keyboard definition essay

A keyboard is one of the primary input devices used with a computer. Like an electric typewriter , a keyboard is composed of buttons to create letters , numbers , and symbols , and perform additional functions. The following sections provide more in-depth information and answers to frequently asked questions about the keyboard.

Keyboard overview

Qwerty keyboard layout, keyboard ports and interfaces, types of keyboards, what else can a keyboard do, apple keyboards, laptop keyboards, smartphone and tablet keyboards, why is the keyboard an input device, does a computer need a keyboard, what are multimedia keys, what keys appear twice on a keyboard.

• How to use a computer keyboard.
• How to improve your typing.
• When was the first keyboard invented?
• Keyboard shortcuts

Related information

• Keyboard help and support.

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

What are the keyboard rows?

The horizontal rows of character keys in the typing area have specific names. For example, when placing your hands on the keyboard, they should be positioned over the home row keys . The keys below the home row are called the bottom row keys , and above the home row keys are the top row keys .

Below is a close-up image of a QWERTY computer keyboard with each of the keys selectable. You may hover your mouse cursor over any keys to see a description. Clicking any of the keys opens a new page with full details.

See our QWERTY definition for why the keyboard keys are positioned the way they are.

• Computer keyboard key explanations.

Today, most computer keyboards connect to the computer using USB or Bluetooth for wireless communication. Before USB, a computer used PS/2 , serial port , or AT (advanced technology) (Din5) as a keyboard interface.

• How to connect and install a computer keyboard.

Today, most keyboards are similar but may be missing one or more of the sections mentioned earlier (e.g., the keypad ). Where keyboards begin to differ the most is in their construction and design. Some keyboards are mechanical , while others use membrane keys. Some keyboards utilize a standard design, like the Saitek keyboard pictured above, and others are split down the middle, utilizing an ergonomic design. Some keyboards are rigid and always the same shape, while others are flexible and can fold in half or roll up.

Most keyboards use the QWERTY layout, but there are still designs that utilize the Dvorak layout.

• How many keys are on a computer keyboard?

A computer keyboard has many more functions than typing. Below are additional tasks you can perform using a keyboard.

• Enter commands in a command line or another CLI (command-line interface).
• Use keyboard shortcuts to perform tasks quickly. For example, using Ctrl + C to copy text and Ctrl + V to paste it elsewhere.
• Use the function keys to perform tasks. For example, pressing F5 in a browser to refresh a web page.
• Control computer hardware . For example, many keyboards can change your speakers' volume.
• Use the arrow keys to move the text cursor on the screen.
• Use the WASD keys or arrow keys to move a character in a game .
• Use the numeric keypad to make calculations in a calculator .

The following section contains information on Apple keyboards and how they differ from their PC equivalents.

What does an Apple keyboard look like?

The following image shows the standard layout for an Apple keyboard with a numeric keypad .

How are Apple keyboards different than Windows keyboards?

The keyboards used with Apple desktop computers have a nearly identical layout to those used with Windows computers. However, they have a few different keys on both sides of the keyboard's characters section near the bottom: Command and Option .

A laptop keyboard is arranged differently than a desktop keyboard to accommodate the laptop's narrower footprint. Most laptop keyboards are made smaller by placing the keys closer and including an Fn key . The Fn key is used to give other keys more than one function. For example, pressing the Fn key and the up or down arrow on the keyboard may increase or decrease screen brightness (shown below). Also, many laptop keyboards generally omit the numeric keypad to save space.

Today's smartphones and tablets do not have a physical keyboard, although one 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 is an example of the Apple iPhone on-screen keyboard, used on all Apple touch-based devices.

A computer keyboard is considered an input device because it only sends data to a computer and does not receive any information from it. As you type on the keyboard, you input information into the computer.

Many users are surprised to learn that a keyboard is considered a peripheral and that a computer can function without one. If you have a USB keyboard, you can disconnect it now, and you see that the computer continues to work without it. Many servers , like the Computer Hope web server , run their entire life without a keyboard and are administered by a remotely-connected user.

Multimedia keys are those keys that allow the user to control music on their computer keyboard. These keys add functionality, such as play , pause , stop , rewind , fast forward , skip track , eject , shuffle , and repeat for music. For further information on these keys, see our special key page.

On a typical U.S. PC keyboard, three keys appear twice. They are the Alt keys , Ctrl keys , and Shift keys . Almost all the keys on the numeric keypad are duplicated. These keys include the divide (/), times (*), subtract (-), plus (+), period (.), numbers 0 through 9, and the Enter key . The only key on the numeric keypad that does not appear twice is the Num lock key .

The three keys that appear twice on Apple keyboards are the Command keys , Control keys , and Shift keys . For Apple keyboards with a numeric keypad, there are seventeen duplicate keys. These keys include the equal (=), divide (/), times (*), subtract (-), plus (+), period (.), numbers 0 through 9, and the Enter key.

• Some keys on my computer keyboard aren't working.
• Keyboard shortcut keys.
• Computer keyboard manufacturers.

AFK , Alphabet , Alt , Caps lock , Ctrl , Delete , Enter , Function keys , Hardware terms , Home row keys , Keyboard terms , Keycap , Layout , Natural keyboard , Numeric keypad , Num lock , OSK , Peripheral , Shift key , Spacebar , Tab , Typewriter , Typing , Virtual keyboard , Windows key

A keyboard is the most common computer input device and is the primary way a computer's user enters text. Most computers use both a keyboard and a mouse or trackpad for user input, with the keyboard responsible for text input and the mouse or trackpad responsible for moving the cursor and interacting with objects on the screen. A keyboard may connect to a computer over USB or Bluetooth ; laptop computers include built-in keyboards below the screen.

Each key on a keyboard includes at least one symbol representing the character that appears when you press that key. Every keyboard includes keys for letters, numbers, and common punctuation symbols, but exact keyboard layouts vary by region and language. Keyboards also provide keys that let you navigate around a text document , including a set of arrow keys. Even though some letters and symbols move from country to country, most keyboards use the QWERTY design that gets its name from the first six letters in the upper-left corner.

In addition to letters, numbers, and symbols, keyboards also include several modifier keys . When pressed with a letter, number, or symbol key, a modifier key modifies the signal sent to the computer. For example, pressing and holding the Shift key while typing changes typed letters from lowercase to uppercase and inserts other keys' alternate symbols. Using other modifier keys (like Command or Control) with certain keys instead triggers specific keyboard shortcuts . For example, pressing Command + S on macOS or Control + S on Windows triggers the universal keyboard shortcut for saving the active document.

Keyboards also include a row of Function keys above the numbers row, which perform specific system tasks when pressed. Many keyboards include special media playback keys that let you adjust system volume, play and pause, or skip tracks. Some keyboards include a 10-key keypad on the right side, but many keyboards omit this section to take up less space. A few keyboards even include special customizable keys that let you record your own keyboard shortcuts or run short macro scripts.

NOTE: Touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets do not require hardware keyboards since they can use virtual software keyboards that appear on the screen when necessary. However, you can pair a Bluetooth wireless keyboard to a phone or tablet if you want to type with a physical keyboard.

Test Your Knowledge

What is the most common type of keyboard layout?

Tech Factor

Related terms.

• Input Device
• Keyboard Shortcut

Keyboard Images

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What Is a Keyboard?

A keyboard comes in different formats to house the letters, characters, and symbols that you use to input text into a computer or smartphone

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Keyboard Definition

• Physical Description
• Connection Types

Touch Screen Keyboards

Keyboard shortcuts.

• Change Keyboard Options
• Frequently Asked Questions

Keyboards are used in almost every kind of computer device. Microsoft and Logitech are some of the most popular physical keyboard manufacturers, but many other hardware makers also produce them.

The keyboard is the piece of computer hardware used to input text, characters, and other commands into a computer or similar device.

It's an external  peripheral device  in a desktop system (it sits outside the computer case ), or is "virtual" in a tablet PC.

