A configuration for layout of keys of a keyboard is provided. The keyboard configuration includes a set of keys having a first character value and a second character value. The set of keys is configured in a layout in which a row of keys has consecutive characters corresponding to the first character value, for example, ‘Q’, ‘W’, ‘E’, ‘R’, ‘T’, and ‘Y.’ The second character values on the keys are grouped according to one of a plurality of groupings. Each grouping of the plurality of groupings comprises adjacent keys of the plurality of keys. The plurality of groupings is distributed across the keyboard, for example, in different zones. The groupings include, for example, mathematical operands, punctuations, and numerals. A symbol key can toggle a key between the first character value and the second character value.