Keyboard Layout: Differences Between QWERTY, AZERTY, and QWERTZ

The keyboard layout determines how fast and comfortably you type, and it varies by country, language, and preferences. The most widely used layout globally is QWERTY, named after the first six letters on the top row. However, there are other layouts, such as AZERTY, primarily used in Belgium and France, and QWERTZ, common in German-speaking countries.

The main difference between QWERTY and AZERTY lies in the placement of punctuation and special characters. For example, in AZERTY, the letters A and Q are swapped, and it includes a dedicated key for ç. The QWERTZ layout is similar to QWERTY but includes additional keys for German characters like ä, ö, and ü.

Additionally, there are variations of QWERTY, such as QWERTY US and the Dutch layout. The US layout lacks some accents like é, è, and ë, which are present on the Dutch layout. If you want to switch between different keyboard layouts, you can easily configure this in operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.

A standard keyboard can be wired or wireless, and you can choose between a mechanical keyboard or a membrane keyboard. With a mechanical keyboard, you don’t need to press the keys all the way down, enabling faster and more precise typing. The Enter key and Shift key also differ between layouts. On a QWERTY keyboard, the Enter key is located above the Shift key, while on an AZERTY layout, it often has a different shape.

The QWERTY Keyboard: The Most Standard Layout

The QWERTY layout was designed in the late 19th century to improve typing speed and efficiency. By placing frequently used keys farther apart, it prevented typewriters from jamming. Although this issue no longer exists today, the layout remains popular due to its widespread adoption and ease of use.

Keyboard in Belgium: AZERTY

The AZERTY layout is primarily used in Belgium and France and is specifically designed to better suit the French language. The name AZERTY is derived from the first six letters on the top row, similar to QWERTY, but with a different key arrangement.

Features of AZERTY:

• Includes keys for French accents like é, è, and ç.
• The letters A and Q are swapped, as are Z and W.

Advantages:

Ideal for typing in French, as accents and punctuation are easily accessible.

Disadvantages:

Less intuitive for users accustomed to QWERTY. Switching may take some getting used to.

Keyboard in Germany: QWERTZ

In Germany and other German-speaking countries, the QWERTZ layout is used. This layout is adapted to the German language, where the letter Z is more common than Y. Therefore, these two letters are swapped compared to the QWERTY layout.

Features of QWERTZ:

• Umlauts like ä, ö, and ü have their own keys, making typing in German easier.
• The Enter key is often larger for added convenience.

Advantages:

Perfectly tailored to the German language, ensuring quick access to special characters.

Disadvantages:

Less suitable for users who frequently type in other languages, as the layout differs from the standard QWERTY layout.

UK Keyboard

The British QWERTY layout closely resembles the American layout but includes some adjustments. Symbols like £ and € are clearly visible and directly accessible. Additionally, the Enter key is often larger, providing extra convenience. This layout is better suited for users in the United Kingdom, while largely matching the standard QWERTY layout.

Changing Your Keyboard Layout

There are various keyboard layouts depending on language and region. For example, the American layout is widely used in English-speaking countries, while the Dutch layout includes minor adjustments to better suit the language. The difference between Dutch and English mainly lies in the placement of punctuation and accents.

If you want to change your keyboard layout, you can do so quickly and easily. Below, we explain how:

Changing Keyboard Layout on Windows

• Go to Settings
• Go to "Time & Language"
• Go to "Language & Region"
• Click the "Add a Language" button
• Choose the language you want to add

After restarting your computer, you can switch between installed languages by holding the WINDOWS key and pressing the SPACE bar.

Changing Keyboard Layout on Mac

• Go to System Preferences
• Go to Language & Region
• Go to Keyboard Preferences
• Switch between languages using the flag icon in the menu bar

Which Keyboard Layout Suits You?

The keyboard layout depends on your language, preferences, and usage. For Dutch users, the QWERTY layout is standard in the Netherlands, as it supports accents and special characters. When you set your localization to Dutch, you gain easy access to these characters.

Do you work internationally or frequently type in specific languages like French or German? Then you might prefer an AZERTY or QWERTZ layout. The QWERTZ layout is used in German-speaking countries and includes adjustments to better suit the language, while AZERTY is discussed in this article for French-speaking users.

Whether you’re looking for a laptop with a US or NL layout, we’re happy to help you find the right option. Whatever your choice, we ensure you can easily find the right keyboard layout and type optimally on your new laptop!