A Three-Set Type Korean Keyboard Model, 38K, with High Compatibility to the KS Computer Keyboard

Objective:The purpose of this study is to design a three-set type (Sebulsik) keyboard that is to input Korean text with no shifted keys and also compatible with the standard Korean computer keyboard or ANSI keyboard. Background: The KS computer keyboard is two-set type (Dubulsik). Existing and proposed designs of three-set type of past studies are not compatible with KS or ANSI keyboard and are complex with many redundant letters. Method: The number of Korean letters for 3-set type is analyzed. Then Korean letters are arranged with normality and with spatial compatibility to the KS Korean keyboard, and symbols were arranged to same positions with ANSI keyboard. Results: Initial consonants of 14 numbers and 6 vowels are arranged as exactly same positions of KS keyboard, and other vowels are arranged with spatial compatibility. Symbols are arranged to the same positions with ANSI keyboard, and 10 digits are confirmed and has compatibility to International standard. Conclusion: A 38-key model, 38K, is designed to require minimal keys to input Korean text with no shifted keys, increased the compatibility to the KS Korean computer keyboard. Application: Using the proposed 38-key model, 38K, it can be taken into account for keyboards in industrial production. It is applicable to user group of 3-set type Korean keyboard with more easy than past keyboards.