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Concept
Virtual keyboard
Summary
A virtual keyboard is a software component that allows the input of characters without the need for physical keys. The interaction with the virtual keyboard happens mostly via a touchscreen interface, but can also take place in a different form in virtual or augmented reality.
On a desktop computer, a virtual keyboard might provide an alternative input mechanism for users with disabilities who cannot use a conventional keyboard, or for bi- or multi-lingual users who switch frequently between different character sets or alphabets, which may be confusing over time. Although hardware keyboards are available with dual keyboard layouts (e.g. Cyrillic/Latin letters in various national layouts), the on-screen keyboard provides a handy substitute while working at different stations or on laptops, which seldom come with dual layouts.
Virtual keyboards can be categorized by the following aspects:
Virtual keyboards with touchscreen keyboard layouts or sensing areas
Character variants, punctuation, and other special characters accessible through a menu and through holding buttons
Keyboard software may include a number pad feature to facilitate typing numbers.
Optically projected keyboard layouts or similar arrangements of "keys" or sensing areas
Optically detected human hand and finger motions
Online virtual keyboards for multiple languages that don't require OS settings change
Depending on which device the keyboard is used (desktop / mobile / virtual reality / augmented reality)
On the Internet, various JavaScript virtual keyboards have been created, allowing users to type their own languages on foreign keyboards, particularly in Internet cafes. Multitouch screens allow the possibility to create virtual chorded keyboards for tablet computers, touchscreens, touchpads and wired gloves.
Virtual keyboards are commonly used as an on-screen input method in devices with no physical keyboard, where there is no room for one, such as a pocket computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer or touchscreen-equipped mobile phone.
Official source
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