A computer keyboard is a device that is similar to a typewriter. This is because it uses a well arranged buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. Computer keyboard is seen as a more reliable input method for computers than the punch cards and paper tape. The buttons or keys on the computer mainly have symbols printed on them. Each pressed key corresponds to the engraved symbol( Free Shipping).

However, some of these symbols can be produced by pressing and holding more than one key simultaneously or in sequence. Most times, this process produces actions or executes commands in the computer.
Conventionally, the computer keyboard is used as a text entry interface. Text and numbers are typed into a word processor, text editor or any other program.
       

Types of Keyboard

There are various types of computer keyboards designed with specific features that meet special needs. It’s pertinent to consider the work you want to do with the keyboard and its size when purchasing one. There are factors that determine the size of a computer keyboard. They include the presence of duplicate keys, the combination of subsequent or simultaneous keystrokes and the size and spacing of the keys. A keyboard that has few keys is referred to as keypad.
Standard
These alphanumeric keyboards have keys that have 3/4 inch centers and a key travel of about 0.150 inches. Example is the desktop computer keyboards.
Laptop-size
Laptop keyboards are characterized by a shorter keystroke travel distance, shorter over travel distance, and a reduced set of keys.
Flexible keyboards
This type of keyboard combines the standard and laptop features. They have complete arrangement of keys like the standard and short key distance like the laptop.
Handheld
Handheld ergonomic keyboards are mainly designed to be handled like a game controller and can be used as such.
Thumb-sized
This is a smaller external keyboard attached to devices without the internal (built-in) keyboard. Examples are personal digital assistants (PDAs), Ultra-Mobile PCs and Smartphone.
Multifunctional 
This type of keyboard provides added functions beyond the standard keyboard. A good number of these types of computer keyboards are programmable and configurable. Some control multiple PCs, workstations and other information sources in multi-screen work environments.
Other non-standard layout of keyboards include chorded, software or on-screen, projection, and optical keyboard technology.
                             Layout
Alphabetic
Alphabet, numbers and symbols can be arranged on the computer keyboard in several ways. These different layouts are as a result of the different needs as regards easy accessibility to the different symbols. Such needs could be inputting of text in languages order than English or the use in mathematics, accounting, etc.

The United States keyboard layout is used as the default in most known operating systems; Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. The QWERTY layout is the commonest and most widely used. Other layouts are QWERTZ, AZERTY, Arabic keyboard, Russian keyboard, Hebrew keyboard etc.
                             Types of Key
Alphanumeric 
These keys are used to enter a word processing program, text editor, data spreadsheet, or other programs.
Modifier Keys
They are special keys that modify the normal action of another key when the two are pressed in combination. Example Alt + F4 in Microsoft Windows will close the program in an active window. However pressing just F4 may do nothing on the system.
Cursor keys
Cursor keys or navigation keys help to move the cursor to different positions on the screen.
Escape Key
The escape key (Esc) is used to trigger the stop button in many web browsers.
Enter Key
The enter key which is located in both the alphanumeric and numeric keys are used to create space for the next paragraph. It also sanctions ordered commands while working on the computer. Other keys include system commands, shift menu etc.
                             Computer Keyboard Lighting 
Computer keyboards and keypads may be illuminated internally mostly on equipment for mobile use. This is to facilitate the use of computer keyboards or keypads in dark places.
                             Types of Connection
Some ways of connecting keyboard to a system unit include the use of cable, USB or most recently wireless keyboards.