When you are looking for a new keyboard, it is smart to consider which keyboard you prefer. The layout of a keyboard can vary greatly. For example, there are several variants of the well-known Qwerty keyboard. There is a Qwerty-NL keyboard and a Qwerty-US (international) keyboard. Furthermore, you also have an Azerty keyboard and a Qwertz keyboard. Which keyboard suits you best is explained on this page.

Qwerty Netherlands

The keyboard that is commonly used in the Netherlands is the Qwerty-NL keyboard. It differs slightly from the Qwerty international keyboard. This keyboard can be recognized by the vertical Enter/Return key. Another great detail is that no words are used but characters on the keyboard. Furthermore, a few keys have been moved. Because the Enter/Return key is vertical, the Backslash has been moved to the left of the Enter/Return key. The left Shift-key has become smaller and the accent-key (`) has been moved next to the left Shift-key. In addition, the Dutch keyboard has a euro sign on the 2. To use it you have to press the button combination Alt + 2.

Qwerty international

Another keyboard that you often see in the Netherlands is the Qwerty international keyboard. On this keyboard, the Enter/Return key is horizontal and the left Shift key is larger. The Backslash has been moved above the Enter/Return key and the accent key has been moved next to the 1. The 2 no longer has a euro sign. When you set your keyboard to Dutch you can still use the key combination Alt + 2.

Azerty

The keyboard that is widely used in Belgium and France is the Azerty keyboard. This keyboard differs from a Qwerty keyboard in several ways. First of all, the letters Q and A are swapped, and the letters Z and W are swapped. The letter M is moved up a row. Other peculiarities of this keyboard are that there are other characters next to the numbers and that special characters such as the exclamation mark, the question mark and the euro symbol are in other places.

Qwertz

The keyboard commonly used in Germany is the QWERTZ keyboard. The main difference with a Qwerty keyboard is that the Y and the Z are swapped. Another great detail about the keyboard is that the Qwertz keyboard has the letters ö, ü, ä and ß on it. Other details about this keyboard is that there are different characters by the numbers and special characters such as the question mark and the euro sign are in different places.

With or without numeric part

In addition to the layout of your keyboard, it is wise to consider whether or not you want a numeric section with your keyboard. A numeric keypad has keys for numbers on the right side. On a numeric keypad, the arrow keys are generally separate. If you work a lot with numbers or use the arrow keys, we recommend that you choose a keyboard with a numeric keypad. This allows you to work faster and gives you more space. See the image below to see the difference.

Overview

If you are Dutch, it does not matter much whether you take a Qwerty-US or a Qwerty-NL keyboard. This is also a personal preference. Some people like the horizontal Enter/Return key better and others like the vertical one. The same goes for the left Shift key. However, we do not recommend using an Azerty or Qwertz keyboard if you have always worked on a Qwerty keyboard. The key layout is different, which causes errors.

We also recommend a keyboard with a numeric part if you work a lot with numbers. It works faster and gives your fingers just a bit more space.

Check out SB Supply for our range of keyboards. We sell all kinds of keyboards. Read the description carefully to see which keyboard it is! For questions you can always contact our customer service by calling or emailing us.