Typical Keyboard Description

Tarik Kizilkaya/iStock/Getty

Modern computer keyboards were modeled after, and are still very similar to, classic typewriter keyboards. Many keyboard layouts are available around the world (like Dvorak and JCUKEN ) but most English language keyboards are of the QWERTY type. Other languages have different default formats, such as QWERTZ for German and AZERT for French.

Most keyboards have numbers, letters, symbols, arrow keys, etc., but some also have a separate numeric keypad, and additional functions like volume control, buttons to power down or sleep the device, or dedicated programmable shortcut keys.

Others have keys that light up when pressed, or even a built-in trackball mouse that's intended to provide an easy way to use both the keyboard and the mouse without having to lift your hand off the keyboard.

Physical Keyboard Connection Types

Many keyboards are wireless, communicating with the computer via Bluetooth or an RF receiver.

Wired keyboards connect to the motherboard via a USB cable, often the USB Type-A connector , but some instead use USB-C . Older keyboards connect via a PS/2 connection. Keyboards on laptops are of course integrated, but technically would be considered "wired" since that's how they are connected to the computer.

Both wireless and wired keyboards require a specific device driver in order to be used with the computer. Drivers for standard, non-advanced keyboards usually don't need to be downloaded because they're already included in the operating system .

Danil Rudenko/EyeEm/Getty

Tablets, phones, and other computers with touch interfaces often don't include physical keyboards. Instead, they offer keyboards that appear on the device's screen. However, most do have USB receptacles or wireless technologies which allow external keyboards to be attached.

Like tablets, virtually all modern smartphones have on-screen keyboards that pop up when you need them. These on-screen keyboards are also called touch keyboards or touch screen keyboards.

Laptops and netbooks have integrated keyboards but, like tablets , can have external keyboards attached via USB.

You can download all kinds of software-based keyboards to suit your device's style and operating system. Our Best Keyboards for Android list has some examples for that OS.

Although most of us use a keyboard nearly every day, there are many keys you probably don't use, or at least aren't sure why you use them. Below are some examples of keyboard buttons that can be used together to form a new function.

Modifier Keys

Some keys you should become familiar with are called modifier keys. You'll probably see some of these in the troubleshooting guides here on this website; the Control, Shift, and Alt keys are modifier keys. Mac keyboards use the Option and Command keys as modifier keys—see Windows Keyboard Equivalents for the Mac's Special Keys for more on that.

Unlike a normal key like a letter or a number, modifier keys modify the function of another key. The regular function of the 7 key, for example, is to input the number 7, but if you hold down the Shift and 7 keys simultaneously, the ampersand (&) sign is produced.

Some of the effects of a modifier key can be seen on the keyboard as keys that have two actions, like the 7 key. Keys like this have two functions, where the topmost action is activated with the Shift key.

Ctrl+C is a keyboard shortcut you're probably familiar with. It's used for copying something to the clipboard so that you can use the Ctrl+V combination to paste it.

Another example of a modifier key combination is Ctrl+Alt+Del which can be used to shut down, sign out, access Task Manager, restart a computer, and more. The function of these keys isn't as obvious because the instructions for using it aren't laid out on the keyboard like the 7 key is. This is a common example of how using modifier keys can produce an effect that none of the keys can perform on their own, independent of the others.

Alt+F4 is another keyboard shortcut. This one instantly closes down the window you're currently using. Whether you're in a web browser or browsing through pictures on your computer, this combination will instantly close the one you're focused on.

Windows Key

Although the common use for the Windows key (i.e., start key, flag key, logo key) is to open the Start menu, it can be used for many things.

Win+D is one example of using this key to quickly show/hide the desktop. Win+E is another useful one that quickly opens File Explorer. Win+X (Power User Menu) is our favorite.

Some keyboards have unique keys that don't work in the same way as a traditional keyboard. For example, the TeckNet Gryphon Pro gaming keyboard includes 10 keys that can record macros.

Changing Keyboard Options

In Windows, you can change some of your keyboard settings, like repeat delay, repeat rate, and blink rate, from the Control Panel .

You can make advanced changes to a keyboard using third-party software like SharpKeys . This is a free program that edits the Windows Registry to remap one key to another or disable one or more keys altogether.

SharpKeys is extremely useful if you're missing a keyboard key. For example, if you're without the Enter key, you can remap the Caps Lock key (or the F1 key, etc.) to the Enter function, essentially removing the former key's capabilities to regain use of the latter. It can also be used to map keys to web controls like Refresh, Back, etc.

The Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator is another free tool that lets you quickly change the layout of your keyboard. Little Tiny Fish has a good explanation for how to use the program.

You can also reassign keys on a Mac keyboard through System Preferences.

Mechanical keyboards have physical switches beneath the keys. When you press a key, you press its button, recreating the experience of typing on a typewriter. As a result, mechanical keyboards can help increase typing accuracy.

Membrane keyboards have pressure pads instead of separate, moving keys. Membrane keyboards do not provide much tactile feedback, which makes them challenging to use as computer keyboards.

Backlit keyboards have lights underneath the keys that illuminate the letters and symbols on the keys. This illumination makes the keys visible in low-light environments. The most common keys to turn on keyboard lights on Windows computers are F5, F9, and F11.

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What is a Keyboard?

Computers have two types of devices – Input and Output devices. Input devices are those devices which take commands from user and convey it to the computers in the form of digital signals. Whereas, output devices are those which display or present the result to the user according to the commands given by them. Now, Keyboard comes under the category of input devices.

As stated earlier, the Keyboard is a major input device used with computers and other electronic devices. It takes input from the user in the form of text, numbers, and several other commands. If we look at the structure of a keyboard, it consists of various buttons. These buttons are called keys and every keyboard has a variety of keys with unique functions. We will understand about these special keys later in the article.

History of Keyboards

The story of keyboards begins in 1860s with the invention of mechanical typewriters, form which the modern layout of keyboard is inherited. A major development was the invention of teletype machine which was used for the sending and receiving of telegraphs. Early computers, like ENIAC and BINAC used keypunch and electric typewriter technology in their keyboards. In 1984, the IBM Model M keyboard was introduced which had improved keys and inspired modern keyboard’s designing. Gradually there was an increased demand of personal computers which led to the popularization of QWERTY keyboards . Till date there have been various updates made to the design of keyboards by making it customizable, wireless, etc. However, keyboards still remain an important and fundamental input device.

Types of Keyboards

There are some type of keyboard explained below.

• QWERTY Keyboard

This is the most common and classic keyboard structure. It is named so because of its first 6 keys of the keyboard (QWERTY). Its design was inspired from the early typewriters. The keys were designed in such an order so that the letters which are frequently used, are spaced out to prevent any jamming of keys. The design was made in early 1870’s by Christopher Latham Sholes and is used till date. It consists a variety of keys like alphanumeric keys, special keys, function and modifier keys, etc.

• Dvorak Keyboard

It is an alternative to the QWERTY keyboard. In QWERTY keyboards, the typing process was slow because of the arrangement of letters. On the other hand, Dvorak keyboards are designed in a way that the user can type without much movement of fingers, hence resulting in fast and easy typing. However, this layout failed to gain popularity as users found it difficult to adapt with this layout.

• Ergonomic Keyboards

The term Ergonomic means designing in such a manner that it provides users an efficient working environment. That is exactly what Ergonomic keyboards provide. These keyboards are designed in a way that they help in reducing strain and any discomfort faced by user while typing for a long time. This is achieved by design which allows user to rest their hand in natural position in a comfortable way and arranging keys in the order which causes least finger movements. A keyboard which is split in two halves to provide better typing experience, comes under this category.

• Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards are highly durable keyboards. They have individual mechanical switches or springs attached under each key. This makes them not only more durable but also easy to repair. They are popular for their, unique keypress sound, and responsiveness. However, they are expensive than standard keyboards.

