Why QWERTY Keyboard and Not ABCD? Here's the History!
Have you ever wondered why the keyboard layout is always QWERTY and not ABCD? Well, it turns out there's a history behind the use of the QWERTY layout until it became the industry standard today.
When using a computer or laptop, one of the most important hardware devices is the keyboard. The keyboard is a tool we use to input data, write documents, and interact with computers. One of the most commonly used keyboard layouts is the QWERTY layout.
However, some people might wonder, why is the keyboard QWERTY and not ABCD? In this article, we will explain the reasons behind the choice of the QWERTY keyboard layout that has lasted for many years.
History of the QWERTY Keyboard Layout
To understand why the QWERTY keyboard was chosen, we need to look at its history. In the mid-19th century, the first mechanical typewriters began to be developed. These typewriters used a keyboard that allowed faster typing than handwriting. At that time, typewriters used different keyboard layouts in each model.
In 1868, Christopher Latham Sholes, an American inventor, developed the first typewriter that used the QWERTY keyboard layout. At that time, problems arose when typewriter operators typed too fast, causing the levers on the typewriter to often get stuck and cause damage.
Solution to the Jams Problem
To overcome this problem, Sholes and his team designed a keyboard layout known as QWERTY. Sholes deliberately placed frequently used letters separately to reduce the possibility of levers getting stuck. By placing letters such as “Q,” “W,” “E,” “R,” “T,” and “Y” separately, Sholes succeeded in reducing the occurrence of stuck levers and minimizing damage to the typewriter.
However, it should be noted that there are some arguments that the QWERTY layout is not entirely efficient. Some studies show that there are more efficient layouts that can increase typing speed.
One popular alternative is the Dvorak layout, which is designed to increase typing speed and efficiency by placing frequently used letters in more optimal positions.
Industry Standard and Habit
Although there are other alternatives that may be more efficient, the QWERTY keyboard has become an industry standard for many years. After typewriters were developed, the QWERTY keyboard became popular and widely used throughout the world.
This led to widespread adoption, both by computer users and hardware manufacturers. As a result, almost everyone is accustomed to the QWERTY layout and skilled in using it.
Significant changes in keyboard layout would require a great deal of time and effort to change existing habits and standards. Although there are arguments for adopting a more efficient layout, such as Dvorak, implementing such changes can affect compatibility with existing hardware and software, and require significant user adjustment.
Conclusion
Although there are arguments for adopting a more efficient keyboard layout, the QWERTY keyboard has remained an industry standard for many years. This choice is based on history, solving the problem of jams, typing speed and efficiency, and widespread adoption throughout the world.
Although there are other alternatives, significant changes would require a great deal of time and effort to change existing habits and standards. So, for now, the QWERTY keyboard remains a common and reliable choice for everyday use.