Tamil Typing - Explanation of different Tamil keyboard layouts
There are several Tamil keyboard layouts available for Tamil typing, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Here's an explanation of some of the commonly used Tamil keyboard layouts:
InScript Tamil Layout:
Description: InScript is the official keyboard layout for typing in Tamil on Indian government websites and is widely used in India. It follows the traditional Tamil typewriter layout.
Key Features:
Consonants are positioned on the left side of the keyboard, while vowels are on the right side.
Compound characters (consonant-vowel combinations) are created by typing the consonant first and then the vowel.
Easily accessible special characters and numerals.
Tamil 99 Layout:
Description: Tamil 99 is a standardized layout developed by the Tamil Nadu government to promote efficient Tamil typing. It's widely used in the region.
Key Features:
Follows a phonetic layout, where typing Tamil characters is based on their phonetic equivalents in English.
Includes special keys to switch between Tamil and English input.
Supports compound characters, numerals, and common symbols.
Bamini Layout:
Description: Bamini is a popular Tamil keyboard layout known for its simplicity and ease of use.
Key Features:
Provides a straightforward and intuitive method for typing Tamil characters.
Uses a phonetic approach similar to Tamil 99.
Suitable for beginners and those looking for a simple typing experience.
Anjal Layout:
Description: The Anjal keyboard layout is designed to be user-friendly and is known for its efficient typing experience.
Key Features:
Combines phonetic and visual typing methods.
Provides a user-friendly interface with intuitive character placement.
Supports a wide range of Tamil characters and symbols.
Tamilnet99 Layout:
Description: Tamilnet99 is an alternative layout that is similar to Tamil 99 but with slight variations.
Key Features:
Phonetically based layout for Tamil character input.
Special keys to switch between Tamil and English input.
Supports compound characters, numerals, and common symbols.
Phonetic Layouts:
Description: Various phonetic layouts allow users to type Tamil characters based on their phonetic equivalents in English. These layouts make it easy for those who are not familiar with traditional layouts to type in Tamil.
Key Features:
Intuitive typing based on English pronunciation.
May have slight variations in character placement depending on the specific layout.
Virtual Keyboards and Software Keyboards:
Description: Many software applications and online tools offer virtual keyboards that allow users to type Tamil characters using a mouse or touch input.
Key Features:
Convenient for users who do not have a Tamil keyboard or are using touchscreen devices.
May include various layout options for user preference.
The choice of a Tamil keyboard layout depends on your familiarity, typing preferences, and specific requirements. You can select a layout that suits your typing style and the type of work you do, whether it's basic text input, content creation, or professional communication. Most modern layouts are Unicode-compliant, ensuring compatibility with various software and platforms.
Key differences and advantages of each layout
Each Tamil keyboard layout has its own set of differences and advantages, making them suitable for different users and purposes. Here are the key distinctions and benefits of some popular Tamil keyboard layouts:
InScript Layout:
Differences:
Based on the traditional Tamil typewriter layout.
Consonants on the left side, vowels on the right.
Compound characters are created by typing the consonant first and then the vowel.
Advantages:
Official layout used on Indian government websites.
Suitable for users accustomed to the traditional typewriter layout.
Provides a straightforward method for typing Tamil text.
Tamil 99 Layout:
Differences:
Follows a phonetic layout, where characters are based on their English phonetic equivalents.
Special keys for switching between Tamil and English input.
Advantages:
Standardized and widely used layout in Tamil Nadu.
Efficient for those who are comfortable with English phonetics.
Supports compound characters, numerals, and common symbols.
Bamini Layout:
Differences:
Provides a straightforward method for typing Tamil text, similar to Tamil 99.
Advantages:
Easy to learn and use, making it suitable for beginners.
Quick and simple for everyday Tamil typing needs.
Suitable for those who are transitioning from English to Tamil typing.
Anjal Layout:
Differences:
Combines phonetic and visual typing methods.
User-friendly interface with intuitive character placement.
Advantages:
Efficient and easy-to-use layout.
Suitable for both beginners and experienced typists.
Supports a wide range of Tamil characters and symbols.
Tamilnet99 Layout:
Differences:
Similar to Tamil 99 but with slight variations.
Follows a phonetic layout for Tamil character input.
Advantages:
Provides an alternative to Tamil 99 for those who prefer different character placements.
Suitable for efficient phonetic typing.
Phonetic Layouts:
Differences:
Various layouts based on English phonetics.
Offer an intuitive method for typing Tamil characters.
Advantages:
Easy for users who are not familiar with traditional layouts.
Suitable for quick and intuitive typing based on English pronunciation.
Virtual Keyboards and Software Keyboards:
Differences:
Provide on-screen virtual keyboards for Tamil typing.
Offer flexibility in layout and input methods.
Advantages:
Convenient for users without a physical Tamil keyboard.
Useful for touchscreen and mobile devices.
May include a variety of layout options to suit user preferences.
The choice of a Tamil keyboard layout depends on your specific needs, familiarity with the layout, and typing style. If you're a beginner, you might find Bamini or Tamil 99 layouts easy to start with. Those who prefer phonetic typing might opt for Tamilnet99 or phonetic layouts. In contrast, InScript and Anjal layouts are suitable for users who are comfortable with the traditional typewriter style. Ultimately, the layout you choose should align with your personal preferences and typing requirements.
