What is an AZERTY keyboard?
The AZERTY keyboard layout is mainly used in French-speaking countries such as France and Belgium. The first six letters in the first row of the keyboard's letter area are A, Z, E, R, T and Y. This layout is based on the QWERTY keyboard . The AZERTY keyboard reflects the historical legacy of usage habits and technological development in a particular language environment.
Main features of the AZERTY layout
Letter arrangement: The letters in the top row are arranged as AZERTY. This means that the letters AQ and ZW on the AZERTY keyboard are interchangeable with the QWERTY keyboard. Likewise, the letters M and the :; key are interchangeable.
Special characters: AZERTY keyboards include special characters such as accented vowels (é, è, à) that are commonly used in French. These characters are more easily accessible, often with their own keys.
Punctuation and symbols: Some punctuation marks and symbols are positioned differently on an AZERTY keyboard to suit French typing habits. For example, the period (.) and number keys require the use of the Shift key, while the semicolon (;) and equal sign (=) are accessible without the Shift key.
Functionality: In addition to adapting to the French language, the AZERTY keyboard also supports Belgian Dutch and is generally designed to work well for typing in several European languages.
In addition to the AZERTY keyboard, there are various other keyboard layouts, such as the QWERTZ layout, which is widely used in countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The QWERTZ layout is similar to the AZERTY keyboard, but there are some differences in the order of letters in the letter section, such as the position of the "Z" and "Y" keys being swapped. The design and application of this layout also reflect the typing needs of people from different language and culture backgrounds.
AZERTY vs. QWERTY
| feature | AZERTY | QWERTY |
| origin | France | United States |
| main use | French-speaking countries | English-speaking countries |
| letters of the upper row | AZERTY | QWERTY |
| special characters | Direct access to accent marks (é, è, à) | Restricted, requires alt codes or special combinations |
| punctuation | The period (.) requires the Shift key, the semicolon and other characters are directly accessible. | Period (.), comma (,), and other punctuation marks are accessible without the Shift key. |
1. Origin
The QWERTY keyboard was originally designed in the 19th century by Christopher Latham Sholes. This layout was developed to slow down typing and prevent the metal arms of early typewriters from jamming.
The AZERTY keyboard was first proposed in 1907 as the “ZHJAYSCPG keyboard”, but it was not until 1976 that Claude Marsan designed and arranged the layout into the AZERTY keyboard that is known today.
2. Main use
The QWERTY keyboard is widely used in English-speaking countries.
The AZERTY keyboard is mainly used in France, Belgium and some African countries with French influence.
3rd letter of the upper row
The top row of the QWERTY keyboard starts with QWERTY.
The top row of the AZERTY keyboard starts with AZERTY.
4. Special characters
Designed with the English language in mind, the QWERTY keyboard provides easy access to commonly used English punctuation marks.
The AZERTY keyboard provides easy access to accented marks (é, è, à) and other symbols commonly used in French.
5. Punctuation
On the QWERTY keyboard, period (.), comma (,), and other punctuation characters are accessible without using the Shift key.
On the AZERTY keyboard, the period requires the Shift key, while the semicolon and other characters are directly accessible.
Tips for switching to the AZERTY keyboard
If you're switching from a QWERTY keyboard to an AZERTY layout, you might find that the transition isn't as seamless as you expected. When switching to the AZERTY keyboard, you'll need to get used to the new arrangement of letters, adjust your typing habits, and become familiar with typing special characters.
1. Get used to the arrangement of the letters
The order of letters on the AZERTY keyboard is a little different from the QWERTY keyboard. You might accidentally press the wrong key because "A" and "Q" are in the same place on both keyboards, but "Z" and "W" are swapped. Practice more and get used to it - then you'll get the hang of it quickly!
2. Adjust your typing habits
If you are using the AZERTY keyboard for the first time, your typing speed might be slower because you are not yet used to the new layout. Don't rush, take your time, start with simple texts, like writing a shopping list or sending a short message to a friend. Then gradually try more difficult things, like writing a report or taking meeting minutes.
3. Familiarize yourself with entering special characters
The AZERTY keyboard is particularly user-friendly for special French characters such as "é", "à" and "ç". To type these characters, you usually need to hold down the "Alt Gr" key (that is, the right Alt key) and press the corresponding letter key at the same time. For example, hold "Alt Gr" and press "e" to type "é". Once you master this technique, typing in French will become much faster.
4. Understand the use case
AZERTY keyboards are particularly good for typing in French and are very popular in the French-speaking regions of France and Belgium. If you live in these regions, work in these countries, or do business with companies in these countries, using an AZERTY keyboard is a good choice.
5. Consider personal needs
There may be some slight differences in AZERTY keyboards on the market depending on the brand or the user's customization settings. When choosing a keyboard, it's best to find one that allows you to easily switch between language layouts, especially if you need to switch between English and French frequently.
In summary, switching to an AZERTY keyboard may take some time and patience, but once you get used to it, you will find that your typing efficiency, especially when writing in French, will increase significantly.
Best AZERTY Keyboards
Black on White 5075B Plus ISO FR
The Akko Black on White 5075B Plus is an AZERTY keyboard and the best choice for French-speaking users who value both functionality and style. In addition, the PBT keycaps are printed with a pattern of the Eiffel Tower, and the special keycaps in classic French colors add a unique charm to the entire keyboard.
This keyboard is built in a gasket-mount style, which allows for a smoother and quieter typing experience. It supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless connection, and wired USB Type-C connections, making it a great choice for those who work on multiple devices. Additionally, the hot-swappable switches and customizable RGB lighting offer a level of personalization that is attractive to both casual users and keyboard enthusiasts. The durable build and thoughtful design ensure that this keyboard will serve you well for both work and play.
MOD 007B HE Black on White ISO
The Akko MOD 007B HE Black on White ISO is a Hall Effect keyboard that includes the AZERTY layout. This keyboard is an outstanding choice for users who want to combine the precision of the Hall Effect magnetic switches with the AZERTY layout.
Hall-effect switches offer unparalleled precision, faster response times and longer lifespan compared to traditional mechanical switches, making them ideal for high-performance tasks. The AZERTY layout, designed specifically for French-speaking users, is essential for typing in French and other languages that require this specific configuration, ensuring efficient and comfortable typing.
Whether for work or play, this keyboard offers an exceptional typing experience with the added benefits of long-lasting durability and easy customizability.
Conclusion
The AZERTY keyboard, as an optimized choice for French typing, shows unique design and application advantages. It offers significant advantages in improving French typing efficiency and reducing typing errors. Although its global popularity is limited, it is undoubtedly the preferred tool for French typing in French-speaking countries. For users who need to type French frequently, learning and mastering the use of the AZERTY keyboard is an important step in improving work efficiency.
