What is an arabic pc keyboard? Layouts, types & more
What is an Arabic keyboard and how does it work
An Arabic keyboard is a keyboard system designed for writing in the Arabic language. In practice, that usually means a bilingual setup with both the Arabic alphabet and English on the same keys. Arabic keyboard keycaps make that easy: you can turn a standard mechanical board into an Arabic/English setup with durable PBT keycaps that work with ISO and ANSI keyboard options.
Definition and core features of an Arabic PC keyboard
So, what does an Arabic keyboard look like? Simple. Because the Arabic script runs right to left, the bilingual legends are arranged to reflect that. These keycaps are commonly made with dye-sublimation or double-shot moulding, so the legends stay sharp and resist fading.
- Bilingual keycap design, each key shows English and Arabic side by side, making it much easier to switch between languages.
- PBT material, tougher than standard ABS, so it holds up better under daily use.
- Broad compatibility, fits Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh stems across sizes from 60% to 100%, in both ISO and ANSI formats.
- Built-in software support, you can enable the Arabic keyboard layout on Windows, macOS, or Linux without replacing your hardware.
Fun fact, the Arabic word for keyboard is lawḥat al-mafātīḥ (لوحة المفاتيح). You'll spot it in two forms: a physical board with bilingual keycaps, or a virtual keyboard you can pull up straight in your browser.
What does an Arabic keyboard look like
The difference between Arabic and English keyboard designs is easy to spot. An Arabic board shows two scripts on each key: the Arabic script alongside the Latin alphabet. Some versions use colour contrast to make the split clearer. Others go for backlit legends, which work especially well on RGB boards. If you want to compare keyboard options in more detail, check this Arabic keyboard layout guide.
Difference between Arabic and English keyboard layouts
The biggest difference? Direction. Arabic typing runs from right to left, while English moves left to right.
There's also a real difference between Arabic and English keyboard mapping. A standard Arabic keyboard is not always phonetic. In the default layout, Arabic letters are placed according to long-established typewriter conventions rather than sound, so the key you press may not match the letter's pronunciation. On some versions, the AltGr key is used to access extra symbols, diacritics, or less common Arabic characters.
| Feature | Arabic keyboard | English keyboard |
| Text direction | Right to left | Left to right |
| Character mapping | Standard or phonetic keyboard | QWERTY/phonetic-based |
| Script | Arabic script + Latin | Latin only |
| Numerals | Eastern Arabic numerals or Western | Western (0–9) |
| Key legends | Bilingual (Arabic + English) | English only |
Arabic keyboard types on Windows 10 and beyond
Good news, Windows 10 has you covered with several Arabic keyboard options. Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language & region, add Arabic, then flip between layouts with Alt + Shift. Quick, built-in, done!
- Arabic (101), the standard Arabic keyboard layout, widely used across the Middle East and Gulf region with a QWERTY base underneath.
- Arabic (102), close to 101, but with a slightly different key arrangement that some users prefer.
- Arabic (102) AZERTY, keeps the Arabic layer but swaps the Latin base to AZERTY, a common choice in North Africa and in the Moroccan Arabic keyboard context.
- Arabic phonetic keyboard, this Arabic phonetic keyboard places Arabic letters by sound, so a phonetic keyboard user can learn faster. It's especially useful if you know the alphabet but not the standard layout.
You may also come across terms like Mac Arabic keyboard when looking at regional or device-specific setups. The main change is usually the underlying Latin base, QWERTY, AZERTY, or QWERTZ, not the Arabic script itself.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Arabic PC keyboard called in Arabic?
In Arabic, an Arabic keyboard is called lawḥat al-mafātīḥ al-ʕarabiyya (لوحة المفاتيح العربية). It’s the standard name for a keyboard system built for Arabic typing from right to left, while still keeping Latin characters available for things like URLs, email addresses, and mixed-language work.
Do I need a physical Arabic keyboard to type in Arabic?
Not at all. You can switch on an Arabic keyboard layout in Windows, macOS, or Linux straight from your language settings—no new hardware needed. Most systems let you jump between layouts with a shortcut, and while bilingual keycaps can help, they’re optional. If you’re still learning the Arabic alphabet and getting used to Arabic letters, they can make life easier.
What’s the difference between a standard and a phonetic Arabic keyboard?
A standard Arabic keyboard doesn’t follow sound-based key placement. It comes from older typewriter conventions, so the keys won’t always match what English speakers expect. A phonetic keyboard, on the other hand, links sounds more intuitively to the keys, which makes early Arabic typing feel way less confusing. Both options cover the full Arabic alphabet and all core letters—the real difference is which Arabic keyboard layout feels more natural to you.