The present invention provides a trading keyboard that can be configured both physically and functionally according to a user's preferences. The trading keyboard preferably includes self-identifying key covers that can be physically arranged on any of the keyboard's key bases. Detection mechanisms included in the key bases detect the commands of the trading application associated with each self-identifying key cover. Therefore, the user may reposition the key covers on the keyboard according to the user's preferences, and yet retain the same functionality for the key covers. The user may also switch between keyboard modes that allow the keyboard to be functionally reconfigured. By selecting different modes, the user can chose between different keyboard mapping configurations that assign the functions of the trading application to the keys in different arrangements. The mode selection mechanism may also be used to select between different commands associated with a single key or key cover.