The invention of the modern computer keyboard began with the invention of the typewriter. Christopher Latham Sholes patented the typewriter that we commonly use today in 1868. The Remington Company mass marketed the first typewriters starting in 1877.

Inventions Leading to the Computer Keyboard

A few key technological developments created the transition of the typewriter into the computer keyboard. The teletype machine, introduced in the 1930s, combined the technology of the typewriter (used as an input and a printing device) with the telegraph. Elsewhere, punched card systems were combined with typewriters to create what was called keypunches. Keypunches were the basis of early adding machines and IBM was selling over one million dollars worth of adding machines in 1931.

Early computer keyboards were first adapted from the punch card and teletype technologies. In 1946, the Eniac computer used a punched card reader as its input and output device. In 1948, the Binac computer used an electromechanically controlled typewriter to both input data directly onto magnetic tape (for feeding the computer data) and to print results. The emerging electric typewriter further improved the technological marriage between the typewriter and the computer.

Video Display Terminals

By 1964, MIT, Bell Laboratories and General Electric had collaborated to create a computer system called Multics; a time sharing, multi-user system. Multics encouraged the development of a new user interface, the video display terminal. The video display terminals (VDT) combined the technology of the cathode ray tube used in televisions and electric typewriters. Computer users could now see what text they were typing on their display screens making text easier to create, edit and delete, and computers easier to program and use.

Computer Keyboards Send Direct Electronic Impulses

Earlier computer keyboards had been based either on teletype machines or keypunches. There were many electromechanical steps in transmitting data between the keyboard and the computer that slowed things down. With VDT technology and electric keyboards, the keyboard's keys could now send electronic impulses directly to the computer and save time. By the late ‘70s

and early ‘80s, all computers used electronic keyboards and VDTs. Nevertheless, the layout of the computer keyboard still owes its origin to the inventor of the first typewriter, Christopher Latham Sholes who also invented the QWERTY layout. However, the computer keyboard does have a few extra function keys.

Do you know what QWERTY is? Unsure - then just glance down at your computer key-board. The first six letters at the top left of your keyboardspell it out – QWERTY. Well, did you know that this arrangement of letters, along with the other 20 on the traditional keyboard were arranged that way to make the job of typing more difficult? Let's find out why?

The first commercially successful typewriter was developed by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1873. Originally, the keys were arranged alphabetically. However, a problem soon arose. People became so adept at using the keyboard that the keys would stick or jam when struck in quick succession. In order to overcome this problem Sholes decided to make the job of typing as slow as he possibly could. His solution? He placed the most frequently used keys as far apart from each other as he could. His keyboard became known as the QWERTY keyboard.

So, that is the reason why your keyboard is formatted the way it is. Ironic, really – considering that every other aspect of your computer is streamlined for maximum efficiency and yet you have to labor over a 127 year old system designed specifically for inefficiency. And inefficient it certainly is. For one thing, QWERTY was not designed for touch typing, which came much later. For keys that are not in the middle or home row it is necessary to reach across diagonally. This is difficult and leads to a high error rate.

Yet, there is a better system. Unfortunately, too few people are aware of it. It is called the DVORAK keyboard system. It was designed by August Dvorak in the 1930’s. Dvorak’s keyboard put nine of the most used letters in the middle row of the keyboard. This allows the typist to write over 3,000 words without the fingers reaching. In comparison, only about 50 words can be typed on a keyboard without reaching on QWERTY’s middle or home row. Another advantage of the DVORAK keyboard is that the workload is much reduced. This is achieved by redistributing the workload

amongst the fingers. As a result the fingers of a typist on a DVORAK keyboard moves about one mile per day whereas the same typist on a conventional QWERTY keyboard will move his fingers between 12 and 20 miles per day.

So, does the DVORAK system really improve performance. In order to prove that it does August Dvorak retrained 14 Navy typists during World War Two. The result? After just one month their work productivity rate improved by an amazing 74 percent. Accuracy improved by 68 percent. So, you would think that people would be jumping over each other to switch over from QWERTY to DVORAK. Surprisingly, this has not proved to be the case. DVORAK keyboards are readily available on most computers and typewriters, yet – by and large – they remain unutilised..

An even better keyboard than the DVORAK version is the MALT keyboard devised by Lillian Malt. The Malt keyboard does away with staggered rows, gives greater use of the thumb and makes it easier to reach the backspace and other normally out of the way keys. Unlike the DVORAK keyboard, however, the MALT version will require special hardware I order to be installed onto your computer. Modern designs are also available on both the DVORAK and the MALT keyboards that are specially contoured to alleviate the physical problems associated with the traditional typewriter style keyboard. DVORAK have also put out one handed keyboards which give a free hand for other tasks while typing.

