Evolution of the Typewriter

Evolution of the TypewriterBy: Celine Kelly

The Beginning of a Typewritter

UNIVAC Computer

Exposed Keyboard

IBM Model M Keyboard

True Touch Roll-Up Keyboard

From 1829-1870 there were many different typewritters but non went mainstream nor had a cermicial. Non of them were that good besides two. The first one was a homemade typewritter from Brasil which was made out of wood and knives. But Brazilians argue that that was the first typewritter. The second one was a writting ball.

Bell Labs and M.I.T. created the MULTICS computer. It was a time-sharing, multi-user system with a video display terminal. Seeing the words come up on the screen made it easier to communicating commands, programs, and controls computers more efficiently. By late 1970s every computer had a video display terminal and an electris keyboard.

In 1970 they made personal built in keyboards in computers. In the mid-1970 Imsai and Altair created the very first small PCs for consumer uses and was refered to as the S100 computer system. The keyboards location was the front panel of the computer, as a set of key switches. If people wanted a standered keyboard, IBM sold a electric typewritter but the problem was supplies were low and demands weren't high. So they converted their own electric typewriters if they wanted an easier way to use a keyboard to enter program codes.

In 1990s membrance switches began to replace mechanical key switch. It was a quieter, weighed less, and suited needs of laptops. These keyboards were an advantage for manufactures because it was cheapter to make. Sadly the quality of the keyboard significantly dropped because of the keyboards aesthetics dominated by slimmer, quieter, weight lighter and also easier to transport.

As technology got better they experimented and made true touch roll-up, thumb sized, water proof and keyboards with a mouse keyboard. But still to this day just like every other keyboard or typewriter there are still problems. The keys are hard to press down and typing long essays, information notes or playing games with these will hurt and it will take you longer to push down on each key.

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