# Shift lock
**Wikidata**: [Q2239588](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2239588)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shift-lock

## Summary
Shift lock is a toggle key on a computer keyboard that locks the Shift key function, allowing users to type capital letters or access shifted characters without holding the Shift key down. It belongs to the class of lock keys, which modify keyboard behavior when activated.

## Key Facts
- **instance_of:** computer key, lock key
- **aliases:** Shift Lock
- **sitelink_count:** 2
- **wikipedia_languages:** German (de), Dutch (nl)
- **google_knowledge_graph_id:** /g/121cxnn_
- **related_class:** computer key (physical button on a computer keyboard)
- **related_class:** lock key (computer key that toggles application state)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Shift lock?
A: Shift lock allows users to type capital letters or access shifted characters (like !, @, #) without needing to continuously hold down the Shift key. It acts as a toggle, locking the Shift function on until deactivated.

### Q: How is Shift lock different from Caps Lock?
A: While both are toggle keys, Shift lock specifically locks the *Shift key's* function (affecting both letters and symbols), whereas Caps Lock typically only locks the capitalization of letters, leaving symbol access requiring the Shift key.

### Q: Where can I find more information about Shift lock?
A: Detailed information is available on its German and Dutch Wikipedia pages, and it is indexed in the Google Knowledge Graph under ID /g/121cxnn_.

## Why It Matters
Shift lock provides a crucial ergonomic solution for users needing to type extended sequences of capital letters or symbols. By eliminating the need to hold down the Shift key, it reduces finger strain and improves typing speed and comfort for tasks like entering passwords, writing in all caps, or frequently using punctuation. As a fundamental lock key classification, it represents a core mechanism for modifying keyboard input state, contributing significantly to user accessibility and efficiency in text input across various computing environments.

## Notable For
- Classification as a distinct type of **lock key**, specifically designed to toggle the Shift function.
- Presence in **multiple language editions** of Wikipedia (German and Dutch).
- Inclusion in the **Google Knowledge Graph**, indicating its recognition as a defined computing concept.
- Being a **subclass of computer key**, emphasizing its physical presence on keyboards.

## Body
### Classification and Functionality
Shift lock is categorized as both a **computer key** (a physical button on a keyboard) and a **lock key** (a key that toggles a specific application state). Its primary function is to lock the Shift key's behavior. When activated, pressing a letter key produces its capital version, and pressing a symbol key produces the shifted symbol (e.g., pressing 'a' gives 'A', pressing '1' gives '!'). The lock remains active until Shift lock is deactivated, typically by pressing the Shift lock key again or sometimes by pressing the Shift key itself, depending on the keyboard implementation.

### Knowledge Representation
Shift lock is documented in **Wikipedia** in at least two languages: German (`de`) and Dutch (`nl`). It is also indexed within the **Google Knowledge Graph** under the unique identifier `/g/121cxnn_`. This indicates its recognition as a defined entity within structured knowledge bases. The entity has **2 sitelinks**, referring to links from different Wikimedia projects (primarily the Wikipedia entries in German and Dutch).