Types of Computer Keyboard Layout: Choose the Best Layout for You

Published: 14 Apr 2024

What Is Keyboard Layout and Why Does It Matter?

Why are the letters on your keyboard not in A-B-C order? It sounds strange, right? But there’s a smart reason behind this odd arrangement. This setup is called the keyboard layout, and it plays a big role in how easily you can type, work, or even play games.

There are different styles of keyboards. Each type of layout refers to the different arrangements of keys on a keyboard, each designed for specific languages or user preferences. Here are some common keyboard layout types:

QWERTY
Dvorak
AZERTY
QWERTZ
Colemak
Workman
Neo
Turkish F
JCUKEN
Maltron
Bépo
Programmer Dvorak
Chinese Keyboard Layout
Armenian Keyboard Layout
Thai Keyboard Layout
Japanese Keyboard Layout
Korean Keyboard Layout
Arabic Keyboard Layout
Indian Keyboard Layout
Hebrew Keyboard Layout

Table of Content

What Does ‘Keyboard Layout’ Mean in Simple Terms?

A keyboard layout is the specific arrangement of keys on a keyboard, including letters, numbers, symbols, and function keys. It determines where each key is placed and how you interact with your computer when typing.

The most common keyboard format is called QWERTY

What Is the QWERTY Keyboard Layout and Why Is It So Popular?

The QWERTY keyboard layout gets it name from the initial six characters on the top row of keys – Q, W, E, R, T, Y. It’s the regular keyboard layout used today on laptops, desktops, and even smartphones. Its the best keyboard layout for typing.

QWERTY was first designed for old typewriters to stop the keys from jamming when people typed too fast. Even though we no longer use typewriters, this layout stayed popular because people got used to it, and now it’s the standard around the world, especially in the US.

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Different Types of Keyboard Layouts Used Around the World

Dvorak

The Dvorak keyboard layout serves as a QWERTY alternative, designed to boost typing speed and efficiency by placing the most frequently used letters under the strongest fingers. It aims to reduce finger movement and improve comfort during typing.

AZERTY

The AZERTY keyboard layout is most commonly used in French-speaking nations and is similar to QWERTY, with some important variations such as changing the places of the A and Q and the Z and W. It is designed to accommodate the French language and its specific characters.

QWERTZ

The QWERTZ keyboard layout is widely used in German-speaking nations and is similar to QWERTY, with the exception of swapping the Y and Z keys. It is designed to better suit the German language and its specific character needs.

Colemak

The Colemak keyboard layout is designed as a more efficient alternative to QWERTY, offering a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger movement. It retains many common key placements while reducing strain and increasing typing speed.

Workman

The Workman keyboard layout is designed to minimize finger movement and optimize typing efficiency, offering a more balanced alternative to QWERTY and Dvorak. It focuses on placing the most frequently used keys under the strongest fingers for improved comfort and speed.

Neo

The Neo keyboard layout is designed for the German language, focusing on increasing typing speed and efficiency by optimizing the placement of frequently used characters. It aims to reduce finger movement and enhance overall comfort for German typists.

Turkish F

The Turkish F keyboard layout is specifically designed for the Turkish language, offering more efficient typing by placing frequently used Turkish characters in easy-to-reach positions. It aims to increase typing speed and reduce finger strain for Turkish speakers.

JCUKEN

The JCUKEN keyboard pattern is used primarily in Russia and other Cyrillic-speaking countries, designed to optimize typing in the Russian language. It arranges Cyrillic characters for easier access, aiming to improve typing speed and efficiency for Russian users.

Maltron

The Maltron keyboard layout is designed for ergonomic typing, featuring a unique curved design that reduces strain and promotes comfort. It places keys in a way that minimizes finger movement, making typing more efficient for some users.

Bépo

The Bépo keyboard layout is optimized for the French language, offering more efficient typing by placing frequently used letters in easy-to-reach positions. It is designed to improve typing speed and comfort for French speakers.

Programmer Dvorak

The Programmer Dvorak keyboard layout is a variant of the Dvorak layout, specifically designed for programming. It optimizes the placement of symbols and frequently used programming characters for faster and more efficient coding.

Chinese Keyboard Layout

The Chinese PC keyboard layout is designed to input Chinese characters, often using Pinyin or other phonetic systems. It allows users to type characters efficiently by mapping them to specific keys or by selecting from a list of suggestions after typing the pinyin.

Armenian Keyboard Layout

The Armenian Keyboard Structure is designed for typing in the Armenian language, with characters arranged to suit the unique alphabet. It allows users to type efficiently in both Western and Eastern Armenian.

Thai Keyboard Layout

The Thai Keyboard Layout is designed for typing in the Thai language, featuring a combination of Thai characters and Latin letters. It allows users to easily switch between languages while typing.

Japanese Keyboard Layout

The Japanese keyboard letter layout is designed for typing in Japanese, featuring a mix of hiragana, katakana, and kanji characters alongside Latin letters. It enables users to easily switch between writing systems.

