A keypad is a set of buttons arranged in a block or “pad” that bears digits, symbols, or alphabetical letters. Pads mostly containing numbers are called numeric keypads. In this article, we will learn about keypad origins, functions, and different ways in which they contribute to modern life.

What is a Keypad?

Keypad is one of the very basic device to interact with machine or technology. In digital age where technology is present everywhere and is included in many parts of society keypad plays a role of very common input device used in many technologies and machine. In simple terms we can define keypad as a set of buttons arranged on a block that contains digits, alphabets or symbols, which can be used as an efficient input device. In most device or we can say commonly found keypad in example in computer contains purely numbers. In phone keypads are typically alphanumeric, (which means it contains both alphabet and numbers) which allows the user to give input in text(messages) but nowadays smartphones provide keyboard type function to write names and use alphabets.

Origin of Keypad

The concept of keypad can be traced back to early days of telecommunication. When telephone systems evolved from rotary dials to touch-tone keypads in 1960s it can be considered the start of keypad merging in our daily life. This transition allowed for faster and more efficient dialing, laying the foundation for the keypads we encounter today.

In the 1950s, at Bell Labs’ Human Factors Engineering Department led by John Karlin, Richard Deininger created the modern telephone keypad. This is the design which are used even today and it become foundation of traditional keypad used in phone and computers. The keypad designed has 12 buttons in 4X3 matrix with each row containing 3 numbers and in last row it contain * 0 # which are used in mobile phones. This design is not fixed and vary from device to device according to its need .

Layout of Keyboard

A keypad usually consists of a set of keys arranged in a grid pattern, each labeled with numerical digits, letters, or symbols. The design normally vary from device to device according to need with some keypads featuring additional buttons for specific functions such as “Enter,” “Clear,” or “Function” as an example.

The below diagram shows the most simple and commonly numeric keypad which contains number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, *, 0 and # with three in one row and total of four rows. It can be used as basic design to show numeric keypad and others forms are similar to it. For example : if used in keypad mobile phones it will be same but will contains alphabet with each number to know more about how it actually look check in application of keypad in different devices section.

Commonly found Numeric Keypad

Keypads find application in a many of devices some of them includes smartphones, ATMs, security systems, and even household appliances. The design and layout of a keypad are often tailored made to suit the specific requirements of the device it is integrated into, to ensure user-friendly interactions.

Application Of Keypad In Different Devices

Below are some applications of Keypad.

• Security: One of the primary roles of keypads is in providing security and access control. Personal Identification Number( PIN ) entry is a common method for authentication and granting access to secure systems. This can be seen in door access control systems, where users must enter a correct PIN to unlock a door.
• ATM: ATMs also heavily rely on keypads to secure financial transactions. The combination of ATM card and a confidential PIN adds an extra layer of security, protecting users from unauthorized access to their accounts. A 4 digit PIN is generally used as password in ATM which are entered through keypads and the amount to be withdrawal is also entered through keypad. This is also alphanumeric keypad with additional buttons on side as Enter, Cancel, etc. as you can see in picture shown below.

keypad used in ATM

• Computer: Desktop, Laptops and other computer all uses keyboard which include numeric keypad as shown in picture attached .It acts as input device for entering numeric data to computer. It contains normal decimal digits with some symbols like + – * / . and some keys like delete, page-up, page-down, end , arrow keys , enter and num lock. As some laptop might contain numeric keypad in its keyboard but due to size and compact issue some laptops are made without any keypad in keyboards. This leads to buy external keypad by some people which shows the need of it in computer as it is more convenient to use keypad and its importance in todays world.

Keypad used in computer

• Smartphones or Mobile: In keypad mobile(not touchpad phone) there input is just through the physical keypad provided with device. In smartphone also when we need to dial and give input number then screen shows with traditional keypad like format as shown in picture. This keypad would have most impression on you as we are always using such format in our own mobile phone. In early days key alphanumeric keypad were used in mobile phones but with advancement of technology smartphone have keyboard for texting separately but still contains numeric keypad while dialing password or and other number related input. It also kept traditional alphanumeric keypad format as it is used in dial call section.

dial keypad(alphanumeric keypad) in smartphone

Keypads are serving an important interface for human-machine interaction. The input provided by pressing physical keys allows users to input information quickly and accurately. This is important where a touch screen interface might be less practical such as in low-light conditions or for individuals with visual impairments.

Future of Keypads

As technology is advancing keypads is also involving. Touch-sensitive keypads and virtual keyboards are becoming increasingly common especially in smartphones and tablets. The development of Virtual Reality also have integration with traditional keypads in virtual forms in it which shows it will not be excluded as number will always be used so will be keypad. The future might witness innovative forms of keypads in virtual environments ensuring that the fundamental concept of entering numbers and symbols endures.

Conclusion

In conclusion the keypad which is often ignored due to its simplicity still is a key device in our interactions with technology. From securing our information to facilitating quick data entry, keypads continue to be an essential part of our technologically-driven world, adapting and evolving with the changing times. So we can conclude it as an irreplaceable part from technology in near future as it is one of the best way for numeric input and is integrated in daily life from ATM, Passcode in smartphones, Door lock password, Telephones to many more other technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions on Keypad – FAQs

Why use keypad lock?

As these locks don’t need to sustain the constant friction of turning and inserting keys unlike traditional locks makes it a much more durable optioQn. When it comes to security, convenience and ease of use, nothing can beat the advantages that a keypad lock has to offer.

What devices have a keypad?

Numeric keypads are commonly found on desktop computers, laptops, and specialized input devices like point-of-sale terminals or cash registers.

Is a keypad input or output?

Keypad is Input device.  An input device is a hardware device that transfers data to a computer system and allows us to control it.