While a typewriter keyboard may lack many keys common on the average computer, there will usually be one thing the typewriter has that the computer keyboard lacks : fractions. Some typewriters had multiple keys dedicated to fractions (with two fractions sharing the typebar). So, why is this?
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| Brother Deluxe 800, many fractions |
It is probably due to the use of imperial measures and amounts. Typewriters were, of course, working machines often used for filling out invoices and order forms not poncing about in hipster living rooms. While any fraction can be expressed using the slash key between two numbers (for example 1/2) it may be considered more space efficient and neater to be able to type ½ instead with one key press. It especially is more time efficient if you have to type a lot of them!
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| Litton Imperial 201, not quite as many fractions |
