PC Hardware in a Nutshell, Second Edition

Choosing a Keyboard

Use the following guidelines when choosing a keyboard:

Consider layout

The position of the primary alphanumeric keys is standard on all keyboards other than those that use the oddball Dvorak layout. What varies, sometimes dramatically, is the placement, size, and shape of other keys, such as the shift keys (Shift, Ctrl, and Alt), the function keys (which may be arrayed across the top, down the left side, or both), and the cursor control and numeric keypad keys. If you are used to a particular layout, purchasing a keyboard with a similar layout makes it much easier to adapt to the new keyboard.

Give personal preference top priority

Keyboards vary both in obvious ways—layout, size, and form—and in subtle ways like key spacing, angle, dishing, travel, pressure required, and tactile feedback. People’s sensitivity to these differences varies. Some are keyboard agnostics who can sit down in front of a new keyboard and, regardless of layout or tactile response, be up to speed in a few minutes. Others have strong preferences about layout and feel. If you’ve never met a keyboard you didn’t like, you can disregard these issues and choose a keyboard based on other factors. If love and hate are words you apply to keyboards, use an identical keyboard for at least an hour before you buy one for yourself.

Make sure your operating system supports extended keyboard functions

Some keyboards provide dedicated and/or programmable function keys to automate such things as firing up your ...