Keyboard — the primary input device used for entering text, numbers, symbols, and commands into computers and other electronic devices. A keyboard consists of buttons (keys), and when each button is pressed, a specific electrical signal or code is transmitted to the computer. The keyboard plays the role of the main interface between the user and the computer and is one of the longest-lived and most important peripheral devices in computer history.

What is a Keyboard?

A keyboard is an electromechanical or fully electronic input device used for writing text, programming, gaming, web browsing, and virtually any kind of interaction with a computer. Modern keyboards typically consist of 60-110+ keys, and these keys include letters, numbers, punctuation marks, function keys, modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt), and special command keys (Enter, Backspace, Escape).

When keyboard keys are pressed, they create signals through mechanical, membrane, scissor-switch, or optical mechanisms. This signal is processed in the keyboard controller and transmitted to the computer via USB, Bluetooth, or other interfaces. The computer's operating system receives these signals in the form of scan codes or key codes and executes the corresponding symbol or command.

Keyboards are not only for computers but also serve as the primary input method for laptops, tablets (external keyboard), smartphones (virtual and physical), smart TVs, gaming consoles, and various industrial equipment. Although touchscreens, voice recognition, and other alternative input methods are developing, keyboards remain the fastest, most accurate, and most universal text input device.

History and Development of Keyboards

The history of keyboards begins with typewriters and extends into the computer era.

Typewriter Era (1860s-1960s): The first practical typewriter was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868 and commercialized by Remington in 1873. This machine used the QWERTY keyboard layout — this arrangement placed frequently used letters in separate locations to prevent mechanical keys from jamming each other. The QWERTY layout became so popular that it remains the dominant standard today.

From 1880-1960, various typewriter models developed and keyboard mechanics were improved. The IBM Selectric (1961) was a revolutionary model with its rotating ball mechanism. However, the real technological change began with the computer era.

Early Computer Keyboards (1960s-1970s): The first computers used punch cards or teletype devices. In the late 1960s, electric typewriters began connecting to computers. In the 1970s, specialized computer keyboards emerged. These used electromechanical reed switch or capacitive switch technologies.

Golden Age of Mechanical Keyboards (1980s): The 1980s were the brightest era for mechanical keyboards. IBM Model F (1981) and later IBM Model M (1985) were known for their buckling spring mechanism — these were very high-quality, reliable keyboards that provided tactile feedback. The IBM Model M is still a cult item among enthusiasts today, with prices reaching hundreds of dollars.

Computers like Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari, and Amiga came with their own specialized keyboards. In the late 1980s, Cherry MX switches (1983, by Cherry Corporation) were introduced and remain the most popular mechanical switch type today.

Dominance of Membrane Keyboards (1990s-2000s): In the 1990s, manufacturers transitioned to membrane (rubber dome) keyboards for price reduction. These were cheaper, lighter, and quieter, but inferior to mechanical keyboards in terms of tactile feedback and durability. Membrane keyboards became mainstream and remain the most widespread type today.

Companies like Microsoft and Logitech introduced ergonomic designs (Microsoft Natural Keyboard, 1994), multimedia keys, and wireless technologies. The PS/2 connector became the standard interface (later replaced by USB).

Laptop Keyboards: With the spread of laptops in the 1990s, compact, thin keyboards developed. The scissor-switch mechanism became standard for laptop keyboards. Chiclet (island-style) keys became popular.

Renaissance of Mechanical Keyboards (2010s-present): In the 2010s, interest in mechanical keyboards resurged among gamers and enthusiasts. Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, and other switch manufacturers offered various switch types. Brands like Razer, Corsair, Logitech G, SteelSeries, HyperX, Ducky, and Keychron released high-quality gaming and premium mechanical keyboards.

RGB lighting, programmable macro keys, hot-swappable switches, custom keycaps, wireless technology (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth), and compact form factors like 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL (tenkeyless) became popular. Building custom keyboards became a hobby for enthusiasts.

Modern Era (2020s-present): Mechanical keyboards are becoming mainstream. Low-profile switches, optical and magnetic switches, analog switches (partial press support), and hall effect technology are developing. Wireless technology is improving (1000 Hz polling rate wireless). Modular and hot-swap designs are widespread. Open-source firmware like QMK and VIA give users full customization capability.

Keyboard Types

Mechanical Keyboards: Each key has a separate mechanical switch underneath. Advantages: high tactile and audible feedback, precise presses, long lifespan (50-100 million presses), repair and customization capability. Disadvantages: more expensive, heavier, noisier (some switch types). Ideal for gaming, programming, professional typing.

