A programmable keyboard can be configured to perform custom commands with hotkeys. They can be used to access frequently used applications, zoom in/out, or put the computer into sleep mode. Some keyboards are marketed for specific uses, such as multimedia or language keyboards. More sophisticated keyboards allow for programming of function keys and macros. Programmable keyboards can be purchased in stores or online, and programs are available to reprogram regular keyboards.
A programmable keyboard is a keyboard that can be configured to perform a variety of custom commands with the use of hotkeys. Many keyboards have some degree of programmability, allowing users to set different hotkeys that can be used to access frequently used applications, but other keyboards have been designed specifically for programmable functions, with a range of potential configurations. Typically, a programmable keyboard is managed with a computer utility that can be used to record the desired commands.
A very simple programmable keyboard might have a row of buttons along one edge of the keyboard that can be used to access your favorite programs with one click. For example, the user could link the first button to an e-mail program, another to a web browser, and another to a word processing program, allowing quick access to these frequently used programs. The keyboard may also have hotkeys that can be used to zoom in or out of an image on the screen, or to put the computer into sleep or hibernation.
A keyboard may also be marketed to consumers who want to use their computer for a specific use. For example, a multimedia keyboard might have programmable keys that can be used to turn the keyboard into a remote control for the computer, allowing the user to start, play, stop, pause, fast forward, and rewind media files remotely and enabling remote volume level control. Language keyboards can be programmed to switch back and forth between multiple languages or alphabets, allowing multilingual users to use the same keyboard for all communication. In these cases, the keyboard often comes preprogrammed, with an option to reprogram the hotkeys.
In more sophisticated keyboards it is possible to program more buttons. The function keys that run across the top of the programmable keyboard, for example, can be turned into hotkeys. In addition to opening specific programs, hotkeys could also be programmed with macros, which are a series of commands built into a single shortcut. Macros are especially popular with programmers and gamers, who like the idea of incorporating frequently used commands or keystrokes into a single button.
Many electronics stores sell programmable keyboards, and you can also order them through online retailers. There are also programs available to reprogram regular keyboards, especially laptop keyboards, as they are more difficult to replace than standalone keyboards. These programs can be used to remap the keyboard to allow it to perform a desired function.
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