The standard QWERTY keyboard has been a staple of desktop computing for decades, and very little has changed about the layout and design of the basic computer keyboard. Laptop keyboards, on the other hand, have tended to evolve quite a bit in recent years, as manufacturers find ways to add more functionality to the tight spaces available in laptops.

Laptop keyboards are generally dictated by the available space. For example, a typical 15.4″ laptop or notebook will often feature the standard keyboard layout minus the number pad. In most cases, the number pad is overlaid on top of other keys and utilized by pressing the num lock key or pressing the fn (function) key along with the desired numbers. This is a good solution for the average user, who won’t often need the number pad. Users who frequently work in Excel or other number-heavy applications, however, may find this limiting. Larger laptops and notebooks, at 17″ or above, often include a basic number pad, and may be a better choice for those who require one.

Because of the limited space and the need to add more functionality, most laptops also incorporate quick-keys and media keys into the design. Quick-keys are those that open a program or perform a specific function, such as opening and email program or opening a web browser. Media keys provide quick access to functions such as play, pause, and volume which can usually control a variety of programs, depending on user preference.

The smallest laptops and notebooks, often referred to as netbooks, have the most limited space of all. In some cases, netbooks can feature a 9″ or smaller screen, which leaves very little space for a keyboard. This requires smaller more closely spaced keys which are not ideal for touch typists, but are usable enough for mobile computing.

As laptops and notebooks evolve, we are likely to see many new innovations in laptop keyboard designs to maximize usability and utilize every bit of space available. You can rest assured, however, that the standard QWERTY layout is not going away any time soon.