Keypad

Keypad
A telephone keypad

A keypad is a set of buttons arranged in a block or "pad" which usually bear digits, symbols and usually a complete set of alphabetical letters. If it mostly contains numbers then it can also be called a numeric keypad. Keypads are found on many alphanumeric keyboards and on other devices such as calculators, push-button telephones, combination locks, and digital door locks, which require mainly numeric input.

Uses and functions

A calculator

A computer keyboard usually has a small numeric keypad on the side, in addition to the other number keys on the top, but with a calculator-style arrangement of buttons that allow more efficient entry of numerical data. This number pad (commonly abbreviated to "numpad") is usually positioned on the right side of the keyboard because most people are right-handed.[1]

Many laptop computers have special function keys which turn part of the alphabetical keyboard into a numerical keypad as there is insufficient space to allow a separate keypad to be built into the laptop's chassis. Separate external plug-in keypads can be purchased.[1]

As a general rule, the keys on calculator-style keypads are arranged such that 123 is on the bottom row. Whereas, in a telephone keypad, either in a home or mobile phone, there will be the 123-keys at the top. A phone key-pad also has the special buttons labelled * (star) and # (octothorpe, number sign, "pound" or "hash") on either side of the zero key. Most of the keys on a telephone also bear letters which have had several auxiliary uses, such as remembering area codes or whole telephone numbers.[1]

The keypad of a calculator contains the digits 0 through 9, from bottom upwards, together with the four arithmetic operations, the decimal point and other more advanced mathematical functions.[1]


Keypads are also a feature of some combination locks. This type of lock is often used on doors, such as that found at the main entrance to some offices.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Mouse & Touchpad - Keypad's - Office 365

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • keypad — key‧pad [ˈkiːpæd] noun [countable] COMPUTING TELECOMMUNICATIONS a small box with buttons on it which you can use to put information into a computer, telephone etc: • a keypad which lets customers add up costs as they shop * * * keypad UK US… …   Financial and business terms

  • Keypad —   [dt. »Tastenblock«], Zahlenblock …   Universal-Lexikon

  • keypad — (n.) 1975, from KEY (Cf. key) (n.1) + PAD (Cf. pad) (n.) …   Etymology dictionary

  • keypad — ► NOUN ▪ a miniature keyboard or set of buttons for operating a portable electronic device or telephone …   English terms dictionary

  • keypad — [kē′pad΄] n. the set of keys or push buttons on a computer keyboard, telephone, TV remote control, etc., used to perform certain functions …   English World dictionary

  • keypad — [[t]ki͟ːpæd[/t]] keypads N COUNT The keypad on a modern telephone is the set of buttons that you press in order to operate it. Some other machines, such as cash dispensers, also have a keypad …   English dictionary

  • keypad — UK [ˈkiːˌpæd] / US [ˈkɪˌpæd] noun [countable] Word forms keypad : singular keypad plural keypads a) a small keyboard, for example on a telephone, computer, or calculator b) the part at the side of a computer keyboard that has number keys and… …   English dictionary

  • keypad — /kee pad /, n. 1. a separate section on some computer keyboards, grouping together numeric keys and those for mathematical or other special functions in an arrangement like that of a calculator. 2. a panel similarly keyed and used in conjunction… …   Universalium

  • keypad — noun A small board with keys primarily used for tactile input into a machine. Many laptop computers have special function keys which turn part of the alphabetical keyboard into a numerical keypad …   Wiktionary

  • keypad — noun Keypad is used after these nouns: ↑phone …   Collocations dictionary

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