From Return to Enter: A History of the Keyboard's Most Iconic Key

This article traces the fascinating evolution of the 'Return' key from typewriters to modern computer keyboards. Initially a mechanical lever, the typewriter's carriage return transformed into a key with the advent of electricity. Teletype machines decoupled carriage return and line feed for efficiency, adding complexity. Electronic word processors introduced 'soft' and 'hard' returns. Finally, the personal computer era saw IBM PCs adopt 'Enter' while Apple used 'Return,' establishing the current duality. The author reflects on the key's convoluted journey, highlighting the complexities inherited in modern software.