…Back before the advent of point and click graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as Windows or the Mac OS, computers were merely black screens and command prompts. Users in those days had to know the exact commands required to talk to the computer and have it execute desired tasks.

The invention and subsequent popularity of GUIs has shifted the role of the keyboard from being the only means of access to being more akin to its predecessor: the typewriter. With the introduction of the Internet, computer keyboards are now predominantly devices of communication, to input text from academic essays, to e-mails and instant messages, web addresses, or even articles like this one. The keys of the keyboard have even begun to take on new meanings in the Internet age. A keyboard key can now represent emotions, with various types of "smilies" or "emoticons" used by the lingo savvy user to express that which cannot be seen online. Emoticons or smilies can make a real difference in the meaning of a message and convey that the typist is :-) (happy), :-( (sad), ;-) (joking around with a wink), :-p (joking around by sticking their tongue out), etc.

While the uses of the keyboard keys has evolved considerably over the years, the layout (for English-language keyboards) has remained stable since the QWERTY standard was patented in 1874. For those who may be unaware, take a look at the top row of your keyboard; the QWERTY layout gets it name from the first six letters of the top row of keys. Technologically, there have been several advances in keyboards, most notably the use of Bluetooth connection technology to eliminate wires. This is great not only for eliminating clutter, but can also be beneficial to laptop users. While laptops have built-in keyboards, they tend to be less ergonomic than their desktop counterparts. The wireless keyboard placed on a desk can help eliminate the pain and stiffness that can come from using a laptop keyboard. For more advanced users and gamers, there are many keyboards with serious technological upgrades, such as game-specific, interchangable key layouts and LED displays.