Topic 7: Keyboard – Types of Keys
CS101 Computer Basic
Topic 1: Introduction to Computer System
Topic 2: Central Processing Unit or CPU
Topic 3: Primary Memory or Main Memory
Topic 4: Secondary Memory or Auxiliary Memory
Topic 5: Input and Output Devices
Topic 6: Various Input Devices
Topic 7: Keyboard – Types of Keys
Topic 8: Different types of Pointing Devices
Topic 9: Different types of Scanner
Topic 10: Various Output Devices
Topic 11: Different types of Monitor
Topic 12: Different types of Printers
Topic 13: Other Components and Peripheral Devices
Topic 14: The Operating System – Microsoft Windows
Topic 15: Application Software
Topic 16: Basics of Networking and Internet
The keyboard is the most commonly used input device. There are many types of wired and wireless keyboards available in the market. As its name, it consists of many keys or buttons on a board. Alphabets, numbers, symbols, etc. are printed on these keys. By pressing these keys, text or instructions are inputted into the computer. Although, the number of keys can vary in different keyboards, yet when it comes to a simple keyboard, it comes in two different sizes – with and without a numeric keypad. Keyboards without a numeric keypad have 83, 84, or 86 keys, while keyboards with a numeric keypad have 101, 102, 104, or 108 keys. These buttons are classified into six categories.
1. Typing Keys or Alphanumeric Keys
Typing keys are commonly used to input text. These include alphabets, numbers, all kinds of symbols, and punctuation marks. On the keyboard, alphabet keys are placed in a special arrangement called QWERTY. This arrangement is very useful in inputting text with both hands.
2. Numeric Keypad or Number Keypad
The numeric keypad is placed to the right of the keyboard. It has an extra set of simple mathematical operators and number keys. These keys are arranged in a block like a simple calculator. It is used to input numbers and to perform calculations quickly.
3. Control Keys
Control keys are some special keys that are used alone or with other keys. With their help, some special tasks can be performed quickly. Therefore, their key combinations are also called shortcut keys. Ctrl, Alt, Window, and Esc keys are the most commonly used control keys.
4. Function Keys
The keyboard has 12 function keys from F1 to F12. These keys are placed above typing keys. The F1 key is generally used as a shortcut for help. The rest of the keys are also used as shortcuts for special tasks. Their work is different in every software program.
5. Navigation Keys
Navigation keys are used to move the cursor up, down, right, or left during text editing. Apart from this, arrow keys are also used to play games. The set of navigation keys has Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down, and arrow keys.
6. Multimedia Keys
Apart from all these keys, many keyboards also have some special keys. These keys are used to control volume, change track, etc. while playing multimedia. Such keyboards are called multimedia keyboards.
Besides, some special keyboards are also available in the market. These keyboards may have programmable buttons, backlight, touchpad, trackball, pointing stick, or small display.
