Kruti Dev (Devanagari: कृतिदेव) is^{[citation needed]} Devanagari typeface and non-Unicode clip font typeface which uses the keyboard layout of Remington's typewriters.^[2] In north Indian states many public service commissions conduct their clerk, stenographer, data entry operator's typing exams using the Kruti Dev typeface.^[3] Historically, familiarity with Remington's typewriters could facilitate learning to type on a computer using this font as they use a similar keyboard.^[2] It was released nearly in 1997 and designed by Kruti Dev Ram^[4].

Kruti Dev Keyboard

The Kruti Dev keyboard layout is closely linked to the Krutidev font, a traditional and widely recognized Devanagari font in India, particularly for Hindi typing on personal computers in the northern states.^[5]

Characteristics of the Kruti Dev Keyboard

1. Phonetic Layout: The Kruti Dev keyboard layout boasts a somewhat phonetic arrangement, aligning character placement with the sounds they represent. This characteristic renders it relatively intuitive for Hindi speakers.
2. Special Characters: Unique to the Kruti Dev layout are special characters absent in standard Devanagari Unicode layouts. These characters serve to depict specific conjunct consonants and other distinctive combinations found in Hindi.
3. Shift Key Usage: In line with many other keyboard layouts, the Krutidev layout employs the shift key to access supplementary characters. This facilitates the typing of a broader array of characters using a conventional keyboard.