The most basic type of keyboard is the touch-surface keyboard, which has special function buttons or “hotkeys” that can be pressed to perform specific tasks. These hotkeys typically are labeled with an intuitive, easy-to-recognize word or picture so users know what they do.
Some examples include pressing F5 to refresh a web page, pressing ESC to exit full-screen mode, and CTRL+ALT+DELETE to close all open windows and programs.
By design, these keyboards have large touchscreens that allow you to quickly access your computer functions by tapping on them. Because there are no raised keys like on some QWERTY keyboards, this kind of keyboard is more comfortable to use than older-style computers.
However, because these keyboards don’t have any key shapes that require precision, people who struggle with fine motor skills may find it difficult to type efficiently without training.
Tiny keyboards
These are typically referred to as touch-typing or typing without using your hands. You can also call them keyboard covers, sleeve keyboards, or trackpad keyboards. This is the most popular type because almost every laptop comes with one!
Tiny keyboards usually have two rows that hold the keys in place. The top row has number buttons (some have arrow buttons instead) and the second row has some special feature keycaps.
These features may be backlit, programmable, or multi-layers. For example, some include a layer of fabric to help prevent fingerprints while others have magnets under each button to attach it to another device.
A small downside of these types of keyboards is they require you to use their software or app to create an account which makes it difficult to switch apps or computers. There are some free accounts but not many people prefer them so it is best to look up reviews before buying one.
Membrane keyboards
A membrane keyboard is characterized by its individual keys that are built onto a plate that covers most of the key, creating an effect like a thin sheet of glass. This allows each key to have two functions — as a normal button or as a touch surface.
Some examples of this type of keyboard include the Microsoft Surface line, Apple’s iPad, and Google’s Nexus tablets. By having these separate layers, users can easily switch between typing and tapping.
Mechanical keyboards
The most popular way to type on a laptop is using a mechanical keyboard. These are distinguished by the tactile, clicky feel that you get with every keypress. This is what makes them special!
Mechanical keyboards have all the keys made from solid materials instead of a membrane or plastic layer. This allows each individual key to store up a bit more energy when pressed, which gives it a richer feeling.
Some examples of popular mechanical keyboards are the Razer Series, Unicomp Classic, Greetech Ultimate, Logitech Protege, and Microsoft Natural Ergonomic. These types of keyboards are quite expensive, but they will last you a long time if you take care of them.
Programmable keyboards
A programable keyboard is a very specific type of computer input device that allows you to create your own functions or features. Most feature-rich, fully functional laptops now come with one!
Most people use them to assign special characters such as @, %, etc., but some users add whole new features like word completion or automated copy and paste. These are called macro keys since they’re designed to be used to perform small tasks automatically.
There are several types of programmable keyboards, but the two most common ones are the touch-type keyboard and the non-touching Qwerty board. The former has additional touches under each key that can be pressed down to activate a function. The latter is best if you’re already familiar with it because you can easily switch between using it and a normal qwerty board by switching which row you press.
The downfall of this style is that it takes longer to type due to the number of moves needed to get from letter to letter. This is why many have opted for more advanced designations instead.
Ergonomic keyboards
Recent developments in technology have allowed manufacturers to create ergonomically designed computer keyboards. These types of keyboards are designed specifically to be comfortable to use, and/or help you type more quickly.
Most people know that laptop computers can sometimes cause neck or back pain due to their design, but some designers have found new ways to fix this. One such solution is an ergonomic keyboard.
Ergono-mous keyboards aim to reduce stress by giving your hands and arms better support. They do this by having shorter distances between each keypad button and your hand, as well as using special materials that are soft and flexible.
Some of these keyboards also have additional features like built-in trackpads or mouse buttons.
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