What is a Virtual Keyboard

We are taking giant strides on the highway of technology. We already have cursors controlled by moving our eyeballs, and at this rate, more of such awe-inspiring gadgets might be just around the corner. The latest addition to the world of cutting-edge technology is a virtual keyboard.

It's an on-screen keyboard, wherein you can type by point and click method using pointing devices, like a mouse, graphic tablet, or a trackball. The user simply has to click on the keys of the keyboard displayed on the screen and the function is automatically sent to the active application. Additionally, it can also handle various key combinations.

A virtual keyboard is considered better than a conventional computer keyboard, as it wipes out the possibility of hardware breakage-related issues and also does away with the chances of infection transfer. As virtual keyboards don't have sophisticated wires or switches, they don't require thorough cleaning like their conventional counterparts.

There are various types of virtual keyboards. Some are available in the form of touch screen keyboard layouts, while some work on the basis of optical detection of human hand and finger motion. Some JavaScript variants of these keyboards also facilitate the translation of data input.

These keyboards allow users to type in their own languages. There are several programs that can be added to your desktop computer to create a virtual keyboard. You simply have to download the software on your PC. Once downloaded, the keyboard can be activated and stored on the desktop for easy access.

Different packages use different input devices to operate these keyboards. In some packages, the conventional keyboard is used to operate its virtual counterpart. In other packages, the mouse is used to operate it, wherein users type by right clicking on the key of the displayed keyboard.

Other than the keyboard and mouse, even some alternative devices can be used to operate virtual keyboard software. It is even possible to operate this keyboard with the hands, eyes, and head using advanced laser technology. Movement of mouse pointers, according to the movement of eyes and head, has proved to be useful for people with physical constraints.

The latest addition to the list of such keyboards is the Bluetooth laser virtual keyboard. The inbuilt laser in this device projects a keyboard on a flat surface. It is available in the QWERTY layout.

The key press on this keyboard is backed by a simulated clicking sound, which gives it the feel of a conventional computer keyboard. The light-weight projecting device can be used with any Bluetooth compatible smartphone or PDA. It can be connected to the smartphone or PDA via Bluetooth, and your keyboard will be ready.

Today, virtual keyboards are not just limited to computers. We have a whole list of keyboards which are used in digital formats and have direct resemblance to their conventional counterparts.

A noteworthy example is the virtual piano keyboard, which produces simulated key press sound to produce musical notes. At the rate at which we are going, the day is not far wherein all the conventional keyboards will be replaced by virtual keyboards, thus making our life a lot easier and safe.