Physical Keyboard Types

Physical keyboards generally have individual keys for each character or function, with some having additional meanings for modified versions of the key (lower-case and capital letters on a single key).  These keyboards are designed for people who use both hands, and all fingers to type, and have hands within a narrow range of sizes.  For people with limited dexterity, vision, or other function, different keyboard designs are available.  Standard keyboards are available from many vendors, but the specialty keyboards are more limited.

• Some keyboards allow adjusting the angle between the right and left hand to relieve stress on the user's wrists.
• Some keyboards have keys labeled with Braille, and others allow input of the Braille dot patterns directly.
• Keyboards designed for children may have more colorful keys or be sized to accommodate a child's typing style.
• Cording keyboards have fewer keys that are pressed in patterns to generate each character and can be helpful for someone with limited arm movement.
• Some keyboards for beginning typists have keys that are color coded to identify vowels, consonants, or function keys.
• The standard keyboard is sized for adult hands and normal movement.  People with very small hands, or who are using a tool to press the keys may prefer a compact or mini keyboard, with smaller keys, closer together.
• Conventional keyboards were designed to meet the needs of mechanical linkages in early typewriters and without regard to how hands work. Modern devices do not have mechanical linkages, so ergonomic keyboards have been created to better fit human anatomy.
• For portability, some keyboards fold, roll, or otherwise flex to be taken with the user.
• Typists with low vision may find it difficult to see the labels on standard keyboards.  High visibility keyboards use much bolder colors and larger print to make the keys easier to see.
• For typists working in low-light conditions, illuminated keyboards can provide lighted labels or backgrounds.
• Standard keyboards, when used in laboratories or hospitals, can transfer bacteria and viruses between users.  Infection control keyboards are designed to minimize such transmission, are easier to clean, and often sealed.
• Most modern computer interfaces are based on the use of both the keyboard and a mouse.  Some keyboards integrate some form of mouse controller in the keyboard.
• Not all keyboards are intended for general computer use.  Some specialty keyboards work only with very specific devices, where conventional keyboards will not work.
• For typists who cannot bring both hands together in front of them, split keyboards allow more space between the two halves, or provide an angle between the two sides.
• Because some typists can spill food, drink, or other fluids over their keyboards, a water/moisture resistant keyboard may be needed.
• Most keyboards connect to the host device through some sort of cable.  Many new keyboards, however, use a wireless connection to minimize the cables around the computer and to allow more adjustability.

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