5 things to know about computer keyboards

We use computer keyboards every day, but perhaps not everyone knows the following information related to this device.

QWERTY is the worst keyboard arrangement

QWERTY is the most popular keyboard layout, but it is not the most efficient.

QWERTY is the most common English keyboard layout on typewriters and computer keyboards. It gets its name from the first six letters seen on the first row of keys on the keyboard. However, according to research, QWERTY is not the most optimal keyboard layout, or even considered the worst, as it requires approximately 50% more finger movement than the Dvorak keyboard and 80% more than the Colemak keyboard.

When typing, fingers travel about 1.6 km every 10,000 words.

The actual origins of the popular QWERTY keyboard we use today were formed over time, when telegraph operators over 150 years ago used typewriters to translate Morse code. Because this job required the translator to write down the translation very quickly, the layout of the letters was constantly improved so that the keys would not jam because of typing too fast but still achieve the required speed. According to research, when using normal typing skills on a standard QWERTY keyboard, your fingers will travel about 1.6 km after typing every 10,000 words.

Non-Latin keyboards also have different arrangements.

Non-Latin keyboards also come in a variety of layouts.

Some non-Latin keyboard layouts, such as Greek, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, etc., are also based on the QWERTY keyboard layout. In this, letter symbols are assigned with the best possible spacing to make it easier for users to type words in their language. This saves typing time for those who are already familiar with the QWERTY keyboard. However, these keyboards also have different layouts, such as Korean users can choose Dubeolsik or Sebeolsik, or Arabic users can choose the keyboard according to Windows or Mac.

Keyboards are 5 times dirtier than toilets

Not long ago, the UK consumer organization Which? conducted a survey and found that computer keyboards are considered a health hazard and contain five times more bacteria than toilet seats in the office. Some of the bacteria that cling to them can cause food poisoning. In addition, sharing keyboards also contributes to the spread of disease among office workers. Which? said that one of the reasons keyboards become dirty is because users often eat lunch at their desks and food crumbs stimulate bacteria to grow. Not washing hands after using the toilet also contributes to making the keyboard dirtier. Experts advise that people should regularly clean and remove dirt from the keyboard, or disinfect it with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol.

Hackers can track every keystroke of a user

Bad guys can use keyloggers to spy on users.

Keylogger, also known as "keystroke tracker", is a computer program that was originally written to record every action performed on the keyboard into a log file. However, because it has a function that can be easily exploited to violate the privacy of others, keyloggers are classified as spyware. Currently, keyloggers are a real threat to data security and hackers can take advantage of installing these programs on other people's computers to monitor and then steal data. If infected with a keylogger, every keystroke you make will be collected by bad guys, which can be bank account numbers, credit card numbers or passwords of important personal accounts.

According to PCWorld