What is the main purpose of a keyboard?

The main purpose of a keyboard is as an input device used to send data into a computer so applications can function as the user desires. A keyboard is one of the commonly used devices when working with computers.

A keyboard can also be used for gaming and to give commands to the computer’s operating system. A keyboard uses keys that are engraved with distinct characters that when pressed, a letter, number or sign is produced. These characters includes letters of the alphabet, numbers 1 through 9 and punctuation symbols. A standard keyboard type has 105 keys. There are other keyboard types, such as handheld keyboards and thumb-sized keyboards.