Keyboard technology
The following pages outline some of technical aspects of keyboard design and operation. These articles are all a work in progress, and are subject to expansion and revision. Please bear in mind that there will be mistakes and omissions.
- Keyboard switches — common characteristics to aid recognition
- Switch types — details on the different switch types, e.g. mechanical, solid state
- Switch operating characteristics — basic characteristics of electric pushbutton switches
- Switch design characteristics — design characteristics of keyboard switches
- Switch operating functions — alternate action, secretarial shift, double action
- Travel — details relating to the vertical motion of keyboard switches
- Encoding and output — the identification and reporting of keystrokes to the host device
- Encoder ICs — Single-chip keyboard encoder circuits
- Rollover and lockout — definitions and implementations
- Comparative specifications
- Materials
- Switch manufacture
- IC date codes
- Switch travel
- Tactile feedback
- Low water marks — a running list of the earliest dates of particular concepts
- Keycap mounts
- Standards
- The great size change — widespread switch redesign at the behest of West German standardisation
- TGL — Technische Normen, Gütevorschriften und Lieferbedingungen, the standards system of East Germany
- Korea Certification
- Glossary
- Repairs