Keyboard Layouts Explained: Complete Beginner's Guide

Different Keyboard Layouts Explained

QWERTY Keyboard Layout

The QWERTY keyboard layout is the most widely used keyboard layout found on modern computers, devices, and QWERTY keyboards worldwide. Its name comes from the first six letters in the top row—Q-W-E-R-T-Y (Q, W, E, R, T, Y). Today, this popular layout is the default layout for most keyboards and is used for everyday typing every message.

When and How Was the QWERTY Layout Created?

The QWERTY layout was designed by Christopher Latham Sholes in the 1870s for the Sholes and Glidden typewriter. It first appeared on a mechanical typewriter in 1874 and gained widespread popularity after the Remington No.2 typewriter was introduced in 1878.

Its key arrangement placed frequently used letters on opposite sides of the keyboard instead of together, reducing jamming between mechanical typewriter arms and typewriter arms striking the paper. This efficient layout improved alternation between the right hand and left hand, giving the fingers easy access during rapid typing, while less common letters like Q and Z were placed farther apart. Patterns such as WSX, RFV, and TGB also show how letters in the same vertical row are rarely used sequentially in words.

Dvorak Keyboard Layout

The Dvorak keyboard layout, also known as DVORAK, was developed by August Dvorak in the 1930s and released in 1936 as a more efficient alternative to the QWERTY and QWERTY layout. Its key arrangement places frequently used letters and commonly used letters on the main row, with vowels on the left side and other letters on the right side, helping users type faster, improve typing speed, typing efficiency, and reduce the need to lift fingers for more comfortable typing. Although its advantages have been debated, and QWERTY already had a strong foothold and popularity, the Dvorak layout still offers smooth flow when typing words like adhesion, hunted, and sound on an efficient keyboard.

Want to explore keyboard types? Read our complete guide.

Colemak Keyboard Layout

The Colemak keyboard layout is a modern keyboard layout created by Shei Coleman in 2006 as a recent layout and recent option for faster typing. Often described as an upgraded version of the Dvorak and Dvorak layout, the Colemak layout improves typing efficiency by changing the key arrangement and key placement of several keys, moving O, E, and U to R, S, and T, while H, N, and I are also repositioned on the right side, giving the home row and home row keys a more comfortable layout for everyday typing on a keyboard.

Colemak-DH Keyboard Layout

The Colemak-DH keyboard layout, also called Colemak-DH or Colemak Mod DH, is a modified version of Colemak that improves the keyboard layout by refining home row and home row positioning. Unlike the QWERTY and QWERTY layout, it offers better key placement to reduce finger movement, reduce strain, improve typing comfort, increase typing speed, and develop typing skills. With its balance of familiarity, modernization, and being easy to learn, this keyboard layout helps boost productivity while keeping your fingers comfortable during typing.

Workman Keyboard Layout

The Workman keyboard layout is an ergonomic keyboard layout designed to improve typing by placing frequently used keys on the home row and middle row. The Workman layout brings the frequently used letter T closer through a smarter key arrangement, helping fingers make less finger movement, reduce strain, and provide greater comfort for hands. This ergonomic layout creates a smoother typing experience and supports more comfortable typing on your keyboard.

Svorak Keyboard Layout

The Svorak keyboard layout, also known as the Svorak layout, is a variation of Simplified Dvorak based on the Dvorak and Dvorak layout. This keyboard layout places most-used keys under stronger fingers to reduce finger movement, improve typing speed, typing comfort, and typing efficiency, creating a smoother typing experience and more effective typing than QWERTY for some users.

AZERTY Keyboard Layout

The AZERTY keyboard layout, also called the AZERTY layout, is the standard layout used in French-speaking regions for French typing. Unlike the QWERTY and QWERTY layout, the top row begins with A, Z, E, R, T, and Y, giving the keyboard layout its name. Its letter arrangement places common letters under strong fingers and makes typing accents and special characters easier, making it a practical keyboard for everyday use.

QWERTZ Keyboard Layout

The QWERTZ keyboard layout, also known as the QWERTZ layout, is a keyboard layout widely used in German-speaking countries such as Germany and Austria. Similar to the QWERTY and QWERTY layout, its main difference is that the Z and Y keys switch places, changing their key placement on the top row to better support German, Deutsch, and German speakers. This layout makes typing more natural on a computer, while remaining familiar to users who type in English as well.

JCUKEN Keyboard Layout

The JCUKEN keyboard layout, also called the JCUKEN layout, is the standard keyboard layout for Russian users and Russian keyboards across Russia. Unlike QWERTY, it uses Cyrillic and Cyrillic letters for writing Russian words, with a different home row that replaces ASDFGHJKL with F, Y, W, A, P, R, O, L, D, and V. This arrangement helps Russian speakers type more comfortably, improves the typing experience, supports smooth typing, and keeps fingertips comfortable while using the keys online.

Maltron Keyboard Layout

The Maltron keyboard layout, also known as the Maltron layout, is an ergonomic keyboard with a unique keyboard layout designed for greater comfort. Unlike a standard keyboard, its key arrangement places keys and letter keys in rectangular groups and square-shaped groups, with the number pad in the middle, while the home row uses A, N, S, I, and F on the left side and D, T, H, O, and R on the right side. This ergonomic keyboard setup reduces strain on hands and fingers, making comfortable typing and an improved typing experience possible.

What Is ANSI and ISO Layout?

ANSI Layout

The ANSI keyboard layout, developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is the most common keyboard layout in North America, Australia, and the Netherlands. It features a wide Enter key, a long left Shift key, a dedicated backslash key, and a total of 104 keys.

