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Computer Keyboard

The computer keyboard has its origins in typewriter times, when the first QWERTY keyboard was patented by Christopher Latham Sholes., patent: 207,559 (US) issued August 27, 1878.

Although the basic keyboard structure was periodically improved, the keys remained in the same order as it was established in 1878. As you can see even the most innovative manufacturers (when it comes to design) don’t dare to challenge the classic time-tested arrangement of the keys, while they did add some additional features at the sides like power, sleep, wake-up buttons, that are not really practical in most situations. Internal components didn’t change much over the years, the last significant step was adopting a very simple, cheap and durable switch mechanism:

As you can see there’s a transparent sheet inside, with the circuits and contacts painted on. In fact it’s a three layer design, the two outer layers have the circuits painted on that lead to bigger spots, which will make the contact when pressed. These two layers are separated by an insulation layer with holes only where the buttons are. When you press a button these holes will let the two contacts (conductor spots) meet, and also separate when you release the button. The chip is basically the same for all standard keyboards, only models with multimedia keys (or any other type of extra keys) are made with more advanced chips. This simple design also permits you to wash the keyboard after you remove the circuit layers and the small circuit-board with the chip on it. You’ll be left with two plastic sheets, plastic buttons and the little pieces of rubber that serve as recoil for the keys, all of which are resistant to water. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to clean the keyboard, because prices have dropped drastically for the simplest models. At a $3 – $4 price you can get a new keyboard almost in any city on earth. A few words need to be said about new, so-called ergonomic designs. Basically they are all useless, not even the palm rest or A-shape keys make a difference when it comes to comfort or productivity.

Apple had the right idea, it has designed very slim keyboards, some even without the numeric keypad. Keys don’t need to be tall, but you should be able to feel them and press down on them, so projected keyboards or any other invention that has a flat surface is not practical. Another important step in keyboard development was the invention of the protective silicone keyboard skin. It’s a well documented fact that keyboards, mice and telephones are the most bacteria-infested places in an office, so these washable, flexible skins are welcome. Not only do they protect the keys against bacteria, liquids, dust and scratches but they also offer a quieter, softer typing experience. The downside of such products is that they don’t fit any keyboard, only flat (slim) ones, because the silicone wrapping doesn’t permit the keys to move up and down much.