What is Keyboard (Computer Keyboard) and Different Types of Keyboard?

What is Computer Keyboard?

As we know that computer works on Input-Process-Output basic principles. Simply we know that the CPU is the brain of our computer operating system. For processing, it has the central processing unit. For output, it uses various output devices, and computing data and instruction various types of input devices are used with it. The keyboard is one of the most common input devices used with computers. It resembles very much to a type-writer but it is many times more sophisticated and efficient than a typewriter.

Generally, a normal keyboard normally contains various types of keys which include alphabets, numbers and special characters. The original IBM-PC keyboard was based on the specification given by (DIN) Deutsche Industries Norm of Germany. Deutsche Industries Norm is a committee which sets German standards. In each Computer, there is a serial port interface. We will discuss the keyboard interface in more detail in the same unit.

Different Types of Keyboard  

There are various types of keyboards used with personal computers. The PC’s were developed by IBM. So naturally, the keyboards were also introduced by IBM for PCs. With the advancement of PC’s there is the equivalent advancement in keyboards i.e. with each new model of PC, IBM introduced a new type of keyboard.

There are four types of keyboards are:

1. 83- Key Keyboard
2. 84- Key Keyboard
3. 101- Key Keyboard
4. 104- Key Keyboard

Let us have a brief discussion about 83- key keyboard and remaining three types we will be discussed on next tutorial. Let’s start…..

About 83- Key Computer Keyboard

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It was the original PC keyboard which was used with PCs and PC-XT’s. It contains total 83 keys and hence is named as 83- keys keyboard. The layout of the 83-key keyboard is shown as given above image.

The keyboard has a very uncomfortable size of the Enter (Return) key and Shift keys. Also, the position of these keys is not according to user ease. You can see that most of the keys are marked as arrows instead of proper words which can describe their functioning. It is up to the user to remember which arrow, shows which key and also which key appears at what place.

The keyboard does not contain any sort of indicates to provide information about status of number lock key (NUMBER LOCK), scroll lock key (SCROLL LOCK) and the capital lock keys (CAPS LOCK), Because of lack of such indicators the user many times uses the cursor control instead of number lock by mistake, as the same keys work as number keys when number lock is on and the same work as cursor control keys the number lock is off.

Similarly instead of typing in small letters, by mistake user types in capital letters and then rubs it because there is no indicator showing whether the caps lock is on or off. The same problem arises with the scroll lock also.
Because of these basic disadvantages these keyboards are in minimum use.

In this tutorial, you had learned the introduction of computer keyboard and also learned the different types of keyboard, and learned about 83- keys keyboard and its problems. Remaining 3 types of the keyboard we will be discussed on next tutorial. If you found any mistake or have any doubt related this tutorial then let me know through your comment.

And if you like this tutorial then share with other computer lovers or share on social media.
Have a Good and Great day!!!

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