Editing Keyboard technology (section)

{{short description|Hardware technology of keyboards}}
{{about|the physical structure and electronic mechanisms of computer keyboards|layout and behaviour in software|Keyboard layout|keyboards used in music|Keyboard instrument}}
{{morefootnotes|date=May 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
[[File:Keyboard Construction.JPG|right|thumb| Keyboard construction of a typical notebook computer keyboard, in four layers]]
The '''technology of [[computer keyboards]]''' includes many elements. Many different keyboard technologies have been developed for consumer demands and optimized for industrial applications. The standard full-size (100%) computer alphanumeric keyboard typically uses 101 to 105 keys; keyboards integrated in [[laptop computer]]s are typically less comprehensive.

[[Virtual keyboards]], which are mostly accessed via a [[touchscreen]] interface, have no physical switches and provide artificial audio and [[haptic technology|haptic feedback]] instead. This variety of keyboard can prove useful, as it is not limited by the rigid nature of physical computer keyboards.

The majority of modern keyboards include a control processor and indicator lights to provide feedback to the user (and to the [[central processor]]) about what state the keyboard is in. [[Plug-and-play]] technology means that its "out of the box" [[keyboard layout|layout]] can be notified to the system, making the keyboard immediately ready to use without the need for further configuration, unless the user so desires. This also enables manufacture of generic keyboards for a variety of language markets, that differ only in the symbols engraved on the keytops.