A programmable key is a key on a computer or cell phone that can be programmed to perform several different functions at the user’s choosing. Most keys, including letters on computer keyboards and numbers on cell phones, are considered “hard keys” because they cannot be reprogrammed. Pressing the “K” key will always type that letter, for example, in the same way that typing “7” on a telephone will dial that number. Programmable keys are keys whose function is left to the discretion of the user.
Function keys can often be found on laptops because keyboards are not large enough to support all possible functions.
On most computer keyboards, the “function” or “F” keys have the necessary button flexibility to be function keys. Users can usually program this type of key through their computer’s control panel or desktop preferences settings. Common commands for these keys include opening certain applications, launching a web browser, ejecting disks or other external devices, and saving entered content to a word processor or web template.
Many older cell phones have two soft keys just below the screen.
There are rarely any restrictions on what keys can be programmed to do. These keys can often duplicate the commands of other shortcut keys and can be updated at any time. The main goal is to promote control and ease of use.
Programming is also never permanent. Users can often change the function of the key repeatedly. The computer keeps track of these updates and changes in its internal recorder.
Programmable keys on mobile phones work the same way. Traditional cell phones—that is, cell phones that are not smartphones or rely on a traditional number pad instead of a keyboard—often have two softkeys directly below the screen, one to the right and one to the left. left. Most of the time, each key comes with a function when it arrives from the manufacturer. These keys usually start by opening the phone menu or opening the phone book. Users can reprogram them to suit their individual needs.
Depending on the phone, even the number keys can function as semi-soft keys. A number key is not a true function key, as its number memory can never be taken out. However, most cell phones are designed to recognize the differences in short and long presses, which creates more options.
On most mobile phones, the first three numbers (1, 2 and 3) can be programmed as speed dial keys. Pressing the keys briefly will enter the number on the dial pad, but holding down the number key for a long time will cause the phone to dial a preprogrammed number. In this case, the number key acts as a programmable key because it has been programmed by the user to perform a specific task.
The term has a slightly different meaning on smartphones with touchscreen keyboards, or keyboards that appear graphically on the device’s screen display rather than fixed buttons. Many manufacturers refer to these types of keyboards as “soft key keyboards.” This has more to do with the physical nature of keyboards than their function: the keys are soft to the touch, but they can’t necessarily be reprogrammable.
