Computer Keyboard Layout

This article is written to extend your knowledge of the computer keyboard layout. It seeks to explain the basic layout of a keyboard and also the layout of the keys.

Basic Computer Keyboard Layout

The diagram above shows you a typical Windows QWERTY keyboard. So the majority of computers will have a keyboard having a similar style to the one above.

To check whether your keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard, just take a look a the first six keys on the top left. If they spell QWERTY then your keyboard is the typical computer keyboard.

Computer Keyboard Diagram

The following diagram is the same as the one above, except that this one is labeled for your benefit. As you can see there are a number of differenct sections of the keyboard. On the top there are the Function Keys, the Special Keys and the Lock Keys. On the right there is the Numeric Keypad and the Direction Keys. There is also the Normal Keys and the Numeric Keys.

computer keyboard layout explained and labelled

For a detailed explanation of what each key does, read this article on computer keyboard keys.

Computer Keyboard Normal Keys Layout

So the typical keyboard layout, will look something similar to the one below. If you have an Apple computer then the keyboard will be similar, but won't include keys such as a Window key or Print Screen key.

The keyboard was made for ease of use. The most used keys are generally easier to reach. Thats why keys such as 'Q' and 'Z' are in the corners. The other keys such as Backspace, Spacebar and Enter are all pretty self-explanatory. However if you would like more information on the keys and keyboard shortcuts visit this article.

Conclusion

As you can see there is a lot to learn about the layout of the computer keyboard. It is very beneficial to your own computer understanding, to know the keyboard and how it works.