If you decide that you would like to switch your computer over to DVORAK it is actually a very easy thing to do. Here’s how it can be done:

(1) Click on the start button on Windows

(2) Click on Settings/Control Panel

(3) Double click on Keyboard

(4) Click on the Language Tab and then click on Properties

(5) In the pull-down list, choose United States – Dvorak

(6) Click OK

You are now all set to optimise your typing skills with a far better system. Of course you will also have to relabel your keys. With a little patient training you will soon get used to this new layout. And then you will be able to produce copy at a much quicker pace.

History of the Keyboard

A Brief History of the Modern Keyboard The piano is actually an instrument made up of compromises due to the fact that it is not capable of playing the full "chromatic" scale as it can be played on say, a violin. The piano utilizes a tuning format called "just intonation", a system whereby we are able to command the expression of all the sounds that are requred to be heard within the compass of an octave in order that the degrees of each and every possible scale may be correctly and exactly rendered. In order to create "true diatonic" sounds required for the necessary intervals in all scales, there would have to be 66 notes to an octave!

KEYBOARDS:

Vitruvius, in his work on architecture (1st century A.D.) , describes an organ with balanced keys. Next we learn that Emperor Constantine sent a musical instrument having keys to King Pepin of France in 757 A.D.

The great musical genius, Guido of Arezzo, applied the keyboard to stringed instruments in the first part of the 11th century. Guido's diatonic scale, eight full tones with seven intervals of which two were semitones, was used in the first claivchords, which had 20 keys. There are no reliable records in existence, as to who applied the chromatic scale first. Giuseppe Zarlino added the semitones to his instrumnets about 1548, but insturments of earlier date have the chromatic scale, as for instance the clavicymbala, some of which had 77 keys to a compass of four octaves.

After the 15th century nearly all the makers of key-stringed instruments used the chromatic scale practically as we find it in the modern piano. The semitones in most of those old instrments are elevated and of a different color than the full tones. Since the develoment of the piano many experiments have been made with so-called "chromatic" keyboards, in

which the semitones were on a level with the full tones. A Dr. Krause of Eisenberg constructed a keyboard in 1811, in which the semitones were not raised and all keys were of the same color. About 1789, Neuhaus, a piano maker of Vienna, constructed a concave-formed keyboard forhis pianos. He aimed to follow the inclination of the human arm to move in a semicircle. As you can see, the modern keyboard has gone through many changes, however, the basic concept of the key lay-out has been fairly consistent. This is a result of the order in which the whole tones and semi-tones are arranged, and has evolved over centuries. (The first section was taken from "Theory & Practice of Piano Construction" by William White, the second section is from "Pianos and their Makers" by Alfred Dolge.

Types of Computer KeyboardsVarious types of computer keyboards exist; from basic to multimedia, beige to bright colors and even a lighted wireless keyboard; but are they compatible with your computer?

Your keyboard will die before your PC. This is because it takes so much more direct physical contact from us – more so than any other component. (People even tend to be gentler on their mouse than their keyboard.)

A descendant of the typewriter, the keyboard holds a large number of keys on a fixed base so you can "key" commands for the PC to follow or just type information into a program, like Word Processing Software.

The computer keyboard layout is remarkably close to that of the the typewriter, but has extra function keys preprogrammed for specific uses. Function keys can work alone but can also be used simultaneously with other keys (like the "shift" key on a typewriter). Many of these added

keys help with editing, searching, and are often called "shortcuts" or "hotkeys".

Basic ... Multimedia ... Advanced Options

The original computer keyboard had 84 keys, then the "enhanced" keyboard, with 101 keys, was introduced. The 101 and 104 key styles are the most popular. You can also get keyboards with many more keys and functions you can program depending what functionality you need.

But no one has to stick with the standard keyboard that comes with their PC. There are many options to consider. The types of computer keyboards that are available now is almost endless. Keyboards from different manufacturers often look a bit different and have different optional keys as well.

The one thing you don't have to worry about when you select a new keyboarding unit for your PC is compatibility ... these are as great at cross-system compatibility as the computer mouse is!

You will find keyboards with independent number pads; shift lock; hotkeys; and caps lock keys. Hot keys help you access email, get on the Internet, and other frequently used programs faster. Even keyboards that offer multimedia hotkeys to take advantage of all the Internet has to offer.

