The OS converts the scancode into a specific binary character code using a 'scancode to character' conversion table, called the keyboard mapping table. Modern computer keyboards are designed to send a scancode to the operating system (OS) when a key is pressed or released: this code reports only the key's row and column, not the specific character engraved on that key. Functional layout is the arrangement of the key-meaning association or keyboard mapping, determined in software, of all the keys of a keyboard it is this (rather than the legends) that determines the actual response to a key press. Visual layout is the arrangement of the legends (labels, markings, engravings) that appear on those keys. Physical layout is the actual positioning of keys on a keyboard. The 104-key US QWERTY layoutĪ keyboard layout is any specific physical, visual or functional arrangement of the keys, legends, or key-meaning associations (respectively) of a computer keyboard, mobile phone, or other computer-controlled typographic keyboard. For keyboards used in music, see Musical keyboard. For the underlying physical structure and electronic mechanisms of computer keyboards, see Keyboard technology. This article is about the physical and visual arrangement of the keys of a computer keyboard and their function as defined by software.
