What’s a full-size keyboard?

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A full-sized keyboard usually refers to some of the larger keyboards that come with computers. They typically include all alphabetic keys, most often arranged in a QWERTY configuration, which include the row of numbers and symbols above the letters, function keys, shift, space, arrow keys, and a number pad located to the right of the keys, which can be useful in ten-key operations and data entry. Such keyboards are usually at least 17 inches (43.18 cm) wide and about 6 inches (15.24 cm) deep or more.

There are distinct advantages to a full-sized keyboard because it contains all the extra keys and lots of room to type with large gaps between keys. It is roughly similar to the key space and width of typewriters, albeit a little smaller, and may be appreciated by those who have learned to type on a typewriter instead of smaller computer keyboards. Smaller keyboards are certainly widely available and can save space by eliminating some keys, reducing the space between keys, or doing both. These may not be easy to use for those accustomed to full-sized keyboards, although they also have their advantages and have been particularly popular for use with small laptops. Making the keyboard smaller can mean reducing the overall weight and size of a laptop, although there has been some movement towards larger ones, especially for people who want bigger screens or bigger keyboards.

With some of the very small devices that require keyboards, it might be easier to use a mini keyboard or at least a smaller plugin. Those who want access to a full-sized keyboard for things like texting from a personal organizer or cell phone have a few options. There are now laser keyboards that project the keys onto a surface and detect which keys are pressed. Another option is flexible or foldable keyboards that are simple enough to use and easy to pack.

While a full-sized keyboard may be desirable, many people prefer smaller keyboards. They may be easier to fit on your lap, are usually lighter and take up less space on a desk. They pack up quickly in laptop bags and this can be useful for those who prefer a larger keyboard than the one that comes with the laptop and yet not a full size version. Some find that eliminating certain keys on smaller keyboards isn’t a problem because they don’t routinely use things like the arrow keys or 10-key keys anyway.

There is another definition for this term. A full-sized keyboard can also refer to synthesizers or electric pianos that contain a certain amount of keys or that have similar key sizes and spacing to those of most pianos. This could be a little confusing since a synthesizer called full size might only have 61 keys, while the average piano has about 88. However, what is meant by full size here is that the size of the keys and the space between keys are close to standard piano size.

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