Data typewriter keyboard
Provided by the ASK Keyboard Dictionary
Aka/also known as: typewriter-like keyboard, typewriter-style keyboard, typewriter keyboard
Data typewriter (DA) keyboards are a type of terminal keyboard commonly found in mainframe, terminal and sometimes server usage that are specialised for complete alphanumeric data entry or programming. Such keyboards are typically larger than their data entry (DE) counterparts and can output letters in upper or lower case. The "typewriter-like" moniker stems from the fact they were like typewriters (which could type in either case) instead of Card Punches (which DE keyboards are based on and could only type in uppercase). Technically, modern PC keyboards are also typewriter-like keyboards but the term "typewriter-like" is generally only found in mainframe and related context.
