For entering text into a system, a keyboard would normally seem to be the input device of choice. To be more specific, a common computer keyboard rather than a mobile phone keyboard, for example. This is because a larger keyboard with separate keys for each letter will typically allow for faster rates of entry.

Keyboard Layouts

The typical keyboard layout that is used by most people around the world is the QWERTY keyboard layout. This was initially developed all the way back in 1868. The reason this layout is called the QWERTY layout is that the letters Q, W, E, R, T, and Y make up the first 6 characters on the top line of the keyboard layout reading from left to right. The QWERTY layout enables faster typing than a typical alphabetical keyboard layout. It is not the absolute optimal layout but since it is still so good, it persists despite the more efficient layouts which have been developed.

The main alternative layout to QWERTY would be the DVORAK keyboard layout (1936). The DVORAK layout is based on extended research and has the intention of reducing the chances of repetitive strain injury (RSI). It is also suitable for faster typing rates.

There are alternative text entry methods that are more distant from the common keyboard we are familiar with.

Chord Keyboards

Chord keyboards use combinations of simultaneous key presses to type text. These types of keyboards are harder to learn but they allow for faster one handed input which can be useful in various scenarios.

Handwriting Recognition

Handwriting recognition can be used with natural writing or symbolic writing. Natural handwriting recognition attempts to recognise writing which has written as it would normally be written on paper. Symbolic writing recognition involves translating symbols (which usually bear a resemblance to normal characters). The Palm OS used this symbolic recognition technique. This can allow for greater accuracy in recognising the handwriting input but it requires the user to learn a new style of writing.

Speech Recognition

Speech recognition can be used to recognise natural language or specific commands. Recognising specific commands from a limited set of possibilities allows for much greater accuracy. Successful natural speech recognition requires a lot of processing power and often, "training" of the software to the uniqueness of the user's voice is required.

Out of all these text input styles, keyboards always come out best when it comes to input speed (typically measured in average words per minute) as well as accuracy.

Search for "Text Input Methods" on: Google | Kelkoo | Amazon | eBay (UK) | eBay (US)

Search for "Text Input Methods" on the rest of Computing Students: Text Input Methods