15 Keyboarding Facts

Introduction:

Keyboarding is a skill that many of us use every day, whether it’s typing up an email, writing a report, or simply chatting with friends online. But how much do we really know about this essential skill? In this article, we will explore 15 fascinating facts about keyboarding that will surprise and delight you.

Fact 1: The QWERTY keyboard layout was designed to prevent jamming.

The layout of the QWERTY keyboard we use today was actually designed to slow down typing. In the early days of typewriters, jamming was a frequent issue because typists would type too quickly and the keys would get stuck. The QWERTY layout was intentionally designed to separate common letter pairs to prevent jamming.

Fact 2: The longest word you can type using only the top row of letters is “typewriter.”

Try it out for yourself! The word “typewriter” can be typed using only the letters on the top row of the keyboard. This fact showcases the clever design of the keyboard layout.

Fact 3: The average person types at a speed of around 40 words per minute.

Typing speed can vary greatly from person to person, but the average typing speed is around 40 words per minute. Professional typists can type much faster, with some reaching speeds of over 100 words per minute.

Fact 4: The world record for the fastest typing speed is 216 words per minute.

The fastest typing speed ever recorded is an astounding 216 words per minute. This record was set by Stella Pajunas-Garnand in 1946 on an IBM electric typewriter.

Fact 5: The “Home Row” is the row where your fingers should naturally rest when typing.

The Home Row on a keyboard includes the keys ASDF and JKL; and it’s where your fingers should naturally rest when typing. This position helps to ensure efficient typing and minimize errors.

Fact 6: The “Shift” key was originally called the “Lift” key.

The Shift key is used to capitalize letters and type symbols above numbers. Interestingly, it was first called the “Lift” key because it was used to physically shift the typebars on early typewriters.

Fact 7: The most commonly used letter in the English language is the letter ‘E’.

The letter ‘E’ is the most commonly used letter in the English language, making up around 13% of all letters in written English. This fact highlights the importance of the letter ‘E’ on the keyboard.

Fact 8: The first commercially successful typewriter was the Sholes and Glidden Type-Writer.

In 1868, the Sholes and Glidden Type-Writer became the first commercially successful typewriter. This early typewriter helped pave the way for the modern keyboards we use today.

Fact 9: The Dvorak Simplified Keyboard layout was designed for faster and more efficient typing.

The Dvorak Simplified Keyboard layout was designed to optimize typing efficiency by placing the most commonly used letters in the English language on the home row. While not as widely used as the QWERTY layout, the Dvorak layout has its dedicated followers.

Fact 10: The space bar on a keyboard is the most used key.

The space bar is the most-used key on a keyboard, as it is used to create space between words and sentences. Without the space bar, our text would be unreadable!

Fact 11: The first typing speed test was created by Frank Edward McGurrin in 1888.

Frank Edward McGurrin was a court stenographer who developed the first typing speed test to showcase the speed and accuracy of typists. This test helped establish typing as a valuable skill in the workforce.

Fact 12: The “Ctrl + C” and “Ctrl + V” shortcuts are commonly used for copying and pasting text.

These keyboard shortcuts are widely known and used for copying and pasting text. The “Ctrl + C” shortcut copies text, while the “Ctrl + V” shortcut pastes text, saving time and effort while typing.

Fact 13: The first computer keyboards were modeled after typewriters.

Early computer keyboards were designed to mimic the layout of typewriters, with the addition of function keys and other specialized keys for computer use. This design has influenced keyboard layouts to this day.

Fact 14: The Dvorak keyboard layout was patented in 1936.

Dr. August Dvorak patented his Simplified Keyboard layout in 1936, with the goal of improving typing efficiency and ergonomics. While not widely adopted, the Dvorak layout has its advocates among expert typists.

Fact 15: Keyboarding skills are essential in today’s digital world.

In today’s digital age, keyboarding skills are more important than ever. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply an avid communicator, being able to type quickly and accurately is a valuable skill that can save time and improve productivity.

Conclusion

Keyboarding is a skill that many of us take for granted, but the history and intricacies behind keyboard design and typing speed are truly fascinating. From the clever layout of the QWERTY keyboard to the speed records set by professional typists, there is much to learn and appreciate about keyboarding. So next time you sit down to type an email or message, take a moment to appreciate the technology and skill that goes into every keystroke.