The Keyboard and Mouse

The keyboard and mouse are two of the most common computer tools. You use the keyboard to type words and numbers. The mouse lets you point and click on things on the screen. Together, they help you control your computer.

The Keyboard

A keyboard has letters, numbers, and special keys. The spacebar is the longest key and adds spaces. The Enter key tells the computer you are done typing a line. The Backspace key erases mistakes. Most keyboards have over 100 keys.

The Mouse

A computer mouse moves a pointer on the screen. You click buttons on the mouse to select things. Some mice use a laser underneath to track movement. Laptop computers have a built-in touchpad instead of a mouse. Some people use a trackball, which is like an upside-down mouse.

Fun Facts

• The keyboard layout most people use is called QWERTY, named after the first six letters on the top row.
• The first computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964.
• Some keyboards are waterproof so you can even spill a drink on them.

Did You Know?

The QWERTY keyboard layout was designed in the 1870s for typewriters. It was made to keep common letter pairs apart so the typewriter arms would not jam!