Keyboards also come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes -- all designed to satisfy the every day computer user who is looking for that special keyboard.

Ergonomic keyboards come with a contoured shape that offers a futuristic sculpted design and are designed to keep the hands in a natural position that helps avoid repetitive stress injuries to the wrists. Anyone who does a lot of keyboarding or suffers from wrist strain will love an ergonomic keyboard.

Color & Light It Up!

Colors are all the rage now in keyboards and you can even get mice to match. Hot yellow, red, and electric blue make a statement that can’t be ignored.

You can even get keyboards with light effects built right in. Finding a lighted wireless keyboard may not be something your local store has but you are sure to find a few on the internet!

Endless Choices For Personalizing Computer Keyboards

You can go with a basic keyboard, multimedia or split keyboard; you can even find computer keyboards in wireless, bright colors, waterproof and more.

So when your keyboard finally gives out; don't fret; the cost is minimal to find a replacement and the choices are endless. Plus you don't have to worry about compatibility with your system ... so take a few minutes now to browse the different keyboards available ... you will enjoy the differences!

When computers were still a new uncommon fad, people had no choice over which type of keyboard to get — they had to make do with the keyboard supplied with their computer system. Now, however, people have a choice over which keyboards to use, which hardware to get, and which devices to install in their computers. Computer keyboards can be classified into four general types according to their layout: standard, multimedia, numerical, and ergonomic.

* Standard Keyboard

Standard keyboards are the regular keyboards supplied with most PC purchases. Keys are laid out in straight organized lines and columns. Standard keyboards also include a number pad and an array of command keys and arrow keys.

* Multimedia Keyboard

Multimedia keyboards are improved standard keyboards featuring extra keys that make multimedia software easier to use and navigate. These keyboards usually have a key for launching a media application, keys for increasing and decreasing volume, and keys for playing and pausing media playback. Some multimedia keyboards are designed for heavy Internet users. They feature back and forward buttons and keys for launching email software and certain Web browsers. Some will even contain a navigation wheel bar that makes scrolling faster. Advanced multimedia keyboards will have keys that can be defined to execute a computer command. This is useful for gamers who want to execute a series of actions at the stroke of one key.

* Numerical Keyboard

A numerical keyboard or a number pad simply consists of number keys; keys for basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; and basic function keys like Delete, End, Home and Insert. These keyboards can stand alone but are usually integrated with the other types of keyboards. Numerical keyboards are always found on standard and multimedia keyboards.

* Ergonomic Keyboard

Ergonomic keyboards were designed to reduce the stress standard keyboards have on the hands of certain computer users. After using standard keyboards for long hours, many people complain of wrist strains and general discomfort with their hands. Research claims that this is due to the awkward hand position required on standard keyboards in order to reach all of the keys. There is no specific standard for ergonomic keyboards. People buy them or have some custom-made to suit their needs.

A standard keyboard will work fine for you in most cases. If you are suffering from strain and hand injury, then you should consider getting an ergonomic keyboard. If you need speed, then you can execute commands

faster by getting a multimedia keyboard. Depending on your needs and comforts, there is a keyboard available for you in the market.

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Due to a requirement for different types of computer keyboards manufacturers have created a large variety of keyboards that range from simple text keyboards to complex multimedia keyboards. Each of these computer keyboards has different benefits and while some keyboards provide short cuts to applications like email, other keyboards allow a person to access applications like media players. This article is going to elaborate on the various types of keyboards in the market.

A basic computer keyboard that does not have any advanced features has 84 keys. The layout of a simple computer keyboard is similar to a type writer but extra keys features are provided to access applications like email and word processing documents.

The multimedia computer keyboard has 101 keys and these keys are often referred to as shortcuts or hot keys. Some multimedia keyboards have 104 keys and such devices provide more features as compared to a keyboard with 101 keys. Multimedia or advanced keyboards have added features like an independent number pad, caps lock key, shift lock keys and short cut keys to take you to in built multimedia applications. An option to enable the sticky key function is also provided on advanced keyboards.

An ergonomic computer keyboard has a special design that helps keep the hands at a natural position while using the keyboard. These keyboards are ideal for people who use the computer for more than 3 hours every day or for people who have wrist problems.

Many manufacturers are creating keyboards that come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Traditional keyboards would be bulky and they would come in fixed colors like black, grey and white but these new and improved keyboards come in colors such as pink, red, yellow and purple. Some manufacturers even provide keyboards that have an in built light and these

keyboards are ideal to use at night when external lights are dim or switched off.

