Rollover (key)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rollover is the ability of a computer keyboard to correctly handle several simultaneous keystrokes.

Contents 1 Normal typing 2 N-key rollover 2.1 3-key rollover 3 References

[edit] Normal typing

During normal typing on a conventional computer keyboard, only one key is typically being pressed by the user at any given time; each key is released before the next key is struck. However, this is not always the case. When using modifier keys such as Shift or Control, the user will intentionally hold down the modifier key(s) while striking and releasing another key. Rapid typists may sometimes inadvertently press a key before releasing the previous one. Certain unusual forms of keyboarding require multiple keys to be struck or held down simultaneously- for example, Braille2000 keying requires that as many as six keys be struck at once.^[1] Some computer games have interfaces requiring holding down keys (other than the usual modifier keys) while pressing and releasing other keys. ^[2]

[edit] N-key rollover

Certain high-end keyboards have "n-key rollover". This means that each key is scanned completely independently by the keyboard hardware, so that each keypress is correctly detected regardless of how many other keys are being pressed or held down at the time. ^[3]

However, to reduce cost and design complexity, most keyboards do not isolate all keys in this way. Instead, they use a matrix of key switches that assumes that only a limited number of keys will be held down at any given time.

[edit] 3-key rollover

For example, a keyboard with "3-key rollover" can reliably detect any three keys used simultaneously; in other words, a user can hold down any two keys on the keyboard, press any third key, and have the keypress correctly detected by the computer. However, if the user holds down three keys and attempts to strike a fourth, the keypress may be ignored, or may be interpreted as some key other than the one which was actually struck.

3-key rollover is considered essential for English touch typing. ^[3]

[edit] References

1. ^ Braille2000: Keyboard Requirements. Retrieved on July 19, 2006.
2. ^ Looking for a new keyboard? (2004-10-26). Retrieved on July 19, 2006.
3. ^ ^{a b} TechEncyclopedia: n-key rollover. Retrieved on July 19, 2006.