From Past to Present: How Keyboards Affect Our Lives

Various changes and advancements were seen over the past centuries. Even keyboards and typing technology have come a long way. Before we have the latest mechanical keyboards, evolution of the typewriter and various keyboard layouts were seen.

In the early 1700s, the first typing devices were designed, which were released to the public in the 1870s. Soon after, several updates, features, and layouts were done to cater people’s preference. From blind typing technology, it later turned to be the latest keyboards.

Over the years, typewriters have evolved into its electronic version which translated to the birth of computers and keyboards. A keyboard is one of the important computer interfaces because it’s through keystrokes that computer commands are done. Explore the advancements undergone by keyboards to meet the demands and standards for better gaming and typing experience.

Typewriter: The First Typing Device

Before the presence of mechanical keyboards, typewriters were the first typing device used. The first typing device was manufactured by Remington. This typewriter resembled a sewing machine, and some of which came with a foot pedal. This was the first commercially successful typewriter during that time.

The typewriter also had undergone a series of innovations. In 1829, the typo-writer was introduced. This device functioned using dials instead of keys, and it was intended for the blind. There were also many designs that came out which were made using household materials.
The design made by Reverend Hansen in 1865 caught the attention of the public because of its half-sphere ball-shape design. Soon after, IBM Selectric was released in 1961. This device printed letters without using typebars. With innovations undergone by typewriters, it all led to the birth of computer keyboards.

Creation of Computer Keyboards

With the birth and evolution of computers comes the innovation of keyboards. Before the use of mechanical keyboards, the first type of keyboard used punch cards to input data into the computer’s system. It was in the year 1964 that Bell Labs and MIT created the Multics computer which paved way to the creation of electric keyboards. These keyboards were heavy and mechanical for its market was primarily programmers and computer engineers.

In 1986, the first computer released by IBM was equipped with the Model M keyboard. This was the first mechanical keyswitch built-in keyboard. Soon after, membrane switches began to replace mechanical switches. Functions, designs, and quality were also improved as years went by. This addresses the need for a keyboard for gaming and typing.

Computer Keyboards at Present

Keyboards come in different styles, colors, qualities, and designs. These capture the public’s interest, but most people still value functionality over design.

At present, the widely used keyboard is the mechanical keyboard. It has spring-activated keyswitches, and it’s built with high quality. Various options of keyswitches are also provided depending on the keyboard application or purpose of the user.

As a gamer or a writer, mechanical keyboards provide options to the kind of support needed in avoiding too much typographical errors or accessing commands in a gaming session. With almost all people inclined to technology, it’s best to know the benefits of mechanical keyboard.

Mechanical Keyboard: Rate and Accuracy

Most of the users claim that a classic mechanical keyboard can type faster and accurately. The actuation force needed in mechanical keyboards is less; hence, this also lessens the chance of finger slips and typographical errors.

It has many types of switches with distinct feature. There are switches optimized for gaming and typing. The red and black switches are convenient for gamers. People who do a lot of typing can use blue switches since it offers swift feedback based on one’s keystroke.

Mechanical keyboard also offers general switches which is a function of the brown switches. With the various options, user preference will definitely be addressed. Finding the right keyboard for gaming and typing will surely address satisfaction.

Accessibility

With the features offered by mechanical keyboards, it’s undeniable that it uses more expensive materials and components; hence, it’s more expensive than membrane keyboards. Many companies offer some cheap mechanical keyboard. So for gamers, finding a cheap gaming keyboard shouldn’t be a problem.

Investing in a mechanical keyboard will yield good results in the future. With its durability and other features, it will surely make one’s investment worthwhile.

Mechanical keyboards have undergone various enhancements and innovations just to cater to the needs and preferences of users. Purchasing a mechanical keyboard is one of the best solutions in addressing rate and speed in completing a task as a writer and winning a battle as a gamer.

Image source 1: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/391602130069870346/
Image source 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard#/media/File:IBM_Model_M_Space_Saving_Keyboard.png
Image source 3: https://www.amazon.com/KrBn-Mechanical-Keyboard-Muticolor-Ergonomic/dp/B01LW51IM1
Image source 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChZC90xLURQ
Image source 5: https://www.howtogeek.com/313193/the-best-cheap-mechanical-keyboards-under-40/