• Gaming Keyboards

Gaming keyboards are purposely made for gaming purposes. It has features like lesser keys which are arranged in a way that it provides quick access to the gamers. It also has other features like RGB lighting, longer durability and customizable design. The most important quality of gaming keyboards is that the keys have a faster response time.

There are some keyboards with special features like– Wireless keyboard, Foldable keyboard and Backlit Keyboard.

Types of Keys on Keyboard

As stated earlier, the structure of a keyboard consists of various buttons. These buttons are called keys and every keyboard has a variety of keys with unique functions. All input to a keyboard is given through these keys. The variety of keys present in a keyboard are listed below:

1. Text and Numbers

• These keys are called alphanumeric keys and are used to enter textual and numeric data. They consist of letters A-Z and numbers 0-9.
• The number keys also contain some special characters (like !, @, #,$,&,*) .

Alphanumeric key

2. Navigation and Managing Input

• Keys like Arrow Keys, Page up and Page down help in navigating and moving cursor around.
• Editing is also possible through Delete key which removes unwanted characters from the right of the cursor.
• Some other keys help in controlling the input entered by the user like – Caps lock (switches between uppercase and lowercase letters), Num lock (activates and deactivates number keypad) and Scroll lock (controls scrolling).

Navigation and managing input keys

3. Special Function Keys

• A traditional keyboard has 12 Function Keys , from F1 to F12 where each key has a unique function related to the software or application.
• Whenever a single key has two characters on it, a Shift key is used to access the upper character. It also enables typing in uppercase.
• Control (Ctrl) and Alternate (Alt) keys are used with combination of other keys for various shortcuts.

Special function keys

4. Other Important Keys

• Enter Key : It basically confirms any selection or is used for submitting purposes.
• Backspace Key : It removes unwanted characters to the left of the cursor.
• Spacebar : It inserts a space between characters.
• Escape (Esc) Key : It is used to exit a currently running operation or dialog box.

Other important keys

Keyboard has always been the most essential input device required in a computer. They provide users a medium through which they can communicate or enter their commands in a computer. A user-friendly layout and various other features makes keyboard a significant input device for computers and other electronic devices.

FAQs on Keyboard

Q.1: what is a keyboard used for.

A keyboard is an input device which basically takes input from the user in the form of text, numbers and several other commands. It is a major device for entering text in computers.

Q.2: How many keys are there in a keyboard?

The number of keys in a keyboard vary according to its design. However the number of keys lies around 101 to 104.

Q.3: How is QWERTY keyboard different from Dvorak keyboard?

QWERTY keyboards have the letters ‘QWERTY’ on the top left corner of the keyboard and hence are named so. They were inspired from early typewriters. On the other hand, Dvorak keyboards are designed in such the way that they provide users a faster typing experience. The arrangement of letters is different from ‘QWERTY’ keyboards and the most used vowels and constants are grouped together.

Q.4: What are keyboard ports and interfaces?

Now a days, Mostly computer keyboards connect with computer using USB or Bluetooth for wireless communication. computer used PS/2, serial port , or AT (advanced technology) (Din5) as a keyboard interface before USB.

Q.5: What are multimedia keys in keyboard?

On a computer keyboard, multimedia keys are those that let the user control music. The additional functions of these keys for music include play, pause, stop, rewind, fast forward, skip track, eject, shuffle, and repeat. See our special key page for further details on these keys.

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Computer keyboards

by Chris Woodford . Last updated: February 26, 2022.

T ap tap tap! Tap tap tap! That's the sound of someone thinking aloud in the 21st century, which typically means banging out words in a blog or an email or word-processing an essay or a forum post. Computer keyboards are generally quicker to use than old-fashioned typewriter keyboards, though they're still no match for dictating your documents with voice recognition software . Have you ever stopped to wonder what your keyboard's like inside? You might be surprised to find it's just a load of electrical switches. Let's take a closer look!

Photo: A typical low-cost computer keyboard. Each key is nothing more than a switch: it closes an electrical circuit when you press it down and opens the circuit when you release it again.

A word of warning!

You've heard me say this before. Taking things to bits is a brilliant way to learn how they work but, for a whole bunch of reasons, it's often dangerous , difficult, or ill-advised. In the case of computer keyboards, there's not a lot of danger, but there are a couple of hundred tiny pieces that fall out very easily. If you drop the keyboard while you're messing about with it, expect to find yourself taking at least a couple of hours to put it all back together again. You have been warned!

What's under the keys?

Pull a key off the keyboard and you can see roughly how it works. There's a little hole in the plastic base and the keyboard has a long round bar the same shape. When you press the key, the bar pushes down through the hole to touch the contact layers below. Inside the hole, there's a little tiny piece of rubber (you can't see it in this photo) that stops the key moving down and pushes it back up when you release it. This is what gives the spring to the keys.

What's under the keyboard?

Take off the keyboard's bottom panel and you can see how it all works from beneath. You can see the transparent plastic contact layers that detect key presses and (through those layers) you can see the round bars poking the keys down from above. The green rectangle at the top contains three small LEDs that activate the indicator lights for "Num lock", "Caps lock", and "Scroll lock". Notice also the cable running along the inside of the case at the top of the keyboard, which carries electrical signals from the keyboard to your computer's USB port (or PS/2 port on older machines).

How do the keys press down?

Peel back the electrical contact layers and you can see the bottom of the keys and where they press down. Balancing on my fingertip, you can see one of the little rubber pieces that makes the keys bounce up and down. Notice the pattern of electrical tracks on the contact layers. In this photo, we are looking down through the bottom of the keyboard (so the keys are underneath).

How do the contact layers work?

This is the magic part of a keyboard. There are three separate layers of plastic that work together to detect your key presses. Two of them are covered in electrically conducting metal tracks and there's an insulating layer between them with holes in it. The dots you can see are places where the keys press the two conducting layers together. The lines are electrical connections that allow tiny electric currents to flow when the layers are pressed tight to one another by a key moving down from above. In the photo below, you can see a closeup of the underside of one key—and, if you look closely, just about see how it works. There's one set of electrical connections on the lower sheet of plastic, printed in light gray. The other set is on the upper sheet of plastic and printed in dark gray. The two sheets are kept apart by a clear plastic layer except at the holes, which is where the keys push down to make the two sheets touch.

How does it all work together?

Are laptops the same, how do keypads work, how to make your laptop keyboard last longer, who invented modern computer keyboards, if you liked this article..., don't want to read our articles try listening instead, find out more, on this site.

• Computer mice
• Typewriters
• Voice recognition software

On other sites

• Learn how a keypad matrix works with a micro:bit by Giles Booth. A more technical look at how keypads and keyboards are really wired up.

News articles

• France Plans a New Keyboard to Shift Control to Typists by Aurelien Breeden. The New York Times. January 22, 2016. The Azerty keyboard makes it easier to type accented characters, but something simpler is needed, argues the French government.
• Why I use a 20-year-old IBM Model M keyboard by Iljitsch van Beijnum. Ars Technica, November 2013. A retro-keyboard enthusiast explains the attractions of older technology.
• How to Replace Your Laptop Keyboard by Eric Geier, PCWorld, July 12, 2012. A handy, practical guide to relacing a broken or sticky keyboard in a laptop.
• Beyond the keyboard and mouse by Chris Vallance, BBC News, March 14, 2008. What other forms of computer input will we use in future?