Korean Keyboard Layout

The Korean Keyboard Layout is designed for typing in the Korean language, with keys for both Hangul characters and the Roman alphabet. It allows efficient input of Korean syllables and easy switching between languages.

Arabic Keyboard Layout

The Arabic layout of the keyboard is designed for typing in the Arabic script, with keys for Arabic characters alongside Latin letters. It allows users to efficiently write in Arabic while supporting seamless switching between languages.

Indian Keyboard Layout

The Indian Keyboard Layout is designed for typing in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi and other regional scripts. It allows users to easily switch between languages and type efficiently using the Devanagari script.

Hebrew Keyboard Layout

The Hebrew Keyboard Layout is designed for typing in Hebrew, with keys for Hebrew characters alongside Latin letters. It enables efficient input of Hebrew text while allowing easy access to standard punctuation and symbols.

How to Switch Keyboard Layout in Windows or Mac?

Changing your keyboard layout is easy, whether you use Windows or Mac.

On Windows, go to Settings → tap on Time & Language → tap on Language, then click your language and choose “Add a keyboard layout.”

On Mac, open System Preferences → tap on Keyboard → go to Input Sources, then tap on the plus (+) button to add a new layout.

You can quickly switch between layouts using a shortcut, like Shift + Alt (Windows) or Control + Space (Mac). Try a new layout for a week and see how it feels!

Final Thought about the Computer Keyboard Layout

So, guys, in this article, we’ve covered keyboard layout in detail.

If you’re just starting, I recommend sticking with the QWERTY layout since it’s familiar and easy to use. But if you’re feeling curious, don’t be afraid to try other layouts like DVORAK or COLEMAK, you might find something that fits you better!

Give it a try and let me know which one worked best for you in the comments.

FAQS – Keyboard Layout Types

What is the keyboard layout for Hindi typing?

The most commonly used keyboard layout for Hindi typing is the Inscript layout, which follows the traditional Hindi script.

Is there a keyboard with a Mac layout?

Yes, keyboards are available and designed explicitly with a Mac layout, including the placement of keys and shortcuts commonly used on Mac computers.

What is the difference between US and UK keyboard layouts?

The main difference between the US and UK keyboard layouts lies in the placement of certain characters and symbols, such as the “£” and “@” symbols, as well as the size and layout of certain keys.

What is the US keyboard layout?

The US keyboard layout is a standard keyboard layout commonly used in the United States. It features the QWERTY arrangement of keys along with specific keys for functions and symbols.

Is there a keyboard with a typewriter layout?

Yes, keyboards that mimic the layout and feel of traditional typewriter keyboards provide a retro typing experience.

What is the German keyboard layout?

The German keyboard layout features the QWERTZ arrangement of keys, with specific keys for German special characters such as “ß” and umlauts.

What is the function of a keyboard in a computer?

Users can use the keyboard to enter text, commands, and other data into a computer by pressing keys, enabling communication and interaction with the system.

What is the name of the symbol keyboard?

The symbol keyboard is also known as the “character map” or “keyboard viewer” on some operating systems, allowing users to access and insert different symbols and characters.

How are keyboards designed?

Keyboards are designed with a specific layout of keys, considering user comfort, key spacing, and the arrangement of keys for optimal typing efficiency.

What is the 3 Keyboard Layout?

The three most common keyboard layouts are QWERTY, AZERTY, and DVORAK.

QWERTY is used mostly in the U.S. and many other countries. It’s the standard keyboard layout for computers

AZERTY is popular in France and Belgium.

DVORAK is made to help people type faster and with less effort.

What is a Keyboard Layout in computer?

A keyboard layout is the way keys are arranged on a computer keyboard. It includes letters, numbers, symbols, and function keys.

Different layouts are designed for different languages or typing styles. The most common one is called QWERTY.

What are four types of Keyboard?

Here are four common types of keyboards:

1. Standard Keyboard – Used for basic typing.

2. Mechanical Keyboard – Used for gaming or fast typing.

3. Virtual Keyboard – Appears on touchscreens.

4. Ergonomic Keyboard – Designed to reduce hand strain.

How many Keyboard Layout are there?

There are many keyboard layouts, but only a few are widely used.

The most popular ones include QWERTY, AZERTY, DVORAK, and COLEMAK.

Each layout is made for comfort, speed, or specific languages. You can even create a custom layout if you like!

QWERTY vs QWERTZ, What’s the difference?

QWERTY and QWERTZ are two types of keyboard layouts.

QWERTY is common in the U.S., while QWERTZ is mostly used in Germany and Central Europe.

The main difference is the position of the Y and Z keys. They are designed to match the needs of different languages and users.

QWERTY vs DVORAK: What’s the Difference?

QWERTY and DVORAK are two different keyboard layouts.

QWERTY is the most common and is used on almost all computers and phones.

DVORAK is designed to help you type faster with less finger movement.

DVORAK can be better for speed, but it takes time to learn and is not used by default.