The Keyboard II

This chapter argues that the kinetics of the computer keyboard are defined primarily by a binary modulation, introduced in the mid-twentieth century. In addition to the binary circulation introduced by the typewriter, the transistor computer and computer keyboard move not only by mechanical and electrical circulation, but also by a quantum kinetic modulation of those circulations themselves. In particular, the computer keyboard not only has elastic oscillating keys supported by springs or rubber, but also relies on the work of transistors to modulate or modify the flow of energy released from the key contact. Transistors in turn rely not on a mechanical or even electrical switch, but on the modulation of a purely quantum flux in the subatomic structure of a semiconductor material. This kinetic operation is thus defined by three suboperations: modulated oscillation, modulated elasticity, and modulated subjectivity.