How does the typewriter work?

The reason why virtually all western keyboards are laid out in such a strangely haphazard way, instead of in simple alphabetical order, is a historical one that's all to do with how typewriters work. So how do they work? Let's lift the lid and look inside! read more

Most electric typewriters do away with the system of levers and typehammers. In some models, the type is mounted on the surface of a rotating wheel called a golfball. Other models use a daisywheel, which looks like a small flower, with the type radiating out from the end like petals. read more

How Does a Typewriter Work Mechanical devices used to type text onto paper, typewriters paved the way for modern word processors. Mechanical typewriters work by imprinting inked key heads – containing one or more letters, numbers or symbols – onto a sheet of paper one after the other to form lines of text. read more

An electric typewriter works differently in that there is no direct, mechanical connection between the act of pressing the button and pushing the letter shape to the ribbon and paper. That action is caused by one or more small electric motors. read more