Did you know every country has a different standard keyboard? It’s true! Each country has its own type of keyboard specific to its language and alphabet.
In this blog article, we’ll look at some of the most popular keyboard types utilized by people all around the world.
What is Keyboard?
A keyboard is a computer hardware device that allows a person to input data into a computer.
It can be used to type text, numbers, and other symbols. A keyboard typically has around 100 keys. The keys on a keyboard are usually labeled with their respective characters.
A keyboard is an input device because it allows a user to input data into a computer. Keyboards are essential for computers because they allow users to interact with the computer.
Keyboards can be connected to a computer via a wired or wireless connection. Wireless keyboards use Bluetooth or infrared technology to communicate with the computer.
Wired keyboards use a USB or PS/2 connection. Keyboards can also be built into the computer itself.
Laptops typically have built-in keyboards, and some computers have keys that can be detached or folded up when not used.
Different options for Keyboards and Keypads
Generally, keyboards have the same functions in the same way as in the past, and technology has become more advanced. List 13 types of keyboards used worldwide.
1. Dvorak Keyboard
The Dvorak keyboard is more efficient and ergonomic than the standard QWERTY keyboard.
The Dvorak layout is based on the frequency of letters in the English language, and it is said to be up to 75% faster than the QWERTY layout.
In addition, the Dvorak layout is designed to reduce strain on the hands and wrists, making it a more comfortable option for those who spend a lot of time typing.
While the Dvorak keyboard is not as widely used as the QWERTY keyboard, it is gaining popularity among those looking for a more efficient way to type.
2. Ergonomics Keyboards
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce strain on the hands and wrists, making them more comfortable for extended use.
In addition, they can help to improve posture and prevent repetitive strain injuries. There are many different ergonomic keyboards available, so it’s essential to find one that suits your needs.
3. Backlit Keyboards
Backlit keyboards are lit from behind, making the keys easier to see in low-light conditions.
This fantastic feature for those who work in dimly-lit offices or who like to use their computers in the evening.
In addition to providing better visibility, backlit keyboards can add style to your computer setup.
4. QWERTY
The QWERTY keyboard slows down typing speed to prevent mechanical typewriters from jamming.
However, it is no longer needed on modern computers and can slow down typing speed.
5. Numeric Keys
Numeric keys are typically found on the keyboard’s right side and can also be found on the left side in some layouts.
In addition to the standard 0-9 keys, numeric keys often include a decimal point, equals sign, and other symbols.
6. Membrane Keyboards
Membrane keyboards have no space between keypads. The key is pressure-sensitive and has several characters outlined on flat surfaces.
7. Flexible Keyboards
This keyboard offers all the functions that a standard QWERTY keyboard has. Flexible keyboards are typically made from silicon so they can be moved around.
8. QWERTZ Keyboard
QWERTZ keyboards have traditionally been employed in Central Europe. These formats may also accommodate the different languages that use this world language.
9. Wireless Keyboards
The keyboards use radio connections to connect to computers or other equipment. Wireless keyboards have been developed for longer distances than normal keyboard users.
10. Wired Keyboards
It’s the most widely used typing machine.
Its affordable price also helps the workers familiarize themselves with computers in the workplace. The keyboard is equipped with PS2/Port.
11. Mechanical Keyboards
These types are created to encourage fun in writing, and clicking keys is quite enjoyable.
Mechanical-based keyboards will do this by putting switches under the button or pressing the button.
12. AZERTY Keyboard
The French language contains accented letters that can no longer be found on the Uk keyboard layout, while the line number on the French keyboard uses mainly accented letters.
A couple of buttons on the French keyboard have been added (not QWERTY, the first line reads azert).
13. Gaming Keyboards
This one is usually used by those who frequently play video games. The design of the gaming keyboard is ergonomic.
It has a backlit color that is very comfortable to use even in low-light conditions.
Let’s Further Move to the Different Country Keyboards Types as we Discussed Earlier.
There are some specific functions created for each country and commonly used in that specific country. So Sit back and read some crisp!
Norwegian Keyboard Layout
The Norwegian keyboard layout is the default keyboard layout used in Norway. It is based on the QWERTY layout and has been used since the early 20th century.
