The majority of kiosks today use touchscreens but there is evidence that this is declining. Most of the internet based kiosks such as web payphones provide their clients with keyboards. Because the clients who use these facilities are mostly web surfers and email users, they are more familiar with the use of keyboards. In general touchscreens will remain popular for use in the public and retail sectors but keyboards will most likely be used in the fast growing internet based kiosks segment.

Simply installing a pc styled keyboard to your kiosk is not recommended. The keyboard needs to be modified to protect the kiosk from hackers, vandals and accidental spillage of liquids. A fully functional keyboard is an irresistible target for some users to try and hack into the system. A starting point is to remove the Ctrl and Alt keys from the keyboard. It will make it a lot more difficult to hack into the system without these keys. The F1 to F12 functions can also be removed. You can purchase keyboards that are specially designed for kiosks that do not have unnecessary keys.

Never rearrange the keys of the keyboard. People are used to keys that they use often and they will not appreciate wasting time looking for a familiar keyboard when they are paying for connection time.

Several manufacturers are now making keyboards that are sealed to keep out liquids and offer some protection against vandalism. When you decide to purchase one of these keyboards you have to keep a couple of things in mind. Firstly you have to decide if it is worth it to pay up to ten times more for this kind of keyboard. You also need to weigh it up against the ease of use for the client as the keys on these keyboards tend to require a considerable amount of pressure to depress them.

Touchscreens are useful when your client base is likely to be non pc users. Many people feel intimidated to use an equipment attached to a pc keyboard. Some people have yet to learn to type let alone use a pc. If you are going to use touchscreens it is important to provide visual and audio feedback to the user. The user will need some indication that his/her touch was accepted. It is mostly better to keep the keys close to real keyboard keys and to make them as big as space will allow.