noun
Refers to the marked surface of a meter, clock, or watch where numbers or symbols are displayed.
時計の文字盤が割れてしまった。
The face of the clock cracked.
温度計の文字盤を見て、気温を確認した。
I checked the temperature by looking at the dial of the thermometer.
noun
Used for the key layout of a typewriter, computer, or similar device; less common than キーボード in modern contexts.
昔のタイプライターの文字盤は配列が今と少し違う。
The keyboard layout of old typewriters is a bit different from today's.
noun
letter board; communication board
A board with letters or symbols used as a communication aid for people who cannot speak; a specialized assistive device.
話せない患者は文字盤を使って意思を伝えた。
The patient who could not speak communicated using a letter board.
キーボード is the common modern word for a computer keyboard; 文字盤 is more traditional and can refer to typewriter keyboards or specialized boards.
Compound of 文字 (moji, 'character, letter') and 盤 (ban, 'board, plate'). The word transparently describes a board or plate marked with characters or symbols.