Computer keyboards come in two different types - the standard and the non-standard keyboards.
The first type is either called a QWERTY or an AZERTY (used by French-speaking individuals) keyboard.
They are called as such because of the specific arrangement of characters that are located on the top left-hand side portion of the alphabet row. Standard keyboards are much just like the old typewriter we knew back when, except that additional keys were added for more diverse functions. One of these additional keys is the ESC key. It can be used to undo a process or close a user interface window. Other additional keys such as the Shift and Caps Lock make typing in lower or upper case possible. Another very useful key is called the Print Screen key and works by capturing the image currently displayed on the computer screen for various purposes, which may include printing. Individuals who are frequently logged onto the World Wide Web may find standard keyboards that come with keys specifically added for the purpose particularly useful. These keys allow one to quickly access a web browser and homepage of choice without having to go through the long process of opening it through the short cut icon on the desktop. Furthermore, the widespread use of USB flash drives has been put into consideration when manufacturers designed standard keyboards that have USB ports. So gone are the days when one has to locate the USB hub typically located at the back of the computer's CPU. But the very notable and most resourceful modification that has been introduced for standard keyboards are those that were ergonomically designed to minimize common hand injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which typically arises from very frequent and prolonged use of the keyboard. Individuals who use the computer mainly for Net surfing and word processing will find a standard keyboard sufficient.
The second type of keyboard is called a non-standard keyboard.
Various types of non-standard keyboards are available for specific use. The first one is called a chorded keyboard, which lets the user type in characters or commands by pressing a combination of keys. This entering of key combinations is much like playing chords on the piano and so is called as such. The chorded keyboard design is typically used for hand-held computers that cannot accommodate standard-sized keyboards.
Another type of non-standard keyboard is called touch screen. Touch screens come with a stylus, a pen-like device that doesn't have ink. This technology is typically used in products such as iPods and iPhones.
The next type is called a foldable keyboard and utilizes the flexible electronics technology. Foldable keyboards, as the name suggests, can be folded and made to fit into uneven spaces, so they can be very handy during travels.
On-screen keyboards or virtual keyboards, on the other hand, have been developed to help those who have trouble utilizing standard keyboards. The keyboard image is projected onto a surface, and all the user has to do is to point and press the mouse over the desired characters.
Since a lot of models and types of keyboards abound in the market, a consumer can make better decisions by considering both functionality and comfort. Some crippling hand injuries have been traced to long hours of typing and use of a keyboard. Fortunately there are now ergonomic designs of this very important computer device.
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