Keyboard

Tae Hanazono asking a question in the other day.

Is a keyboard a board "of" keys, or a board "for" keys?

In music context (piano, synthesizer, computer), it will be "board of keys".

First, I take a look at definition of keyboard, which is "A set of keys on a piano or similar musical instrument.". The use of "of" word in "A set of keys" makes this clear that for piano, a keyboard is a board of keys. Board of keys also makes sense for computer keyboard if that's not enough for you.

So, what exactly is "board for keys" then? Board for keys is actually key hook (or key hanger, you name it). In Indonesia language, "board for keys" means "papan untuk kunci" and "board of keys" means "papan kunci". Since "papan kunci" doesn't fully makes sense, so it should be "papan tuts" in music context. "ivory" or "key" in English means "tuts" in Indonesia for music context. Unfortunately in English, key for keyboard and key for opening a door is both called "key" (or "keys" if there are more than 1 key).

A simple tip: If you search "board of keys" and "board for keys" in Google (with the double quote), you'll get different result. The former will be more music-related and the latter will be key hook. Honestly, I would say this is situation where the use of "for" and "of" can cause significant context differences.

As a Tae Hanazono fan, this question really surprise me and bothers me at same time.