History of Keyboard

Invention of the typewriter

1868

The Sholes & Glidden typewriter features a Qwerty keyboard, which separates common letter combinations, like ‘‘qu’’ and ‘‘th,’’ to minimize hammer collisions when the keys are struck.

The Simplified Keyboard

1936

Now better known as the Dvorak layout, is patented. It puts the most frequently used letters in the most accessible positions.

Model 33

1962

The Teletype Corporation ships the Model 33 keyboard, which becomes the input mechanism on early microcomputers. Previously computer users communicated with the computer with punched cards.

System/360

1964

I.B.M. develops the System/360, a popular mainframe computer system, which introduced specialized command keys like Esc, Alt, Ctrl, Pause, Break and SysRq (system request).

3720 display terminal

1971

The I.B.M. 3720 display terminal, which has the first widely used screen-oriented mainframe keyboard, introduces the keys Enter, Ins, Del, Home, Page Up, End (then called EOF for end of field) and the arrow keys.

I.B.M. 83-key keyboard

1981

I.B.M. introduces its Personal Computer with an 83-key keyboard that has 10 function keys, a NumLock key, Esc, Alt, Ctrl, SysRq, and other mainframe keys.

IBM 101 key keyboard

1984

After two years of development, I.B.M. introduces an enhanced 101-key keyboard that can be used across all its platforms and systems. Other manufacturers adopt it as a de-facto standard.

Microsoft Natural Keyboard

1994

In anticipation of Windows 95, Microsoft introduces the Natural Keyboard, which has three extra keys that enable the use of the operating system without a mouse.