Article Written by Jeffrey Frasco. Visit Computer Components For You for information about the main computer components and how they operate in a computer system. Information about : RAM, Hard Drives, Computer CPU's, Motherboards, Video Cards, Sound Cards, Power Supplies, Disk Drives, Monitors, Keyboards and Mouses.

Different Types of KeyboardsKeyboards are the input devices used for many devices like computers, phones, PDAs and laptops. Nowadays, there is a wide variety of keyboards are available. To know more about the different types of keyboards, read on...

The keyboard is an important peripheral that is used as an input device of a computer and many other devices. Keyboards are available for desktop computers, laptop computers, PDA and smart phones. Usually, there are around 110 keys on a computer keyboard. The keyboard is used to enter letters, numbers and other special function keys, which are used for some special functions. The different types of keyboards available, depending on the layout of the keyboard are, QWERTY and AZERTY. The QWERTY keyboards are most commonly used nowadays and have the six alphabets

(Q,W,E,R,T,Y) in the first row of the keyboard. The AZERTY keyboards are used primarily, in the French countries. The types of keyboards vary according to their connection with the CPU, the application, the layout of the keys and some special function keyboards.

Different Types of Keyboards - Connection Type

Wireless KeyboardsThe wireless keyboards use three basic types of connections, viz.

Bluetooth Keyboards Infrared (IR) Keyboards Radio Frequency Keyboards

The radio frequency keyboards get the required power from batteries or has a USB cable to charge the keyboard. The infrared keyboard are to be kept in the line of sight of the receiver. On the other hand, the radio frequency keyboards provides a greater range than the infrared keyboards. The bluetooth keyboards use a bluetooth technology, which provides a greater range than the radio frequency keyboard and infrared keyboards. The radio frequency keyboards offer a greater mobility than the bluetooth and the infrared keyboards.

Wired KeyboardsThe PS/2 and USB are the two wired connections that connect the keyboards to your desktop computers. The PS/2 keyboards are very commonly used and they are called so because they use the PS/2 connection. They are one of the cheapest keyboards that are available in the market. The USB keyboards use a USB (Universal Serial Bus) to connect to the CPU. The PS/2 and USB keyboards are usually plug and play. Other types of keyboards are a bit expensive and require expensive software applications to be installed.

Different Types of Keyboards - Layout

Ergonomic KeyboardsThe ergonomic keyboards are designed considering the ergonomic aspect of the keyboards. It is specially designed as per the comfort of the hands and wrist of the keyboard user. The ergonomic keyboards

are designed to prevent the carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness and tingling sensation in hands and fingers after typing for a long duration. These keyboards also help the keyboard user maintain a comfortable position.

Compact KeyboardThe sizes of keyboard goes on increasing, especially, those of the ergonomic keyboards. The ergonomic keyboards are designed bigger to accommodate many keys that perform special functions. The compact keyboards are slim and usually do not have the numeric keypad that is present on the right side of the other keyboards. Some compact keyboards even include a rubber pad that can be used instead of the mice. These keyboards are not very small in size, but offer portability during travel and storage.

Different Types of Keyboards - Special Keyboards

Internet KeyboardsThe internet keyboards are designed to increase the comfort level of the internet user. The internet keyboards have hot-keys for the home page of the web browser, inbox and the favorites menu on your computer.

Multimedia and Gaming KeyboardsThe multimedia and gaming keyboards are designed for playing audio and has hot-keys for volume control, play, stop and mute operations. The gaming keyboards are designed for the convenience of the gamers and these types of keyboards provide the required controls on the keyboards like backlighting.

Virtual KeyboardsThe virtual keyboards are not actually physical keyboards, but they are simulated using a software. Usually, the virtual keyboards are used in the PDA.

These are the different types of keyboards available according to the varying needs of the user. The keyboards must be chosen as per the space available, type of usage and wired and wireless needs of the computer user.

Computer Keyboard Functions: How does a Keyboard WorkA computer keyboard is a hardware device that functions in accordance to the instructions made by the user. It comprises circuits, switches and processors that help in transferring keystroke messages to the computer.In today's technology driven world, everyone is aware about computing and the usage of computer keyboard. We all know that keyboard is an input device that functions in accordance to the instructions of the user. Computer keyboards are used for preforming various tasks such as typing on a word processor or text editor, accessing menus and playing games. Though pressing a key corresponds to typing a letter, sign or symbol, it may also represent computer commands. For example, pressing the F5 key is a command for refreshing.

