A keyboard layout maps each key to a character or symbol. An input method editor (IME) interprets typed input—sometimes a sequence of keystrokes—to produce text or offer candidates. Windows may group both under keyboard-related settings, so the behavior matters more than the label.
What is the difference between a keyboard layout and an input method?
| Concept | What it does | How text is produced | Where it appears in Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard layout | Maps physical or on-screen keys to characters and symbols. | Usually produces the character assigned to the pressed key. An alternate layout can provide characters unavailable through the current mapping. | Windows lists layouts in language settings under keyboard-related options. |
| Input method editor (IME) | Interprets keystrokes or other input as text-entry commands. | May produce a character directly or offer candidates for the user to choose. It can support physical and on-screen keyboards. | Windows may present input options in the same keyboard-related areas; some phonetic options are themselves called keyboards. |
A layout is primarily a mapping: press a key, and the active layout determines its output. An IME adds software interpretation between what you type and the text you enter. IMEs are often used when the desired writing system or characters are not convenient to enter one key at a time, but not every IME requires candidate selection or is limited to East Asian languages. Microsoft’s IME overview describes how these components interpret input and notes support for physical and on-screen keyboards.
Why Windows terminology can be confusing
The distinction is about function, not always the name Windows displays. Settings places input options in keyboard-related sections, and some options combine familiar keyboard behavior with phonetic conversion. For example, Microsoft’s Indic Phonetic keyboards let users type pronunciation using an existing keyboard and transliterate it into suggested Indic text. Microsoft describes this behavior as: “As words are typed using the existing keyboard, Indic Phonetic keyboards transliterate them to suggest possible Indic text options.” See Set up and use Indic Phonetic keyboards.
When deciding what to install, ask what the option does: does it change which character a key produces, or does it interpret typed input and convert it into text or suggestions? The answer is more informative than whether Settings calls it a keyboard.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
How to add or switch keyboard layouts in Windows 11
- Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
- Open the options for the relevant language, then add the layout under Keyboards.
- If the layout is not listed for the current display language, check the language that matches the layout. A matching full language pack is not always required.
- To switch between installed layouts, select the input-language indicator in the taskbar and choose one, or press Windows key + Space to cycle through them.
If Windows key + Space appears to do nothing, Microsoft notes that only one keyboard layout may be installed. These steps and the corresponding Windows 10 route are covered in Microsoft’s guide to language and keyboard/input layout settings.
Does changing a keyboard layout change the display language?
No. Changing the keyboard layout does not change the Windows display language. The reverse is not necessarily true: Microsoft warns that changing the display language may also change the keyboard layout. If the layout could have changed, check the input indicator at the sign-in screen before entering a password.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
What Windows 10 users should know
In Windows 10, the corresponding route is Settings > Time & language > Language. Microsoft’s support notice says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. The date is relevant when following older Windows 10 instructions; Windows 11 uses the separate Language & region path above. Microsoft’s IME guidance also covers reverting to a previous version of an IME.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #4
- Fluid Typing Experience: Laptop-like profile with spherically-dished keys shaped for your fingertips delivers a fast, fluid, precise and quieter typing experience
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: Easily create and share time-saving Smart Actions shortcuts to perform multiple actions with a single keystroke with the Logi Options+ app (1)
- Smarter Illumination: Backlit keyboard keys light up as your hands approach and adapt to the environment; Now with more lighting customizations on Logi Options+ (1)
- More Comfort, Deeper Focus: Work for longer with a solid build, low-profile design and an optimum keyboard angle that is better for your wrist posture
- Multi-Device, Multi OS Bluetooth Keyboard: Pair with up to 3 devices on nearly any operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Googlebook OS) via Bluetooth Low Energy or included Logi Bolt USB receiver (2)
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
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