How many keys are on a standard keyboard?

While keyboard standards are different around the world, the U.S. standard is 101 keys. Additional keys, such as the Windows key, may be added for special operating system functions.

Qwerty key alignment is the current standard used by many keyboards. This standard was created by typewriter manufacturers to avoid multiple keys bunching up at once. However, this arrangement of keys is not well-suited for typing speed. The Dvorak keyboard arrangement was designed to enhance typing speed by putting the keys that are used most often closer to the common finger positions. The Dvorak method often requires that the keyboard user re-learn how to type using this standard.