Soft keys are programmable keys on computers and mobile phones that can perform various functions. They offer flexibility and ease of use, and can be changed repeatedly. On cell phones, number keys can also function as semi-soft keys. Smartphones with touch screen keyboards are referred to as “soft key keyboards”.
A soft key is a key on a computer or mobile phone that can be programmed to perform multiple different functions at the user’s choice. Most keys, including letters on computer keyboards and numbers on cell phones, are considered “hard keys” because they cannot be reprogrammed. For example, pressing the “K” key always dials that letter, just like pressing the “7” key on a telephone dials that number. Softkeys are keys whose function is at the discretion of the user.
On most computer keyboards, the “function” or “F keys” have the button flexibility required to be function keys. Users can usually program this type of key through their computers’ control panel or desktop preference settings. Common commands for these keys include opening certain applications, launching a web browser, ejecting discs or other external devices, and saving entered content to a word processor or web template.
There are rarely any restrictions on what keys can be programmed to do. These keys can usually duplicate the commands of other keyboard shortcuts and can be updated at any time. The main goal is to promote control and ease of use.
Programming is also never permanent. Users typically can change the function of the key repeatedly. The computer tracks these updates and changes in its internal logger.
Soft keys on cell phones work in much the same way. Traditional cell phones—that is, cell phones that aren’t smartphones or that rely on a traditional number pad instead of a keyboard—usually have two function keys directly below the screen, one to the right and one to the left. Most of the time, every key comes with a function when it arrives from the manufacturer. These keys often start by launching the phone menu or opening the address book. Users can reprogram them to suit their individual needs.
Depending on the phone, the number keys can also function as semi-soft keys. A number key is not a true soft key, as its number memory can never be removed. Most cell phones are designed to recognize the differences in short taps and long presses, however, which creates more options.
On most cell phones, the first three numbers — 1, 2, and 3 — are programmable as speed dial keys. Briefly pressing the keys will enter the number in the dial box, but holding down the number key for a longer time will activate the phone to dial a pre-programmed number. In this case, the number key acts as a soft key because it has been programmed by the user to perform a specific task.
The term has a slightly different meaning on smartphones with touch screen keyboards or keyboards that appear graphically on the screen display device, rather than being hard buttons. Many manufacturers refer to these types of keyboards as “soft key keyboards”. This is more about the physical nature of the keyboards than their function: the keys are soft to the touch, but they may not necessarily be reprogrammable.
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