AZERTY vs QWERTY

If you’re shopping for a premium keyboard and are considering different key layouts, you may wonder whether AZERTY is better than QWERTY. PC-type keyboards might seem simple, but there are many typing layouts for different preferences. Some models offer special characters and keyboard settings useful for typists and programming language experts. So, keep reading to understand the AZERTY vs QWERTY debate and find your ideal setup.

If you’re wondering, “What keyboard layout should I use?” consider what keyboard configuration would work best for your job or hobbies. For example, if you work in a German-speaking country, you may need to consider QWERTZ vs. QWERTY keyboard types.

QWERTY Keyboard vs AZERTY Keyboard

The QWERTY keyboard is the standard keyboard layout in North America and some European countries, and AZERTY caters to French-speaking countries. French and American keyboards are offshoots of the original QWERTY typewriter design from 1874.

QWERTY lacks the common lower-case accented letters found on Spanish and French keyboards. France’s 100-year-old AZERTY keyboard offers input methods for accented characters and other French-language keyboard shortcuts.

Typing Speed

Unless you switch from one keyboard language to another, your basic typing level shouldn’t change. QWERTY and AZERTY keyboards are the default option in their respective regions and are the entry points for PC-connected keyboards.

Ergonomics

Both keyboards feature a home row based on the correct position for your middle fingers. Either keyboard layout should provide adequate ergonomic support. Whether you use a QWERTY or AZERTY model, you shouldn’t notice an ergonomic difference between keyboards.

Customization

You can customize either keyboard, but custom keycaps and switches are easier to find for QWERTY keyboards than AZERTY models. While custom keysets exist for French keyboards, they are more expensive due to a lack of demand than QWERTY ones.