Parallel imports have increased the presence of non-Russian keyboards and laptops in the Russian market. Reliable industry sources indicate that such devices could see a growth of about 10% by year-end, reflecting a shifting supply chain and consumer demand in the region.
Industry officials say that many laptops and keyboards sold in Russia or among EAEU member countries come with a Cyrillic-friendly layout, ready for immediate use. When needed, more affordable devices can still be customized with Cyrillic engraving to support local users and government needs.
However, the cost of Cyrillic engraving remains a consideration. Estimates place the engraving price around 1.5 to 2 thousand rubles per device. In some cases, the process requires unpacking the device, which can complicate warranty coverage and service terms. Market insiders note that interest in engraving has risen sharply, with demand nearly doubling since earlier months, signaling that many buyers view Cyrillic keyboards as a practical necessity in daily work and communication.
The shortage of keyboards with a Russian layout has already affected government procurement in certain cases. Tender specifications frequently require the provision of a keyboard with Cyrillic engraving, creating a need for suppliers to locate sources that can deliver compliant equipment swiftly. Government officials describing the situation say that suppliers are actively seeking ways to obtain keyboards that meet Cyrillic layout requirements, balancing procurement timelines with the need for proper localization.
Previously discussed coverage highlighted tensions between user experience and device warranties in the context of keyboard design, illustrating broader consumer expectations for reliable input options and continued device support across markets.