Abstract: A computer input device, i.e. a keyboard, employs a reduced number of keys for entering words, numbers and commands. A novel and economical data encoding technique is employed which assigns single four bit code words (known as quytes) to the Arabic numerals 0-9, two quytes to the letters of the alphabet, and three or more quytes to various "software key" represented commands. This encoding technique not only decreases memory space requirements, but also increases processing speed. To enable an operator to select virtually any number of software keys, a plurality of additional function keys is provided, and these can be operated in a sequential manner along with the arrow and comma keys to generate a software key comprised of any number of quytes. The end of a software key is signified by the actuation of a letter key. Each software key can be represented by an icon which graphically combines all of the key symbols that are necessary to invoke it.