Shift key

The Shift key or the Shift key ( engl. shift switch, ',' adjust ',' change ') is a key that is found on keyboards of computers and typewriters ( shift key ) - typically even twice: left and right. They are labeled on PC keyboards usually flush left with an upward-pointing arrow inverted: ⇧

The buttons are used to switch between modes, for example, between the first and second assignment of all keyboard keys to change. So you can enter by pressing the Shift key to its uppercase equivalent instead of a lowercase letter. In addition, you can enter several special characters that are assigned to the number keys on the alphanumeric keyboard area as a secondary occupation. To better support the ten- finger system, there are two shift keys, both right and left, with mostly identical function. Some programs distinguish between left and right Shift key, especially games, word processing programs typically but not.

In mechanical typewriters the so-called shift key raises the platen or lowers the type lever basket and ensures that the types are beaten at a different position against the ink ribbon, thereby uppercase ( or special ) signs came to the paper. In a recent (electro) mechanical typewriter, however, the paper roll is always unchanged, and the now -called Shift key lowers with either the lever rotates the basket or ball head or the type wheel 180 degrees.

The button is used for different key combinations for the control of operating system functions. So no autostart at startup and no autorun when you insert or plugging of media (CDs, memory cards, USB sticks) performed while the button is pressed, for example, on Microsoft Windows. ⇧ arrow key select text in the corresponding direction, additional holding Ctrl always liked all words ( just to the left and right).

To avoid random results is not to take the " simultaneous pressing Shift " literally. In fact, they must be more or less pressed shortly before the intended character key pressed and correspondingly long, depending on the technique used and maintained. In a computer keyboard keystroke few milliseconds is sufficient before and releasing the Shift key can be carried out safely before loosening the character key. In other words: As you enter the desired capital letter (or special character ) must be pressed that button. In an (electro) mechanical typewriter Shift must be much pressed earlier and kept mostly to well after the attack of the type.