Abstract: A reconfigurable keyboard (10) includes a base (12) and a keyboard surface (14). The keyboard surface (14) has a plurality of keys (48) disposed thereon. Each of the keys (48) is associated with a key switch (34). An overlay (50) covers the key switches (34) that are not connected to keys (48). In this manner, only select ones of the key switches (34) are accessible. A CPU (78) controls the operation of the keyboard (10) and has stored therein key tables which define the function of each of the accessible keys (48) on the keyboard panel (14). A display (16) is provided for displaying messages which are also stored.