| A keyboard can be defined as a device that uses | | | | The latter has also been in existence for the last |
| a number of keys for data entry. To enter the | | | | seven decades, but it is still not very popular |
| data through a keyboard, one needs to press the | | | | among users. It was designed by August Dvorak |
| keys. Traditionally, keyboards have been divided | | | | and William Dealey in the 1920s and 1930s. Some |
| into two broad categories--alphanumeric | | | | of the users of the Dvorak keyboard claim that it |
| keyboards and musical keyboards. | | | | helps you to type much faster than a QWERTY |
| The keys of an alphanumeric keyboard are usually | | | | keyboard. |
| marked with letters, numbers and some signs; for | | | | Today, keyboards are available in wide variety of |
| example, a computer keyboard or a typewriter. | | | | colors, sizes and shapes. For children there are |
| The musical keyboard has key for each note. | | | | specially designed baby keyboards readily available |
| Many musical instruments use these keyboards, | | | | at affordable prices. |
| most notably pianos and synthesizers. | | | | While purchasing a keyboard, one should ensure |
| A standard layout of numbers, letters and | | | | that it is compatible with the equipment it is going |
| punctuation is known as the QWERTY keyboard. | | | | to be attached to. Keyboards can be attached to |
| This is because the first six keys on the top row | | | | a wide variety of equipment. Some keyboards, |
| of letters spell QWERTY. It was designed in the | | | | which use wireless technology, are commonly |
| 19th century for mechanical typewriters. Most of | | | | known as cordless keyboards. The most frequent |
| the keyboard users prefer the QWERTY layout, | | | | use of keyboards, nowadays, is to operate |
| although an alternative layout called the Dvorak | | | | computers, musical instruments and some other |
| keyboard also exists. | | | | handheld computing devices. |