Marcin Wichary9.
This Olympia Reporter typewriter is not beautiful, but it has a lot of POWER THIS and POWER THAT keys that celebrate its marriage with electricity? Why is X and some other keys red? Those are the ones that auto repeat!
10.
This is another typewriter, so proud of a functioning (erasing!) Backspace that it gives this a treatment I have never seen before or after.
This is another typewriter, so proud of a functioning (erasing!) Backspace that it gives this a treatment I have never seen before or after.
11.
This Turkish typewriter (another Olympia!) means so much to me – the small success of this article from 2015 was probably what was needed for me to start thinking about the book: https://mwichary.medium.com/what-i-learned-about-languages-just-by-looking-at-a-turkish-typewriter-fc840aab1b0a
This Turkish typewriter (another Olympia!) means so much to me – the small success of this article from 2015 was probably what was needed for me to start thinking about the book: https://mwichary.medium.com/what-i-learned-about-languages-just-by-looking-at-a-turkish-typewriter-fc840aab1b0a
13.
This was meant to be mounted atop Commodore 64 (which I don’t have), an interesting reversal from the early typewriters being nothing more than repurposed music keyboards.
This was meant to be mounted atop Commodore 64 (which I don’t have), an interesting reversal from the early typewriters being nothing more than repurposed music keyboards.
14.
These two are taking this idea even further – mount these overlays on regular keyboards to turn them into new kinds of interfaces.
These two are taking this idea even further – mount these overlays on regular keyboards to turn them into new kinds of interfaces.
15.
There’s also professional gaming. It was cheaper for me to buy QSENN keyboards and replicate what professional StarCraft gamers were doing in the 1990s, than to find a good existing photo of one of these keyboards.
There’s also professional gaming. It was cheaper for me to buy QSENN keyboards and replicate what professional StarCraft gamers were doing in the 1990s, than to find a good existing photo of one of these keyboards.
16.
And speaking of gaming – we’re all used to the thumb style of typing from the first photo that it was fun to discover the short moment where the gaming keyboards looked like the one in the second photo.
And speaking of gaming – we’re all used to the thumb style of typing from the first photo that it was fun to discover the short moment where the gaming keyboards looked like the one in the second photo.
17.
And a bit earlier, some game consoles tried to reinvent themselves as home computers with keyboard accessories. This is among the strangest of them: a “keyboard” to add BASIC to the Atari 2600.
And a bit earlier, some game consoles tried to reinvent themselves as home computers with keyboard accessories. This is among the strangest of them: a “keyboard” to add BASIC to the Atari 2600.
18.
I commissioned this “joystick” from @benjedwards and I am so happy with how it turned out. It’s technically a joystick without a stick, but software turned it into a one-key keyboard. It’s F11, currently mapped to muting/unmuting in Zoom. It’s *incredibly* rewarding to press.
I commissioned this “joystick” from @benjedwards and I am so happy with how it turned out. It’s technically a joystick without a stick, but software turned it into a one-key keyboard. It’s F11, currently mapped to muting/unmuting in Zoom. It’s *incredibly* rewarding to press.
19.
Speaking of strange keyboards, this is my “space cadet” keyboard – a mini keyboard that outputs only spaces, and instead of legends, each key *feels* different. Wrote about it more here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/stop-me-if-youve-seen-this-one-before/
Speaking of strange keyboards, this is my “space cadet” keyboard – a mini keyboard that outputs only spaces, and instead of legends, each key *feels* different. Wrote about it more here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/stop-me-if-youve-seen-this-one-before/
20.
And here is a keyboard I built and hid in my shoes, made for one very specific reason. Are you interested what it is? Check out the whole story here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/to-walk-among-keyboard-magicians/
And here is a keyboard I built and hid in my shoes, made for one very specific reason. Are you interested what it is? Check out the whole story here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/to-walk-among-keyboard-magicians/
21.
This is one of the most rare keyboards I have – the strange abKey Evolution imported through a friend from Singapore – a keyboard that tried to reinvent perhaps one thing too many. Wrote more about it here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/the-worst-keyboard-ever-made-3/
This is one of the most rare keyboards I have – the strange abKey Evolution imported through a friend from Singapore – a keyboard that tried to reinvent perhaps one thing too many. Wrote more about it here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/the-worst-keyboard-ever-made-3/
22.
