# Alice keyboard layout

> ergonomic layout for computer keyboards

**Wikidata**: [Q136148803](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136148803)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alice-keyboard-layout

## Summary
The Alice keyboard layout is an ergonomic layout for computer keyboards designed to improve user comfort and typing efficiency. It is classified as a subclass of the ergonomic keyboard and is also referred to as the Alice keyboard, Alice mechanical keyboard, or Alice computer keyboard.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Keyboard layout.
- **Parent Class**: Ergonomic keyboard (a computer keyboard designed for good ergonomics).
- **Alternate Names**: Alice keyboard, Alice layout, Alice mechanical keyboard, Alice computer keyboard.
- **Primary Function**: Serves as an ergonomic layout for computer keyboards.
- **Design Category**: Grouped with ortholinear layouts as a compact, grid-based design that minimizes finger movement.
- **External Reference**: Described at `https://kineticlabs.com/blog/what-are-alice-mechanical-keyboards` (English).

## FAQs
### What is the Alice keyboard layout?
The Alice keyboard layout is a specific configuration for computer keyboards designed with ergonomics in mind. It is structurally classified as a keyboard layout and is a distinct variation within the broader category of ergonomic keyboards.

### How is the Alice layout classified?
It is considered a subclass of the ergonomic keyboard. In the context of design variations, it is often categorized alongside ortholinear layouts and is described as a compact, grid-based design intended to minimize finger movement.

### Where can I find information about the Alice mechanical keyboard?
Specific details regarding the Alice mechanical keyboard are documented by Kinetic Labs in an article titled "What are Alice mechanical keyboards," available in English.

## Why It Matters
The Alice keyboard layout matters as a specific solution within the field of human-centered design aimed at mitigating the health risks associated with prolonged typing. As a subclass of the ergonomic keyboard, it contributes to the broader goal of preventing repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome. By offering an alternative to traditional flat keyboard designs, the Alice layout reflects the evolution of input devices toward sustainable work habits, prioritizing user well-being and typing efficiency through optimized key placement.

## Notable For
- **Ergonomic Design**: Explicitly engineered as an ergonomic layout to align with natural hand and wrist positions.
- **Movement Reduction**: Recognized as a compact design that minimizes finger movement, similar to ortholinear layouts.
- **Grid-Based Arrangement**: Categorized as a grid-based key arrangement, distinct from standard staggered layouts.
- **Nomenclature**: Known by multiple specific aliases, including "Alice mechanical keyboard" and "Alice layout."

## Body
### Definition and Classification
The Alice keyboard layout is an ergonomic layout for computer keyboards. It functions as a specific instance of a keyboard layout and is hierarchically classified as a subclass of the ergonomic keyboard. The entity is identified by several aliases, including "Alice keyboard," "Alice layout," "Alice mechanical keyboard," and "Alice computer keyboard."

### Design Characteristics
Within the taxonomy of ergonomic keyboards, the Alice layout is associated with specific design philosophies aimed at improving user interaction.
- **Ortholinear Association**: The layout is grouped with ortholinear keyboards, characterized as compact, grid-based designs.
- **Function**: The primary objective of this design is to minimize finger movement, a trait shared with other notable ergonomic variations like the Planck layout.
- **Ergonomic Context**: As part of the ergonomic keyboard family, it contributes to the broader goal of reducing physical strain during typing tasks.

### Context and Relation to Ergonomic Keyboards
The Alice layout exists within the broader category of ergonomic keyboards, which are designed to promote comfortable typing and reduce the risk of injuries such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome. While the parent category includes diverse designs like split keyboards (e.g., Microsoft Ergonomic), curved keyboards (e.g., Logitech Wave), and adjustable models (e.g., Apple Adjustable Keyboard), the Alice layout is specifically noted for its compact nature and grid-based key arrangement. This distinguishes it from curved or fully split alternatives while maintaining the core ergonomic principle of reduced finger extension.

### External Documentation
The layout is explicitly described and analyzed in an English-language article titled "What are Alice mechanical keyboards," published by Kinetic Labs at `https://kineticlabs.com/blog/what-are-alice-mechanical-keyboards`.