The original chiclet keyboard was a small keyboard that was first introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. IBM’s PCjr computer was one of the first computers to feature a chiclet keyboard. The keys on a chiclet keyboard are square shaped with rounded corners and straight sides. They resemble a piece of Chiclet chewing gum, which earned the keys and keyboard their name.

Other early computers featured a chiclet keyboard, including the TRS-80 Color and TRS-80 MC-10 computers, and the Timex Sinclair 2068 computer. Unfortunately, the original chiclet keyboard was not well liked and considered to be the keyboard for cheap, low-end computers.

After over 20 years of limited popularity, the chiclet keyboard has been redesigned. Today’s version is a low-profile, scissor-switch style keyboard and used more commonly on laptops. The keys are flat, simple in design, and relatively cheap to replace.

Chiclet, Keyboard terms

  • Keyboard help and support.