And this one from Commodore is not really that unique, except it has this fun property – it reverses the usual beige colour scheme making the keys inside darker. It’s kinda neat!
And this one from Commodore is not really that unique, except it has this fun property – it reverses the usual beige colour scheme making the keys inside darker. It’s kinda neat!
23.
This is a really cheap Bulgarian keyboard with such a poor build quality it cannot be unseen! I wrote more about it here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/the-worst-keyboard-ever-made-3/
This is a really cheap Bulgarian keyboard with such a poor build quality it cannot be unseen! I wrote more about it here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/the-worst-keyboard-ever-made-3/
24.
Oh, it gets worse. This calculator keyboard is so cheap it’s not a keyboard at all – just an exposed PCB with a pen to complete the circuit. More about it here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/the-worst-keyboard-ever-made-2/
Oh, it gets worse. This calculator keyboard is so cheap it’s not a keyboard at all – just an exposed PCB with a pen to complete the circuit. More about it here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/the-worst-keyboard-ever-made-2/
25.
And this is the opposite, an incredibly well-built IBM Model F banking typewriter with an enclosure made out of zinc. Hefty enough to stop a bank robbery? Perhaps. More here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/to-save-a-keyboard-pt-2/
And this is the opposite, an incredibly well-built IBM Model F banking typewriter with an enclosure made out of zinc. Hefty enough to stop a bank robbery? Perhaps. More here: https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/to-save-a-keyboard-pt-2/
Halfway through! I need a bit of a break. Is this interesting? Should I keep going!?
26.
If your bank robbery goes poorly, you probably end up typing on this Swintec, transparent so that no contraband could be hidden inside. More about transparent tech for prisons in this Techmoan video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3PfsndsihY
If your bank robbery goes poorly, you probably end up typing on this Swintec, transparent so that no contraband could be hidden inside. More about transparent tech for prisons in this Techmoan video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3PfsndsihY
Prison Tech
27.
This simple braille keyboard – Tellatouch – was gorgeous and important. Type a key on one side, and the right braille letter assembles itself on the other.
This simple braille keyboard – Tellatouch – was gorgeous and important. Type a key on one side, and the right braille letter assembles itself on the other.
28.
This is a more modern version of an adjacent idea. Connect this device to a phone line, and you can speak even if you cannot talk. (Also, I just love any time a keyboard lands itself next to a segmented display.)
This is a more modern version of an adjacent idea. Connect this device to a phone line, and you can speak even if you cannot talk. (Also, I just love any time a keyboard lands itself next to a segmented display.)
29.
The creators of this Seiko keyboard recognized a watch with a keyboard wouldn’t make sense – so you could dock your watch and type this way. (I don’t have the watch itself. Too expensive!)
The creators of this Seiko keyboard recognized a watch with a keyboard wouldn’t make sense – so you could dock your watch and type this way. (I don’t have the watch itself. Too expensive!)
30.
Just kidding! Here’s a keyboard on another Seiko watch. It’s an index keyboard – you don’t touch the keys directly, just move the cursor left and right like on Apple TV – since the keys are smaller than 1mm.
Just kidding! Here’s a keyboard on another Seiko watch. It’s an index keyboard – you don’t touch the keys directly, just move the cursor left and right like on Apple TV – since the keys are smaller than 1mm.
31.
This TI calculator for school use has tiny keys… in between other keys. What a strange thing.
This TI calculator for school use has tiny keys… in between other keys. What a strange thing.
33.
I love hybrid things and in-betweeners. This tiny Panasonic Toughbook asks a question: what if a BlackBerry keyboard, but twice the width?
I love hybrid things and in-betweeners. This tiny Panasonic Toughbook asks a question: what if a BlackBerry keyboard, but twice the width?
34.
This one, for TermiFlex, is a one-hand operation, inspired by phone keypads. There are three shifts under your long fingers!
This one, for TermiFlex, is a one-hand operation, inspired by phone keypads. There are three shifts under your long fingers!
35.
Speaking of complex shortcuts, look at this Apple keyboard with Avid software keycaps. The icon on Z is my favourite. I don’t even wanna know what this function does.
Speaking of complex shortcuts, look at this Apple keyboard with Avid software keycaps. The icon on Z is my favourite. I don’t even wanna know what this function does.
37.
This Sony remote had a built-in keyboard for typing in MiniDisc titles.
