Book 3, Question 86 · Video
Why Do Keyboards Have Letters?
A keyboard is a map of buttons. Each key tells the computer, this letter, please, so you do not have to draw every character by hand. Under each key is a switch.
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do keyboards have letters?
The Big Idea
A keyboard is a map of buttons. Each key tells the computer, this letter, please, so you do not have to draw every character by hand. Under each key is a switch. Pressing it closes a circuit, and the computer reads which switch closed and shows that letter. Phones, ATMs, and game controllers are keyboards in different shapes!
Finger Presses
Step one: your finger presses. You push a key cap down. That little push starts the whole trip!
Switch Closes
Step two: the switch closes. Under the key, two metal contacts meet, and electricity can flow. Then the keyboard sends a number that means that letter.
Computer Prints
Step three: the computer prints. The matching character appears on the screen. Meanwhile, a spring lifts the key back up, so you can type again!
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at one key! The key cap is the top you press. A spring or scissor lifts it back up. The switch closes the circuit. And the cable carries the message to the computer!
Quick Facts
Quick facts! QWERTY order started on old typewriters, so fast typists would not jam the metal arms. Some keys are shortcuts. Control plus C copies! The space bar is the biggest key, because spaces are used so often. And on-screen phone keyboards skip the springs and just watch your taps.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Let's have a contest. Time how long it takes to write your name with a pencil. Then time how long it takes to type it. Which tool wins? And why do you think so?
Outro
Keyboards show us that a tap of a finger can become a letter in a flash. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!