Other articles

• So Many Gadgets, So Many Aches by Phyllis Korkki. The New York Times, September 10, 2011. From laptops to smartphones, mobile computing is taking a growing toll on our bodies.
• US Patent 6,547,463B1: Collapsible keyboard by Jyh-Yi Loo, Changshu Sunrex. April 15, 2003. An example of a folding keyboard mechanism.
• US Patent 4,639,559A: Membrane keyboard by Toshimichi Taguchi, Sharp Corporation. January 27, 1987. A simple membrane-type keyboard with laminated conducting sheets.
• US Patent US4,274,752A: Keyboard multiple switch assembly by Daniel Huber et al, IBM. June 23, 1981. A more complex mechanical keyboard switch that can do different things if you press it in different ways.
• US Patent 3,591,749: Printed circuit keyboard by James Martin Comstock, Singer Company. July 6, 1971. The basic numeric keypad illustrated up above.
• US Patent 559,756: Type-writing machine by Christopher Latham Sholes. May 5, 1896. An early Sholes patent illustrates the connection between old typewriters and modern keyboards.

Text copyright © Chris Woodford 2008, 2020. All rights reserved. Full copyright notice and terms of use .

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Everything About Computer Keyboards & Technology

What Is A Computer Keyboard: A Full Overview

We all use keyboards in our daily lives. However, do we know everything there is to know about this device? Here is a complete guide.

The keyboard is an input device that was invented back in 1868. Christopher Latham Sholes and his colleagues made the first keyboard with 28 keys. It was a kind of a typewriter but with keys shaped like piano keys. It was used for transcribing telegraph messages.

From the rudimentary QWERTY keyboard of the 1860s, the keyboard has come a long way. It was later during the 20th century, that modern keyboard compatible with computers were patented and manufactured. Today, we cannot do without this critical input device. From our phones to the most advanced computers, the keyboard in every form is an integral part. Let us know more about keyboards.

History of Keyboards

Even though the first keyboard was invented in 1868, it has a long and interesting history from then to now. Let us take a walk down history lane and look at the evolution of keyboards.

1868 : The first modern, practical typewriter was invented. In 1877, the Remington Company began marketing the typewriters for the masses. It went through a series of improvements over the years.

1870s : In the 1870s, the keyboards were used to type and transmit stock market text data directly to telegraph lines.

1878 : The QWERTY keyboard was first made in 1878 .

1907 to 1910 : The teleprinters gained popularity. It was like a typewriter with a printing mechanism. The incoming telegraph messages could be printed using this device.

1930s : New keyboard models were invented. They combined the the technology of the teleprinters with the communications technology of the telegraph. Punch-card systems were also developed to complement the typewriters. Thus, the ‘keypunch’ system was invented.

1946 : The keypunch system was developed to make keyboards as peripheral devices Eniac computers. The punch card reader was an input as well as output device.

1948 : An electro-mechanically operated keyboard was used for Binac computers.

1970s and 1980s : Electronic keyboards started being used with VDT (Video Display Terminals).

Types of Keyboards

Keyboards have evolved a lot since their inception. And today, it is no longer a standard device used to punch in text and numbers. There are a wide array of keyboard types to choose from. There is a keyboard for every use case and every budget. Below are the types of keyboards available.

• Membrane Keyboard
• Island-Style Keyboard or Chiclet Keyboard
• Mechanical Keyboard
• Flexible or Roll-up Keyboard
• Wireless Keyboard
• Ergonomic Keyboard
• Gaming Keyboard
• Ortholinear Keyboard
• Vertical Keyboard
• Left-Handed Keyboard
• Mini Keyboard
• Foldable Keyboard
• Projection Keyboard
• Multimedia Keyboard
• One-handed Keyboard

Different Layouts of Keyboards

A keyboard layout is a specific arrangement of the different keys. There are three distinct layout types:

Physical Layout

The physical layout is the physical position of the keys on a keyboard. Standards such as ISO and ANSI define the physical layout of the keyboard. It also tells how many keys the keyboard has and their placement on the keyboard. The size of the keys is also a factor in the physical layout.

The physical layout does not determine what will appear on the screen when you press a key. For example, if you press ‘A’ on a typical QWERTY keyboard, what the computer understands from the physical layout is that the second key from the left in the fourth row is pressed.

Visual Layout

The visual layout refers to the markings on the keys that tell one key apart from the other. It identifies the letters and symbols. Keyboards in different languages will have different visual layouts. The legends marked on the keyboard will differ in different languages and styles. For example, an ISO keyboard used throughout Europe will be different from the keyboard used in France or Germany.

Some users mark the keyboard with their own markings. This is done when the basic keyboard is used to operate in a foreign language. It can also be used as a learning aid for keyboard shortcuts.

Functional Layout

The functional layout is the underlying keyboard mapping. It tells what will happen on the computer when each key is pressed. The layout is a bridge between the physical layout and the visual layout. It ensures that the desired result is obtained when a key is pressed.

However, the functional layout can be overridden using software. For example, it is possible to switch languages and thus change the functional layout using the appropriate software in the operating system.

Types of Keys on a Keyboard

The keys that you use on the keyboard have different names. The types of keys on a keyboard can be categorized as below. This is for QWERTY keyboards that are most popular.

• Character Keys or Typing Keys : These are the alphanumeric keys that are used for typing text. They include letters , numbers , and symbol keys .
• Modifier Keys : These are the keys that cannot do anything on their own. However, when used with another key, they modify the function of that key. For example, Shift can capitalize a letter. Ctrl and Alt keys are used to perform specific functions when used with specific keys.
• Lock Keys : Dead keys are modifier keys. However, they don’t need to be pressed simultaneously with another key to get the modification. For example, the Caps Lock key. Once you press it, it alters the capitalization of the character keys.
• Enter and Editing Keys : These keys can edit the format of the text being typed. Enter, Insert, Delete, Backspace are examples of these keys.
• System Keys : The Windows Logo key on a Windows computer, the Esc key are examples of system keys.
• Function Keys : The Function keys are used to perform specific functions on a computer. They are labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on. The function these keys perform will depend on the program being used.
• Navigation Keys : These are the keys that are typically used to move the cursor or arrow pointer around on the computer screen. They are also used to scroll up or down or to go to a certain point. These keys include Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, Insert, and arrow keys.
• Numeric Keyboards : Some keyboards feature a dedicated numeric keypad. It looks somewhat like a calculator and is usually is in a grid format.

Ports for a Keyboard

A keyboard connects with the computer through the ‘ port ‘. So the keyboard port acts as an interface between the computer and the keyboard. The port is part of the computer hardware. It connects the computer with different peripheral devices. In this section, we will see ports that can be used with a computer keyboard.

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. This is the most common port for connecting a keyboard with the computer. It is a standard interface for both Windows or Mac OS. There are two types of USB ports – USB 1.1 and USB 2.0. Both ports look identical. USB 2.0 is the faster port.

Generally, your system will advise you if a device plugged into one port might perform better than in the other port. A keyboard can safely be plugged into both the USB ports. To connect the keyboard, the USB plug on it needs to be inserted into the USB port on the computer.

PS/2 ports were the standard interface ports before USB became popular. The PS/2 plugs were created in line with the computers in 1987. Even though the computer designs continued to change, the port design became somewhat standard. It has a round shape. The PS/2 plug is also known as a Mini-DIN 6 plug.

Nowadays, computers don’t come with a PS/2 port. However, some still have it. If you need more than one PS/2 port (for a mouse, for instance), a PS/2 splitter or a KVM switch can be used. It helps to connect more than one device compatible with the PS/2 port. The older Mac computers used the DIN ports.

Serial Ports

Serial ports come in different sizes. Usually, they refer to a DB9 connector. They are not very popular compared to the USB ports. However, they were used in the past for interfacing a keyboard. They have a trapezoidal design.

An important point, however, is the current trend towards preferring wireless keyboards. But which one should you use – wired or wireless keyboards?

Keyboard Materials

Keyboards are made from different types of materials. The quality of the material is a major factor in deciding the cost of the keyboard. Below are the popular keyboard materials.

Plastic : This is the most common material used in keyboards. It is used to make the keys as well as the body/frame of the keyboard. However, they come in a variety of price ranges. T hermoplastic polymers or PBT are used to make cheaper keyboards. High-quality ABS plastic is used to make keyboards that are more costly. In mechanical keyboards that use switches under keycaps, high-quality plastic is used for the switch mechanism.

