A keyboard is a peripheral device that allows users to input text into computers or other electronic devices. It is patterned after the typewriter keyboard layout. Keys are classified as alphanumeric, punctuation, function, control, and arrow keys. When a key is pressed, a circuit is completed which tells the processor which key was pressed. There are several types of keyboards including standard, ergonomic, wireless, compact, internet, gaming, and virtual keyboards. Keyboards come in different layouts like QWERTY, DVORAK, ABCD, and AZERTY. Keyboards provide reliable text input but can be slow and difficult for some users.

1. Keyboard
A keyboard is a peripheral device that enables a user to input text into a computer or any other
electronic machinery. A keyboard is an input device and is the most basic way for the user to
communicate with a computer. This device is patterned after its predecessor, the typewriter, from
which the keyboard inherited its layout, although the keys or letters are arranged to function as
electronic switches. The keys include punctuation, alphanumeric and special keys like the
Windows key and various multimedia keys, which have specific functions assigned to them.
Classification Of Keys On Keyboard
The keys on computer keyboards are often classified as follows:
Alphanumeric Keys
The alphanumeric part is the primary portion of the keyboard that contains letters, numbers,
punctuation and some of the symbol keys. Today most users utilize QWERTYstyle keyboards
Punctuation keys
Punctuation keys are comma, period, semicolon, and so on.
Specialkeys
Special keys part contains function keys, control keys, arrow keys, Caps Lock key, and so on.
 Function keys
The Function keys or F1 through F12 keys are used in programs as shortcut keys to performed
frequently performed tasks. For example, the F1 key is the key to open the online help for most
programs.
 Control Keys
The Control keys give the user additional control over text manipulation and cursorplacement.
They may also be used as shortcut keys in many programs. See our Control keys definition for
additional information and examples.
 Arrow keys
Finally, the arrow keys are four directional keys that allow the user to move their cursor or
change the section displayed on a page. See our arrow keys definition for further information on
this term and related links.

2.  Caps Lock key
A toggle key on computer keyboards that, when activated, causes all subsequent alphabetic
characters to be uppercase, but has no effect on other keys.
How Keyboard Works?
Keyboard has its own processor and circuitry that carries information to and from that
processor.The key matrix is a grid of circuits underneath the keys.
When you press a key, it presses a switch, completing the circuit and allowing a tiny amount of
current to flow through. It tells the processor the position of each key in the matrix and what
each keystroke or combination of keystrokes represents.
Types of keyboards
1.Standard Keyboard
2.Ergonomic Keyboards
Ergonomic keyboards are designed in such a way that typing can be done putting the least
amount of stress on the fingers and wrist.
3.Wireless Keyboards
As the name suggests, these keyboards do not need to be connected to the computer via a wire.
This makes it very convenient for the user to use the keyboard comfortably. Wireless keyboards
use three basic types of connections, Bluetooth, Infrared (IR), and Radio Frequency to connect to
the computer.
4.Compact Keyboards
Compact keyboards are slim and usually do not have the numeric keypad that is present on the
right side of other keyboards. These are typically used in laptops, where sizing issues make it
difficult to accommodate a standard keyboard.
5.Internet Keyboards
Internet keyboards have special keys, called hot keys, which perform functions related to Internet
usage. Typical hot keys have functions like back, forward, bookmarks list, e-mail inbox, Google
search, YouTube, shopping online, etc.
6.Gaming Keyboards

3. As the name suggests, gaming keyboards are designed specifically for gamers. They include
features meant to enhance gaming experience, as well as provide convenient usage for gamers.
They include features like volume control, key lighting, programmable keys, interchangeable
keys, touch screens to customize the keyboard, in-built joysticks, fancy lighting, etc.
7.Virtual Keyboards
Virtual keyboards are software devices that let you input data just like a hardware keyboard.
They open up as an application and can be controlled by a mouse or via a touch screen.
Types Of Standard Keyboard On The Basis Of Layout
QWERTY Layout
QWERTY refers to the arrangement ofkeys on a standard English computer keyboard or
typewriter. The name derives from the first six characters on the top alphabetic line of the
keyboard.
DVORAK Layout
A keyboard designed for speed typing. Unlike the traditional QWERTY keyboard, the Dvorak
keyboard is designed so that the middle row of keys includes the most common letters. In
addition, common letter combinations are positioned in such a way that they can be typed
quickly.
ABCD Layout
The order of the alpha keys is the same as the alphabet.
XPeRT
The XPeRT Keyboard is a fast, easy alternative to the standard Qwerty keyboard. Built for speed
and ease of transition.
AZERTY
The French version of the standard QWERTY keyboard. AZERTY keyboards differ from the
QWERTY keyboard in that the Q and W keys have been interchanged with the A and Z keys.
Advantages of Keyboard
 Reliable for data input of text and numbers.
 Usually supplied with a computer so no additional cost.

4. DisadvantagesofKeyboard
 Users may be slow for not very accurate typists.
 Slow for accessing menus etc. and difficult to use if you want to move objects around the
screen.
 Difficult for people unable to use keyboards through paralysis or muscular disorder.