If your gaming keyboard types `"` instead of `@` when you press Shift+2, the keyboard is set to a UK or another international layout, not the US layout. To type @ on a gaming keyboard, press **Shift+2** if your layout is US, or press **Alt Gr+2** (or Alt Gr+Q on some UK layouts) if your layout is UK or another international variant.
Why can't I type @ on my gaming keyboard?
The most common reason is that your keyboard layout is set to UK English or another international layout where the @ symbol sits on a different key. On a US layout, @ is directly above the 2 key, so Shift+2 works. On a UK layout, @ is on the apostrophe key (or the Q key on some gaming keyboards), so Shift+2 produces `"` instead. The quick fix is to switch your Windows or macOS layout to US, or use the Alt Gr key combination that matches your current layout.
How to change your keyboard layout to US in Windows 11
If you want the standard Shift+2 to work, you need to add the US keyboard layout to Windows 11. This gives you the familiar key positions for @, #, and other symbols.
- Open **Settings** (Win + I).
- Go to **Time & language** and then **Language & region**.
- Next to your preferred language, click the three dots (...) and select **Language options**.
- Under the **Keyboards** section, click **Add a keyboard**.
- Choose **United States** from the list.
Once added, you can switch to the US layout using the taskbar language icon or the Windows key + Spacebar shortcut. This makes Shift+2 produce @ immediately.
How to change your keyboard layout to US in Windows 10
Windows 10 follows a similar process. Adding the US layout here ensures your gaming keyboard matches the standard key positions for @.
- Open **Settings** (Win + I).
- Go to **Time & Language** and then **Language**.
- Select your preferred language (e.g., English (United Kingdom)).
- Click **Options**.
- Under **Keyboards**, click **Add a keyboard**.
- Select **United States** from the dropdown.
After adding it, you can toggle between layouts using the language icon in the system tray or the Windows key + Spacebar shortcut.
How to switch between keyboard layouts in Windows
Once you have more than one layout installed, switching is instant. You can click the language icon in the taskbar (near the clock) and select the layout you want, or press **Windows key + Spacebar** to cycle through your installed layouts. This is the fastest way to get @ working without changing your default language.
How to change your keyboard layout to US on macOS
On a Mac, the process is slightly different but equally straightforward. Adding the U.S. layout makes Shift+2 type @ on any external gaming keyboard.
- Open **System Settings** (Apple menu > System Settings).
- Go to **General** and then **Keyboard**.
- Click **Input Sources**.
- Click the **+** button to add a new keyboard.
- Select **U.S.** from the list and click **Add**.
You can then switch between layouts using the input menu in the menu bar, or by holding the Emoji button or Switch Keyboard key on the onscreen keyboard if you have that configured.
Still not working? Remap a key as a last resort
If changing the layout does not fix the issue, for example, if your gaming keyboard has a non-standard physical layout, you can use the keyboard's software to remap a key to output @. Most gaming keyboards come with companion apps (like Razer Synapse, Logitech G Hub, or Corsair iCUE) that let you reassign any key. For detailed steps on remapping, refer to a macro guide for your specific keyboard brand.
