Last Updated on
April 23, 2023
Written by
Tech Assistant for blind Team

Today in our blog, we are going to delve into the fascinating history of one of the most iconic features of modern computing – the QWERTY keyboard. Developed by Christopher Latham Sholes in the early 1870s, the QWERTY keyboard layout has stood the test of time and remains the standard keyboard layout used by millions of people worldwide. In this article, we will explore how the QWERTY keyboard came to be, why it was designed in the way it was, and the criticisms it has faced over the years. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of tech history!

The QWERTY keyboard is one of the most common keyboard layouts in use today. It is found on almost all physical keyboards and many virtual ones as well. The arrangement of keys on this keyboard layout is such that the keys are arranged in a specific order that has become synonymous with the QWERTY keyboard. In this article, we will explore the history of the QWERTY keyboard layout, who designed it and why.

The history of the QWERTY keyboard dates back to the early 1870s when Christopher Latham Sholes designed the first typewriter. Sholes was a Milwaukee-based inventor who developed the first commercially successful typewriter with the assistance of Samuel W. Soule and Carlos Glidden. The first typewriter had a keyboard that was arranged in an alphabetical order.

However, the alphabetical arrangement of keys led to the keys jamming up when the typist typed too quickly. To solve this problem, Sholes experimented with different layouts and eventually came up with the QWERTY keyboard layout. The QWERTY layout has been designed in such a way that the most commonly used letters are spread out across the keyboard, reducing the likelihood of keys jamming up when typing quickly.

The QWERTY layout was patented in 1878 and became the standard for typewriters. It was later adopted for computer keyboards and has remained the standard ever since. Despite advances in technology, the QWERTY layout has continued to be popular and is still widely used today.

The QWERTY keyboard layout has also been subject to criticism over the years. Some people argue that it is not the most efficient keyboard layout, with more efficient alternatives like the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard layout available. However, the QWERTY layout has remained popular due to its familiarity, and many people are used to typing on this keyboard layout.

In conclusion, the QWERTY keyboard layout is an iconic feature of modern computing. It has a rich history dating back to the early days of the typewriter and was designed by Christopher Latham Sholes. The QWERTY layout has remained popular due to its familiarity, despite criticisms of its inefficiency. Today, it is still the standard keyboard layout and is used by millions of people around the world.