If you’re digging into computer keyboard layouts in Australia, you’ve probably noticed how something as simple as where the @ symbol sits can throw you off, especially if you’ve used keyboards from overseas.
We’ve been tinkering with computers since the early 2000s, back when we first moved from a clunky old UK-style laptop to a standard Australian setup, and let us tell you, that small shift made a big difference in my daily typing.
In this post, we’ll break down what the typical computer keyboard layout in Australia, why it’s that way, and how to tweak it if needed.
Whether you’re setting up a new device or just curious, we’ll walk you through it step by step, drawing from my own trial-and-error experiences and reliable sources.
What Is the Standard Computer Keyboard Layout in Australia?
Australia doesn’t have its own unique keyboard design; instead, we mostly stick to the US QWERTY layout.
This means the keys start with Q-W-E-R-T-Y across the top row, just like in the States.
But there’s a twist: it’s often paired with the “US-International” software setting, which lets you easily type accents and special characters like é or ñ using key combinations.
This setup became official in the 1990s when the Australian Standards Association adopted it, largely because US-made tech flooded the market and made compatibility a no-brainer.
From what I’ve seen in stores like JB Hi-Fi or Officeworks, most laptops and desktops sold here come with this ANSI-style physical layout: a horizontal Enter key, a long left Shift, and the backslash under the backspace.
It’s practical for English typing, and since Australian English is closer to US spellings in many ways (think “color” vs. “colour” in software defaults), it fits right in.
If you’ve ever borrowed a UK keyboard, though, you might notice differences like their L-shaped Enter or the £ symbol on Shift+3.
What Is the Standard Computer Keyboard Layout in Australia?
Australia doesn’t have its own unique keyboard design; instead, we mostly stick to the US QWERTY layout.
This means the keys start with Q-W-E-R-T-Y across the top row, just like in the States.
But there’s a twist: it’s often paired with the “US-International” software setting, which lets you easily type accents and special characters like é or ñ using key combinations.
This setup became official in the 1990s when the Australian Standards Association adopted it, largely because US-made tech flooded the market and made compatibility a no-brainer.
From what I’ve seen in stores like JB Hi-Fi or Officeworks, most laptops and desktops sold here come with this ANSI-style physical layout: a horizontal Enter key, a long left Shift, and the backslash under the backspace.
It’s practical for English typing, and since Australian English is closer to US spellings in many ways (think “color” vs. “colour” in software defaults), it fits right in.
If you’ve ever borrowed a UK keyboard, though, you might notice differences like their L-shaped Enter or the £ symbol on Shift+3.
Why Does Australia Use the US Layout Over Others?
Historically, Australia’s keyboard preferences leaned toward the UK due to colonial ties, think ISO layouts with that taller Enter key for better ergonomics in multilingual environments.
But by the late 20th century, as personal computers boomed, US manufacturers like IBM and Microsoft dominated.
We remember upgrading my first PC in the ’90s; everything was US-configured out of the box, and switching felt unnecessary unless you needed specific European characters.
Today, this choice keeps things simple for global work. If you’re in tech or business, aligning with US standards avoids headaches in coding or emails.
That said, some folks in creative fields or with European roots opt for ISO variants for easier access to symbols like €.
Based on forums and my own chats with IT mates, about 80 to 90% of everyday users here stick with US-ANSI, but there’s growing interest in custom mechanical keyboards that blend styles.
Key Differences: Australian (US) vs. UK Layouts
If you’re coming from the UK or Europe, the Australian setup might feel familiar yet off.
Here’s a quick comparison based on what I’ve tested:
- @ Symbol: On the 2 key in US/Australian; swapped with ” in UK.
- # Symbol: Next to Enter in UK (as £ often); on 3 in US/Australian.
- Enter Key: Horizontal rectangle in US/Australian (ANSI); L-shaped in UK (ISO).
- Shift Keys: Longer left Shift in ANSI; shorter with an extra key in ISO.
- Special Characters: US-International uses “dead keys” (like ’ + e = é); UK has direct AltGr access for things like ¬.
In practice, we found the US layout faster for programming, easier backslash access, but the UK one shines for typing in multiple languages.
If you’re bilingual, test both; we once switched for a French project and regretted not practising the combos first.
How to Check and Change Your Keyboard Layout in Australia
Not sure what layout you’re on? It’s usually set during device setup, but life happens, maybe you imported a keyboard or reset your system.
Here’s how to handle it across platforms, from my own setups.
On Windows
- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Time & Language > Language.
- Under Preferred languages, add “English (Australia)” if it’s not there.
- Click Options, then Add a keyboard > United States-International.
- To switch on the fly, use the taskbar language bar or Win + Space.
We did this on a work PC last year after a UK colleague’s keyboard threw us off; it took under five minutes.
On macOS
- Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources.
- Click the + button, search for “Australian,” and add it (it’s based on US).
- For international tweaks, enable “Show input menu in menu bar” to toggle.
Apple’s defaults work great here—I’ve used it on my MacBook without issues for years.
On Mobile (Android/iOS)
- Android: Settings > System > Languages & input > Virtual keyboard > Gboard (or your app) > Languages > Add “English (Australia).”
- iOS: Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > English (Australia).
Pro tip: If accents are key, enable the international option; hold keys for options like ā.
Best Keyboards for Australian Layouts in 2025
Shopping for one?
Look for US-compatible models available locally.
From recent reviews, here are solid picks I’ve either tried or researched:
- Logitech MX Keys S: Wireless, comfy for long sessions, with backlighting. Great for office work; around $150 AUD. Supports US-International seamlessly.
- Razer Pro Type Ultra: Mechanical feel without the noise, cushioned wrist rest. Ideal for gamers or typists; about $200 AUD.
- Cherry KC 200 MX: Budget-friendly wired option with durable switches. Under $100 AUD, perfect starter.
Check sites like Amazon.au or Keychron for customs.
If you’re into mechanicals, brands like Keychron offer ANSI kits that fit Australian needs. We built one last month and loved the clicky feedback.
For more on layouts, check out Wikipedia’s QWERTY variants
Wrapping It Up
Navigating computer keyboard layouts in Australia boils down to embracing the US QWERTY standard. It’s reliable, widely supported, and easy to customise.
If you’re facing mismatches, start with a quick settings tweak; it could save hours of frustration.
Got a setup story or question? reach out to us
If you’re dealing with keyboard layout issues, hardware problems, or just need expert advice on your setup, our team at ASA Computer Repairs is here to help.
We specialise in everything from laptop screen fixes and data recovery to troubleshooting Windows crashes and MacBook repairs.
Visit us or give us a call to get your computer back in top shape, serving Canberra and beyond with onsite and in-shop services.