Understanding Common Keyboard Keys and Their Functions

Published: 19 Apr 2025

Keyboards are essential input devices that serve as the primary method for typing and controlling computers. But have you ever thought about what each key actually does? Whether you’re typing a document, playing a game, or navigating software, understanding the keyboard key functions can save you time and boost productivity.

In this guide, we’ll explore the function of keys in keyboard systems, including the backspace key shortcut, delete button on keyboard, insert key in keyboard, control keys on keyboard, and many more. We’ll also explain how these keys work in combination with each other and how they differ across systems. Whether you’re new to computers or just want to brush up on your keyboard knowledge, this article covers all the essential keys.

Table of Content

Control Keys on Keyboard
Ctrl Key on Keyboard
Backspace Key Function and Shortcuts
1. Shortcut Key for Backspace
Delete Key on Keyboard
1. Del Button on Keyboard Functions
Insert Key Keyboard
1. Insert Button on Keyboard Use Cases
PgDn Key (Page Down)
1. Use Cases of PgDn
Shift Key on Keyboard
1. Other Shift Key Functions
Windows Key on Keyboard
1. Common Windows Key Shortcuts
Comparison of Insert, Delete, and Backspace
Keyboard Key Functions Overview
Conclusion
FAQ’s About Common Keyboard Keys and Their Functions

Control Keys on Keyboard

The control keys on keyboard are used to perform specific operations by combining them with other keys. The most common control keys include Ctrl (Control), Alt (Alternate), and the Shift key on keyboard.

Ctrl Key on Keyboard

The control key on keyboard is one of the most powerful and frequently used. It doesn’t perform any action on its own but is used in combination with other keys to perform quick commands or shortcuts. This helps users avoid using the mouse.

Common Ctrl Key Shortcuts:

Ctrl + C: Copy
Ctrl + V: Paste
Ctrl + Z: Undo
Ctrl + S: Save
Ctrl + A: Select all

Understanding the ctrl key function is essential for anyone using computers regularly.

Backspace Key Function and Shortcuts

The backspace key on keyboard is used to delete text or characters to the left of the cursor. Unlike the Delete key, which removes content to the right, Backspace acts more like an eraser for your most recent input.

Shortcut Key for Backspace

Although Backspace is already a dedicated key, it can work in combination with others:

Ctrl + Backspace: Delete one word to the left.
Shift + Backspace: Often functions as a redo key in some software.

Using the backspace shortcut key properly can help speed up text editing.

Delete Key on Keyboard

The delete key on keyboard removes content to the right of the cursor. It can delete individual letters, selected items, or even files.

Del Button on Keyboard Functions

Deletes text in documents.
Removes selected files to the Recycle Bin.
In gaming, it may serve a custom function like crouch or drop.

While backspace works backward, the del button on keyboard moves forward.

Insert Key Keyboard

The insert key in keyboard is often misunderstood. It switches between Insert mode (adds new text without deleting existing) and Overwrite mode (replaces existing characters as you type).

Insert Button on Keyboard Use Cases

In Word Processors: Switch between typing modes.
In Data Entry: Helps in overwriting existing numbers without using the mouse.
On Laptops: Sometimes combined with other functions like volume or brightness.

Not all modern keyboards feature a visible insert key on keyboard, but its function remains available via shortcuts or remapping.

PgDn Key (Page Down)

The pgdn key scrolls down by one screen length in documents, browsers, or PDFs.

Use Cases of PgDn

Navigate quickly through long documents.
Skip sections while reading articles or books online.
In Excel, move down one screen of cells.

Pairing PgDn key with Shift or Ctrl can change its behavior, like selecting or jumping multiple pages.

Shift Key on Keyboard

The shift key on keyboard is a modifier key that performs several important functions. It allows you to:

Type uppercase letters.
Access secondary characters (e.g., @, #, $, etc.).
Use in shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Other Shift Key Functions

Shift + Arrow Keys: Select text.
Shift + Delete: Permanently delete a file.
Shift + Enter: Insert a line break without a new paragraph.

Understanding this key is vital for power users.

Windows Key on Keyboard

The windows key on keyboard or window key in keyboard opens the Start Menu and works with shortcuts.

Common Windows Key Shortcuts

Win + D: Show desktop.
Win + E: Open File Explorer.
Win + L: Lock your computer.
Win + R: Open Run dialog.

This keyboard key function is essential for navigation and multitasking.

Comparison of Insert, Delete, and Backspace

Key	Deletes What?	Cursor Position	Notes
Backspace	Left of the cursor	Moves left	Erases letters/words
Delete	Right of the cursor	Stays in place	Deletes files, letters
Insert	Toggles modes	Typing position	Overwrites vs adds

Each of these keys serves a distinct role in editing and typing.

Keyboard Key Functions Overview

Key	Function Description
Ctrl	Shortcut activation key
Shift	Capitalization and alternate character access
Alt	Opens application menus or used in shortcuts
Windows Key	Opens Start Menu and performs system-level actions
Insert	Switches between typing modes
Delete	Deletes characters or files
Backspace	Removes content to the left
PgUp/PgDn	Scrolls documents or webpages
Esc	Cancels or exits a task

Understanding the function of a keyboard means knowing what each of these keys can do.

Conclusion

The keyboard isn’t just a typing tool—it’s a command center. Learning the functions of the keyboard empowers you to navigate, create, and work more efficiently. The control keys on keyboard, delete button, insert key in keyboard, and shift key on keyboard all work together to enhance your computing experience. Whether you’re new to using a computer or an experienced user, mastering the functions of keys in keyboard can make a noticeable difference.

FAQ’s About Common Keyboard Keys and Their Functions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to Common Keyboard Keys and Their Functions:

What is the function of the Ctrl key?

The Ctrl key allows you to perform shortcuts like copy (Ctrl + C) or paste (Ctrl + V) to save time.

What does the Delete key do on the keyboard?

The Delete key removes text or files to the right of the cursor or permanently deletes items.

What is the function of the Insert key in a keyboard?

It switches between insert and overwrite mode, allowing you to replace or insert text.

How is the Backspace key used in text editing?

Backspace deletes the character to the left of the cursor and helps fix typing errors.

Can I use the Shift key with other commands?

Yes, Shift can be used to select text or with Ctrl to access advanced commands like Task Manager.

What does the Windows key do?

It opens the Start Menu and helps perform system shortcuts like locking your PC (Win + L).

What is the use of PgDn key?

PgDn scrolls one screen down in a document, webpage, or spreadsheet.

Is the Insert key still used today?

Yes, but it’s less common now. Some applications still use it for editing and data entry.

What’s the difference between Delete and Backspace?

Backspace deletes left of the cursor, Delete removes content to the right.

Why are these keys important to understand?

Knowing the functions of keys in keyboard boosts productivity and makes computer tasks easier.