The QWERTY layout is not the optimal solution for all keyboards. Different languages have distinct spelling conventions, and QWERTY doesn’t suit every need, such as the QWERTZ layout designed specifically for German. Today, let’s take a closer look at the QWERTZ keyboard.
What is QWERTZ Keyboard Layout?
QWERTZ keyboard's name comes from the first six letters Q, W, E, R, T, and Z in the first row of the alphabetical area on the keyboard.
In the early days of mechanical typewriters, keyboard layouts were still being developed, leading to confusion and frequent key jamming, which hindered typing flow. The unique characteristics of the German language prompted a search for a more suitable layout. In German, the letter "Z" is used frequently and appears in many common words, unlike in English. To improve typing efficiency and better suit the language, the QWERTZ layout was created. By swapping "Z" and "Y," it made pressing "Z" more convenient, significantly enhancing the typing experience for German speakers.
Key Features of the QWERTZ Layout
1. The Z and Y Key Swap
The most notable feature of the QWERTZ layout is the switch between the Z and Y keys.
In languages such as German, the letter "Z" is used much more frequently than "Y", and "Y" usually only appears in foreign words or words influenced by specific spellings. By swapping the positions of the "Z" and "Y" keys, users in these countries can more easily press commonly used letters when typing, improving text input efficiency.
QWERTZ layout allows German speakers to easily tap the corresponding keys when typing words containing "Z" without having to move their fingers much, greatly improving the typing speed.
2. Special Characters and Accented Letters
QWERTZ keyboards feature several keys that are dedicated to the German and Central European languages’ special characters, like Ä, Ö, Ü, ß.
- Ä, Ö, Ü: Located as additional characters on the letter keys. You can access these characters by using the Shift key or AltGr (right Alt key) in combination with other keys.
- ß (Eszett): A unique character used in German that doesn’t have an equivalent in English. It is typically located where the "?" key would be on a QWERTY keyboard.
3. Shift Key Modifications
Shift key combinations allow access to symbols and accented letters. The AltGr (right Alt) key is used for characters like € and other regional symbols.
4. Optimized for German
The layout is tailored to German-speaking users, making typing in the language faster and more intuitive.
Which Countries Use QWERTZ?
The QWERTZ keyboard is mainly used in Eastern, Southeastern, and Central European countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the QWERTZ layout is absolutely dominant and widely used in all aspects of daily life.
In Eastern Europe, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other countries have also embraced the QWERTZ layout. In these countries, due to frequent cultural exchanges with the German-speaking region and certain similarities in language, the QWERTZ layout can better adapt to their multilingual environment.
QWERTZ vs QWERTY
| Feature | QWERTZ | QWERTY |
| Primary Layout | Common in German-speaking countries | Common in English-speaking countries |
| Z/Y Swap | Z at the first row of the alphabetical area | Y at the first row of the alphabetical area |
| German Characters | Includes Ä, Ö, Ü, ß | Not built-in |
| Special Characters | Same, but easier access to € | Shift + 2 for @, Shift + 3 for # |
| AltGr Key Usage | More commonly used for regional symbols | For extra symbols |
| Punctuation | Same, but ? key may differ | Same basic punctuation |
| Language Support | German and Central European languages | English and Latin-based languages |
- Z/Y Swap: The primary difference is the position of the Z and Y keys. This is especially important for German speakers where Z is more common than Y.
- Special Characters: The QWERTZ layout has dedicated keys for Ä, Ö, Ü, ß, while the QWERTY layout does not. This makes typing in German much more efficient on QWERTZ.
- AltGr Key: In QWERTZ, the AltGr key is more frequently used to access additional characters like the Euro symbol (€) or special accents.
How to Change Keyboard from QWERTZ to QWERTY?
1. Windows (10/11)
Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
Go to Time & Language: Select Time & Language > Language.
Change Input Method:
Under Preferred languages, click on your language (e.g., German).
Click Options, then under Keyboards, click Add a keyboard and choose US QWERTY (or your desired layout).
Switch Keyboard Layout: To toggle between layouts, press Win + Space or click the language icon in the taskbar.
2. macOS
Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner, then choose System Preferences.
Go to Keyboard: Select Keyboard > Input Sources.
Add a New Keyboard Layout: Click the + sign, then select U.S. or QWERTY from the list and click Add.
Switch Layouts: Use the input menu in the top-right corner of your screen to toggle between QWERTZ and QWERTY.
Akko QWERTZ Keyboards
Black & Silver 5075B Plus ISO
Features:
- 75% Layout
- Multi-modes
- RGB Backlit
- PBT Double-shot keycaps
Akko Black Silver 5075B Plus ISO Mechanical Keyboard combines form, function, and flexibility. Whether you're typing for hours or playing games, it offers a premium, smooth typing experience with customizable features to match your style.
MonsGeek M1W V3 SP
Features:
- 75% Layout
- Aluminum Case
- Multi-modes
- RGB Backlit
- Shine-Through Keycaps
With multi-mode connectivity, a sturdy aluminum case, and RGB backlighting, the MonsGeek M1W V3 SP mechanical keyboard offers a top-tier typing experience that can be customized to fit your needs.
Black & Gold 5108B Plus ISO-DE/UK/Nordic
Features:
- 100% | Full Size
- Custom Knob
- Multi-modes
- RGB Backlit
- PBT Double-shot keycaps
Whether you’re working, gaming, or just typing for long hours, the Akko Black Gold 5108B Plus offers outstanding performance and a visually appealing design. With its versatile features, customizable lighting, and durable keycaps, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their typing experience.
Besides these products, you can find more ISO keyboards from Akko that cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for a full-size, compact, or customizable keyboard, Akko offers a range of high-quality mechanical keyboards that combine functionality, durability, and stylish designs.
Related Article:
Mastering the AZERTY Keyboard: A Guide for Typists
ANSI VS ISO Keyboard Layouts: A Comprehensive Guide
