How to Get Rid of Special Characters on Keyboard
Are you tired of accidentally typing special characters on your keyboard? Whether it’s an extra underscore, a misplaced accent mark, or a mysterious symbol, these characters can disrupt your workflow and frustrate your typing experience. The good news is that there are several methods you can use to get rid of special characters on your keyboard. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to eliminate these unwanted characters and improve your typing efficiency.
1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the simplest ways to get rid of special characters on your keyboard is by using keyboard shortcuts. Many operating systems and applications have built-in shortcuts that can help you quickly remove or replace special characters. For example, in Windows, you can press the “Alt” key and type the Unicode code point of the character you want to remove. In macOS, you can use the “Option” key and the numeric keypad to input special characters, and then press “Backspace” to delete them.
2. Modify Keyboard Layout
Another effective method is to modify your keyboard layout. By changing the layout to a different one, you can eliminate the special characters that are causing you trouble. For instance, if you’re using a QWERTY layout and accidentally type an accented character, you can switch to a US International layout, which doesn’t include those characters. To change your keyboard layout, go to the “Region & Language” settings on Windows or the “Keyboard” settings on macOS.
3. Use a Third-Party Keyboard App
If the built-in methods don’t work for you, you can try using a third-party keyboard app. These apps offer more customization options and can help you remove or disable special characters. Some popular keyboard apps include SwiftKey, Gboard, and Fleksy. These apps allow you to create custom keyboard layouts, disable certain keys, or even replace them with more useful ones.
4. Clean Your Keyboard
Sometimes, the issue may not be with the keyboard itself but with the keys being dirty or clogged with dust. Over time, debris can accumulate under the keys, causing them to stick or register incorrect characters. To clean your keyboard, turn it off and use compressed air to blow out the dust. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the keys gently.
5. Update Your Keyboard Drivers
If you’re using a mechanical keyboard or a keyboard with custom features, updating your keyboard drivers can help resolve issues with special characters. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility problems and lead to unexpected behavior. To update your keyboard drivers, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your specific keyboard model.
In conclusion, getting rid of special characters on your keyboard can be a straightforward process, depending on the cause of the issue. By using keyboard shortcuts, modifying your keyboard layout, using a third-party keyboard app, cleaning your keyboard, or updating your keyboard drivers, you can eliminate these unwanted characters and enjoy a more efficient typing experience.
