Computer Hardware
Keyboard
Definition
A computer keyboard is a peripheral input device modeled after the typewriter keyboard which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches.
Why It Matters
The keyboard is one of the primary and most essential input devices for a computer, allowing for the entry of text, numbers, and commands.
Contextual Example
Mechanical keyboards, which have individual mechanical switches under each key, are popular with gamers and typists for their tactile feedback and durability.
Common Misunderstandings
- The most common keyboard layout is the QWERTY layout.
- Membrane keyboards, which use a rubber sheet under the keys, are cheaper to produce and are common in laptops and budget keyboards.