ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Keyboard technology

A keyboard is a thing that lets you type letters and numbers into a computer. To type a letter, you press a key on the keyboard and it sends a message to the computer telling it what letter you pressed.

There are a lot of different types of keyboards out there. Some are big, with lots of keys, and some are small and lightweight. Some are made for typing on a desk, while others are made to be used on your lap or on the go.

Most keyboards have a set of keys that are arranged in rows. The keys are connected to a circuit board inside the keyboard, and when you press a key, it sends an electrical signal to the computer. The computer then knows what key you pressed and can show the corresponding letter or symbol on the screen.

The keys on a keyboard can be made of different materials, like plastic or metal, and they can have different shapes and sizes. Some keys may have little bumps on them to help you find the right key without looking at the keyboard.

There are two main types of keyboard technologies: mechanical and membrane. A mechanical keyboard has individual switches under each key, which give a tactile feedback and a satisfying click sound when pressed. A membrane keyboard has a continuous rubber or plastic membrane under the keys, which makes it quieter and more affordable, but doesn’t have the same tactile feedback as a mechanical keyboard.

Some keyboards also have additional features, like backlit keys that light up in the dark, programmable keys that can be customized for specific tasks, or a touchpad that lets you control the cursor without a separate mouse.

So, basically, a keyboard is a special way to type letters and numbers into a computer. It has keys that send messages to the computer when you press them, and there are different types of keyboards with different features.
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