Why aren't keyboards' home and top rows aligned nicely?

1. Why keyboard keys are not aligned?
2. Why are keyboards not symmetrical?
3. Why are keyboard rows offset?
4. Why are keyboard rows staggered?

Why keyboard keys are not aligned?

So the keys were randomly positioned to actually slow down typing and prevent key jams. The QWERTY keyboards were made so one could type using keys from the top row of the keyboard. This random arrangement became standard.

Why are keyboards not symmetrical?

Originally keyboards had to have a staggered layout to fit the mechanical linkages between the keys and the levers.

Why are keyboard rows offset?

In order to place all the keys in a compact space, typewriters have keys staggered on four or more levels, which allow the key arms to run very close together without having to worry about sticking. Basically, the keyboard is staggered and raised allowing for the little metal bars to not hit each other.

Why are keyboard rows staggered?

The reason for this staggering was to allow equal distance between the arms that connect the keys to the type-writing mechanism. From left to right, as one ascends the keyboard, the keys have positions 1, 3, 2, 4.