There are several popular keyboard layouts:
QWERTY layout
The QWERTY layout is the most common and widely used keyboard layout. It gets its name from the first six letters of the top row of keys. The QWERTY layout was developed for mechanical typewriters and has been used for a long time. Today it has become the standard layout for most computers and laptops.
The main advantages of the QWERTY layout are its wide support and ease of use. Most people, especially those who work with text or programs, are used to this layout and use it by default. Its disadvantage is that some characters are on multiple keys and can be awkward to use.
DVORAK layout
The DVORAK layout is an alternative keyboard layout developed in the 1930s by August Dvorak and his colleagues. It was created to improve typing efficiency and reduce muscle strain.
The DVORAK layout is based on different principles than the QWERTY layout. It distributes the most frequently used letters on the central rows of keys and tries to minimize hand switching. The DVORAK layout is more ergonomic and can speed up typing.
Colemak layout
The Colemak layout is another alternative keyboard layout developed in 2006 by Shekem Cole. It is based on the QWERTY layout and retains most of the horizontal key layout to reduce over-learning.
Colemak’s layout also tries to reduce muscle strain and improve typing efficiency. It rearranges some letters to take into account the characteristics of the language and the distribution of how often characters are used in it.
Choosing the best keyboard layout depends on your needs and habits. If you are already used to the QWERTY layout and you type at a speed that is fast enough for you, there is no need to change it. However, if you work with large amounts of text or work with efficient typing techniques, consider alternative layouts such as DVORAK or Colemak.