This Sony remote had a built-in keyboard for typing in MiniDisc titles.
38.
And *this* Sony keyboard had two numeric keypads going in two different directions! One for typical calculator use, and one inspired by mobile phones to allow to chat as easily for people who got used to chatting that way.
And *this* Sony keyboard had two numeric keypads going in two different directions! One for typical calculator use, and one inspired by mobile phones to allow to chat as easily for people who got used to chatting that way.
39.
Very happy (and also maybe also a little concerned) to report I am in possession of the entire ProHance lineup of the strange pointing device/keyboard hybrids!
Very happy (and also maybe also a little concerned) to report I am in possession of the entire ProHance lineup of the strange pointing device/keyboard hybrids!
40.
But it’s amazing how rarely the graphical user interfaces and keyboards intersect. This here – an old AT&T terminal keyboard – is an exception, providing dedicated keys for window management.
But it’s amazing how rarely the graphical user interfaces and keyboards intersect. This here – an old AT&T terminal keyboard – is an exception, providing dedicated keys for window management.
41.
I had to get this keyboard for a now-obscure Harris word processor, just because LOOK AT THE SHAPE OF THIS ENTER KEY.
I had to get this keyboard for a now-obscure Harris word processor, just because LOOK AT THE SHAPE OF THIS ENTER KEY.
42.
I have seen so many keyboards, but only this one – from a strange titling device meant to be connected to your TV – treats uppercase and lowercase exactly like all the other shifted and unshifted symbols. (With the exception of keyboards for kids, I assume!)
I have seen so many keyboards, but only this one – from a strange titling device meant to be connected to your TV – treats uppercase and lowercase exactly like all the other shifted and unshifted symbols. (With the exception of keyboards for kids, I assume!)
43.
Back in the day, keyboards were so expensive that you often started on a “training” keyboard that came without the machine connected to it. Here’s a training keyboard for a Linotype, which is itself a fascinating machine.
Back in the day, keyboards were so expensive that you often started on a “training” keyboard that came without the machine connected to it. Here’s a training keyboard for a Linotype, which is itself a fascinating machine.
44.
Here’s another one for the first popular line of desk calculators that predates a 10-key keypad.
Here’s another one for the first popular line of desk calculators that predates a 10-key keypad.
45.
(I also have the actual calculator, called a Comptometer. It’s beautiful, really fun to use, and honestly a work of art. A truly impressive machine from the bygone era. I bought it because I was so impressed reading what it can do.)
(I also have the actual calculator, called a Comptometer. It’s beautiful, really fun to use, and honestly a work of art. A truly impressive machine from the bygone era. I bought it because I was so impressed reading what it can do.)
46.
Here’s another practice keyboard, with a record to play to teach you how to type!
Here’s another practice keyboard, with a record to play to teach you how to type!
47.
And here’s the most modern version of a practice keyboard I know of – itself a small computer. After that, the likes of Mavis Beacon took over teaching typing in software.
And here’s the most modern version of a practice keyboard I know of – itself a small computer. After that, the likes of Mavis Beacon took over teaching typing in software.
48.
Speaking of the 1980s, keyboards from failed computers often found a second life as Radio Shack components you could reuse in your DIY projects. Here’s one from a home computer called Coleco Adam.
Speaking of the 1980s, keyboards from failed computers often found a second life as Radio Shack components you could reuse in your DIY projects. Here’s one from a home computer called Coleco Adam.
49.
While we’re speaking about failed computers, this is One Laptop Per Child’s interesting-looking keyboard. (I think OLPC is considered a failure? I’m not 100% sure. This computer is not in the book, so I haven’t researched that carefully.)
While we’re speaking about failed computers, this is One Laptop Per Child’s interesting-looking keyboard. (I think OLPC is considered a failure? I’m not 100% sure. This computer is not in the book, so I haven’t researched that carefully.)
50. And here is Canon Cat, maybe my favourite failed machine of all time. Look at these Leap keys! I’m somewhat in love with this machine.
https://newsletter.shifthappens.site/archive/adult-onset-felinophilia/
That’s it! I hope you liked this sneak peek of my collection– if you did, consider backing the book since this is the level of quality I’ve been aiming at for the visual side… there are a lot more photos like these, and of course a lot more great stories attached to them.