Want to learn more about the US ANSI keyboard layout? Start here.

ISO Layout

The ISO keyboard layout, standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is widely used across Europe, South America, and Asia. It has a taller Enter key, a shorter left Shift key, an extra key beside the left Shift, and a full ISO keyboard contains 105 keys.

Are There Different Language Variants of the ISO Layout?

Yes, the ISO keyboard layout comes in several language variants to match the needs of each country, region, and language. Popular examples include ISO UK, ISO Nordic, the English layout, and Nordic layout, where ISO keys keep the same size but key placement and character placement change to support different letters, special letters like Æ, Ø, and Å, as well as characters, brackets, colons, symbols, the @ sign (at sign), and the tilde.

Still confused about ANSI and ISO? Here's a detailed side-by-side comparison.

Keyboard Size Layouts

What Is a Full-Size Keyboard?

A full-size keyboard (100% keyboard) includes all the standard keys, typically 104 keys on ANSI layouts or 105 keys on ISO layouts. It features a full alphanumeric section, function keys, navigation keys, arrow keys, and a dedicated numeric keypad, making it ideal for office work, data entry, programming, and general everyday use.

What Does TKL Stand For?

TKL means Tenkeyless, sometimes written as ten-key-less in keyboard terminology. A TKL keyboard is a compact keyboard based on a full-size keyboard, but it removes the numpad or numeric keypad from the right side to save desk space.

Most TKL keyboards have about 88 keys, so they are commonly called an 80% keyboard or 83% keyboard. The omitted keys mainly include the number pad, including Num Lock, while the function key row, Enter key, Windows key, menu key, symbol keys, and bottom row remain. Some users also prefer a WinKeyless (WKL) layout, which removes the Windows key for a cleaner design.

Curious about Tenkeyless? Read our complete TKL keyboard layout guide.

What Is a 75% Keyboard?

A 75% keyboard is a scaled-down keyboard that keeps the same layout as a full-size keyboard while taking up less space. Based on a standard ISO layout, it usually has around 83 keys, which is about 79% of the 105 keys found on a 100% standard keyboard, so it is commonly called a 75% layout.

Although it has fewer keys, a 75% keyboard keeps most of the essential keys in a compact keyboard layout. It offers a good balance between portability and functionality, making it a popular choice among users who want a smaller keyboard without sacrificing important keys.

What Is a 60% Keyboard?

A 60% keyboard is one of the most compact scaled-down keyboard versions, designed for users who need a smaller desk footprint. Compared with a full-size keyboard using a standard ISO layout, it includes about 62 keys, which is roughly 59% of the original 105 keys, giving it the name 60% keyboard.

Despite having a lower percentage of keys, the keyboard layout still supports everyday typing by keeping the main typing area. Its keyboard versions remove many extra keys to create a lightweight design while maintaining the familiar typing experience.

Not sure which compact layout is right? Compare the TKL and 75% keyboard layouts.

The Origin of Control and Modifier Keys

The control and modifier keys on a keyboard originate from different eras. Before the age of computers, control keys served basic writing needs. Keys like [Shift], [Caps Lock], [Enter], [Space], and [Tab] were present on typewriters by the late 1800s. The advent of computers led to the need for navigation keys like [Home] and [End], along with additional modifier keys such as [Control] and [Alt]. While some keys, like [Scroll Lock] and [Pause], have become less useful in recent years, they remain on most QWERTY keyboards.

Using a Mac? See how the Mac and Windows keyboard layouts differ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which keyboard layout is the most common?

The QWERTY keyboard layout is the most widely used keyboard layout worldwide. It comes as the default layout on most Windows, macOS, and Linux computers and is commonly found on desktop and laptop keyboards. Because of its widespread adoption, most software, shortcuts, and typing tutorials are designed for the QWERTY layout.

What is the difference between keyboard layout and keyboard type?

A keyboard layout refers to how keys are arranged, such as QWERTY, Dvorak, Colemak, ANSI, or ISO. A keyboard type describes the keyboard’s design or technology, such as mechanical, membrane, wireless, ergonomic, or gaming keyboards. In simple terms, the layout affects key placement, while the type defines how the keyboard is built.

Is QWERTY better than Dvorak?

Neither layout is universally better. QWERTY is the standard layout and offers the best compatibility with most devices and users. Dvorak is designed to reduce finger movement and may improve typing comfort for some people, but switching requires time and practice. The better choice depends on your typing habits and personal preferences.

Can I change my keyboard layout?

Yes. You can change your keyboard layout in the settings of Windows, macOS, or Linux. Most operating systems let you switch between layouts such as QWERTY, Dvorak, Colemak, and various language-specific layouts without changing your physical keyboard.

How do I choose the right keyboard layout?

Choose a keyboard layout based on your language, daily tasks, and typing style. QWERTY is ideal for most users, while Dvorak and Colemak may suit people looking for a different typing experience. If you frequently work in multiple languages or use a compact keyboard, selecting the right layout can improve both comfort and productivity.

Final Thoughts

The best keyboard layout depends on your personal preferences, typing habits, and language needs. While the QWERTY layout remains the most popular choice, many keyboard users also explore QWERTY, Dvorak, Colemak, and other alternative keyboard layouts to improve comfort and efficiency.

There is no single layout that works for everyone. Comparing different keyboard choices and keyboard layout choices helps you make better decisions based on your daily typing needs. Trying different alternatives can also improve your overall typing experience.