For some characters, it is necessary to press and hold more than one key at the same time. Speaking about the history of computer keyboards, it was modeled in the 1940's based on the technology of typewriter keyboard. Similar to typewriter keyboard, a computer keyboard consists of a set of keys engraved with symbols and letters. However, the productivity of working on a computer keyboard is much more than that of a typewriter keyboard.

Functioning of a Computer Keyboard

In general, there are 80-110 keys in a computer keyboard. The keys may vary depending upon the brand and the type of operating system. Nevertheless, the shape, size and spacing of keys are almost same for all keyboards. Also the layout or arrangement of keys that represent letters, signs and symbols is same, which is referred to as QWERTY.

The working of a computer keyboard can be compared to a miniature computer. Inside the keyboard, there are metallic plate, circuit board (key matrix) and processor, which are responsible for transferring information from the keyboard to the computer. Depending upon the working principle, there are two main types of keys, namely,

capacitive and hard-contact. Let's discuss in brief about the functioning of capacitive and hard contact key.

Capacitive KeyOn the underside of a capacitive key, a metal plunger is fixed, which helps in activating the circuit flow. When a capacitive key is pressed, the metal plunger applies a gentle pressure to the circuit board. The pressure is identified by the computer and the circuit flow is initiated, resulting in the transfer of information from the circuit to the currently installed software.

Hard Contact KeyA hard contact key is attached with a metallic plate that helps in connecting the circuit board. When the hard contact key is pressed, it pushes a metallic plate, which in turn touches the metallic portion of the circuit plate. This overall process of completing a circuit results in a circuit flow, allowing the transfer of the message to the central processing unit (CPU), which is further transmitted to the software.

In both the key types, the circuit signals the processor to read and/or identify the character that has been pressed. For example, in a hard contact key, the processor reads that pressing 'shift' and 'a' keys at the same time corresponds to 'A'. Hence accordingly, the letter, sign or symbol is displayed on the screen. Releasing the pressed key breaks the circuit flow, after which the key retains its original position. The communication between a computer keyboard and main computer is bi-directional, meaning that message or information can be sent within each other.

When you look at all the extras and options that are available for new computer keyboards, it can be hard to believe that their original design came from mechanical typewriters that didn't even use electricity. Now, you can buy ergonomic keyboards that bear little resemblance to flat, rectangular models with ordinary square keys. Some flashier models light up, roll up or fold up, and others offer options for programming your own commands and shortcuts.

Computer Image Gallery

An average Windows keyboard.See more computer pictures.

But no matter how many bells and whistles they offer, most keyboards operate using similar technology. They use switches and circuits to translate a person's keystrokes into a signal a computer can understand. In this article we will explore keyboard technology along with different key layouts, options and designs.

Inside the Keyboard

A keyboard is a lot like a miniature computer. It has its own processor and circuitry that carries information to and from that processor. A large part of this circuitry makes up the key matrix.

The microprocessor and controller circuitry of a keyboard

The key matrix is a grid of circuits underneath the keys. In all keyboards (except for capacitive models, which we'll discuss in the next section), each circuit is broken at a point below each key. When you press a key, it presses a switch, completing the circuit and allowing a tiny amount of current to flow through. The mechanical action of the switch causes some vibration, called bounce, which the processor filters out. If you press and hold a key, the processor recognizes it as the equivalent of pressing a key repeatedly.

When the processor finds a circuit that is closed, it compares the location of that circuit on the key matrix to the character map in its read-only memory (ROM). A character map is basically a comparison chart or lookup table. It tells the processor the position of each key in the matrix and what each keystroke or combination of keystrokes represents. For example, the character map lets the processor know that pressing the a key by itself corresponds to a small letter "a," but the Shift and a keys pressed together correspond to a capital "A."

The key matrix

A computer can also use separate character maps, overriding the one found in the keyboard. This can be useful if a person is typing in a language that uses letters that don't have English equivalents on a keyboard with English letters. People can also set their computers to interpret their keystrokes as though they were typing on a Dvorak keyboard even though their actual keys are arranged in a QWERTY layout. In addition, operating systems and applications have keyboard accessibility settings that let people change their keyboard's behavior to adapt to disabilities.

