Types of Keyboards

HOW DO KEYBOARDS DIFFER?

By Nichole Graham-Treston

Introduction•This presentation seeks to explain the different types of computer keyboards such including gaming keyboards, laptop keyboards and ergonomic keyboards •There are also other types of computer keyboards, such as foldable keyboards and laser/infrared keyboards.

Laptop Computer Keyboard

• The laptop computer keyboard is a small version of the typical QWERTY keyboard. A typical laptop has the same keyboard type as a normal keyboard, except for the fact that most laptop keyboards condense the symbols into fewer buttons to accomodate less space.

• There are also often extra keys such as power buttons, volume buttons, play buttons, rewind buttons, mute buttons and others.

Gaming Keyboards

•Gaming keyboards are similar to normal keyboards except they generally contain extra features such as illuminated keys, multimedia keys, an additional LCD screen, palm rest and other features.

• Illuminated keyboards are useful for playing games, during the night, when it's too dark to see the keyboard normally. The multimedia keys are also useful for adjusting the volume, for changing the music tracks and for doing other things, while continually playing your game.

XT

•An obsolete type, these keyboards only support the older computers such as IBM 8086/8088, XT-286. Not supported by present computers, keyboards are much larger than the modern keyboards and the “Enter” key is backward-”L” shaped.

MINI PS/2 •The MINI PS/2 keyboards are very small in size and are compatible with the PS/2 computers. This keyboard resembles the laptop keyboard and it is square in shape. This keyboard is composed of fewer key and do not have detach numeric keypad.  

The Roll-Up Keyboard

•These keyboards feature 104 keys in a standard QWERTY layout, but with a nifty twist of being the most portable keyboard seen to date. Simply roll the unit up when you’re done with it! A great tool for laptop users who miss their full-sized KB when on the road, or LAN party warriors looking to lighten their load.

Optimus Keyboard

•Each and every key on the Optimus Keyboard is a stand-alone display that shows you exactly what it is controlling at the very moment.

The Keyboard

Das Keyboard

•Where is the letters? Das keyboard believe with no keys to look at when typing, your brain will adapt and memorize the key position thus increasing typing speed.

The Virtual Laser Keyboard

•The I-Tech Virtual Keyboard uses a light projection of a full-sized computer keyboard on almost any surface. Used with PDA’s and Smart Phones, the Virtual Keyboard provides a practical way to do e-mail, word processing and spreadsheet tasks, enabling users to leave laptops and computers at home.

The SafeType Keyboard

• This well thought at keyboard will allow you to type in a relaxed position, saving you the pain. All that despite its futurist look. The supplementary keypad allows the user to position the 10-key numeric pad with arrow keys anywhere that is most usable and comfortable. It can be on the left or the right, or even in your lap.

The Wrist Keyboard

•Completely sealed, it can operate in the rain and other harsh environments. A curved back provides a secure and comfortable placement on the wrist. The keyboard layout is optimized to provide alphanumeric entry. Carefully positioned arrow keys ease menu-oriented tasks. The WristPC keyboard comes with an optional wrist strap to provide the capability of attaching it to your wrist.

The Frogpad

•The FrogPad mobile keypad with its innovative 20 full-size key layout optimized around the most frequently used characters sets a new standard in information access with superior portability and ergonomics, global adaptability, rapid learning and ease of use. Its unique patented keystroke algorithms enable it to be used in either a right or left-handed mode and with any international language set.

Maltron 3D Ergonomic Keyboard

•These fully ergonomic two handed keyboards fit the shape of hands and the different lengths of fingers to reduce movement and tension.