Sara Joy 
@mwichary gah. I really want this book but can't really justify it. Maybe there'll be an edition in future that I will treat myself to ❤️
Kyle Bradbury@mwichary I loved it, and I’m so excited for the book. Thank you!
Axel 🚴😷🐧🐪⌨ | #WeAreNatenom@mwichary: Thanks for that thread. Gives me much more of an idea what to expect from your book.
knack@mwichary On the "Strange Ergonomics" front, I'm strongly considering the KeyMouse, which has a concept I've not seen anywhere else...
e.pilot@mwichary this was great, thanks for sharing!
annaraven@mwichary How cool! Looking forward to the book coming out just around the time for my sweetie's birthday...
Brandon Kennedy@mwichary LOVED this and am super-excited for the book!
Paolo Amoroso@mwichary Your book is gorgeous, I backed your kickstarter within minutes of being notified, and I look forward to receiving it.
But perhaps a photo gallery (e.g. Flickr or Google Photos) or a traditional blog may be better for publishing dozens of photos. Doing so on a microblogging platform saturates the feed.
@amoroso What’s really nice in this scenario is the engagement – people can comment and share individual photos or talk to each other about a specific keyboard that resonated with them. With a blog post or Flickr or whatever you get a monolithic dead gallery.
Thanks for backing!
@mwichary Good point. Still, it may help to announce you're going to post a lot so that your followers are prepared.
Tom@mwichary Any keyboards out there with a dedicated “quit vi” key?
nemo 🐦 🟦 🐳 🃏 🥚@mwichary Here’s a keyboard you won’t have seen.
Prototype typesetting system. PS2 interface.
Prototype typesetting system. PS2 interface.
@nemo20000 Where could I learn more about this!?
@mwichary I don’t know. This one came to me from someone who had it in their garage for a long time after getting it from someone else. Professionally made metal case and PCBs with a couple of wire patches. socketed PIC16C73A microcrontroller, 7 other 74 logic chips. Bears the serial number 1015 which suggests a couple of dozen were made.
Numeric keypad and 3×4 above are separate PCBs on ribbon cables but ALL the rest is a single PCB so perhaps there were (intended) options.
192 keys!
Numeric keypad and 3×4 above are separate PCBs on ribbon cables but ALL the rest is a single PCB so perhaps there were (intended) options.
192 keys!
@mwichary Four LEDs, including “S2” which is one of the red keys on the left.
PS2 to USB interfaces simply can’t cope with the custom PS2 codes produced by the nonstandard keys, resulting in ghosting, persistent held keys and other horrors. I could drag out one of my old machines with a PS2 interface and write a driver, but to what end?
The plan is to replace the PIC with a Pi or equivalent and do a proper USB interface. It’s a good plan and has been for years! One day, one day.
PS2 to USB interfaces simply can’t cope with the custom PS2 codes produced by the nonstandard keys, resulting in ghosting, persistent held keys and other horrors. I could drag out one of my old machines with a PS2 interface and write a driver, but to what end?
The plan is to replace the PIC with a Pi or equivalent and do a proper USB interface. It’s a good plan and has been for years! One day, one day.
@mwichary this has some incredible early hacker cyberdeck aesthetic
Mark Gardner@mwichary #CanonCat was the “spiritual heir” to the original #Macintosh vision: https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1987-10-rescan/1987_10_BYTE_12-11_Heuristic_Algorithms/page/n126
Eric Fox@mwichary what a cute computer
@mwichary Oh yeah, #OLPC as a singular project is dead, though fragments and fractals live on: https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/16/17233946/olpcs-100-laptop-education-where-is-it-now
OLPC’s $100 laptop was going to change the world — then it all went wrong
The $100 OLPC laptop was supposed to revolutionize education and close the digital divide. But in just a few years it was recognized as a failure, a symbol of tech industry hubris, a one-size-fits-all American solution to complex global problems.
D. Griffin Jones@mwichary I have that computer! One of the worst keyboards I’ve ever typed on.
plaws (he/him)
Talha Muftee@mwichary Payal Arora's book The Next Billion Users offers good insight into the issues surrounding this project. In Pakistan, a similar project was launched without any real insight but just as a political stunt with pictures of the PM candidate on the covers. Shortly after a cleaning solution known as the PM-cleaner became a must-have amongst students who got those laptops. Really underpowered machines from non-conventional manufacturers without any aftermarket support, driver issues basically vaporware. But I do know a lot of my students needed it.