The Norwegian keyboard layout is used in both Norway and Sweden, and it is also used in other Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
The layout is also used in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Norwegian keyboard layout has been designed to accommodate the Norwegian alphabet, which consists of 29 letters.
The layout includes a number row, a number pad, and a function key. In addition, the Norwegian keyboard layout includes several unique characters, such as the Nordic cross (†) and the degree symbol (°).
The Norwegian keyboard layout is available in both Windows and macOS.
Poland Keyboard Layout
Poland has an exciting keyboard layout. The Poland keyboard is a modification of the QWERTY keyboard, created in 1868 by Christopher Latham Sholes.
The Poland keyboard is unique in that it includes a Ł key, which is used for typing the Polish character ł.
This key is located on a standard Poland keyboard to the right of the L key. In addition to the Ł key, the Poland keyboard also includes an Ó key, which is used for typing the Polish character ó.
To the right of the O key on a standard keyboard from Poland, there is this key.
The Poland keyboard layout is trendy among computer users in Poland and has been adopted by many other countries.
Polish Keyboard Layout
The Polish keyboard layout is commonly used for typing in the Polish language. Unlike many other keyboard layouts, the Polish layout uses a QWERTZ keyboard.
The most notable difference between the Polish keyboard layout and other layouts is the placement of the signs: ą, ć, ł, ń, ó, ś, ź and ż.
These signs are placed on the left side of the keyboard, making them easily accessible for people who are touch typing.
In addition to the ą, ć, ł, ń, ó, ś, ź and ż signs, the Polish keyboard layout also features a number of other special characters: €, ^, \ , | , ` , ~ , < , > , ( , ) , [ , ] { , } .
The Polish keyboard layout is a convenient and straightforward way to type in the Polish language.
Portuguese Keyboard Layout
The Portuguese keyboard layout is based on the Latin alphabet and is used for the Portuguese language.
It has 29 keys, including eight special keys and 21 letter keys. The first six letter keys are the same as in the English layout: Q, W, E, R, T, and Y.
There are some differences: the letters Z and C are swapped, and there are four extra keys for accented letters.
The special keys include a key for creating accented letters, changing between upper and lower case letters, and switching between different language layouts.
The same keyboard layout is used on computers running the Windows operating system. It can also be used on Macs by selecting the “Portuguese” option in the Keyboard Preferences panel.
Turkish Keyboard Layout
The Turkish keyboard layout is a handy way to input Turkish characters on a computer.
The layout is based on the extended Latin qwerty layout alphabet and includes all the letters used in Turkish.
There are extra keys for special characters, such as ç and ş. The Turkish keyboard layout is available on most computers and is very easy to use.
Press the Alt key and the appropriate letter to type the character you want.
For example, to type ç, just press Alt+c. You can also use the Turkish keyboard layout to type English characters. Just press the Shift key to toggle between the two languages.
The Turkish keyboard layout is a great way to type in Turkish, whether you’re a native speaker or just learning the language.
Dutch Keyboard Layout
The Dutch keyboard layout is designed to make it easy and efficient to type in Dutch.
The layout is based on the QWERTY layout but with a few fundamental changes that make it better suited for the Dutch language.
For instance, the Z and Y keys are swapped, and there are additional keys for accentuated vowels.
A Dutch layout keyboard is an excellent option for those who want to learn to touch type in Dutch or for those who simply want a more efficient way to type in the language.
Swiss Keyboard Layout
The term “Swiss Keyboard Layout” refers to a particular way of organizing the keys on a computer keyboard.
The layout is designed to minimize the movement of the hands and fingers when typing, making it more comfortable and efficient.
The Swiss Keyboard Layout is based on the QWERTY layout. Still, it incorporates several changes that are designed to reduce ergonomic stress.
For example, the keys are arranged staggered so that each row is offset from the next.
This prevents the hands from having to stretch too far when typing. In addition, the keys are more extensive and spaced further apart, making it easier to hit the correct key without accidentally hitting adjacent keys.
The Swiss Keyboard Layout is not as widely used as the QWERTY layout.
Slovenian Keyboard Layout
The Slovenian keyboard layout is a custom layout used for typing in the Slovenian language.
It is based on the QWERTY layout and includes additional characters such as š, č, ž, and ř. In addition, it features a unique character called the Kreinik, used to denote Slovenian origin words.
