Different Types of Keyboards

Different Types of Keyboards

Any computer is incomplete without its basic hardware. A keyboard and a mouse form a fundamental set. A keyboard is styled like a typewriter which has the English alphabet and is used to insert them along with some characters and numbers into the computer system. There are different types of keyboards available in the market these days. Each key either corresponds to a particular character or can be used in a combination to achieve a particular function. Dedicated software is present for these different kinds of keyboards, though their basic layout has stayed the same from the time of its inception. There are different keyboard types available these days which has integrated multimedia functions, power settings, rest for the palm etcetera. A comprehensive list of the different types of keyboards of 2019 has been mentioned below.

Laptop-sized Keyboard

Laptop-sized Keyboard

They are the most common variant among the types of computer keyboards, which are very technically very close to its orthodox counterpart. The difference lies in the key distance which is shorter, and even the number of keys is reduced. The setup is a universal QWERTY, and the number keypad is also missing. Generally, you can attach a traditional keyboard using a USB port, but this serves all the purpose as well.

Chorded Keyboard

Chorded Keyboard

Working on a principle similar to a chord seen in a guitar or a piano, these chorded have been a blink and miss in the commercial market. The number of keys is very limited, and for complex functions, you have to enter many combinations of keys. This kind of keyboard has its own utility like the small and compact size which leads to its easy portability. Moreover, you need just one hand to operate it. Among the different types of keyboards of 2019, this is the least frequently used.

Flexible Keyboard

Flexible Keyboard

These keyboards are unique in the sense that they do not need to have a flat back with a hard surface for its structural integrity. Instead, it can be rolled up because of its flexibility. This property is integrated into it because of its construction with silicone. There are other advantages as well as it does not let dust or water to accumulate much on the surface and can be utilized by travelers or in places that need frequent cleanings like labs and hospitals. The keyboard functions normally like any other and are considered a hybrid between the traditional and the laptop one. If comparisons of different types of keyboards are made, this will come in a superior position. Make sure you just roll this keyboard and not fold it as the areas of tension may suffer structural damage.

Thumb-sized or Thumb Keyboard

Thumb-sized or Thumb Keyboard

These are basically the mini-sized keyboards that are present in mobile phones or other devices which have very limited space for typing. The number of keys is much lesser than normal, mainly for the sake of optimization and combination punches for certain symbols is an absolute must for this. The numerical are generally absent in this keyboard type, and the typing is facilitated mainly by the thumb. The numerical keyboard is a separate entity in itself and can be used in jobs that require extensive data entry.

Gaming keyboards

Gaming keyboards

Professional gaming has become a profession these days making it one of the most flourishing sectors right now. These high-end games need dedicated keyboards for maximum advantage while playing which helps in optimized functioning. Other than the normal set of keys, they may have additional features like multimedia keys, rest for the palm, a LED backlight etcetera. If comparisons of different types of keyboards of 2019 are made, gaming keyboards are the most comfortable ones. Fatigue and wrist pain is significantly reduced, and you can play for longer. The pricing of this keyboard type is also a little exorbitant, but it is completely worth the money.

Membrane keyboard

Membrane keyboard

They differ in one of the basic properties of a keyboard where instead of keys they have pressure pads with a membrane backing. Symbols, as well as characters, are painted on this membrane which is flexible. On pressing a particular area, electric signals are transmitted to an underlying circuit. The keyboard function is similar to any conventional ones, but their utility has not found much preference with the common user who relies on the tactile feedback for fast typing. It is unsuitable for gaming as well.

Chiclet keyboard

Chiclet keyboard

They do have keys, but the shape of it is slightly different. It is elevated slightly and has square keys instead of the slanting ones. When we were talking about different types of keyboards, this did not gain much popularity initially because of its awkward design. However, as more and more adjustments were made, they got accepted into the hardware fraternity gradually. The technology of this keyboard type is similar to the membrane type with an underlying membrane scissor switches. Nowadays, Chiclet keyboard has occupied a considerable position in the market for different kinds of keyboards with its inclusion in Macbook, calculators etcetera.

Ergonomic Keyboard

Ergonomic Keyboard

They have a unique shape which has been designed keeping the ergonomics of the human anatomy in mind. Muscle strain, the position of the back, etcetera, are considered while constructing this. A common variant of the ergonomic keyboard is the handheld kind which mainly concentrates on the comfort of the user. Other types are the angle split kind and the keyless ergonomic type. They are the most unique among the different types of keyboards available in the market in 2019.

Virtual keyboard

Virtual keyboard

These are the most tech-savvy ones, and that has taken the world by storm. There is a simple virtual interface displayed on a screen and entries are made by tapping on the screen in order to register the symbols and commands. The touchscreen technology has become very common not only in smartphones but tablets and iPads as well. More advancements are being made with the integration of augmented reality being the latest area of research.

Hopefully, this article will be able to give you a clear insight about the different keyboard types so that you can make a wise choice if you are planning to invest in one.

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