The word "keyboard" is spelled with eight letters and is pronounced /ˈkiːbɔːrd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound is the long "e" sound /iː/ followed by the consonant "k" sound /k/. The next sound is the long "i" sound /iː/ followed by the letter "b" /b/. The vowel sound in the third syllable is the open "o" sound /ɔː/, followed by the letter "a" /a/. The final sound is the letter "r" /r/ and the letter "d" /d/.
A keyboard is a peripheral input device used in computing systems for composing and inputting textual information and commands. It usually consists of a set of small buttons or keys, arranged in a specific layout, resembling a typewriter or piano, and is designed to be operated by fingers. The primary function of a keyboard is to enable efficient and accurate text entry.
Keyboards are typically connected to computers, laptops, or tablets through a wired USB connection or wirelessly via Bluetooth technology. Each key on the keyboard represents a specific character, symbol, or command that is transmitted to the associated device when pressed. These keys include alphanumeric keys, symbol keys, modifier keys (such as Shift, Ctrl, or Alt), navigation keys (e.g., arrow keys), and function keys.
Modern keyboards often incorporate additional features like multimedia keys for controlling audio and video playback, dedicated keys for launching applications or accessing specific functions, and ergonomic designs for enhanced comfort and reduced strain during prolonged use.
Keyboards are integral to many activities, including word processing, coding, gaming, and general computer usage. With the evolution of technology, keyboards now come in various types and designs, such as mechanical keyboards, membrane keyboards, and virtual on-screen keyboards found on touchscreen devices.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "keyboard" is derived from two separate words: "key" and "board".
The term "key" dates back to the Old English word "cǣg", which originally referred to a piece of wood used for locking or fastening. Over time, it evolved to refer to any small device used to operate a mechanism or lock. In the context of a keyboard, a key refers to the individual buttons that are pressed to input characters or commands.
The word "board" comes from the Old English word "bord", which generally meant a flat piece of wood. In the case of a keyboard, it refers to the flat surface on which the keys are arranged.
The combination of these two words, "key" and "board", resulted in the term "keyboard" to describe the input device consisting of a set of keys or buttons arranged on a flat surface.