Rubber : Rubber is used for keys in chiclet keyboards or membrane keyboards. These are low-cost keyboards. Rubber is also used in foldable keyboards.

Metal : Metal is used in keyboard parts, especially in the mechanical switches under keycaps in mechanical keyboards. For the more expensive keyboards, gold-plated metal contacts are used.

Aluminum : For the sturdy mechanical keyboards, aluminum is used as a choice of metal for the housing. Aluminum case keyboards are expensive . They are also heavy. However, they provide a rugged finish.

Steel : Sometimes, steel is also used for the external casing of the keyboard. Steel, too, provides a sturdy build .

Apart from the above material commonly used in keyboards, below are the slightly keyboards made from slightly non-conventional materials.

Wooden Keyboards

Wooden keyboards look great. They are also ecofriendly. Bamboo is generally used to make these keyboards. Wireless wooden keyboards make for a great computer accessory. The wood is coated with a stain-resistant finish. Hence, it is more durable than you would think. The typing experience is quite comfortable and the keys are surprisingly quiet.

Glass Keyboards

View this post on Instagram Fingerprints allowed. Ideal living room controller, yay to new toys. #handlewithcare #notforgaming #rgb #wirelesskeyboard #supportinnovation #bastron #glasskeyboard #rgbkeyboard A post shared by Justin Stroupe (@jlstrewp) on Mar 30, 2018 at 11:05pm PDT

Believe it or not, but glass keyboards do exist. They are made from tempered glass. The typing experience is quite like typing on an iPad due to finish. It is futuristic and looks great. However, there is no tactile feedback. Glass keyboards are usually transparent and they look very classy. They light up when you start typing.

Most of these keyboards are completely waterproof and dust resistant. The high ingress protection makes them durable. That is if you don’t drop them on the floor!

Ceramic Keyboards

Ceramic keyboards use ceramic keycaps. They offer an interesting texture to the keys. Don’t let the name fool you into thinking they are delicate keyboards, though. The ceramic used is not the cheap one that is prone to breakage. Engineered ceramic is used. It can easily withstand the daily wear and tear and the impact of usage.

Usually, these keycaps are made from zirconia. However, ceramic is a dense material. Hence, the quality of the switch mechanism under the keycap is an important consideration. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the ceramic keycaps.

Gold-Plated Keyboards

View this post on Instagram El XPG Summoner es un teclado fabricado por ADATA cuyas teclas y base están chapadas en oro de 24 quilates y el resto de sus partes han sido coloreadas como si también lo estuvieran. Es totalmente funcional y solo se han hecho seis unidades para convertirlo en un producto, ya no solo de lujo, sino también exclusivo y limitado. Cada una de ellas cuesta, como decíamos 10.000 dólares y la compañía taiwanesa hasta se ha permitido la frivolidad de regalar uno gratis a un príncipe saudí, tal y como nos cuentan desde PC Gamer. #crazythings #keyboard #pc #pcgaming #pcgamer #lovers #gold #goldkeyboard #adata #news #24karats #noticias #rich #money #luxurylifestyle #gamer #gamerwold #gamernews #videogames #videojuegos? #gamergirls #usa #spain #españa #gamerchile #gamersvenezuela #gamerscolombia #instagamerspain A post shared by 3EGamer? (@3egamer) on Jan 13, 2020 at 4:05pm PST

Forget gold-plated metal contacts in switches. Gold-plated keyboards are a thing! Admittedly, not many would go for these super expensive keyboards, the fact is they are commercially available. Of course, they cost thousands of dollars. Under the shiny gold plating, is the actual keyboard. Silver or gold-plated contacts are used for the switches under the keys. If gold is too blingy for you, silver keyboards are also a thing!

Why are Keyboards Indispensable?

The keyboard is no longer the only input device. A computer mouse, pens, styluses, and even voice input is now possible. However, keyboards have stood the test of time. Here are the uses of keyboards:

• The primary use, of course, is to give text input . You can type documents, messages, computer programs, etc. all using a keyboard.
• Keyboards can also help you search and navigate on a computer. That is to say, you can navigate without using a mouse, too. Keyboard shortcuts make this navigation quite easy.
• A keyboard can be used for playing games on a computer.
• Important applications on a computer can be accessed using keyboard shortcuts.
• Different functions can be performed on the computer such as changing the volume.

While most of the above functions can be carried out using other input devices, too, the convenience of keyboard cannot be disputed. Typing is so much more comfortable with a keyboard. Also, when it comes to accuracy in typing, the keyboard wins compared to, say, voice inputs. Keyboards are quite inexpensive, too. All this makes them indispensable in our everyday lives.

Fun Fact: How Did the QWERTY Keyboard Layout Become Popular?

Many people wonder why the QWERTY keyboards were invented. Most of us have warmed up to this type and can type efficiently. However, we still wonder if it wouldn’t have been simpler to have keys in alphabetical order.

There is a theory that earlier, the typewriters had keys in alphabetical order. However, the working of early typewriters was such that after pressing a key, it would cause a metal hammer to rise in an arc before coming back to its initial position.

With keys in alphabetical order, users tended to type fast. This would cause jamming in the mechanical operation of the keys. To prevent this, the common pairs of letters were separated . And thus, the QWERTY typewriters were born. And the modern keyboards were modeled on these typewriters. This remains one of the most popular formats even today.

Keyboards are definitely indispensable. Also, they are bound to evolve even more. We can hope to find even more futuristic designs and more comfortable keyboards in the times to come. If you want to enhance your current user experience, consider investing in a good keyboard wrist pad .

A software engineer, entrepreneur, and keyboard enthusiast. I spend my time click-clacking on keyboards. About Eli Civil

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Types of computer keyboard keys and their functions

A computer keyboard is the main input device that almost all computers come with. I t is used to enter instructions into the computer by pressing the keys which then send the command to the processor. They can be used in all kinds of devices that use different computer user interfaces from command, menu, and Graphic User Interface (GUI).

Table of Contents

How a computer keyboard works.

The generated code for that particular press is passed to the computer’s main processor where it is processed and the result is displayed on the device monitor . When the user releases the key they were pressing the circuit is open again and the process starts again for a different key that the user press next.

Parts of computer keyboard keys and their functions. 

List of computer keyboard keys and their functions in windows .

Types computer keyboards

Categorized in terms of technology keyboards are classified into 2.

Mechanical computer keyboard.

Virtual keyboard.

The above gadget project a full QWERTY keyboard. It is only suitable on a flat non-reflective where the user can be able to press the virtual keys projected. The device has an infrared light diode at the bottom which produces a light parallel to the surface. 

Other types of computer keyboards include:

Computer keyboard layout, qwerty keyboard layout.

This is the main keyboard keys layout that is used in main computers today. It gets its name from the way alphabetic keys are arranged on the left side of the keyboard. It was adopted from the typewriter to computers. If you working from your desktop, laptop, or even your smartphone then most likely you are using a QWERTY keyboard

Dvorak computer keyboard layout

The Dvorak layout is named after its inventor Dr. August Dvorak. He placed the most common keys together to increase the typing speed. Vowels are placed on the left and common consonants are on the right on the same keyboard row

Colemak keyboard keys layout 

In Windows 10 Colemak keyboard is not available but you can download and install it for yourself.

On-screen keyboard in Windows 10

How to use the on-screen keyboard in windows 10.

To open the keyboard you can use the On-screen keyboard shortcut CTRL+WINDOW+O . To open it from the tools.

Types of keyboard connectors

Computer keyboards can be connected by the use of several methods. The main connector today is a USB cable. The old type of connector that is not in use anymore is PS/2 . To differentiate it from the mouse it was color-coded purple.  

