Today, we use the QWERTY keyboard layout , designed by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1874. The QWERTY layout increased typing speed and reduced the failure rate of early mechanical typewriters. Over time, many other keyboard layouts have emerged to meet the diverse needs of users from different regions. In English-speaking countries, keyboards are mainly divided into two types: the US keyboard and the UK keyboard.
What are the US keyboard and the UK keyboard
When we talk about UK and US keyboards, we often mean the ISO and ANSI layout.
The US keyboard follows the ANSI layout, which conforms to American national standards. This keyboard has a rectangular Enter key and a longer left Shift key. Many international software and hardware products use this layout by default, and it is widely used in many different areas.
The UK keyboard follows the ISO layout , which conforms to the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Ireland and the United Kingdom are the two main countries that use the UK keyboard. It features additional keys such as the £ symbol for the British pound, a shorter left Shift key, and a larger, L-shaped Enter key.
What is the difference between a UK keyboard and a US keyboard?
-
layout
The UK keyboard is the ISO layout keyboard , while the US keyboard uses the ANSI layout. -
Enter key
The Enter key is the most obvious difference between the US and UK keyboards. On the UK keyboard, the Enter key has an inverted L shape, occupying two rows. On the US keyboard, it is a horizontal Enter key. -
Backslash key
The backslash key is located to the left of the Z key on the UK keyboard; on the US keyboard, it is above the Enter key. -
Left Shift key
Because the backslash key is located between the left Shift key and the Z key on the UK keyboard, the left Shift key is slightly shorter. On the US keyboard, the left Shift key is longer. -
Right Alt key
On a UK keyboard, the right Alt key is the Alt Gr key, which provides access to additional characters and symbols used in the United Kingdom. On US keyboards, the right Alt key is identical to the left Alt key. -
Number sign (#)
On the UK keyboard, the # symbol can be easily entered; the "#" and "~" keys are located to the left of the Enter key. On the US keyboard, you must press Shift + 3 to enter the # symbol. -
Pound (£) sign
The pound sign is commonly used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. On a UK keyboard, the pound sign is located above the number 3. It can be entered by pressing Shift + 3. On a US keyboard, the $ symbol is entered by pressing Shift + 3. -
@ Sign
On the UK keyboard, the @ symbol can be entered using Shift + '. The @ symbol is accessed using Shift + 2, while the “ sign is entered using Shift + '.US keyboard: The @ symbol is entered with Shift + ' and the “ sign is entered with Shift +
-
" Sign
On the UK keyboard, you can enter the “ character with Shift + 2, while on the US keyboard you can enter the “ character with Shift + '. -
¬ sign / ~ sign
There are differences to the left of the 1 key. On the UK keyboard, the ¬ symbol is next to the 1 key, while on the US keyboard, the ~ symbol is next to the 1 key.
How do I change the keyboard from US to UK?
If you want to change your US keyboard to a UK keyboard, you can easily do so by adjusting the settings. Here are the step-by-step instructions for the Windows operating system:
- First, open Settings. You can press Win+I to easily open Settings.
- Go to “Time & Language” by clicking on “Time & Language” – “Language”.
- Under the "Preferred Languages" section, click "Add a Language." Search for "English (United Kingdom)" and click "Next."
- After adding the language, click "Options" next to "English (United Kingdom)", and under "Keyboards" click "Add Keyboard" and select "United Kingdom".
Conclusion
The UK and US keyboards are both based on the QWERTY layout. Some changes have been made to meet the needs of different regions. The different layouts have their advantages and disadvantages, from the easy access to local currency symbols on the UK keyboard to the widespread use and simplicity of the US keyboard. Regardless of which keyboard layout we choose, it's important to find a keyboard that suits our habits and preferences to improve typing efficiency and experience.
FAQ
What is the main difference between UK and US keyboard layouts?
The Enter key is the most noticeable difference between UK and US keyboards. The UK keyboard has an inverted L-shaped Enter key, while the US keyboard has a wide, horizontal Enter key. Additionally, the placement of certain symbols is different, such as the £ sign in the UK layout and the # sign in the US layout.
Can I switch my keyboard layout from US to UK on any computer?
Yes, you can switch between US and UK keyboards by adjusting the language settings for most operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. In the above article, we listed the steps to switch the keyboard layout from US to UK for Windows.
Will switching keyboard layouts affect my typing speed?
If you use an unconventional layout and switch to a less common one, your typing speed may be affected. Don't worry, it's not a big deal; with a little practice, you'll quickly adapt.
How do I type the euro (€) sign on a US keyboard?
There is no dedicated key for the euro (€) sign on the US keyboard; you can type it using a special keyboard shortcut like Alt + 0128, and you can also add the sign through software settings.
Which keyboard layout is better for programming?
The US keyboard layout is often preferred for programming because symbols like @, #, and \ are frequently used in code. The US layout provides easier access to these symbols than the UK layout.
