The Evolution of The Keyboard

Image Source

The keyboard has its origins in typewriters, which date back into the 1700s. They have been standards of government and commercial officers for more than a century, only to be replaced by the computer keyboard. The old typewriter was mechanical, and jammed when a user increased his or her speed. However, it was still a much needed and welcomed invention of old times. Imagine writing out a book hundreds of pages long and you would visualize the need of typewriters then. Luckily for us, the evolution of keyboards (and computers) has enabled to publish something just by hitting the print button.

1980s

Image Source

One of the earliest (and perhaps more popular) successors to the typewriter was this brick, the Commodore 64 keyboard. Released into the market in 1982, this keyboard incorporates the whole central processing unit (CPU) , accounting for its size. It’s sales have totalled 30 million, making it the best single computer (and keyboard) to be sold in all time. The processor speed was about 1 megahertz. Puny, but it was the standard of that time.

1990s

Image Source

This keyboard from the 90s is probably more familiar to younger audiences. Keys like “SHIFT” and “CONTROL” is still present from the older eras (and they are still present today), but there is the addition of the windows key with a flag, as is a requirement for windows keyboards. This is probably a early example of a real keyboard, as it is rendered useless without a unit that processes the input, unlike the commodore 64 keyboard above.

Later 1990s

Image Source

Apple is one of the first to introduce a ergonomic and adjustable keyboard after numerous companies get sued over poor keyboard design, which caused some users to get carpal tunnel syndrome. The keyboard included volume buttons and a record button on the right side of the keyboard, adding functionality. Released in 1993, the keyboard came with contoured plastic wrist rests and was hinged at the top to allow the user to adjust the angle of the keyboard to one he or she is comfortable with. Such comfort however, does not come cheap and cost a hefty US$219 at that time, which accounting for inflation is US$ 432 today. Apple never got around to sell products for an apple sadly.

Beyond

Image Source

Beyond the 1990s keyboard manufacturers have literally gone crazy with keyboard designs, and this one is probably from some guy who like spilling coffee over his keyboard, for it is fully waterproof. It can also be folded, saving valuable storage space. The advancement of keyboards had allowed such designs to take form. It is also interesting to note the USB to PS/2 socket converter. The keyboard world has taken a turn towards USB technology, which is admittedly useful only for smaller desktops and laptops, as other platforms have a specialized keyboard socket.

Almost Sci-Fi

Image Source

This looks almost unbelievable, but yes, this is I-Tech’s virtual keyboard. From a machine a little larger than a cell phone, a laser image of a keyboard is projected out on any flat surface and you can just start typing. It even gives out clicking noises when it registers a key press. All this is connected to the CPU via bluetooth. As with Apple’s (then) cutting age adjustable keyboard, this costs a premium, at US$ 200.

“640K ought to be enough for anybody.” – Bill Gates, 1981

With that, I conclude this article. If you have any experiences to share or thoughts, the bottom of this article is yours.