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Meaning of keyboard in English

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• You can move the cursor either by using the mouse or by using the arrow keys on the keyboard.
• She told us how easy it was to use the computer , then by way of demonstration simply pressed a few keys on the keyboard.
• an electronic keyboard
• The keyboard was fitted with a non-standard plug .
• The keyboard plugs in at the back of the computer .
• ballpoint pen
• hanging chad
• head-up display
• headed notepaper

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

• bang something out
• bash something out
• orthography
• put someone down for something
• put something/someone down
• re-register
• re-registration
• readability

keyboard | Intermediate English

Keyboard noun [c] ( computer ), keyboard noun [c] ( musical instrument ), keyboard | business english.

• keyboarding

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Translations of keyboard

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The Importance of Keyboarding for Students

by Lcom Team | Nov 30, 2021 | Blogs

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Most K-12 schools are providing keyboarding for students, but why is this skill so important? In the following article, we discuss the importance of keyboarding and how it supports students not only in education, but also in future careers.

Importance of Keyboarding for Students

There are many benefits to providing keyboarding lessons for students. Not only does it help to provide crucial technical skills, but also helps to support better learning and career opportunities in the future.

While keyboarding used to be considered an “office” skill, its scope has recently expanded far beyond that. Keyboarding is regularly used in school lessons and projects, as well as in most modern careers. By helping students to master these skills, we help them to be more effective, productive, and confident when they are faced with a task requiring keyboarding.

1. Technical Skills

One of the most important reasons for teaching keyboarding to students is to provide technical skills. Keyboarding has become a necessary skill for education and most careers. It has even become an integral part of social relationships, helping to support email, social media, and other forms of communication. By teaching students keyboarding, we are ensuring that they can effectively and efficiently perform tasks that require keyboarding. 

2. Helps to Free Up Cognitive Energy

Another important reason for keyboarding for students is to help free up cognitive energy during typing-related tasks. As students are keyboarding in everyday life, such as while typing a book report or later as part of their job function, typing without keyboarding skills can be a slow and arduous process, requiring them to find each letter on the keyboard one at a time. By helping students master keyboarding skills early, they are able to focus less energy on finding the keys during these tasks, freeing them up to concentrate more effectively on what they are trying to communicate.

3. Improves Computer-Based Test Scores in Students

As more assessments and assignments for students take place in a digital setting, it’s more important than ever that students are comfortable and confident using digital tools. Early and consistent exposure to keyboarding tools and practice has a notable impact on students’ performance and test scores in computer-based assessments. Studies, including a  2015 paper regarding the performance of fourth-grade students in the 2012 NAEP computer-based writing pilot, have found that prior education and practice in keyboarding and computer skills improved factors impacting test scores. These factors included text length; use of editing tools, including spellcheck, automated spelling corrections, and the backspace key; and use of thesaurus and formatting tools.

4. Eases Frustration

Students without keyboarding skills who are required to type for a project can quickly become frustrated and disengaged. They may detach from the project or may even refuse to complete it at all. As educators, we know how important it is that a technical skill such as keyboarding doesn’t act as a barrier for entry in learning or completing an assignment. Teaching students keyboarding skills helps to eliminate this hurdle, allowing them to more effectively focus on what they are learning.

5. Increases Confidence

Students who lack keyboarding skills can feel less confident in their schoolwork and education. For assignments that require typing, students may not be able to express their thoughts or ideas as easily as students who have mastered typing skills–or may choose not to engage for fear of embarrassment or frustration. This can lead to lower confidence in learning and may diminish the student’s desire to attain higher education or to seek higher-paying careers that may require typing skills.

6. Supports Digital Equity

There are some students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to master keyboarding skills outside of school. This makes it important to provide the opportunity to learn keyboarding skills in K-12 programs. Making keyboarding a part of elementary curriculum helps to support digital equity, offering students, regardless of socioeconomic status, the ability to master this important skill. This helps not only to provide more equal opportunities in the classroom, but also to open up more equal job opportunities in the future.

Final Thoughts

Helping students master keyboarding in elementary schools will help them not only with education programs and projects, but also to open more opportunities to them in the future. For more information about Learning.com’s K-12 keyboarding curriculum, click the button below.

Learning.com Team

Staff Writers

Founded in 1999, Learning.com provides educators with solutions to prepare their students with critical digital skills. Our web-based curriculum for grades K-12 engages students as they learn keyboarding, online safety, applied productivity tools, computational thinking, coding and more.

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What is Keyboarding and Why It’s a Vital Skill in the Digital Age

In today’s technology-driven world, the ability to interact with computers and other digital devices efficiently is essential. Keyboarding, or touch typing, is the foundation of this interaction. Let’s explore what keyboarding is, why it’s important, and how to improve your skills.

Table of Contents

What is Keyboarding?

Keyboarding is the ability to type on a keyboard without looking at the keys. It involves using muscle memory to find the right keys and type fluidly. Unlike the “hunt-and-peck” method where you visually search for each key, keyboarding dramatically increases your typing speed and accuracy.

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Why is Keyboarding Important?

• Productivity and Efficiency: Keyboarding is a productivity superpower. Skilled typists can produce written work faster and with fewer errors. This saves significant time on tasks such as writing essays, reports, emails, and even social media posts.
• Improved Focus: When you can type without looking at the keyboard, you free up your cognitive resources. Instead of focusing your energy on finding keys, you can concentrate on the content you’re creating, leading to better ideas and flow.
• Reduced Errors and Fatigue: The inefficient hunt-and-peck method is prone to typos, leading to frustration and editing time. Keyboarding online minimizes errors, while its ergonomic hand positioning reduces hand and wrist strain caused by awkward typing posture.
• Essential for Modern Life: Keyboarding is no longer just a ‘nice-to-have’ skill—it’s often a necessity. Many jobs, educational programs, and everyday communication heavily rely on typing. Mastering keyboarding makes navigating the digital world smoother and more efficient.
• Boosts Learning and Development: Keyboarding helps you learn new subjects or programs faster! Whether you’re learning to code or a new language, strong keyboarding removes a barrier so you can focus on the subject matter itself.

Related: Exploring the Educational Benefits of Building with LEGO Bricks

Beyond the Basics: Keyboarding Insights

• The Importance of Posture: Correct typing posture is vital for comfort and preventing long-term issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. Sit up straight, with feet flat on the floor, wrists relaxed, and the keyboard at elbow height.
• The Power of Practice: Like any skill, keyboarding improves with regular practice. Free online tools and guided courses are widely available to help you master the technique.
• Keyboard Layouts: While the standard QWERTY layout is most common, alternative layouts like Dvorak are designed to be more efficient. Experiment to see if a different layout works for you.

Is Keyboarding Still Relevant in the Age of Voice Dictation?

Voice dictation software has advanced significantly. However, there are still scenarios where keyboarding remains essential:

• Privacy and Noise: Typing is essential in shared or noisy environments where you need to be quiet or maintain privacy.
• Editing and Formatting: Voice recognition still struggles with precise editing and complex formatting (like code). Keyboarding gives you greater control.
• Cognitive Differences: Some people cognitively process and express ideas better through typing rather than speaking.

Keyboarding is a Lifelong Skill

Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply want to navigate the digital world with more ease, keyboarding is a skill that pays dividends throughout your life. By investing a small amount of time in practice, you’ll unlock increased productivity, focus, and a seamless experience interacting with technology.

Let me know if you’d like resources on how to learn to type, ergonomic setup tips, or other keyboarding-related information!

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Iwona Walker

Iwona Walker is a passionate educator, dedicated to transforming the landscape of learning through innovation and creativity. With a background in educational psychology and a fervent belief in the power of technology to enhance education, Iwona has spent years exploring ways to make learning engaging, personalized, and accessible to all.

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The Hows And Whys Of Learning Keyboarding Skills

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With the rapid advancement of technology, keyboarding has become one of the most important skills in our modern world today. People who can communicate easily and quickly using modern tools will be a step ahead of the crowd in the future. 

