The QWERTY keyboard is almost everywhere. But how did it get there?
This episode of Vox’s Overrated series explores the history of the QWERTY keyboard. Contrary to popular legend, QWERTY didn’t make it big because it slowed down speedy typists. Instead, its popularity can be traced to the business interests behind the development of the typewriter industry as well as the training courses that made typing mainstream.
Even today, most of our phones have a keyboard layout invented more than a century ago. As the above video shows, that’s no accident.
We have a request
Vox's journalism is free because we believe that everyone deserves to understand the world that they live in. That kind of knowledge helps create better citizens, neighbors, friends, parents, consumers and stewards of this planet. In short, understanding benefits everyone. You can join in on this mission by making a financial gift to Vox today. Reader support helps keep our work free, for everyone. Will you join us?
Yes, I'll give $120/year
Yes, I'll give $120/year
We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and
Google Pay. You can also contribute via
