Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Keyboard"

To sign "keyboard," hold both hands out in front of you with your palms facing down and fingers slightly curved. Wiggle your fingers up and down as if pressing keys. Move your hands slightly side to side, mimicking the natural action of typing on a computer keyboard.

Examples Using "Keyboard" in a Sentence

1

My keyboard is broken.

Sign 'MY', then perform the wiggling motion for 'KEYBOARD', and finish with the sign for 'BROKEN'.

2

I bought a new keyboard.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'BUY', then 'NEW', and finish with the 'KEYBOARD' sign.

3

Where is the keyboard?

Sign 'KEYBOARD', then sign 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question.

How to Sign "Keyboard"
To sign "keyboard," hold both hands out in front of you with your palms facing down and fingers slightly curved. Wiggle your fingers up and down as if pressing keys. Move your hands slightly side to side, mimicking the natural action of typing on a computer keyboard.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This is a highly iconic sign. The handshape, palm orientation, and wiggling motion directly mimic the physical action of a person's hands typing on a computer or typewriter keyboard.
Signing Tips
Keep your hands relaxed and your fingers loose so the wiggling motion looks natural and fluid. Imagine you are actually resting your hands on a physical keyboard on a desk in front of you to get the height and spacing just right.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is keeping the fingers too stiff or perfectly straight, which makes the sign look robotic. Another mistake is making the wiggling motion too large or exaggerated; it should be a small, quick fluttering movement just like real typing.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Keyboard" in a Sentence
1

My keyboard is broken.

Sign 'MY', then perform the wiggling motion for 'KEYBOARD', and finish with the sign for 'BROKEN'.

2

I bought a new keyboard.

Point to yourself for 'I', sign 'BUY', then 'NEW', and finish with the 'KEYBOARD' sign.

3

Where is the keyboard?

Sign 'KEYBOARD', then sign 'WHERE' while furrowing your eyebrows to indicate a 'wh-' question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'keyboard' the same as 'type'?

Yes, the sign for 'keyboard' and the verb 'to type' are exactly the same. The context of your sentence will easily tell the listener whether you mean the physical object or the action.

Does this sign apply to musical keyboards too?

Yes, you can use this sign for a musical keyboard or piano. However, when signing 'piano,' people often move their hands further outward to the sides to emphasize the length of the instrument.

How fast should I wiggle my fingers?

A moderate, natural pace is best. You do not need to wiggle them frantically; just move them enough to clearly show the fluttering motion of pressing keys.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!