Before computers became an everyday part of life, handwriting was a crucial skill. As the world continues to evolve rapidly, people may not need a pen and a piece of paper to write down their thoughts and ideas. Everything will be recorded on technological devices using a keyboard. With this in mind, it is important to become fluent and adapt to the keyboard as soon as you can to improve your communication skills.

For typing to replace handwriting, it has to become second nature. Most people who have grown comfortable with handwriting will write without thinking about how to shape the letters or how hard to press on the paper. Similarly, when typing, you want to convey your thoughts in a clear and logical manner, without having to think of where the letters are placed on your keyboard.

The majority of teachers have embraced technology in the classroom because it makes their lives easier. The result of this is that students who want to practice what they learn in class must know how to use a keyboard. So, how can you teach keyboarding skills? Why is it important? How can you practice? Read below for answers to these essential questions.

Learning how to type

You’ve probably come across people who type paragraphs in seconds. You’ve also seen people who take an hour to type the same paragraph. Does typing just come naturally to some people? 

Sorry to disappoint you, but no, it doesn’t. Typing is a skill. And like all other skills, it improves through practice. The only way to improve that skill is by typing, not watching someone else type. Many people have become proficient at typing by having formal lessons and putting to practice what they learn regularly.

Crucial Teaching Typing Skills

Your students will easily grasp and improve their keyboarding skills when you use the following proven tips:

Use technological devices – As we said earlier, typing is a skill that gets better with practice. It’s important for every student to have his or her own computer to practice. If your school does not provide enough computers in the labs, you should consider having them use the computers available in turns.

Consistency matters – Having lessons in a consistent manner will greatly improve your students’ keyboarding skills. The lessons can be held on a daily or weekly basis depending on your schedule.

Practice – It’s important to give your students opportunities to type and put to practice what they’ve learned. Some of the best ways to practice include blogging, emailing, and typing documents to name a few.

Analyze progress – After a few weeks of learning and practicing, it is important to assess the progress of your students. There are hundreds of programs online that can help you test your students.

Praise –It’s important to praise and celebrate when your students make progress. You can even tell their parents or guardians. Praising your students will greatly enhance their eagerness to learn.

Make the lessons fun – Your students will not like class, nor will they perform well if typing lessons become a chore. Therefore, you should make the lessons fun by making use of online resources and tools. 

Practicing keyboarding skills

You need to encourage your students to practice what they learn during and after classes. Here are some of the key points your students should embrace when practicing keyboarding skills.

Posture – When typing, posture is everything. Always use a comfortable table and chair. Sit straight. Your back should also be straight. A poor posture will make you uncomfortable and reduce your typing speed dramatically.

Moving your fingers – You should avoid looking at the keys when typing. Limiting your hand and finger movement and keeping them close to the base line will improve your typing speed and reduce fatigue.

Typing speed – As a learner, avoid rushing when typing. You should start increasing your typing speed when your fingers start hitting the right keys automatically. You are likely to make lots of mistakes when typing when you first start out, so take your time. Your typing speed will improve.

Take short breaks – Typing can be stressful and tiring if you don’t take short breaks regularly. Taking a break will refresh your body and mind and improve your productivity and performance.

Importance of learning how to type

Learning how to type will not only improve a student’s performance at school but also his or her career. Experts have reported that 6 to 7-year-old children can start learning how to type, and starting at that age opens up a world of possibilities.

Learning how to type early enough will prepare the student for longer and complex writing assignments in the years to come. Most students today experience difficulties when writing research papers and other types of essays due to difficulty in typing. If students feel confident in their typing, they don’t have to worry about it and can focus on their work.

In most universities and colleges, students use computers to conduct research projects and complete their assignments and essays. The earlier a student learns how to type easily and quickly, the better he or she will perform in these tasks.

Typing will be a great relief for students who are struggling with handwriting difficulties. Students with handwriting difficulties should be among the first to be taught how to type because their education will be much harder without knowing how to type or write.

The rapid advancement of technology has made most aspects of our lives easier. With technological devices becoming common both in and out of learning institutions, it is important for students to learn how to use a keyboard. Students should learn how to use a keyboard as early as possible for learning to be easier for them in future. 

We have discussed how students can learn how to type and why it is important for them. By following the tips discussed above, you will help your students improve their productivity and performance both in and out of school.  

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Definition of keyboard noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• The program locks the keyboard until a password is given.
• keyboard shortcuts
• Arianne was tapping away at her keyboard.
• Filled with inspiration, he started pounding his keyboard.
• Press Ctrl + S on the keyboard to save the file.
• on the keyboard

Definitions on the go

Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.

History of Computers

It is very difficult to find the exact origin of computers. But according to some experts computer exists at the time of world war-II. Also, at that time they were used for keeping data. But, it was for only government use and not for public use. Above all, in the beginning, the computer was a very large and heavy machine.

Working of a Computer 

The computer runs on a three-step cycle namely input, process, and output. Also, the computer follows this cycle in every process it was asked to do. In simple words, the process can be explained in this way. The data which we feed into the computer is input, the work CPU do is process and the result which the computer give is output.

Components and Types of Computer

The simple computer basically consists of CPU, monitor, mouse, and keyboard . Also, there are hundreds of other computer parts that can be attached to it. These other parts include a printer, laser pen, scanner , etc.

The computer is categorized into many different types like supercomputers, mainframes, personal computers (desktop), PDAs, laptop, etc. The mobile phone is also a type of computer because it fulfills all the criteria of being a computer.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Uses of Computer in Various Fields

As the usage of computer increased it became a necessity for almost every field to use computers for their operations. Also, they have made working and sorting things easier. Below we are mentioning some of the important fields that use a computer in their daily operation.

Medical Field

They use computers to diagnose diseases, run tests and for finding the cure for deadly diseases . Also, they are able to find a cure for many diseases because of computers.

Whether it’s scientific research, space research or any social research computers help in all of them. Also, due to them, we are able to keep a check on the environment , space, and society. Space research helped us to explore the galaxies. While scientific research has helped us to locate resources and various other useful resources from the earth.

For any country, his defence is most important for the safety and security of its people. Also, computer in this field helps the country’s security agencies to detect a threat which can be harmful in the future. Above all the defense industry use them to keep surveillance on our enemy.

Threats from a Computer

Computers have become a necessity also, they have become a threat too. This is due to hackers who steal your private data and leak them on internet. Also, anyone can access this data. Apart from that, there are other threats like viruses, spams, bug and many other problems.

The computer is a very important machine that has become a useful part of our life. Also, the computers have twin-faces on one side it’s a boon and on the other side, it’s a bane. Its uses completely depend upon you. Apart from that, a day in the future will come when human civilization won’t be able to survive without computers as we depend on them too much. Till now it is a great discovery of mankind that has helped in saving thousands and millions of lives.

Frequently Asked Questions on Computer

Q.1  What is a computer?

A.1 A computer is an electronic device or machine that makes our work easier. Also, they help us in many ways.

Q.2 Mention various fields where computers are used?

A.2  Computers are majorly used in defense, medicine, and for research purposes.

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Definition Essay

Definition Essay - Writing Guide, Examples and Tips

14 min read

Published on: Oct 9, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Many students struggle with writing definition essays due to a lack of clarity and precision in their explanations.

This obstructs them from effectively conveying the essence of the terms or concepts they are tasked with defining. Consequently, the essays may lack coherence, leaving readers confused and preventing them from grasping the intended meaning.

But don’t worry!

In this guide, we will delve into effective techniques and step-by-step approaches to help students craft an engaging definition essay.

Continue reading to learn the correct formation of a definition essay. 

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What is a Definition Essay?

Just as the name suggests, a definition essay defines and explains a term or a concept. Unlike a narrative essay, the purpose of writing this essay is only to inform the readers.

Writing this essay type can be deceivingly tricky. Some terms, concepts, and objects have concrete definitions when explained. In contrast others are solely based on the writer’s understanding and point of view.

