AZERTY is a keyboard layout commonly used in French-speaking countries. It is named after the arrangement of the first six letters on the top row of the keyboard. The layout was first introduced in France in the early 20th century and has since become the standard keyboard layout for French speakers. In this article, we will explore what AZERTY is, how it differs from other keyboard layouts, and why it is important for those who use it.

AZERTY Keyboard Layout

The AZERTY keyboard layout is similar to the more common QWERTY layout used in English-speaking countries, but with some notable differences. One of the most significant differences is the placement of the letters. On an AZERTY keyboard, the letters A and Q are swapped, as are Z and W. Additionally, the M key is moved from the right of the L key to the right of the K key, and the semi-colon key is moved from the right of the L key to the right of the M key. The placement of other keys, such as the punctuation keys, is also slightly different.

Why Use AZERTY?

For those who primarily speak French, using an AZERTY keyboard layout can be beneficial. The layout is optimized for typing in French, with commonly used French letters and symbols more accessible than they are on a standard QWERTY keyboard. This can make typing in French faster and more efficient.

In addition, the AZERTY layout has become standard in French-speaking countries, so using a QWERTY keyboard in a French-speaking environment can lead to confusion and errors. For these reasons, those who frequently type in French may choose to use an AZERTY keyboard.

Comparison to Other Keyboard Layouts

The AZERTY keyboard layout is not the only alternative to the QWERTY layout. There are several other layouts, including the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard and the Nordic layout. However, the AZERTY layout is unique in its optimization for typing in French.

The Dvorak layout is designed for efficiency and speed, with the most commonly used letters placed in the middle row of the keyboard. The Colemak layout is similar to the QWERTY layout, but with some keys moved to make typing more efficient. Neither of these layouts is specifically designed for typing in French, making them less suitable for French speakers.

How to Get AZERTY Custom Keycaps / Keyboard

Looking for a custom mechanical keyboard that features an AZERTY layout can be a challenging task, especially since the majority of keyboard vendors offer U.S. and U.K. layouts.

However, there is a solution available in goblintechkeys.com , with AZERTY main legends options available to allow you to create a fully customized AZERTY layout keyboard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AZERTY keyboard layout is a unique and optimized layout for typing in French. It differs from other keyboard layouts, such as QWERTY, Dvorak, and Colemak, in its placement of letters and symbols. While other layouts may be more efficient for typing in English or for general use, the AZERTY layout is the standard for French speakers and can make typing in French faster and more efficient.