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Evolution

The first typewriters could only type capital letters as they lacked a shift key. The Remington Model 2 introduced the shift key mechanism in 1878, allowing typists to type both capital and lowercase letters. While double keyboard typewriters with separate keys for capital and lowercase letters also existed, the invention of the touch typing method solidified the dominance of the shift key typewriter design.

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Jona Adovas
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113 views2 pages

Evolution

The first typewriters could only type capital letters as they lacked a shift key. The Remington Model 2 introduced the shift key mechanism in 1878, allowing typists to type both capital and lowercase letters. While double keyboard typewriters with separate keys for capital and lowercase letters also existed, the invention of the touch typing method solidified the dominance of the shift key typewriter design.

Uploaded by

Jona Adovas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The first typewriter lacked a shift-key mechanism and could only write capital letters.

The
challenge of printing capitals and small letters without increasing the number of keys was solved
by combining two types, a capital and lowercase of the same letter, on each bar with a cylinder-
shifting mechanism. The Remington Model 2 was the first shift-key typewriter to hit the market in
1878. Soon after, the so-called double-keyboard computers developed, which had twice the
number of keys—one for each character, capital or tiny letter. For many years, the double
keyboard and shift-key machines contended for popular favor, but the invention of the so-called
touch-typing method, which required the small keyboard of the shift-key machines, settled the
contest.

The evolution of typewriters has been a fascinating journey highlighted by technological


advancements and design modifications over the years. Here's an overview of the key stages in
the evolution of typewriters:

● Early Mechanical Typewriters (Late 19th Century):

The earliest mechanical typewriters were invented in the late 1800s. These early versions were
developed by notable inventors such as Christopher Sholes, Samuel Soule, and Carlos Glidden.
The Sholes and Glidden typewriter, also known as the "QWERTY" keyboard, established the
norm and influenced subsequent typewriter designs. These early typewriters were frequently
huge and heavy, with piano-style keys and typebars that struck the paper through an inked
ribbon.

● Shift Key and Shift Lock (Late 19th to Early 20th Century):

The shift key was introduced to expand the number of characters that could be typed. Typists
may now type both uppercase and lowercase letters. Shift lock devices were also created,
allowing continuous uppercase character typing without holding down the shift key.

● Improved Typewriter Designs (Early to Mid-20th Century):

Typewriter design improved significantly in the early twentieth (20th) century, with
breakthroughs in portability and ease of use. Smaller and more portable typewriters were
invented, allowing people to utilize them in a variety of locations. Many typewriters included
extras such as margin adjustments, tabulators, and automatic paper feed systems.

● Electric Typewriters (Mid-20th Century):

Electric typewriters were introduced in the mid-twentieth century, replacing the entirely
mechanical action of manual typewriters with electrical power. Electric typewriters were faster
and needed less effort to use because of the motor-powered key striking and carriage progress.

● Electronic Typewriters (Late 20th Century):

In the late twentieth century, electronic typewriters replaced mechanical components with
electronic circuits and a digital display. These typewriters frequently incorporated correction
tools such as built-in correction tape or erasing capabilities, which made it easier to erase
errors.

● Computer Keyboards and Word Processors (Late 20th Century Onward):

The introduction of personal computers in the late twentieth century resulted in a move away
from standalone typewriters. Traditional typewriter keyboards have been replaced by computer
keyboards. Word processing software, such as Microsoft Word, enabled digital document
creation, editing, and formatting.

● Modern Typewriters (21st Century):

Despite the digital age, there is renewed interest in typewriters among enthusiasts and writers
who enjoy the tactile experience of typing on a mechanical machine. Some current typewriters
combine the classic design with new functionality such as USB connectivity and electronic
document storage.

Typewriter evolution reflects a wider history of technological progress and changing user needs
over time. While computers and word processors have mostly replaced traditional typewriters,
they remain iconic symbols of a bygone era and are treasured by collectors and people who like
the nostalgia of manual typewriting.

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