A definition essay requires a writer to use different approaches when discussing a term. These approaches are the following:

• Denotation - It is when you provide a literal or academic definition of the term.
• Connotation - It is when the writer provides an implied meaning or definition of the term.
• Enumeration - For this approach, a list is employed to define a term or a concept.
• Analogy - It is a technique in which something is defined by implementing a comparison.
• Negation - It is when you define a term by stating what it is not.

A single or combination of approaches can be used in the essay. 

Definition Essay Types

There are several types of definition essays that you may be asked to write, depending on the purpose and scope of the assignment. 

In this section, we will discuss some of the most common types of definition essays.

Descriptive Definition Essay 

This type of essay provides a detailed description of a term or concept, emphasizing its key features and characteristics. 

The goal of a descriptive definition essay is to help readers understand the term or concept in a more profound way.

Stipulative Definition Essay 

In a stipulative definition essay, the writer provides a unique definition of a term or concept. This type of essay is often used in academic settings to define a term in a particular field of study. 

The goal of a stipulative definition essay is to provide a precise and clear definition that is specific to the context of the essay.

Analytical Definition Essay 

This compare and contrast essay type involves analyzing a term or concept in-depth. Breaking it down into its component parts, and examining how they relate to each other. 

The goal of an analytical definition essay is to provide a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the term or concept being discussed.

Persuasive Definition Essay 

A persuasive definition essay is an argumentative essay that aims to persuade readers to accept a particular definition of a term or concept.

The writer presents their argument for the definition and uses evidence and examples to support their position.

Explanatory Definition Essay 

An explanatory definition essay is a type of expository essay . It aims to explain a complex term or concept in a way that is easy to understand for the reader. 

The writer breaks down the term or concept into simpler parts and provides examples and analogies to help readers understand it better.

Extended Definition Essay 

An extended definition essay goes beyond the definition of a word or concept and provides a more in-depth analysis and explanation. 

The goal of an extended definition essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a term, concept, or idea. This includes its history, origins, and cultural significance. 

How to Write a Definition Essay?

Writing a definition essay is simple if you know the correct procedure. This essay, like all the other formal pieces of documents, requires substantial planning and effective execution.

The following are the steps involved in writing a definition essay effectively:

Instead of choosing a term that has a concrete definition available, choose a word that is complicated . Complex expressions have abstract concepts that require a writer to explore deeper. Moreover, make sure that different people perceive the term selected differently. 

Once you have a word to draft your definition essay for, read the dictionary. These academic definitions are important as you can use them to compare your understanding with the official concept.

Drafting a definition essay is about stating the dictionary meaning and your explanation of the concept. So the writer needs to have some information about the term.

In addition to this, when exploring the term, make sure to check the term’s origin. The history of the word can make you discuss it in a better way.

Coming up with an exciting title for your essay is important. The essay topic will be the first thing that your readers will witness, so it should be catchy.

Creatively draft an essay topic that reflects meaning. In addition to this, the usage of the term in the title should be correctly done. The readers should get an idea of what the essay is about and what to expect from the document.

Now that you have a topic in hand, it is time to gather some relevant information. A definition essay is more than a mere explanation of the term. It represents the writer’s perception of the chosen term and the topic.

So having only personal opinions will not be enough to defend your point. Deeply research and gather information by consulting credible sources.

The gathered information needs to be organized to be understandable. The raw data needs to be arranged to give a structure to the content.

Here's a generic outline for a definition essay:

Are you searching for an in-depth guide on crafting a well-structured definition essay?Check out this definition essay outline blog!

6. Write the First Draft

Drafting each section correctly is a daunting task. Understanding what or what not to include in these sections requires a writer to choose wisely.

The start of your essay matters a lot. If it is on point and attractive, the readers will want to read the text. As the first part of the essay is the introduction , it is considered the first impression of your essay.

To write your definition essay introduction effectively, include the following information:

• Start your essay with a catchy hook statement that is related to the topic and the term chosen.
• State the generally known definition of the term. If the word chosen has multiple interpretations, select the most common one.
• Provide background information precisely. Determine the origin of the term and other relevant information.
• Shed light on the other unconventional concepts and definitions related to the term.
• Decide on the side or stance you want to pick in your essay and develop a thesis statement .

After briefly introducing the topic, fully explain the concept in the body section . Provide all the details and evidence that will support the thesis statement. To draft this section professionally, add the following information:

• A detailed explanation of the history of the term.
• Analysis of the dictionary meaning and usage of the term.
• A comparison and reflection of personal understanding and the researched data on the concept.

Once all the details are shared, give closure to your discussion. The last paragraph of the definition essay is the conclusion . The writer provides insight into the topic as a conclusion.

The concluding paragraphs include the following material:

• Summary of the important points.
• Restated thesis statement.
• A final verdict on the topic.

7. Proofread and Edit

Although the writing process ends with the concluding paragraph, there is an additional step. It is important to proofread the essay once you are done writing. Proofread and revise your document a couple of times to make sure everything is perfect.

Before submitting your assignment, make edits, and fix all mistakes and errors.

If you want to learn more about how to write a definition essay, here is a video guide for you!

Definition Essay Structure 

The structure of a definition essay is similar to that of any other academic essay. It should consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

However, the focus of a definition essay is on defining and explaining a particular term or concept. 

In this section, we will discuss the structure of a definition essay in detail.

Introduction 

Get the idea of writing an introduction for a definition essay with this example:

Body Paragraphs

Here is an example of how to craft your definition essay body paragraph:

Types of the Term/Concept 

If applicable, the writer may want to include a section that discusses the different types or categories of the term or concept being defined. 

This section should explain the similarities and differences between the types, using examples and anecdotes to illustrate the points.

Examples of the Term/Concept in Action 

The writer should also include real-life examples of the term or concept being defined in action. 

This will help the reader better understand the term or concept in context and how it is used in everyday life.

Conclusion 

This example will help you writing a conclusion fo you essay:

Definition Essay Examples

It is important to go through some examples and samples before writing an essay. This is to understand the writing process and structure of the assigned task well.

Following are some examples of definition essays to give our students a better idea of the concept. 

Understanding the Definition Essay

Definition Essay Example

Definition Essay About Friendship

Definition Essay About Love

Family Definition Essay

Success Definition Essay

Beauty Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the right topic is challenging for other essay types. However, picking a suitable theme for a definition essay is equally tricky yet important. Pick an interesting subject to ensure maximum readership.

If you are facing writer’s block, here is a list of some great definition essay topics for your help. Choose from the list below and draft a compelling essay.

• Authenticity
• Sustainability
• Mindfulness

Here are some more extended definition essay topics:

• Social media addiction
• Ethical implications of gene editing
• Personalized learning in the digital age
• Ecosystem services
• Cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation
• Sustainable fashion
• Gender equality in the workplace
• Financial literacy and its impact on personal finance
• Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence
• Welfare state and social safety nets

Need more topics? Check out this definition essay topics blog!

Definition Essay Writing Tips

Knowing the correct writing procedure is not enough if you are not aware of the essay’s small technicalities. To help students write a definition essay effortlessly, expert writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some simple tips.

These easy tips will make your assignment writing phase easy.

• Choose an exciting yet informative topic for your essay.
• When selecting the word, concept, or term for your essay, make sure you have the knowledge.
• When consulting a dictionary for the definition, provide proper referencing as there are many choices available.
• To make the essay informative and credible, always provide the origin and history of the term.
• Highlight different meanings and interpretations of the term.
• Discuss the transitions and evolution in the meaning of the term in any.
• Provide your perspective and point of view on the chosen term.

Following these tips will guarantee you better grades in your academics.

By following the step-by-step approach explained in this guide, you will acquire the skills to craft an outstanding essay. 

Struggling with the thought, " write my college essay for m e"? Look no further.

Our dedicated definition essay writing service is here to craft the perfect essay that meets your academic needs.

For an extra edge, explore our AI essay writer , a tool designed to refine your essays to perfection. 

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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