Keyboard Layout | Types of Keyboard Layouts and Standards 

The physical layout of a keyboard is something most of us take for granted, but it can have a big impact on your comfort when using the device and how efficient you are, whether you're gaming or typing. 

Chances are there's a standard keyboard layout in your country, so you may never even see a keyboard that looks different to what you're used to. But gamers and typists who want to be more efficient could benefit from learning about different layouts, so our experts here at GravaStar have put together this comprehensive guide. 

What Is a Keyboard Layout? 

A keyboard layout is the physical arrangement of keys on a keyboard. This design determines where letters, numbers, symbols, and function keys are placed, which changes how you interact with a computer. 

You get standard keyboard layouts that are recognized across the world, but you also get region-specific layouts that include unique keys or rearranged letters to accommodate different languages. 

What Are the Standard Keyboard Layouts? 

Several global keyboard layout standards have been developed to accommodate different typing needs, languages, and regions. The most common ones are QWERTY, ANSI, ISO, and JIS, each offering unique features depending on the user’s location and language requirements. 

QWERTY Layout 

The QWERTY keyboard layout, developed in the 1870s by Christopher Latham Sholes, was originally designed for typewriters to prevent key jams. It's named after the first six letters on the top row of the keyboard. 

QWERTY is still the most popular layout in the US and many other countries, even though we don’t use typewriters anymore. 

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Layout 

The ANSI layout is the standard in the US and is also common in Canada and Australia. It includes 104 keys, with a wide, rectangular Enter key and an uninterrupted left Shift key. 

Its compact, familiar design makes it popular in many English-speaking regions. ANSI keyboards are also considered to be more ergonomic because it’s easy to reach frequently used keys. This layout is widely available, with many keycap and customization options. 

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Layout 

The ISO layout is more common in Europe and parts of Asia. It has 105 keys and features an L-shaped Enter key, a split left Shift key, and an extra key near the Z key to accommodate the diverse characters used in European languages. 

The layout helps users type accented characters and other symbols more easily. ISO keyboards are preferred in regions where multiple languages are used. 

JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) Layout 

Japanese keyboards (JIS layout) include additional keys for Kana (syllabic characters) and support easy switching between Roman letters and Japanese characters. 

JIS keyboards have 109 keys, including an L-shaped Enter key and extra keys around the spacebar, which is shorter than average to make room for other keys that are needed for inputting Japanese characters. 

What Are the Most Common Alternative Keyboard Layouts? 

Alternative keyboard layouts offer different designs to improve typing speed, comfort, and language accessibility compared to the standard QWERTY layout. Some are designed to reduce finger movement, while others cater to specific languages. 

Dvorak Simplified Keyboard 

The Dvorak layout, created in the 1930s by Dr. August Dvorak, was made to improve typing speed by reducing finger movement. This layout places the most commonly used letters in English on the home row, which helps typists keep their fingers on this row 70% of the time, compared to 32% for QWERTY. 

Dvorak’s design means there are fewer awkward stretches for the fingers. It focuses more on the right hand, which is an advantage for right-handed users. While some people report increased speed and accuracy, learning the Dvorak keyboard means retraining your muscle memory if you’re used to using something more standardized. 

Colemak Layout 

Developed by Shai Coleman in 2006, the Colemak keyboard layout is a more ergonomic alternative to QWERTY. It’s similar enough to QWERTY to retain much of its familiar structure. 

Unlike Dvorak, which rearranges the entire keyboard, Colemak modifies only 17 keys, so it’s much easier to adapt to. It places frequently used letters in more accessible positions, to reduce strain on the fingers. 

AZERTY Layout 

The AZERTY layout was designed to accommodate the special characters and accents common in French, so it’s widely used in France and Belgium. Compared to QWERTY, it swaps the positions of A and Q, as well as Z and W, and places more emphasis on access to punctuation marks and accents. 

The number keys are actually symbol keys, giving the user easy access to common symbols used in the French language. You’ll need to use the shift key to get the numbers. 

QWERTZ Layout 

The QWERTZ layout, used in Germany, Austria, and Central Europe, is similar to QWERTY but swaps Z and Y due to the higher frequency of the letter Z in German. This layout also adapts the positions of some special characters to fit the needs of German typists. 

The Enter key is often larger and split across two rows, and the layout usually also supports accented characters used in neighboring languages, like Czech or Hungarian​. 

Bépo Layout 

The Bépo layout is an alternative French keyboard arrangement optimized for French letters and symbols. Similar to the Dvorak layout, Bépo places the most commonly used letters, like E, A, S, and R, on the home row, making it more efficient for French speakers. 

This layout also provides dedicated keys for diacritic marks like é, è, and ç, which are important in French but less accessible on AZERTY. 

JCUKEN 

JCUKEN is the standard keyboard layout used for typing in Russian and other Cyrillic-based languages. It was developed for typewriters in 1917 and is based on the frequency of the different characters in the Russian language. 

The arrangement of keys is quite different from QWERTY, but it allows for much more efficient typing of Cyrillic script. The layout has remained the standard in Russia for both typewriters and modern computers. 

Hangeul 

The Hangeul layout (also called the Hangul keyboard) is specifically designed for typing in the Korean language. It enables quick assembly of syllabic blocks that make up Korean words. The layout divides consonants and vowels between the left and right sides of the keyboard, allowing users to type syllables, which the language is based on. 

Are There Regional Keyboard Variants? 