The layout was created by Bojan Sičen in 2008 and has since been widely adopted by computer users in Slovenia.
While it is not the official keyboard layout of the country, it is the most commonly used one for typing in Slovenian.
Lithuanian Keyboard Layout
The Lithuanian Keyboard Layout is the standard keyboard layout used for the Lithuanian language.
It is based on the QWERTY layout and includes all necessary Lithuanian characters.
In addition, the Lithuanian Keyboard Layout includes several special keys that make it easy to type Lithuanian characters. The keys are arranged so that they are easy to find and use.
The Lithuanian Keyboard Layout is an excellent choice for anyone who needs to type in Lithuanian.
It is a good choice for those who looking for a keyboard that is easy to use and includes all of the necessary Lithuanian characters.
Colemak Keyboard Layout
The Colemak keyboard layout is a modification of the QWERTY layout designed to be more efficient and ergonomic.
Unlike QWERTY, which was designed for mechanical typewriters, Colemak is optimized for modern computer keyboards.
It reduces finger travel and provides a more consistent hand position, which can help to reduce fatigue and injuries.
Greek Keyboard Layout
The standard keyboard layout for Greece is called the “Greek Polytonic” layout.
This keyboard layout is designed for typing ancient Greek polytonic text, which uses various accents, breathings, and other diacritical marks.
The Greek Polytonic keyboard layout includes all of the necessary punctuation marks and special keys for typing breathings and accent marks.
In addition, it includes a unique key for the Capital Sigma (Σ), which is used in mathematical and scientific notation.
The Greek Polytonic keyboard layout is available on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
If you need to type ancient Greek polytonic text on a computer, this is the keyboard layout you should use.
Italian Keyboard Layout
The Italian keyboard layout can trace its roots back to early typewriters. In 1878, Giuseppe Ravizza created a prototype machine with a QWERTY-style keyboard layout.
While this machine was never commercially produced, it laid the groundwork for future designs.
In 1907, another Italian inventor, Remington, released a typewriter that featured a slightly modified version of Ravizza’s layout.
This machine was highly successful, and the layout soon became known as the “Remington Standard.”
Spanish Keyboard Layout
The Spanish keyboard layout is designed for typing Spanish text on a computer. It is based on the standard QWERTY keyboard layout, with some additional keys for accented characters.
The layout is optimized for Spanish-language keyboards, typically using the same vital shapes and locations as English-language keyboards.
However, it can also be used with English-language keyboards. The Spanish keyboard layout includes all the accented letters used in the Spanish language and the ¿ and ¡ symbols.
The layout also includes a dedicated key for the ñ character. The Spanish keyboard layout is an excellent choice for typing Spanish language text on a computer.
It is based on the familiar QWERTY keyboard layout, so it is easy to learn and use.
And, because it includes all of the accented letters used in Spanish, it is perfect for typing Spanish text on an English-language keyboard.
So whether you are a native Spanish speaker or an English speaker who wants to type in Spanish, the Spanish keyboard layout is a perfect choice.
Conclusion
People can choose from various keyboard layouts designed for a specific language and alphabet.
This blog post has looked at some of the most common keyboard types used worldwide. Each layout has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the one that best suits your needs is essential.
If you’re searching for an alternative keyboard layout created specifically for your language, there are several alternatives.
So take the time and find the best keyboard layout for you!
FAQs
What are the different types of keyboard layouts?
There are a variety of different keyboard layouts that people can choose from. The most common ones include the Dutch, Swiss, Slovenian, and Lithuanian keyboard layouts. Each layout is designed for a specific language and alphabet.
What is the difference between the QWERTY and Swiss keyboard layouts?
The QWERTY keyboard layout is the most commonly used in the world. It is based on the English alphabet and is designed to be efficient and comfortable for typing. The Swiss Keyboard Layout is also based on the QWERTY layout.
Still, it incorporates several changes that are designed to reduce ergonomic stress. The keys are arranged staggered so that each row is offset from the next, more extensive, and spaced further apart.
This makes it easier to hit the correct key without accidentally hitting adjacent keys.
What is the Slovenian Keyboard Layout?
The Slovenian keyboard layout is a custom layout used for typing in the Slovenian language. It is based on the QWERTY layout and includes additional characters such as š, č, ž, and ř.
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