Membrane (Rubber Dome) Keyboards: There is a rubber cover under the keys. When pressed, the rubber membrane closes the circuit on the PCB. Advantages: cheap, light, quiet. Disadvantages: poor tactile feedback, shorter lifespan (5-10 million presses), difficult to repair. For budget office and home use.

Scissor-Switch Keyboards: Used in laptops and thin keyboards. The scissor mechanism stabilizes key movement. Advantages: thin profile, stable press, medium feedback. Apple Magic Keyboard, Logitech K380 are examples.

Chiclet (Island-Style) Keyboards: Keys are separate from each other and flat, appearing like islands. Widespread in laptops and modern membrane keyboards. Modern and minimal aesthetics.

Gaming Keyboards: High polling rate (1000 Hz), anti-ghosting, N-key rollover (NKRO), programmable RGB, macro keys, media keys, wrist rest. Razer BlackWidow, Corsair K95, Logitech G Pro X are examples.

Ergonomic Keyboards: Design suited to human anatomy, split layout, tenting (angle), more natural hand and wrist position. Reduces RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) risk. Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard, Kinesis Advantage, ErgoDox are examples.

Compact Keyboards (60%, 65%, 75%, TKL):

• 60%: Letters and basic modifiers, no arrow keys. 61 keys.
• 65%: 60% + arrow keys and some navigation keys. 68 keys.
• 75%: Compact but with function row and navigation. 84 keys.
• TKL (Tenkeyless): No numeric keypad, rest is full-size. 87 keys.
• Full-size: All keys including numeric keypad. 104-110 keys.

Compact formats take up less space, closer to mouse (beneficial for gaming), portable.

Wireless Keyboards: Use Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz RF technology. Eliminates cable clutter, cleaner desk, portability. Modern wireless keyboards are virtually identical to wired in terms of latency. Battery life from several weeks to several months.

Virtual Keyboards: Software keyboard on touchscreens. Standard on smartphones and tablets. No physical feedback, slower typing, but very convenient and takes no space.

Switch Types (In Mechanical Keyboards)

Cherry MX (German, gold standard):

• Cherry MX Red: Linear (smooth, no click), 45g actuation force. Popular for gaming.
• Cherry MX Brown: Tactile (bump is felt, no click sound), 55g. Balance of typing and gaming.
• Cherry MX Blue: Clicky (click sound with each press), 60g. Typing enthusiasts love them, but noisy for office.
• Cherry MX Black: Linear, 60g, heavier. For work requiring accuracy.
• Cherry MX Speed (Silver): Linear, 45g, shorter actuation point. E-sports and competitive gaming.
• Cherry MX Clear, Silent Red, Silent Black: Various variants.

Gateron: Similar to Cherry MX but smoother and slightly cheaper. Gateron Yellow, Milky Yellow are popular in the gaming community.

Kailh: Cherry clones and unique designs. Kailh Box switches are water and dust resistant.

Razer: Manufactures its own switches. Razer Green (clicky), Orange (tactile), Yellow (linear).

Logitech: Romer-G and GX switches. Romer-G offers shorter travel distance and stability.

Topre: Hybrid electro-capacitive switch. Premium feel, quiet, expensive. Used in HHKB keyboards.

Buckling Spring (IBM Model M): Legendary tactile and clicky mechanism. Very high tactile feedback, characteristic sound.

Optical Switches: Activated by light beam, no mechanical contact. Longer lifespan, faster response. Razer Optical, Gateron Optical.

Magnetic (Hall Effect) Switches: Work with magnetic field. Adjustable actuation point, very long lifespan. Used in Wooting keyboards. Analog input support.

Keyboard Layouts (Key Arrangement)

QWERTY: Most widespread layout. Designed for typewriters in the 1870s. Tries to optimally place frequently used letters in English (although not optimal, created due to mechanical limitations).

QWERTZ: For German languages. Z and Y positions are swapped.

AZERTY: For French languages. Q and A, Z and W positions are swapped.

Dvorak: Designed by August Dvorak in 1936 to increase efficiency. Frequently used letters on home row. Increases speed and comfort, but very rarely used.

Colemak: Modern alternative layout. Easier transition from QWERTY, more balanced compared to Dvorak. Popular among enthusiasts.

Azerbaijani Keyboard: Special layout for Azerbaijani alphabet. Supported in Windows, macOS, Linux. Ə, Ö, Ü, Ğ, İ, Ş, Ç and other special characters.

Keyboard Interfaces and Technology

PS/2: Old interface (1987). 6-pin mini-DIN connector. NKRO (N-Key Rollover) support. Virtually unused today, but still present on some motherboards.

USB: Modern standard interface. USB 2.0 is sufficient for virtually all keyboards. Plug-and-play, wide compatibility, power supply.

Bluetooth: For wireless keyboards. Consumes less energy than 2.4 GHz. One keyboard can connect to multiple devices (multi-device pairing). Latency is minimal in modern versions.

