Keyboard Preferences - Wireless or Wired

For an analyst, programmer, gamer and typist, the keyboard is one of the major tools needed to carry out tasks. The typewriter is one of the early forms of data entry device used before the electronic Keyboard was invented. The keyboard is an input device used for entering data into the computer system by punching the keys. Aside from data entry, a keyboard can also be used as shortcuts to enhance efficiency, arrow keys for moving text cursors or play games, etc. Visit our previous articles for more on keyboard shortcuts. A standard keyboard can consists of about 104 character keys segmented into 5 sections:

1. Numeric keys: these keys are not present in all types of keyboard. Where present, they are lined up at the extreme right of the keyboard in the form of a grid layout. They contain numbers 0–9 with operator keys.
2. Function keys: these are the F1-F12 keys present at the top level of the keyboard. These keys are programmed to perform complex actions on the operating system.
3. Control keys: these keys include the Shift key, Delete key, Ctrl key, Tab key, Alt key, etc. They are used together with other keys to perform simple actions on the Operating system.
4. Arrow keys: these keys are used in navigating on the screen. They are Up↑, Down↓, Left← and Right → keys.
5. Alphanumeric keys: this includes letters, numbers, punctuations, mathematical operators used in manipulating the keyboard functions.

The keyboard works by connecting it to the computer using a USB cable (wired) or Bluetooth connection (wireless).

Today, keyboards have similar layouts but missing out in one or two of the above stated sections. The most widely used character layout is QWERTY named after the first six keys in the top left of the keyboard. Yes, that’s the way it is positioned on your mobile screen, that’s also the way for most keyboard layouts. HINT: Let me drop a hack. For a standard keyboard, I can tell you how all the alphabets are arranged from “Q” to “M”. You can try learning the 3 rows of the keyboard and watch your typing speed improve.

Let’s take a brief look at various types of keyboards:

1. Wireless Keyboard: Just like the wireless mouse, the wireless keyboard deploys the use of Bluetooth, IR technology or Radio frequency technology in connecting to the computer system. The wireless keyboard will consist of a battery, a transmitter within the keyboard body and the trans-receiver which is used to receive signal sent from the transmitter. The transmitter is the small device plugged to the computer system or the laptop. Generally, the keyboard is mobile and does not necessarily need to be placed near the computer system to function.
2. Wired Keyboard: The wired keyboard makes use of a USB cable to connect to the computer body. The USB cable is plugged into the USB port on the computer to work. Research showed that older keyboards connect via PS/2 connection. It doesn’t require a battery or any form of technology for connectivity aside the USB input.
3. Virtual Keyboard: This is usually found on smartphones. When a textarea is clicked, the keyboard appears and on sending the text, it disappears. The keys are pressed virtual with the aid of a touch screen. No physical activity is needed on the virtual keyboard. The virtual keyboard can also be used on the laptop in case of any faulty key on the physical keyboard.
4. Laptop sized Keyboard: This medium sized laptop doesn’t come with the Numeric keys but the larger sizes do. Instead, the numeric keys are incorporated with other keys on the keyboard.
5. Backlit keyboard: These are keyboards that have lights which facilitate easy access to keys in a dark environment. Programmers and Gamers commonly use this Type of keyboard to carry out some unfinished task at night.

The main focus of this article is the enlightenment of the characteristics of a wireless and a wired keyboard, this helps inform the choices of users who will choose to opt for a specific kind, by considering various factors like mobility, the need for provision for an external power source (wireless keyboard), users can choose a certain kind of keyboard type over the other.

REFERENCES

• https://www.educba.com/types-of-computer-keyboard/
• https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/k/keyboard.htm
• https://www.weebopedia.com/definitions/keyboard/amp/

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