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A list of input devices with their features

Input devices are used for communication between humans and machines. They are also known as the means of controlling the output of computers. The two most popular input devices are keyboards and mice. 

Commonly used  input devices 

Keyboards use a set of buttons connected to a device that converts keystrokes into signals, which can then be recognized by the computer system. 

A mouse is another widely used input device that is mostly connected to computers using USB ports. It uses an optical sensor or laser which translates the movements on the surface into data for your computer.

Popular input devices with their features with its applications

The capacitive keyboard is made up of a grid of small, tiny capacitors. When the user presses the key, it connects with the capacitor pad below it. This changes the capacitance at that particular point on the grid. This change in capacitance is then identified by the keyboard and registered as the same keystroke/key.

Features 

Continuous electrical supply 

Durable, resistant to oxidation

Applications

Aircraft and Space Equipment

Diagnostic tools

Knowledge management

Membrane switches are constructed from several layers of plastic films or other flexible materials. Conductive materials and graphic inks are printed or laminated onto the surface of plastic films or other flexible materials.

Features 

Work by closing or opening an electric circuit for a short period of time.

Used with a custom overlay to create a unique look.

Applications

Keypads

Aircraft control panels

Dialysis machines for the kidneys

A vandal-resistant keyboard is not only entirely sealed and incredibly sturdy, but it can also withstand attacks by vandals. Furthermore, these keyboards are built to withstand harsh and extreme environments, as well as burglary, extortion, and arson attempts.

Features 

Made by different materials like steel, aluminium etc

Can be customized as per the customer requirement

Applications

Gas stations

ATM

Consoles for industrial use

Input devices aim to facilitate the process of data entry and enhance user experience. If you wish to learn more about this subject then Read our  detailed study about evolution of input devices- application, features and more..

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How To Enhance Your Input Devices

Input devices are a set of interface devices used to provide input to a computer system. These devices allow a user to control the computer's interface with options such as key presses, button presses and movements.

Let’s see the most popular input device enhancer:  

Dead Front Panels are sleek, subtle and functional. They are screen-accurate replicas of the buttons that were hidden behind the front panels of the original 3D models. These can be installed directly into your set or hung on a wall as decorative pieces.

Ingress Protection- A whole surround seal or gasket within which the circuit tail exit is routed can seal input devices against varied conditions. Input devices can be protected to varying degrees against dust, water, or both, depending on the client's specifications and requirements.

Illuminated Keys are modern keyboards with bright LED lights that illuminate each key. It is to help people use keyboards in low light areas or at night time. These illuminated keys are available in different colours, shapes, sizes and designs as per the customer's requirement.

Shielding is standard practice for reducing Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) in electrical equipment. Shielding can be built into input devices such as keyboards, mice, joysticks etc.. that helps minimise or eliminate EMI/RFI interference or static interference.

Enclosures are designed to protect and secure industrial devices or complete industrial control systems. Depending on the enclosure type, they can also interface between a machine or system subsystems.

The advancements in the field of Input devices have made the lives of the end-users easy and the jobs of people working in the field of Input devices. Furthermore, the advancements have also made it possible for businesses to be cost-efficient and improve their outputs’ quality. You can check out the detailed blog  for more information on The various ways to enhance Input devices

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Know About The Many Applications Of PCB-Based Hybrid Switches

PCBs have become a daily part of our lives, that too without us realizing it. Although they have applications in almost all the industries, we have rounded up some of the most common and major ones. 

Applications Of PCB-Based Hybrid Switches are:

1. Telecommunications Equipment

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are used in the telecommunications industry in a hybrid switch. The hybrid switch is a combination of a mechanical switch and a solid-state switch. Hybrid switches can be used to replace conventional electromechanical switches, which are typically made up of a mechanical switch and a solenoid or relay. They find their major use in Telecom towers, Office communications equipment, and LED Displays and Indicators.

2. Industrial Equipment

There are many industries in which PCBs have found their use, mostly in Manufacturing Equipment such as Power electric drills, Presses. This is because these are pretty reliable to be used in Power Equipment, like DC-to-AC Power inverters and Solar power cogeneration equipment. Other industrial pieces of equipment in which PCBs can be used are Measuring equipment that controls and measures pressure and numerous other factors.

3. Automotive Components

PCBs are used in Entertainment systems such as stereos and Navigation systems. Control systems, including Engine management systems and Fuel regulators, and Sensors that monitor blind spots for drivers in cars. Aerospace Components and various aircraft, Control towers, satellites, and other systems also have major use of PCBs. Automotive components like Monitoring Equipment, including Accelerometers and Pressure sensors, and Communication Equipment are also some in which Printed Circuit Boards are used extensively. 

Want to know more about the applications of PCB-based hybrid switches? They have many more applications like in safety and security equipment, etc. You can check out such Applications Of Other Input Devices and see how they have become a huge part of our lives.

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Types Of Input Devices - Keyboards You Must Know About

There are various other types of keyboards like Integrated keyboards and capacitive keyboards which are in high demand these days. This is all thanks to their much-evolved and unique characteristics. You can read through this detailed article on popular input devices and make an informed choice for your businesses. 

You may know about keyboards being the most commonly used input devices. These are not only for personal use but also for corporate use. After all, not many companies do not have computers or keyboards on which their teams work. 

Here are some of the keyboards that are available at Protolab and are counted amongst the most popular ones in the market:

1. Vandal-Resistant Keyboards

Vandal-Resistant Keyboards are good for hostile environments and an ideal choice when used in a public environment. Several materials, including aluminium and steel, are used to make such input devices, as they are used to survive rough use. Also, these can be customised as per one's preference of shapes and sizes. These are fully sealed and offer high durability, which makes them last for years. 

2. Metal Touch Keyboards

Metal Touch Keyboards work great when it comes to efficiency. These come in handy when the area is in constant contact with water as they are waterproof. Metal touch keyboards are touch-sensitive and have a design that supports haptic and audible feedback. In addition, these contain metal plates that could be printed as per a customer's expectations and preferences. 

3. Programmable Keyboards

Programmable Keyboards are very big in the business and gaming world. These have customisable buttons and standard ones, which enable them to perform various specific functions like photo editing, content creation, copying and pasting text, and many more. Moreover, these assure an efficient output in terms of time and accuracy. 

There are various other types of keyboards like Integrated keyboards and capacitive keyboards which are in high demand these days. This is all thanks to their much-evolved and unique characteristics. You can read through this detailed article on popular input devices and make an informed choice for your businesses.