Abstract: An improved keyboard assembly and method for typing for use with a device for processing symbolic information, such as a word processor, is disclosed herein. Generally, the improved keyboard assembly comprises a plurality of mutually adjacent keys, each of which is substantially covered by a visual pattern formed from a combination of shape and coloring. The visual pattern on each key is manifestly different from the visual pattern on each adjacent key in order to facilitate visual discrimination between keys. However, the visual patterns on keys in the same rows or columns share at least one distinctive design feature in order to assist the operator in properly orienting his or her hands over the keyboard. To further enhance both key discrimination and proper manual orientation over the keyboard, keys on every other row have different surface textures to provide distinctive tactile signals to the keyboard operator whenever the different-textured keys are touched.