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Definition: virtual keyboard


(1) An on-screen keyboard that is used with a mouse. An accessibility option for people with impairments, the keys are pressed by pointing to the key on screen and clicking the mouse.

(2) A keyboard displayed on a touchscreen. Also called a "soft keyboard" and "digital keyboard," tapping the "virtual keys" with a stylus or finger is the same as pressing a real key on a keyboard. Contrast with physical keyboard. See soft key.




The iPhone's Virtual Keyboard
Until you remove your finger on the iPhone keyboard, there is no input. If you press the wrong letter, which you can tell immediately from the enlarged letter feedback, you can slide your finger to the correct letter and then let go.




(3) A full keyboard displayed from a pocket-sized projector. When a person types, the key depressions are picked up by an optical or electronic beam.




Lightweight and Full Size
This small Brookstone unit (red arrow) projects a virtual keyboard onto a flat surface, allowing a full-size keyboard to be used anywhere.