Computers: The Past, Present, and Future -- Present

Computers: Present: Tutorial

Capacitive

A capacitive keyboard works on the same principle as a keyswitch keyboard. This shown by the fact that there is a plunger that serves as the "signaler" too. One design includes two sheets of semi-conductive material that is separated by a thin sheet of Mylar. When the user presses a key, the plunger forces the two sheets together, which changes the capacitance of the two sheets. The controller reads the value of the capacitance signal, and then determines the key hit by the user.

Now let's compare the pros and cons of the two keyboard types.

The Comparison

First, let’s discuss size. A capacitive keyboard is essentially smaller in all dimensions than a keyswitch keyboard, and it can be used for smaller objects (ex. laptops). Keyswitch keyboards are simple to make and can be very inexpensive, but capacitive keyboards run fairly cheap too. Keyswitch keyboards are very easy to maintenance, whereas capacitive keyboards can rarely be repaired. On a side not, capacitive keyboards cost as much as the repair job. So you are basically granted with a new keyboard. Capacitive keyboards are considered less complex, more durable, and overall cheaper than keyswitch keyboards. In my opinion, keyswitch keyboards are becoming or are almost already obsolete in today’s world.
Now that you have learned about the keyboard lets talk about its companion the Mouse.

All material and images on these pages are copyright Joseph,Ed. This page was developed for the Thinkquest1999 competition.