Other languages have different default formats, such as QWERTZ for German and AZERT for French.

Wired keyboards connect to themotherboardvia aUSBcable, often theUSB throw in-A connector, but some instead useUSB-C.

Older keyboards connect via aPS/2connection.

Overhead shot of fingers using a physical keyboard

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Both wireless and wired keyboards require a specificdevice driverin order to be used with the computer.

Instead, they offer keyboards that appear on the gear’s screen.

However, most do have USB receptacles or wireless technologies which allow external keyboards to be attached.

Fingers using a lighted touchscreen keyboard.

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Like tablets, virtually all modern smartphones have on-screen keyboards that pop up when you need them.

These on-screen keyboards are also called touch keyboards or touch screen keyboards.

Laptops andnetbookshave integrated keyboards but, liketablets, can have external keyboards attached via USB.

OurBest Keyboards for Androidlist has some examples for that OS.

Below are some examples of keyboard buttons that can be used together to form a new function.

Modifier Keys

Some keys you should become familiar with are called modifier keys.

Unlike a normal key like a letter or a number, modifier keys modify the function of another key.

Keys like this have two functions, where the topmost action is activated with theShiftkey.

Ctrl+Cis a keyboard shortcut you’re probably familiar with.

Alt+F4is another keyboard shortcut.

This one instantly closes down the window you’re currently using.

Some keyboards have unique keys that don’t work in the same way as a traditional keyboard.

For example, the TeckNet Gryphon Pro gaming keyboard includes 10 keys that can record macros.

it’s possible for you to make advanced changes to a keyboard using third-party software likeSharpKeys.

SharpKeys is extremely useful if you’re missing a keyboard key.

to the Enter function, essentially removing the former key’s capabilities to regain use of the latter.

It can also be used to map keys to web controls like Refresh, Back, etc.

you could alsoreassign keys on a Mac keyboardthrough System Preferences.

FAQ

Mechanical keyboardshave physical switches beneath the keys.

When you press a key, you press its button, recreating the experience of typing on a typewriter.

As a result, mechanical keyboards can help increase typing accuracy.

Membrane keyboards have pressure pads instead of separate, moving keys.

Membrane keyboards do not provide much tactile feedback, which makes them challenging to use as computer keyboards.

Backlit keyboards have lights underneath the keys that illuminate the letters and symbols on the keys.

This illumination makes the keys visible in low-light environments.

The most common keys toturn on keyboard lightson Windows computers are F5, F9, and F11.