2.4 GHz RF: Special dongle for gaming wireless keyboards. Lower latency than Bluetooth, 1000 Hz polling rate. Logitech Lightspeed, Razer HyperSpeed technologies.

USB-C: USB-C cable in new keyboards. Reversible, standard of the future.

Polling Rate: How many times per second the keyboard sends status to the computer. 125 Hz (8 ms), 250 Hz (4 ms), 500 Hz (2 ms), 1000 Hz (1 ms). 1000 Hz recommended for gaming.

NKRO (N-Key Rollover): Any number of keys can be pressed simultaneously. 6KRO (6 keys) is sufficient in many cases, but gamers want NKRO.

Anti-Ghosting: Prevents false key presses from being registered. Solved problem in quality keyboards.

Keyboard Features and Additional Functions

RGB Lighting: Each key can be lit separately, 16.8 million colors. Custom effects with software, game-specific profiles. Razer Chroma, Corsair iCUE, Logitech G Hub.

Macro Keys: Programmable additional keys. Execute complex command or sequence with one press. Useful for gaming and productivity.

Media Keys: Volume control, media playback (play/pause, next/previous), volume wheel. Convenience feature.

Wrist Rest: Cushion or platform supporting the wrist. Comfort and RSI risk reduction during long typing sessions.

Detachable Cable: Removable USB cable. Portability, cable replacement option, custom cable use.

Hot-Swappable Switches: Ability to change switches without soldering. Easier customization and repair.

Software Customization: Key remapping, macro creation, profiles, performance tuning. Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE, Logitech G Hub, QMK/VIA firmware.

Onboard Memory: Keyboard's internal memory. Settings and profiles are stored in the keyboard, work when connected to another computer.

Keyboard Selection Criteria

Determine Usage Scenario:

• Office/typing: Membrane or tactile mechanical (Cherry MX Brown, Gateron Brown), quiet
• Gaming: Mechanical, linear or tactile (Cherry MX Red, Speed Silver), high polling rate, RGB
• Programming: Mechanical, tactile or clicky, comfort
• General use: Membrane or budget mechanical

Form Factor:

• Full-size: If numeric keypad required
• TKL: More compact, closer to mouse
• 60-75%: Minimal, portable, custom

Switch Type (for mechanical):

• Linear: Gaming, smooth press
• Tactile: Universal, typing and gaming
• Clicky: Typing enthusiast, if noise not a problem

Wireless or Wired:

• Wired: No latency, no battery problem, cheaper
• Wireless: Clean desk, portable, comfort

RGB and Aesthetics: Matter of personal taste. RGB requires additional price.

Keycaps: Material (ABS, PBT), profile (OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA), printing method (doubleshot, dye-sub). PBT more durable, ABS cheap and shines quickly.

Brands:

• Premium gaming: Razer, Corsair, Logitech G, SteelSeries
• Enthusiasts: Ducky, Varmilo, Leopold, Keychron, GMMK
• Budget: Redragon, Royal Kludge, Tecware
• Ergonomic: Kinesis, ErgoDox, Microsoft Ergonomic

Budget:

• Budget membrane: $10-30
• Budget mechanical: $40-70
• Mainstream mechanical: $70-150
• Premium/custom: $150-300+
• Enthusiasts: $300-1000+ (custom builds)

Future of Keyboard Technology

Optical and Magnetic Technologies: Faster response, longer lifespan, adjustable actuation.

Analog Input: Partial press support, more precise control in games. Wooting keyboards use this technology.

Wireless Improvement: Latency near zero, long battery life, multi-device seamless switching.

AI Integration: Predictive typing, smart autocorrect, personalized layout optimization.

E-ink / OLED Keys: Screen on each key, dynamic layout, key labels, emoji, symbol changes. Optimus Maximus concept (no longer in production).

Haptic Feedback: Vibration or force feedback. Physical feel simulation in virtual keyboards.

Modularity: Fully modular keyboards, change any part, upgrade.

Environmentally Friendly Materials: Eco-friendly plastic, recycled materials, sustainable production.

Compact and Portable Designs: Foldable keyboards, ultra-portable, integration with tablets and smartphones.

In conclusion, the keyboard is one of the most important input devices of computer systems and its history spans more than 150 years. It has gone through a long development path from typewriters to modern RGB mechanical keyboards. Today, keyboards exist in very diverse forms, sizes, technologies, and price ranges, and every user can find a model suited to their needs and budget. The renewed popularity of mechanical keyboards, improvement of wireless technology, RGB and customization capabilities make the keyboard market very vibrant and innovative. In the future, new technologies and designs will further improve the keyboard experience and make user-computer interaction more effective.