What does the term "keystroke" refer to?

The term "keystroke" specifically refers to a single act of pressing down a key on the keyboard. This concept is fundamental in keyboarding and computing as it encompasses every individual input from the keyboard, whether it's a letter, number, function key, or any command key. Each keystroke is essential for a variety of keyboarding tasks, including typing text, entering commands, and performing keyboard shortcuts.

Understanding this definition is crucial for improving typing skills, as it allows individuals to focus on their technique, speed, and accuracy on a per-key basis, which ultimately enhances overall typing performance. Recognizing what constitutes a keystroke also helps in troubleshooting keyboard issues, where repeated keystrokes may be necessary for certain functions or applications.