Throwback Thursday: The Evolution of PC Keyboards

On this #ThrowbackThursday, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the evolution of an essential tool in our daily computing lives—the PC keyboard. While modern keyboards boast sleek designs, advanced features, and wireless connectivity, the history of keyboards reveals a fascinating journey of innovation, trial, and adaptation.

The Typewriter Roots

Long before the first personal computers, the keyboard’s design was influenced by the classic typewriter. In fact, the QWERTY layout, which we still use today, was invented in 1868 by Christopher Sholes for typewriters. The layout was designed to minimize key jams by spreading commonly used letters apart. When computers emerged in the mid-20th century, it made sense to adapt this familiar layout to early terminals, paving the way for the modern keyboard.

The First PC Keyboards

When the first personal computers hit the market in the late 1970s and early 1980s, keyboards were bulky, mechanical devices. One of the most iconic keyboards of this era was IBM’s Model M, released in 1985. Known for its durability, tactile feedback, and loud “clicky” sound, the Model M remains a fan favorite among keyboard enthusiasts even today.

Membrane Keyboards Take Over

As computers became more mainstream, the need for cost-effective and quieter keyboards arose. Enter the membrane keyboard, which became the standard in the 1990s. These keyboards were thinner and lighter than their mechanical predecessors, using pressure pads instead of individual mechanical switches. While they weren’t as durable or satisfying to type on, their lower price point made them an attractive option for manufacturers and consumers alike.

The Rise of Ergonomics

The 1990s also saw a growing focus on ergonomics in the workplace, leading to the creation of split and curved keyboards designed to reduce strain on users’ hands and wrists. Microsoft’s Natural Keyboard, launched in 1994, was one of the first mainstream ergonomic keyboards and marked the beginning of a shift toward health-conscious design in computing peripherals.

Gaming and Mechanical Keyboards Make a Comeback

In the 2000s, as PC gaming became more popular, so did the demand for high-performance, customizable keyboards. Mechanical keyboards, like those reminiscent of the early IBM models, made a resurgence due to their responsiveness, tactile feedback, and durability—ideal for gamers and typists alike. RGB lighting, macro keys, and programmable options further solidified mechanical keyboards as a staple in the gaming community.

Today’s Keyboards: Wireless and Beyond

Fast forward to today, and the keyboard has become more versatile than ever. Wireless models offer portability and convenience, while advances in technology have given rise to hybrid and low-profile switches, catering to a wide range of user preferences. Whether you're a fan of the ultra-thin keyboards for sleek workstations or love the clicky feel of mechanical keys, there’s a keyboard for everyone.

As we reflect on the past, it’s amazing to see how far the humble PC keyboard has come. From the early days of loud, heavy mechanical switches to today’s lightweight, wireless models, this evolution has been driven by the needs of typists, gamers, and everyday users alike.

If you’re looking for the perfect keyboard to match your style or needs, GigaParts has you covered! Whether you’re a gamer in search of high-performance mechanical keyboards, a business professional looking for ergonomic solutions, or just need an everyday model, GigaParts offers a huge selection of modern PC keyboards for every type of user. From RGB-lit gaming setups to quiet, wireless options, you’ll find it all in-store or online.