Keyboard facts for kids

A keyboard is a tool with many buttons, called "keys." These keys are arranged in a special way. Keyboards are used for two main things: to type information into a computer or to play music.

Computer Keyboards

A computer keyboard is a main way to talk to a computer. It lets you type letters, numbers, and symbols. This is how you write emails, create documents, or play games.

How Computer Keyboards Work

When you press a key, it sends a signal to the computer. Inside the keyboard, there's a circuit board. Each key has a small switch under it. When you press a key, the switch closes. This completes an electrical circuit. The keyboard then sends a special code for that key to the computer. The computer understands this code and shows the letter or action on your screen.

Types of Computer Keyboards

There are many kinds of computer keyboards.

• QWERTY keyboards are the most common. The name comes from the first six letters on the top row. This layout was made for old typewriters to prevent keys from jamming.
• Ergonomic keyboards are designed to be more comfortable. They help your hands and wrists stay in a natural position. This can prevent pain if you type a lot.
• Gaming keyboards are made for video games. They often have special keys, backlighting, and faster response times. This helps gamers play better.
• Mechanical keyboards use individual switches under each key. They often make a satisfying click sound. Many people who type a lot prefer them because they feel very responsive.
• Membrane keyboards are quieter and often thinner. They use a flexible membrane layer under the keys. These are common in laptops and many standard desktop keyboards.

History of Computer Keyboards

The idea for keyboards came from typewriters. The first typewriters appeared in the 1800s. Christopher Latham Sholes created the QWERTY layout in the 1870s. When computers became popular, they needed a way for people to input text. So, computer keyboards were developed based on typewriter designs. Early computers used punch cards or switches. But as computers grew, keyboards became the main input device.

Keyboard Instruments

A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument played by pressing keys. Each key makes a different musical sound. These instruments are used in many types of music, from classical to pop.

How Keyboard Instruments Make Sound

Keyboard instruments make sound in different ways.

• Pianos use hammers. When you press a key, a small hammer hits a string. This makes the string vibrate and produce sound.
• Organs use air. Pressing a key opens a valve. This lets air flow through a pipe, creating a sound. Different pipes make different notes.
• Synthesizers use electronics. They create sounds using electrical signals. Synthesizers can make many different sounds. They can sound like other instruments or create completely new sounds.
• Harpsichords use quills. When a key is pressed, a small quill plucks a string. This gives them a bright, distinct sound.
• Clavichords use tangents. A small metal blade, called a tangent, hits the string. This allows for a very soft sound and some control over pitch.

Types of Keyboard Instruments

There are many famous keyboard instruments.

• Piano: The most well-known keyboard instrument. It has 88 keys and is used in almost every type of music.
• Organ: Often found in churches, organs can make very loud and powerful sounds. They use pipes of different sizes.
• Synthesizer: A modern electronic instrument. It can create a huge range of sounds. Synthesizers are very popular in electronic music and pop.
• Harpsichord: Popular before the piano. It has a bright, plucky sound.
• Clavichord: A smaller, quieter instrument. It was popular for practicing music in homes.

History of Keyboard Instruments

Keyboard instruments have a long history. Early instruments like the organ existed thousands of years ago. The harpsichord became popular in the 1500s. The piano was invented around 1700 by Bartolomeo Cristofori. He wanted an instrument that could play both loud and soft. This is why it was first called a "pianoforte," meaning "soft-loud." Electronic keyboards and synthesizers became popular in the 20th century. They changed how music was made and performed.

See also

In Spanish: Teclado para niños