The keyboard is an input device used to type text and numbers into programs on computers and other devices. Keyboards come in different layouts, like QWERTY and Dvorak, with QWERTY designed to reduce jamming on early typewriters but still commonly used on computers today. Modern keyboards have additional features beyond just typing letters and numbers, such as multimedia buttons for quick access to programs or volume control. Future keyboards may be flexible, project keyboard layouts using lasers, or have other innovative form factors and interaction methods.

1. Computer Keyboards

2. What is a keyboard? The keyboard is an input device for a PC or other multimedia devices. Keyboards are used to type text and numbers into a word processor, text editor or other program. Keyboards are also used for computer gaming, either with regular keyboards or by using keyboards with special gaming features.

3. Varieties of keyboard The Dvorak Keyboard layout arranges keys so that frequently used keys are easiest to press, when typing common English.

4. Modern keyboards inventor Christopher Sholes developed the QWERTY layout to reduce the likelihood of jamming. With the advent of computers, lever jams are no longer an issue. The QWERTY layout was designed to allow letters commonly used together to placed near each other.

5. Future and beyond for keyboards New keyboards include: Multimedia buttons that give quick access to the programs or control volume. Some keyboards have been produced which project a keyboard layout onto any flat surface using a laser. Using infrared key presses are detected and produce the data onto the screen Flexible keyboards are made of soft plastic or silicone which can be rolled or folded on itself.