1. Читання, переклад та обговорення тексту. Different Types of Keyboards

The keyboard is a device used to input data into different devices like desktop computers, phones, laptops, etc. Although the main function of a keyboard is to input data, different types of keyboards exist, that vary in the various kinds of features they offer. This article is about such keyboards.

Ever since computers came into being, various advancements have taken place on a continuous basis, resulting in the development of better computer-related hardware and software. Keyboards are no exception to this. A keyboard is an important device that enables us to input data into the device that is being used with. Initially, there was almost no variation in the kind of keyboards that were produced. However, slowly manufacturers started observing the need to come up with keyboards with features that catered to different niches of market segments derived out of different types of needs. This resulted in a huge variation in the keyboards produced, some of which remain extremely popular even today. Given below are some of the most common variations of keyboards available in the market today.

Standard Keyboard

Though standard keyboards have undergone considerable changes in design over the last 20 years, their basic layout remains similar. The average number of keys on a regular keyboard is 105, though some older versions have keys in the range of 95-103. Even though standard keyboards are the most basic form of keyboards, they can have slight variations; especially in the manner the keys are placed.

Ergonomic Keyboards

Ergonomics refers to the study of methods that can reduce stress on muscles to avoid repetitive strain injury. It mostly deals with optimizing posture and technique while working, so the work can be carried out in the easiest manner with the least possible strain on any muscle, joint, or organ. Ergonomic keyboards are designed in such a way that typing can be done putting the least amount of stress on the fingers and wrist. This is a radical type of keyboard designed to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which causes numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and fingers after typing for a long duration. Ergonomic keyboards come in two forms: as a single piece, where a group of keys have been split in such a way, that the angle at which the user places his or her wrist to type is the least stressful. In the form of separate pieces, each having a group of keys, so that the user can set the angle according to his or her convenience. Hence, these keyboards differ from the usual single piece keyboards that are straight and contain keys as one whole group.

Wireless Keyboard

As the name suggests, these keyboards do not need to be connected to the computer via a wire. This makes it very convenient for the user to use the keyboard comfortably. Wireless keyboards use three basic types of connections, Bluetooth, Infrared (IR), and Radio Frequency to connect to the computer.

All the three types of wireless keyboards need external power to function. In most models, the power comes from either 2 or 3 'AA' or 'AAA' batteries. Rare models might have an included battery, which can be charged with the help of a USB cable. In addition to this, all three types also use a transceiver, which connects to a port on the computer and maintains contact between the computer and the keyboard. The best of the lot are Bluetooth keyboards. These keyboards connect using Bluetooth technology, and hence have the best range of about 30 feet. Moreover, they are also compatible with other devices that support Bluetooth technology. Next in line are RF keyboards, which have a limited range of only about 6 feet, but are much cheaper than Bluetooth keyboards, and much more effective than IR keyboards. The latest models of RF keyboards have no issues like frequency disturbance, and can be the best bet if you do not need more than around 5 feet of freedom. Last come IR keyboards, which have a major drawback. They need to be in the line-of-sight of the transceiver. This makes it very difficult to use such keyboards effectively, and almost impossible to use mice featuring this technology. Though they are not as expensive as Bluetooth keyboards, and have a decent range of about 12 feet, the line-of-sight problem makes this type very ineffective.