Why is a QWERTY keyboard considered better than other keyboards?

Maks Duberman
2 min readJan 6, 2023

The QWERTY keyboard layout is the most commonly used keyboard layout in the world. It is named after the first six letters on the top row of the keyboard, and it is used on computers, phones, and other devices.

There are a number of reasons why the QWERTY keyboard is considered better than other keyboard layouts. One reason is that it was designed to reduce the risk of jams on mechanical typewriters. In the early days of typing, it was common for the keys on a typewriter to get stuck if they were struck in rapid succession. The QWERTY keyboard layout was designed to minimize this risk by placing commonly used letters in such a way that they are less likely to be typed in quick succession.

Another reason why the QWERTY keyboard is considered better is that it is familiar to most people. Because it has been in use for so long, most people are used to typing on a QWERTY keyboard, and they are able to type quickly and accurately on it. This is not the case with other keyboard layouts, which may take time to get used to and may not be as efficient for typing.

In addition to these reasons, the QWERTY keyboard has also been shown to be more efficient for typing in certain languages. For example, research has shown that the QWERTY keyboard is more efficient for typing in English and French than other keyboard layouts.

Despite these advantages, the QWERTY keyboard is not without its critics. Some people argue that other keyboard layouts, such as the Dvorak layout, are more efficient and may reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. However, these claims have not been widely supported by research, and the QWERTY keyboard remains the most widely used keyboard layout in the world.

In conclusion, the QWERTY keyboard is considered better than other keyboard layouts because it was designed to reduce the risk of jams on mechanical typewriters, it is familiar to most people, and it is efficient for typing in certain languages. Despite some criticisms, it remains the most widely used keyboard layout in the world.

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Maks Duberman

As a writer, I am constantly inspired by my love of travel and my desire to learn new things.