Who would’ve thought that the device we use to type every day could be so interesting? Check out these fun facts about keyboards!
1. Switch-Based Keyboards Invention
The first switch-based keyboard was invented by John C. Dvorak in the early 1970s. He designed it with an eye towards ergonomics, creating a layout that is much easier on the hands and wrists than traditional keyboards.
2. Backlighting Is Used in Keyboards
Many keyboards nowadays come with backlighting, which can be extremely helpful in low-light situations. Some even have different colors of backlighting to help you see the keys better.
3. Most Keyboards Have 101 or 104 Keys
The vast majority of keyboards have either 101 or 104 keys. However, there are some that have fewer, such as the 87-key keyboard often used for gaming.
4. The Cost of the First Switch-Based Keyboard
When they were first invented, switch-based keyboards were quite expensive, costing around $100. Nowadays, you can find them for much less.
5. Keyboards for Thumb Usage
There are some keyboards that are specifically designed to be used with your thumbs instead of your fingers. These can be great for people who do a lot of typing on their smartphones or tablets.
6. Use of Optics in Keyboards
Optical keyboards use lasers and LEDs to detect when a key has been pressed, instead of the traditional mechanical switches. This can make them much more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
7. Keyboard Layouts can be Changed Using Software
If you’re not a fan of the standard QWERTY layout, you can always change it using software. There are a variety of different layouts to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.
8. QWERTY is not the Most Efficient Keyboard Layout
The QWERTY layout was designed for typewriters, not computers. As a result, it’s not the most efficient layout for typing. However, it’s still the most commonly used layout, so it’s unlikely to change anytime soon.
9. Mini Keyboards
There are a variety of mini-keyboards available that are great for people who want a compact keyboard for their desktop or laptop. These keyboards usually have fewer keys, but they can still be quite functional.
10. Fashion for Keyboards
Just like with clothes and shoes, there is such a thing as keyboard fashion. Some people like to buy keyboards that match the color of their computer or have a cool design.
11. Useless Keys on the Keyboards
There are a few keys on keyboards that don’t have a specific function, but are still included for tradition’s sake. The most notable of these is the Caps Lock key, which was originally included on typewriters to allow people to type in all caps without having to hold down the Shift key.
12. Bilingual Keyboards
For people who speak more than one language, bilingual keyboards are available that have the keys labeled in both languages. This can be a great way to learn a new language or type in multiple languages with ease.
13. Editing Keyboards
For people who do a lot of editing, there are special keyboards available that have keys specifically labeled for common editing tasks. This can make the editing process much faster and easier.
14. Keyboard Testers
If you’re not sure if all the keys of your keyboard are working fine, you can get help from an online keyboard tester. This can be a great way to troubleshoot any problems you might be having with your keyboard.
15. Dvorak Keyboard Layout
The Dvorak keyboard layout is an alternative to the QWERTY layout that is designed to be more efficient and ergonomic. It’s not as widely used as QWERTY, but it’s gaining popularity among those who are looking for a better keyboard layout.
16. Ergonomic Keyboards
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to be more comfortable to use, and can help reduce strain on your wrists and hands. They come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.
17. Gaming Keyboards
Gaming keyboards are designed with gamers in mind, and often have extra features like programmable keys and backlighting. They can be a great way to improve your gaming experience.
18. CTRL ALT DEL
The CTRL ALT DEL keyboard shortcut is one of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts, and is used to open the Task Manager in Windows.
19. Italian Brackets
Italian keyboards have a different layout for the shift keys than other keyboard layouts. This is because the Italian alphabet has more letters than the English alphabet, so the shifted keys are used to type those letters.
20. The Most Efficient Keyboard Layout
The most efficient keyboard layout in the world is the Dvorak keyboard layout. It’s designed to be more ergonomic and efficient than the QWERTY layout, and is used by many people who want to improve their typing speed and accuracy.
So, these are some fun and interesting facts about computer keyboards. I hope you found them helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading!
