Specialized programs have a large number of different functions. They allow you to process data or modify them, as well as create. A regular keyboard is not able to simplify user actions, however, keyboards with soft keys have been developed.
And what is it?
This is the keyboard that is designed to control the firmware. Like a regular text input tool, it allows you to type characters and is classified as a peripheral device.
She specializes in quickly entering commands that have been pre-bind. The programmed keyboard displays ready-made key combinations or single keystrokes. For example, it is used in stores where it allows you to read data faster and speed up the process of cash operations.
What is the difference with the usual?
The fact is that the familiar keyboard comes to the end user programmed for some action. All keys have their own purpose or are responsible for a certain combination of ordinary keys.
A programmable USB keyboard connects to and interacts with a common system. The person himself encodes the keys, assigns action algorithms or uses macros. A set of programs is included with the device, which is responsible for setting up the keyboard. After assigning a command, the necessary stickers are applied to it, which indicate some kind of action. Below is a differentiation by parameters.
By button coverage
As noted, images are pasted onto the keys, which show what exactly this key does. There are three types of coverage:
- Rubber cover. The most comfortable in terms of protection, but quite expensive way of registration. The devices consist of rubberized material, which prevents dust, water, pollutants from spreading, etc. They are designed for especially difficult operating conditions, for example, in food warehouses or "dirty" industries.
- Button design. Similar to ordinary keyboards for the user, they also have a convex button shape and do not provide any protection. They have spread in stores, entertainment centers, supermarkets and other places where the likelihood of harmful external influences is minimized.
- Film coating. Perhaps the most common form. Provide low protection against dust and moisture, as well as dirt. As in the past case, the keys may have a slightly convex shape, but in this case they are covered with a film layer. They found their market niche in small street cafes, restaurants with a veranda or small shops selling ice cream, sweets, etc.
By the number of buttons
Each key is assigned a specific action or command algorithm. The more buttons there are, the easier it is to program and customize the keyboard. In input devices with a small number of keys, you can "impose" one bind on another.
Main settings:
- 24 buttons, this should be the minimum number of keys in a programmed keyboard.
- But not more than 128, otherwise it becomes inconvenient for the user to control the input device.
Keyboards are different, for example, 40, 70, 80 buttons and so on. The number of possible codes and functions is at around 256, this is the maximum available value for POS keyboards.
Type of connection
The main purpose is the connection of the POS device with a computer or other device. At the moment, there are two connectors in such keyboards:
- USB
- PS / 2 or HF.
Through the above connectors passes the connection of additional devices. For example, to read barcodes or any others. In order to read magnetic tracks, the keyboard can be equipped with a card reader.
Opportunities
The programmed keyboard has a wide range of features, which is also increased by user intervention. As noted earlier, such a device is configured by the system administrator if it is shipped to stores.
It has become widespread among programmers or those who often work with programs that require automated actions. And for them, she presents the following opportunities:
- Quick entry of information.
- The ability to simplify cash transactions.
- Each key has its own function.
- Improving the quality of work by automating certain processes.
Advantages
The keyboard, of course, has several advantages. Among which:
- The speed of the action, which occurs due to systematization.
- Task integration.
- Increasing labor productivity. For example, in stores, the seller does not have to independently calculate the cost of production, this is done by a reader.
- Functionality and multitasking.
- Work with a familiar keyboard.
- High data security.
disadvantages
But there are also a number of shortcomings that can scare a beginner programmer out:
- The built-in card reader breaks with the keyboard.
- The relatively high cost of production.
- You need to know the basics of programming and to understand this.
- Sometimes you need knowledge of English.
- The keyboard requires maintenance.
But despite the above disadvantages, it helps a person automate the process, which greatly simplifies not only the work of sellers, but also speeds up payment for purchases for customers.
Where is it used?
She received her distribution:
- In stores with cash settlement.
- At enterprises and industries.
- In logistics companies.
- In stock counting.
Ordinary users use it to simplify the work with some programs. For example, you can program certain keys so that when pressed they open a command or start a process.
Programmable keyboard "Atol KB-60-KU"
The company produces hardware to automate the processes of sale or purchase. On the official website, the keyboard costs 6,700 rubles, which translates to $ 120 in dollars.
In terms of spatial parameters, the keyboard is smaller than usual. Ensure smooth operation and is compatible with most operating systems. Other features:
- For customization, you can connect a familiar keyboard.
- Built-in metal plate for protection against static electricity.
- Low cost of service.
- Relatively small sizes.
- Convenient software.
- The keys are equipped with a protective mechanism.
For business, the Atol programmable keyboard is one of the best solutions. In fairness, we will consider another input device.
Posiflex KB 6600-M2
The price of the device starts at 6,500 rubles, which in terms of dollars is approximately $ 115. The total number of keys is 84, they have 5 "layers" of programming. Works with newer versions of Windows and even with DOS.
The keys stop working normally after 15 million keystrokes. The amount of volatile memory is 8 KB. It is possible to integrate a magnetic card reader, available in two colors:
It has the following advantages:
- Protection against dust, dirt and moisture.
- Relatively small size.
- The durability of the equipment, the magnetic card reader will serve about 500 thousand readings.
In general, the Posiflex programmable keyboard is Atoll’s main competitor. It is quite ergonomic and pleasant to look at, also convenient in execution and functional.