The Evolution of the Standard Typewriter Keyboard Layout

For over a century, the standard typewriter keyboard layout has remained relatively unchanged, despite numerous technological advancements in the field of typing. The story of the Underwood model No.1 and its impact on the development of the modern typewriter is a fascinating one.

Invented by Franz Wagner, a German-American entrepreneur, the first Underwood typewriter was manufactured in the late 19th century. Prior to founding the company, the Underwood family had been producing carbon paper and typewriter ribbons since 1874. The Underwood Typewriter Company was established in 1895 by John T., who went on to become a prominent figure in the industry.

The standard typewriter keyboard layout has undergone minimal changes over the years, despite rapid technological advancements in other fields. In fact, it wasn't until the introduction of electric typewriters in the 1960s that significant changes began to take place. Prior to this, typewriters were largely noiseless and manual, with the exception of a few alterations made to keyboards and letter spacing for non-English speaking countries.

Interestingly, the first commercially produced typewriter was the Hansen Writing Ball, invented by Reverend Rasmus Mailing-Hansen in 1865. The machine was fully functional by 1867 and production began soon after. Other notable inventors of early typewriters include Peter Mitterhofer, who built multiple models between 1840-1870; John Pratt, from Alabama, who created the Pterotype in 1865; and Father Francisco João de Azevedo, a Brazilian inventor who created a homemade typewriter using basic materials like knives and wood in 1861.

The evolution of the standard typewriter keyboard layout is also marked by numerous patents filed by individual inventors. For example, Charles Thurber patented the Chirographer in 1845, a machine designed to help the blind write; Giuseppe Ravizza spent 40 years perfecting his typewriter invention, with his design currently on display at the London Science Museum; and William Austin Burt, an American inventor, patented his Typographer machine in 1829.

The story of the standard typewriter keyboard layout is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. From its early beginnings as a makeshift device to the modern machines we use today, the evolution of this technology has been marked by innovation and adaptation. Despite being largely unchanged for over 90 years, the standard typewriter keyboard layout remains an important part of our typing history.

Standard typewriter keyboard layout