Invented the Mechanical Keyboard
Among other things, the invention of the mechanical keyboard was the result of hundreds of years of ingenuity. It was a high-end input device that provided users with a satisfying typing experience. In the past 40 years, this technology has evolved from being an upscale option for business and home users to being a mainstream option that is available in many varieties.
There are many types of mechanical keyboards. They are typically built to the specifications of their manufacturer. Some of the better ones come with backlighting, which is a convenient way to view the keys when it’s dark outside. It is also possible to create custom keycaps, which give a more personalized look to your keyboard.
A good mechanical keyboard is durable and long lasting. A good keyboard can last for 40 years or more. In fact, many mechanical keyboards are still being made today. They are usually more expensive to manufacture than membrane keyboards, but they are worth the cost in terms of quality.
The oldest and most well-known mechanical keyboards were those made by IBM. They were based on a buckling spring mechanism. These keyboards were sturdy and satisfying to type on, which made them a hit with users.
The first of these keyboards was the IBM Model F. This keyboard featured a standardized 101 key US keyboard layout. It was shielded in a metal case that minimized EMI leakage. It weighed six pounds despite its small size. The model F was also the first keyboard to feature a 60% layout. This layout allowed for better typing speed.
Another type of mechanical keyboard is the “Pudding Style” keycap. This feature lets light through the sidewall more effectively. It’s also an improvement over the standard, opaque keycap. This particular mechanical keyboard design also uses foam and foil technology, which makes it less susceptible to humidity.
Who Invented the Mechanical Keyboard?
Another notable mechanical keyboard is the Alps SCB1A163, which was used in the first computer built at UCLA. This model also had two mechanical reed switches, which were the first of their kind to be used in a keyboard. This type of switch has a lifespan of hundreds of millions of presses.
Another notable feature of the Alps model was the fact that the switches could be removed from the keyboard by hand. This was a significant improvement over the earlier design, which could only be removed with a special tool. This made it more convenient for those who suffered from RSI.
A few years after the Alps model was introduced, Cherry Computers introduced the Cherry MX switch. This type of switch has become a classic. The Cherry MX is the inspiration for most of the mechanical keyboard switches that we use today.
The German firm ZF Friedrichshafen acquired Cherry in 2008. They rebranded the business line as ZF in 2016. This company is also known for the production of automotive parts. ZF is now a distinctly German firm, and Cherry’s computer input business is one of its largest, responsible for more than EUR80 million in sales in 2015.
Several modern manufacturers have developed their own switch types, but Cherry still holds the patent for the mechanical key switch. They also sell their switches to smaller manufacturers that have created similar switches.