The Evolution of Typing Machines: From Sewing Machine to Computer Keyboard

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The first Remington typewriters, created by Sholes, Glidden, and Soule, even came with a foot pedal (like a sewing machine) to control carriage returns. What did the first typing machines look like? The first manufactured typewriters resembled sewing machines more than what most people imagine when they think of a 'typewriter.' Remington, who manufactured the first typewriters, was also manufacturing sewing machines at the time, leading to this initial design.

To begin the exploration of the first keyboards, we must first examine the origins of typing and the first typing devices. The first typing devices were designed and patented in the 1700s while the first manufactured typing devices came about in the 1870s. These early machines featured 'blind typing' technology, where characters were printed on upside-down pages that remained unseen until completion.

Over time, the design of typewriters has changed dramatically, eventually becoming electronic and then practically obsolete as we moved into the age of computers and the birth of the keyboard. Since then, we have seen several updates in design, layout, technology, and function that are more efficient and user-friendly.

The keyboard is an integral object for many of us, and most people take it for granted. However, it has come a long way over the past couple of centuries. The first manufactured typewriters resembled sewing machines, but they have evolved significantly since then.

Today's standard for the ultimate typing experience has accumulated innovations across time. This paper will explore the history of typing, detailing the innovations that have led to the design of today's computer keyboards.

Images of manual typewriter keyboard