Why Are Keyboard Keys Not Aligned Vertically?

By Xah Lee. Date: 2022-12-20.

mechanical typewriter keyboard — Keys are staggered so that the levers underneath can be evenly spaced.

The vertical key column positions are staggered irregularly. Look at Q A Z. For the left hand, going from key D to E, your middle finger moves upward and in the direction of your pinky. But for right hand, going from K to I, your middle finger moves up in the direction of your thumb.