How Does a Laptop Keyboard Work

[xiang2011]

Modern computer keyboards operate using switches embedded underneath the keys. When a key is pressed, the rubber dome underneath the key casing is compressed and hits the conductive contact below, completing the circuit. A chip in the computer receives the signal and then tells the software which key has been pressed. The particular software that is running controls what function each key represents.

Laptop Keyboard Control Processor

The switches are all routed into a single-chip processor located in the computer. This chip processes incoming keystrokes and gives feedback to the user in the form of indicator lights or software-specified actions. For example, in many applications, laptop keyboard inputs display the characters on the keys and allow a user to compose messages or documents.

Input and User Interface

Notebook keyboards are usually built into the case (non-peripheral). Unlike regular computers, there is no USB or wireless connection; but otherwise, notebook and desktop compatible keyboards are very similar like the Acer Keyboard . They both use a layout of keys (most commonly QWERTY) to enable users to interface with the computer.