Yes, many countries and regions use different keyboard layouts to accommodate local language needs and typing preferences. These layouts are often variations of the standard QWERTY layout, with some adjustments to support specific characters, punctuation marks, and symbols needed for different languages. 

The physical design of some keys, most commonly the Enter and Shift keys, may also differ between regions. These changes are all carefully thought out to make typing easier for people who write in languages other than English. 

US International Layout 

The US International layout is based on the standard US QWERTY design but includes extra options for typing special characters and accents commonly used in other languages. It features an AltGr (right Alt) key that allows users to easily input symbols like the Euro (€) and accented characters like é or ñ. 

This layout is popular with people who need to type in multiple languages, as it enables easy access to a wider range of characters without switching keyboards. 

UK (British) English Layout 

The UK keyboard layout is widely used in the United Kingdom and former British colonies. It shares some similarities with the US layout but has several important differences. For example, the UK layout features an L-shaped Enter key, and the placement of certain symbols, such as the pound (£) symbol, is more prominent. 

Also, the @ and quotation mark keys are swapped around compared to the US layout. This layout supports British English conventions and includes symbols that are often used in the UK. 

Arabic, Greek, and other regional layouts 

Many other countries use customized keyboard layouts tailored to their particular languages. For example: 

• Arabic keyboards are designed for right-to-left typing and include special keys for Arabic characters. 

• Greek keyboards accommodate Greek letters while maintaining a layout similar to QWERTY.  

• Others include a specialized Tibetan keyboard, Macedonian keyboard, Bulgarian keyboard, Swedish keyboard, and more. 

These regional layouts are available both as physical keyboards and through software settings that allow users to switch between different input methods without changing their hardware. 

Specialized Keyboard Layout Designs 

Specialized keyboard layouts are designed to improve comfort and usability for specific tasks or user needs. They might address ergonomic concerns, provide better access to frequently used keys, or cater to particular professions or hobbies, like programming or gaming. 

Maltron Layout 

The Maltron layout is engineered for comfort. It was designed to reduce strain on the hands and wrists, with a split keyboard design that groups keys according to hand and finger strength. 

Frequently used keys are placed under the strongest fingers, reducing finger movement and promoting balanced typing. This layout is especially helpful for those who struggle with repetitive strain injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Workman Layout 

The Workman layout focuses on minimizing finger movement and balancing the workload between both hands. By placing more commonly used letters on the home row, it reduces the distance your fingers need to travel. 

This layout is also designed with ergonomics in mind, giving you a more comfortable typing experience over long periods. It’s particularly suited for programming and other tasks that need frequent symbol and punctuation use, making it a practical choice for coders and those who need a more efficient workflow. 

Gaming and Specialized Layouts 

For gamers, keyboard layout preferences often center around mechanical keyboards, which provide customizable layouts and faster response times. These keyboards are built for precision and may include additional macro keys for quick access to in-game commands. 

Gaming keyboards often have ergonomic designs, like split key arrangements or adjustable wrist rests, to reduce fatigue during extended gaming sessions. Professionals in fields like video editing or graphic design may also use specialized keyboards with extra keys for specific software commands to boost productivity. 

What Are the Differences in Keyboard Sizes and Forms? 

Keyboard sizes vary based on the number of keys and the space they occupy. The most common sizes include full-size (100%), Tenkeyless (TKL), and compact layouts (like 75%, 60%, and 40%). 

Full-Size (100%) 

This layout includes all standard keys — letters, function keys, a number pad, and navigation keys. It’s ideal for users who frequently need the number pad, like accountants or data entry professionals. Full-size keyboards tend to be larger, so they need more desk space​. 

Tenkeyless (TKL or 80%) 

The TKL layout removes the number pad but keeps all other keys, including the function row and navigation cluster. This smaller size is popular for those who don’t need the number pad but still want a functional layout for productivity and gaming. The compact design frees up desk space, particularly useful for mouse movement​. 

Compact Layouts (75%, 60%, and 40%) 

Compact keyboards vary in the number of keys left out of the original design. 

75% keyboards keep the function row but remove the number pad and some navigation keys. The keys are packed closely, making the layout smaller while maintaining much of the functionality​. Most of the gaming keyboards we stock here at GravaStar are 75% keyboards, made for streamlined use, portability, and space-saving. 

60% keyboards remove the function row, navigation keys, and number pad entirely, making them highly portable and popular among gamers. They often require the use of key combinations to access certain functions​. 

40% keyboards are even smaller, removing number keys and further reducing the number of available keys. These are specialized and require the user to rely on layers and key combinations for basic functionality​. 

Keyboard Layout | FAQs 

Can I Create Custom Keyboard Layouts? 

Yes, it’s possible to create custom keyboard layouts. Most modern operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, have built-in tools that allow you to rearrange keys, assign new functions, or create shortcuts that suit your specific needs.

Programs like Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MKLC) or third-party software like AutoHotkey also make it simple to design personalized computer keyboard layouts. 

Are There Benefits to Using Alternate Keyboard Layouts? 

Yes, there are several benefits to using an alternate layout, especially for those who type frequently. Layouts like Dvorak and Colemak are designed to reduce finger movement, which can improve your typing speed and comfort over time. 

These layouts also help reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries by distributing the workload more evenly across the fingers. If you suffer from wrist strain or carpal tunnel syndrome, an alternative laptop keyboard layout could save you pain and inflammation. 

For multilingual users, alternative layouts like AZERTY or JCUKEN are beneficial because they make it easier to type in languages with special characters. Ultimately, choosing the right layout depends on your personal typing needs and goals.