

operating system (OS) is notified that there is data from the keyboard,
it checks to see if the keyboard data is a system level command. A
good example of this is Ctrl-Alt-Delete on a Windows computer,
which reboots the system. Then, the OS passes the keyboard data on
to the current application.

The application determines whether the keyboard data is a command,

like Alt-f, which opens the File menu in a Windows application. If the
data is not a command, the application accepts it as content, which
can be anything from typing a document to entering a URL to
performing a calculation. If the current application does not accept
keyboard data, it simply ignores the information. This whole process,
from pressing the key to entering content into an application, happens
almost instantaneously.

To learn more about computers and keyboards, check out the links on
the next page.

Next Page >>

Top Selling Mouse And Keyboards

Logitech Cordless Desktop® S 510
$45 - $80
(9675550403)
Remote Control, Multimedia Control Panel,
Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
from 11 stores
Wireless Technology: RF, Mouse Motion Type: ...

Logitech Cordless Desktop® MX? 5000 Laser

$76 - $180
(9675580403)
Keyboard and Mouse, Connectivity: Wireless,
Wireless Technology: Bluetooth, Mouse Motion
from 20 stores
Type: Laser, Platform(s): PC

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 (B2M00012)

$26 - $64
Keyboard, Connectivity: Cable, Platform(s): PC,
Mac
from 16 stores

Apple PowerBooks and IBM (now Lenovo) Thinkpads are generally considered to have the
best keyboards. But which is your favorite and why?
Post and read comments >>

Submit Query

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Table of Contents:
› Introduction to How Computer Keyboards Work
› Keyboard Basics
› Inside the Keyboard
› Keyboard Switches
› Non-Traditional Keyboards
› From the Keyboard to the Computer
› Lots More Information
› Compare Prices for Computer Keyboards

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Howstuffworks "How Computer Keyboards Work"

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