We must aware how many different keys available in our keyboard, what are their types and their action. Is there any dummy key? Let's see in detail.
The keys on computer keyboard is organized in five categories:
Control Keys : Control keys works alone or in combination with other keys. These keys performs specific operation. There are generally 11 control keys available on a standard external keyboard with may differ according to the manufacturer and model of the keyboard.
Function Keys: There are 12 function keys available on a keyboard and these are used to perform different tasks with respect to software. Some laptop keyboard have also Function Lock key which provides more functionalities comparing to a standard external keyboard.
Alphanumeric Keys or Typing Keys or Typewriter Keys : These are the most used keys on a keyboard. Generally there are 53 alphanumeric keys exists on a standard external keyboard.
Navigation Keys : These keys are used to navigate throughout a page. There are 10 navigation keys available on a standard external keyboard.
Numpad or Numeric Keypad: It provides calculator features which have all numbers and mathematical operators. The Numpad works when the Num Lock Key is active. If the Num Lock Key is turned off then the Numpad works a navigation key. There are 17 keys available on the Numpad.
From the above points we can say that there are total 103 keys available on a standard external keyboard. However, this may be different based on Keyboard type, its manufacturer and Model.
Now let's see some other facts about our keyboard:
Indicators: There are generally 3 indicators available on a standard external keyboard. The leftmost indicator indicates the Num Lock key, right most indicator indicates the Scroll Lock Key and the middle indicator indicates the Caps Lock.
Lock Keys: There are 3 lock keys available on a standard external keyboard. Those are : Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock. The Num Lock key enable the functionality of the Numpad Keys. When it is turned off the Numpad works as a navigation keys. The Caps Lock keys allow to type in Capital Letters and the Scroll Lock stops the scrolling feature of a text file or a web page. However, in 2024 the Scroll Lock is just a dummy as most of the software doesn’t provide support for it. There is another Lock Key available on some laptop keyboards that is the Function Lock key which provides two different function on each function key based on it is turned ON or OFF.