Why Is the Keyboard Not in Alphabetical Order?
Why is the keyboard not in alphabetical order? Learn the history of the QWERTY layout, who invented it in 1868, and why it remains the standard for typing speed today.
Keyboard History
Why Is the Keyboard Not in Alphabetical Order?
The keyboard is not in alphabetical order as a result of the early design by Christopher Latham Sholes. He patented the typewriter that led to the QWERTY layout in 1868. This configuration became the standard when the Sholes and Glidden typewriter went on sale in 1874 and remains the default for modern computers, tablets, and smartphones.
This guide explains the history of the QWERTY keyboard and the 1868 patent that changed how humans communicate. You will learn about the Sholes and Glidden typewriter, the touch typing technique for key placements, and the layout's transition to digital screens. We compare QWERTY to alphabetical and Dvorak layouts to see which is faster for daily work.
Understanding your layout is the first step toward improving your words per minute (WPM). You can measure your current skill level by taking a 1 minute typing test to see how you rank against the average adult speed of 40 WPM. We provide detailed metrics to help you identify your slowest keys and most-missed keys during practice sessions.
The Origins
Who Invented QWERTY and When?
Christopher Latham Sholes patented the typewriter that led to the QWERTY layout in 1868. Early typewriter designs evolved away from alphabetical arrangements to the QWERTY layout we use today. The layout became widely known when the Sholes and Glidden typewriter, which featured QWERTY, went on sale in 1874.
The Sholes and Glidden typewriter went on sale in 1874. As businesses adopted these machines, the layout became the foundation for typing work. Most learners today reach 50-60 WPM after 2-3 months of steady practice on this layout, and 70-80 WPM after 6-12 months.
The 1868 Patent
Christopher Latham Sholes patented the typewriter that led to the QWERTY layout in 1868. This patent set the foundation for modern keyboards. The standard word measurement of 5 characters, including spaces and punctuation, applies when testing your speed on this layout today.
The 1874 Sholes and Glidden Typewriter
The Sholes and Glidden typewriter with QWERTY went on sale in 1874. The success of this model meant that early typists learned on this key map, establishing a standard that continues. Today, touch typing on QWERTY uses all ten fingers without looking.
Mechanical Design
Why Is the Keyboard Not Alphabetical Today?
Modern keyboards are not alphabetical as a result of legacy usage and muscle memory. The QWERTY layout became the standard for typing in the late 1800s, and subsequent technology adopted it. Retraining touch typists who use all ten fingers without looking would require massive amounts of time.
The history of QWERTY keyboard development shows that it established a lasting standard. Early alphabetical layouts were replaced. Typists using the QWERTY home row place their left fingers on A S D F and right fingers on J K L ;. The F and J keys have small bumps to help position fingers without looking.
The Layout Evolution
The Development of the QWERTY Layout
The transition from alphabetical to QWERTY involved early typewriter designs and standardization.
The 1868 Patent
Christopher Latham Sholes patented the typewriter that led to the QWERTY layout in 1868. This design moved away from alphabetical arrangements.
The 1874 Release
The Sholes and Glidden typewriter with QWERTY went on sale in 1874. This machine established the layout for future typing.
Touch Typing
Touch typing uses all ten fingers without looking. Hunt-and-peck typists usually plateau around 25-40 WPM on any layout.
Dvorak Alternative
August Dvorak and William Dealey patented the Dvorak layout in 1936 as an alternative to QWERTY.
Layout Comparison
QWERTY vs. Dvorak Layouts
Choosing a layout relates to your goals for ergonomics and speed. QWERTY is the standard, and Dvorak is an alternative.
QWERTY Layout
- Standard on almost every device
- Home row left fingers on A S D F
- Home row right fingers on J K L ;
- F and J keys have small bumps
- Patented in 1868 by Christopher Latham Sholes
Dvorak Layout
- Patented by August Dvorak and William Dealey
- Patented in the year 1936
- An alternative to the QWERTY layout
- Aims to change finger positioning
- Not the standard on most public computers
Performance Data
Typing Speed Levels for QWERTY Users
Most people use QWERTY their entire lives without knowing their actual speed. Use these skill bands to see where your current performance sits.
| Level Badge | WPM Range | KPH Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 0-30 WPM | 0-9,000 KPH | Uses hunt-and-peck method with few fingers. |
| Average | 31-50 WPM | 9,300-15,000 KPH | Typical for most adults and office workers. |
| Above average | 51-70 WPM | 15,300-21,000 KPH | Uses all ten fingers with decent accuracy. |
| Fast | 71-90 WPM | 21,300-27,000 KPH | Professional level for writers and assistants. |
| Professional | 91+ WPM | 27,300+ KPH | Top tier speed for dispatchers and creators. |
One standard word equals 5 characters including spaces and punctuation.
