From Typewriters to 60 Keyboards: A Brief History of Keyboard Evolution

Keyboards have come a long way since the invention of the typewriter in the 19th century. Today, we have various types of keyboards, including the popular 60 keyboard. But where did it all begin, and how did we get to where we are now? 

 

The Early Days of Typewriters

The first keyboard-like device was the typewriter, which was invented in the 1800s. The first commercially successful typewriter was the Remington No. 1, which was patented in 1873. The typewriter keyboard had a layout similar to the QWERTY layout we use today, but it lacked certain keys like the number row and function keys.

 

As typewriters became more popular, they underwent various design changes, including the addition of new keys, such as the shift key and the spacebar. However, the basic layout remained the same until the arrival of computers in the 20th century.

The Rise of Computer Keyboards

With the advent of computers, keyboards underwent significant changes to accommodate the new computing needs. The first computer keyboard was the IBM Model F, which was introduced in 1981. It featured a layout similar to the modern keyboard, with a separate number pad, function keys, and navigation keys.

 

However, the layout of the modern keyboard was not standardized until the arrival of the IBM Personal Computer in 1987. The IBM PC introduced the 101-key keyboard, which had a QWERTY layout, a separate number pad, and function keys.

 

Over time, computer keyboards evolved to become more compact and ergonomic. Various designs were introduced, including split keyboards, ergonomic keyboards, and mechanical keyboards. These keyboards had different layouts and features, but they all aimed to provide a more comfortable and efficient typing experience.

 

The Emergence of 60 Keyboards

As computers became more powerful and portable, the need for a compact and space-saving keyboard arose. This led to the emergence of the 60 keyboard, which was first introduced in the early 2010s.

 

The 60 keyboard was designed to be a minimalist keyboard that retained only the essential keys needed for typing and gaming. It lacked certain keys like the number pad, function keys, and navigation keys, but it made up for it by using function key combinations and secondary layers to provide these keys' functionalities.

 

The first 60 keyboards were produced by small keyboard manufacturers and were popular among keyboard enthusiasts. However, they soon gained mainstream popularity, with various manufacturers producing their own versions of the 60 keyboard.

 

A 60 keyboard is a type of mechanical keyboard that has a compact design and a minimalist layout. It has 60% of the keys found on a typical full-size keyboard, including the alphanumerical keys, function row, and arrow keys. This keyboard has a much smaller footprint, which allows for more desk space and a more ergonomic typing position. The smaller layout also means that the user can type at a faster speed due to the reduced distance between keys. Additionally, the 60 keyboard is highly customizable, with a wide range of customization options available, such as switch type, keycap material, and backlighting options.

 

The Future of Keyboard Evolution

As we move into the future, it's likely that keyboards will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of users. With the rise of mobile computing, we may see more compact and portable keyboards that can be used with tablets and smartphones. We may also see advancements in keyboard technology, such as the use of haptic feedback and voice recognition.

 

 

The history of keyboard evolution is a fascinating one that spans over a century. From the early days of typewriters to the rise of computer keyboards and the emergence of 60keyboards, keyboards have undergone significant changes to meet the changing needs of users. As we move into the future, we can expect to see more advancements in keyboard technology, as well as new designs and layouts that aim to provide a more comfortable and efficient typing experience.