The modern concept of computer keyboard was from the typewriter. The typewriter (antetype of computer keyboard) was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes. Those ones we use today was patented in 1868. It soon become a mass market products since 1877.

Image Credit -”The Typewriter Boom”

Inventions that lead to computer keyboard

Some of the key technological developments created the transition to type on the keyboard.  Teletype, which was introduced in 1930, ending machine technology (used as input and printing device) with the telegraph. Elsewhere, punched card systems, combined with typewriters to create a new input mechanism that called “Smudge”. Smudge is the basis for the first calculating machines, and IBM sold more than one million these calculators in 1931.

Early computer keyboards were adapted from the first punched card and teletype technologies. In 1946, ENIAC computer used punch-card reader as input and output devices. In 1948 there were computers used BINAC controlled electro-mechanical typewriter as it’s inputing data directly to tape (the very early data storage device for the computer) and print the result. NEC further improved the technology to cause the marriage between a typewriter and a computer.

Video Display Terminals

In 1964, MIT, Bell Laboratories and General Electric created an automated system called Multics, it’s a timeshare, multi-user system. Multics stimulated development generated a new interface of video terminal. Video terminal technology combined cathode-ray tube used In televisions with electric typewriters. Computer users can now see that their texts, as typing text with the displays as highlighted texts make it easier to create, edit and delete inputs. Computers are easier to program and use then.

Computer keyboard send direct electronic input

Former keyboard was based on teletype machines or “smudge”. There were many electromechanical transmission for the transfer of data between the keyboard and computer. With VDT(Video Display Terminals) technology and keyboards, the keys on the keyboard can send electronic impulses directly to computer. By the late 70s and early 80s, all computers and electronic keyboards were using VDTs.
But the keys location on the keyboard still has its origins out from the first inventor of the typewriter, Christopher Latham Sholes, who also invented the QWERTY layout. However, the keyboard now has several extra function keys.