What is a computer keyboard? Functions of computer keyboard

The keyboard is an important and almost indispensable input device for a computer. Normally the function of a computer keyboard is to type text or manipulate the computer screen. In addition, each key will also have specific functions for each specific case. In the following article, let's learn with TipsMake what a computer keyboard is and explore the functions of each key on the computer keyboard.

Introduction to computer keyboards

A computer keyboard is a device that helps users interact and control the computer system more easily. If the keyboard is missing, your computer will report an error and may not even start. Currently, computer keyboards are designed in many different languages, in which the layout, shape and size of the keys are also different.

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A typical computer keyboard will have from 83 to 105 keys divided into 4 main groups. Include:

1. Keys used to edit text.
2. Function keys.
3. Number keys.
4. Group of screen control keys.

The keyboard can be connected to the computer via PS/2 port, USB or wireless connection. 

History of the computer keyboard

The 'ancestors' of the computer keyboard are two devices, teleprinters (or teletypes) and keypunches. Accordingly, as early as the 1870s, scientists created teleprinter-like devices to simultaneously type and transmit text data from the keyboard through telegraph lines to the printer for copying and displaying. on ticker tape (also known as perforated tape). These tapes will be responsible for storing data for printing or local transmission.

From 1907 to 1910, two American mechanical engineers Charles Krum and his son Howard built and developed the first models of computer keyboards, based on the original contributions of electrical engineer Frank Pearne. Previous models were developed separately by Royal Earl House and Frederick G. Creed.

Operating principle of the keyboard

Computer keyboards operate based on the keyboard processor chip. This chip will play the role of continuously checking the status of the scan matrix. From there, determine whether the switch at the X and Y coordinates is open or closed and write a corresponding code to the buffer inside the keyboard. Then, this code will continue to be transmitted to the circuits inside the PC or laptop. 

Normally, each key will be assigned a scan code consisting of 1 byte. When you press any key, the keyboard will emit a make code corresponding to the scan code transmitted to the keyboard pairing circuit.

Types of computer keyboards

Currently, computer keyboards are divided into 3 basic types, including:

1.Laptop keyboard

Basically, laptop keyboards are still designed similarly to traditional keyboards. However, depending on each model, the shape of the connection cable will be different. Recently, more types of backlit laptop keyboards have appeared on the market. Users can turn Backlit on and off depending on lighting conditions for convenient working.

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2. Wireless keyboard

A wireless keyboard is a type of keyboard that is connected to the computer through electromagnetic waves such as Bluetooth, radio waves, and infrared.

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3. Mechanical keyboard

A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses hard block keys (switches) that have higher durability and faster typing speed than keyboards that use conventional rubber buttons. For mechanical keyboards, often when typing, users will hear quite noisy 'clicking' sounds. If you need to work in a quiet environment, you should choose mechanical keyboards that do not make noise.

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Function of each key on the computer keyboard

A computer keyboard will have a maximum of 105 keys and each key will be assigned a specific function.

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Character keys, sign keys and number keys

1. Character key : Used to enter characters with symbols available on the key.
2. Sign key : Used to enter signs indicated on the keyboard. Keys with 2 characters will be used with the Shift key.
3. Number keys : Used to enter numeric characters. Keys with 2 characters will be used with the Shift key.

Function keys

Includes keys from F1 to F12 and is used to perform many different tasks depending on the specific program.

Special keys

1. Esc (Escape): Used to cancel an operation in progress or exit an active application.
2. Tab: Used to move the cursor in the text editor, push text to a different space, move columns while manipulating a table, and move the browser window.
3. Caps Lock: Used to turn on/off capital letter typing mode.
4. Enter: The key used to run a command or the currently selected program.
5. Space Bar: Create space between characters. Note that each space is also considered a character, called a white or blank character. In addition, in some cases this key is also used to check selected cells. 
6. Backspace: Delete a character, move the caret in the text one character to the left.
7. Shift, Alt (Alternate), Ctrl (Control) keys: Combination keys are only effective when pressed in conjunction with other keys, depending on each specific case.
8. For the Shift key: When holding down this key and pressing any additional character key, the keyboard will automatically enter CAPS CAPS typing mode without needing to turn on Caps Lock or be used to type the above characters with The keys have 2 characters.
9. Windows key: You can use it to open the Start menu of the Windows operating system or use it with other keys to perform a certain function.
10. Menu key: Functions similar to the right mouse button.

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Screen control keys

1. Print Screen(Sys Rq): Used to take a screenshot of the display and save it to the Clipboard cache. After that, users can paste the captured image into any application that supports images, or graphic processing programs such as Paint, Photoshop, etc. For these programs, you just need to select New in the File menu and use the Paste command in the Edit menu (or use the key combination Ctrl + V) to paste the image you just captured and then edit it like a regular photo. .
2. Scroll Lock: Turn on/off the text scrolling function or pause the operation of a certain program. However, nowadays many applications no longer use this key. The Scroll Lock light has the function of displaying the on/off status of the button.
3. Pause (Break): Has the function to pause an activity in progress or an application that is running.

Page control keys are displayed

1. Insert (Ins): Turn on/off overwrite mode in word processors.
2. Delete (Del): Delete the selected object, delete the folder, delete the character to the right of the caret.
3. Home: Move the caret to the beginning of the line in the text editor.
4. End: Moves the caret to the end of the line in the text editor.
5. Page Up (Pg Up): Move the screen one previous page if there are multiple pages in the program window.
6. Page Down (Pg Dn): Move the screen down one page later if there are multiple pages in the program window.

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Arrow keys

Includes 4 keys: left, right, top, bottom (in the direction of the arrow) used to move the caret in text or in games.

Number key cluster

1. Num Lock: Turn on/off number keys, Num Lock temple will also turn on/off according to the state of the key. When turned off, the keys will have the functions indicated below.
2. Number and calculation keys: These keys function like a handheld calculator. Note that the division sign is the / key, the multiplication sign is the * key, and the equal sign (result) is the Enter key.

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Indicator lights

Corresponds to the on/off status of the Num Lock, Caps Lock, Scroll Lock keys.

Embossed dots

1. Dots located on the F and J keys: Used to help users quickly locate the position of the left and right index fingers when using the keyboard with 10 fingers.
2. The dot is located on the number 5 key on the number key cluster: Helps users position the middle finger at number 5 when operating.

Other function keys

1. For keyboards with Media and internet support keys: These keys will act as commands in Media programs (watching movies, listening to music,.) and Internet (web browser, Email,.).
2. If the keyboard has additional USB and Audio ports: If you want to use these ports, the user must plug the wires into the correct corresponding ports on the computer.

Epilogue

In short, the functions of a computer keyboard are very diverse. Therefore, if users want to use the computer keyboard effectively, users need to learn about each group of keys and their uses before using. Thank you for following TipsMake's article and don't forget to share this useful information with other readers.

Jessica Tanner

Update 10 October 2023