Keyboard Switches

Keyboards use a variety of switch technologies. Capacitive switches are considered to be non-mechanical because

they do not physically complete a circuit like most other keyboard technologies. Instead, current constantly flows through all parts of the key matrix. Each key is spring-loaded and has a tiny plate attached to the bottom of it. When you press a key, it moves this plate closer to the plate below it. As the two plates move closer together, the amount of current flowing through the matrix changes. The processor detects the change and interprets it as a key press for that location. Capacitive switch keyboards are expensive, but they have a longer life than any other keyboard. Also, they do not have problems with bounce since the two surfaces never come into actual contact. All of the other types of switches used in keyboards are mechanical in nature. Each provides a different level of audible and tactile response -- the sounds and sensations that typing creates. Mechanical key switches include:

Rubber dome Membrane Metal contact Foam element

This keyboard uses rubber dome switches.

Rubber dome switches are very common. They use small, flexible rubber domes, each with a hard carbon center. When you press a key, a plunger on the bottom of the key pushes down against the dome, and the carbon center presses against a hard, flat surface beneath the key matrix. As long as the key is held, the carbon center completes the circuit. When the key is released, the rubber dome springs back to its original shape, forcing the key back up to its at-rest position. Rubber dome switch keyboards are inexpensive, have pretty good tactile response and are fairly resistant to spills and corrosion because of the rubber layer covering the key matrix.

Rather than having a switch for each key, membrane keyboards use a continuous membrane that stretches from one end to another. A pattern printed in the membrane completes the circuit when you press a key. Some membrane keyboards use a flat surface printed with representations of each key rather than keycaps. Membrane keyboards don't have good tactile response, and without additional mechanical components they don't make the clicking sound that some people like to hear when they're typing. However, they're generally inexpensive to make.

Metal contact and foam element keyboards are increasingly less common. Metal contact switches simply have a spring-loaded key with a strip of metal on the bottom of the plunger. When the key is pressed, the metal strip connects the two parts of the circuit. The foam element switch is basically the same design but with a small piece of spongy

foam between the bottom of the plunger and the metal strip, providing a better tactile response. Both technologies have good tactile response, make satisfyingly audible "clicks," and are inexpensive to produce. The problem is that the contacts tend to wear out or corrode faster than on keyboards that use other technologies. Also, there is no barrier that prevents dust or liquids from coming in direct contact with the circuitry of the key matrix.

Different manufacturers have used these standard technologies, and a few others, to create a wide range of non-traditional keyboards. We'll take a look at some of these non-traditional keyboards in the next section.

Non-Traditional Keyboards

A lot of modifications to the traditional keyboard design are an attempt to make them safer or easier to use. For example, some people have associated increased keyboard use with repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, although scientific studies have produced conflicting results. Ergonomic keyboard designs are intended to keep a person's hands in a more natural position while typing in an attempt to prevent injuries. While these keyboards can certainly keep people from holding their hands in a "praying mantis" position, studies disagree on whether they actually prevent injury.

Photo courtesy www.safetype.com

The SafeType keyboard places the two halves of the keyboard perpendicular to the desk surface.

The simplest ergonomic keyboards look like traditional keyboards that have been divided down the middle, keeping a person's hands farther apart and aligning the wrists with the forearms. More complex designs place the two halves of the keyboard at varying angles to one another and to the surface on which the keyboard rests. Some go even further, placing the two halves of the keyboard on the armrests of chairs or making them completely perpendicular to the desk surface. Others, like the Datahand, don't look much like keyboards at all.

Photo courtesy www.saitek.com

Saitek Truview backlit keyboard buttons

Some modifications, while not necessarily ergonomic, are designed to make keyboards more portable, more versatile or just cooler:

Das Keyboard is a completely black keyboard with weighted keys that require more pressure from a person's strongest fingers and less pressure from the weaker ones.

The Virtual Laser Keyboard projects a representation of a keyboard onto a flat surface. When used successfully, a person's fingers pass through the beam of infrared light above the projected surface, and a sensor interprets it as a keystroke.

The True-touch Roll-up keyboard is flexible and can be rolled up to fit in a backpack or bag.

Blue backlit keyboard 'on'

Blue backlit keyboard 'off' Illuminated keyboards, like the Ion

Illuminated Keyboard, use light-emitting diodes or electroluminescent film to send light through the keys or the spaces between keys.

Photo courtesy www.artlebedev.com

Optimus keyboard programmable hot keys The Optimus keyboard has organic

light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) in the keys. Users can change what letter, command or action each key represents, and the OLED can change to display the new information.

Photo courtesy www.artlebedev.com

This Optimus keyboard is set for keystrokes used to play Quake.

With the exception of the Virtual Laser Keyboard, which has its own sensing system, each of these keyboards uses the same type of technology as traditional models do to communicate with the computer. We'll look at that technology next.