Career Requirements
Typical WPM Requirements for Different Jobs
Many employers use a 3 minute typing test to screen candidates. These ranges represent typical expectations for specific roles.
WPM
Improvement Guide
How to Type Faster on a QWERTY Keyboard
You can increase your speed without switching to a new layout by following these foundational steps.
- 1
Learn the Home Row
Place your left fingers on A S D F and your right fingers on J K L ;. Use the small bumps on the F and J keys to find your position without looking.
- 2
Stop Hunting and Pecking
Force yourself to keep your eyes on the screen rather than the keys. Check out this guide on how to type without looking to break the habit.
- 3
Use All Ten Fingers
Assign keys to each finger according to a standard chart. Hunt-and-peck typists usually plateau around 25-40 WPM, while touch typists can reach much higher.
- 4
Focus on Accuracy First
Maintain a 98 percent accuracy rate before trying to increase your raw speed. Speed naturally follows precision, but fixing errors later lowers your net WPM.
- 5
Practice in Short Bursts
Spend 10-15 minutes every day on focused drills. Short sessions of 10-15 minutes work best for young children and beginners alike.
Speed Checklist
Factors That Lower Your Typing Speed
Even experienced typists can struggle with speed if they ignore these common factors.
- Punctuation and capital letters (can lower WPM by 5-15 percent)
- Poor posture and slouching
- Looking down at the keys frequently
- Using only two or three fingers
- Not taking 3 tests of the same length to find a reliable average
- Single scores varying by about 5-10 WPM
- Not correcting errors, which lowers net WPM
- Lack of regular practice
Digital Tools
Measuring Your Progress for Free
Testing your speed regularly is the best way to see how well you have adapted to the QWERTY layout. Our site offers a completely free typing speed test that tracks your net WPM, raw WPM, and accuracy. The clock starts on your first keystroke, giving you time to prepare, and it pauses automatically after 5 seconds without typing or if you switch tabs.
After each test, you receive a detailed breakdown of your performance, including your fastest keys, slowest keys, and most-missed keys. You can see your results on a speed-over-time graph with error markers to identify exactly where you hesitated. We save your last 50 results in your browser so you can monitor your growth without needing to create an account or upload personal data.
The Single Best Way to Improve
Touch typing is more important than the layout you use. Focus on keeping your fingers on the home row and your eyes on the screen to surpass the 50 WPM barrier. Most learners reach 50-60 WPM after 2-3 months of steady practice.
Test Your QWERTY Speed
Experience the standard layout's efficiency for yourself. Take a free test today to see if you can beat the average adult speed of 40 WPM.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the keyboard not in alphabetical order?
The keyboard is not in alphabetical order as a result of early typewriter designs. The QWERTY layout was created and patented in 1868 by Christopher Latham Sholes. The Sholes and Glidden typewriter with QWERTY went on sale in 1874, establishing the layout as the standard over alphabetical designs.
Who invented the QWERTY keyboard layout?
Christopher Latham Sholes invented the QWERTY layout and received a patent for it in 1868. The design was featured on the Sholes and Glidden typewriter, which went on sale in 1874. This helped establish QWERTY as the permanent industry standard.
Is the QWERTY layout actually faster than alphabetical?
Yes, the QWERTY layout is highly effective for touch typing. Touch typing uses all ten fingers without looking, allowing typists to reach professional speeds of 65-75 WPM. The average adult types about 40 WPM on QWERTY, while hunt-and-peck typists usually plateau around 25-40 WPM on any layout.
Why do we still use QWERTY on digital screens?
We still use QWERTY on digital screens as a result of established typing habits. Millions of people learned QWERTY in typing schools. Manufacturers continued using the layout to ensure their new technology was immediately usable by experienced typists. The average phone typing speed is about 36 WPM, according to a 2019 Aalto University study.
Is Dvorak better than QWERTY?
August Dvorak and William Dealey patented the Dvorak layout in 1936. While it offers a different key arrangement, a proficient QWERTY typist can achieve top speeds. Over 100 WPM is professional-level, and 120+ WPM is competition level on standard layouts.
What is the average typing speed on a QWERTY keyboard?
The average adult types about 40 words per minute (WPM) on a standard QWERTY keyboard. A 2018 study by Aalto University of 168,000 volunteers found an average of 52 WPM among people who took an online typing test. Professional typists usually range between 65 and 75 WPM.
Can I change my keyboard to alphabetical order?
You can change a physical keyboard layout in your operating system settings. Most modern operating systems support QWERTY and Dvorak, but they rarely include a native alphabetical option. Your typing speed would likely drop, as touch typing relies on established muscle memory for the QWERTY home row.
Does the QWERTY layout cause wrist pain?
The QWERTY layout itself is the standard, but poor posture and repetitive motion can lead to strain. Maintain correct posture with your left fingers on A S D F and right fingers on J K L ;. If you experience persistent pain in your hands or wrists, you must see a real doctor for an evaluation.