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A computer keyboard is one of the primary input devices used with a computer that looks similar to those found on electric typewriters, but with some additional keys. Keyboards allow you to input letters, numbers, and other symbols into a computer that can serve as commands or be used to type text.

The following image shows a 104-key Saitek keyboard with indicators pointing to each of the major key sections of a keyboard including the control keys, function keys, LED indicators, wrist pad, arrow keys, and keypad.

Computer keyboard overview

Keyboard overview

Below is a closer up image of a QWERTY computer keyboard with each of the keys selectable. Hover over any of the keys below to see a description of the key and click any of the keys to open a new page with full details about the key.

Keyboard keys

Keyboard interfaces

USB cable and portToday, most desktop computer keyboards connect to the computer using either USB or Bluetooth for wireless communication. Before USB, a computer may have used PS/2 or AT (Din5) as a keyboard interface.

Types of keyboards

Today, most keyboards are similar to each other, but may be missing one or more of the sections mentioned earlier (e.g. the keypad). Where keyboards begin to differ the most is with the keyboard layout. While most keyboards use the QWERTY layout, there are still people who use the DVORAK layout.

Laptop keyboards

A laptop keyboard is different from a desktop keyboard to help reduce the size and the overall weight of the laptop. Most laptop keyboards are made smaller by placing the keys closer to each other and not always including control keys or a keypad. For a laptop to have all the same functions of a desktop keyboard, laptop keyboards use a Fn key that is used in conjunction with other keys to perform special functions. For example, pressing the Fn key and the up or down arrow on the keyboard shown below, increases and decreases the brightness of the screen.

Laptop Fn function keyboard key

Another difference with a laptop keyboard is the type of switch beneath each key or how the keys feel when pressed down. Some users may even experience more typing errors when typing on a laptop because of how easy it can be to press another key next to the key you intended to press.

Apple iPhone keyboardSmartphone and tablet keyboards

Today's smartphones and tablets do not come with a physical keyboard, although it may be purchased as an optional peripheral add-on. These devices utilize a thumb keyboard or on-screen keyboard to type messages and enter text into various fields. The image to the right shows an example of the Apple iPhone on-screen keyboard, used on all of apples touch-based devise.

Why is the keyboard an input device?

A computer keyboard is considered an input device because it only sends data to a computer and does not receive any information back.

Also see: AFK, ALT, CTRL, Delete, Enter, Home row keys, Keyboard terms, Natural keyboard, Numeric keypad, OSK, Shift, Spacebar, Tab, Typewriter, Windows key