In the former blogs <5W we should know about Low-profile Keyboard>, we talked low profile keyboard vs normal mechanical keyboard, and types of computer keyboard layouts like qwerty keyboard. However, if we search for keyboard keycap or decide to purchase a keeb, we will find there are variants of ANSI or ISO. So what does ANSI or ISO mean? What’s the difference between ANSI and ISO keyboard? How do we know which keyboard design suits for us? Are there other layouts?
Choosing from ANSI or ISO might be a confusion if we have no idea about ANSI or ISO at all. And someone may not know my keyboard ANSI or ISO. And speaking of the topic “which key board layout is better”, it can also trigger intense discussion. Let’s move forward to dig into the computer key board layout deeper. After reading, we will know all about ANSI keyboard and ISO keyboard, the differences and how to choose as well.
What is ANSI and ISO?
ANSI
Firstly, we need to know the meaning of ANSI. It refers to The American National Standards Institute, founded in 1918, which is committed to making consensus standard of products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. That’s to say, ANSI layout of mechanical keyboard is also included in the rules the group made. It makes the keyboard layout used in USA follow the ANSI standard. The organization also coordinates U.S. standards with international standards so that American products can be used worldwide.
ISO
ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization. It is also an independent, non-governmental international organization, which was established on February 23, 1947. It is an international organization that formulates international standards for the global industrial and commercial sectors.
What is ANSI keyboard layout?
ANSI keyboard is mainly used in North America, and other English-based countries in Asia. Sometimes we also call it American keyboard or us keyboard. We can see the features of ANSI keyboard:
image from kzzi k98pro low latency gaming keyboard
ENTER Key
The most obvious difference is the place and size of Enter key. The rectangle-shaped enter key is under the backslash key and above the shift key on the American keyboard layout. The us keyboard is fast to get used to. The rectangle shape reduces the mistyping percentage and make it easy for finger to type.
Backslash Key
The backslash key is on the above of enter key. As for a key that is not frequently used, its position and size makes sense for both typing and keyboard aesthetics. Just need to stretch finger a little to reach it.
Left Shift Key
The left shift key of American keyboard is longer than that of ISO keyboard. The longer size makes it easier for gamer to reach. Even without seeing the keyboard, we can easily know the place of left shift key.
Total number of Keys
As for a standard full-size mechanical keyboard, American international keyboard owns 104 keys. From the F-row, arrow keys, and numpad，every keys we need are there, no need to remember keys’ function. While for limited or clean desk room, a more compact keyboard size is enough for most mechanical keyboard lovers. Like 98% layout keyboard.
What is ISO keyboard layout?
ISO keyboard is called uk keyboard sometimes. It is the other mainstream physical layout standards for mechanical keyboards. The most keys are the same as us keyboard. The core difference lies in the shapes and positions of the Enter key, the Left Shift key, the Right Alt key, and the Backslash key.
ENTER Key
The “L” shaped enter key takes 2 rows space. The finger needs to be moved upwards to press the vertical area, which can cause fatigue (especially during rapid input).
Backslash Key
The Backslash key on ISO keyboard layout is near to the main typing row. Typing |\ would be easier when coding.
Left Shift Key
Normally the left shift key is only 1.25 in size, and there adds one 1u key on the right. The extra key can be customized as shortcut key for coding. While it also takes time to get used to the shorter shift key. Otherwise it is easier to mistype the key on the right.
Alt Gr
The Alt key of American computer keyboard layout was replaced with Alt Graph key on the uk computer keyboard layout. The key supports accent or other characters, like €、ß、ñ. But for American keyboard users, we need to using multi-combination key, like Ctrl+Alt+E to type €.
Total Keys
There are 105 keys in total for a full-sized ISO keyboard. Because of the left shift key is divided into 2 keys, shift and <>| key. For a more compact layout, the size of other keys like backspace might be smaller.
What is the difference between uk keyboard and us?
The difference above of those keys can directly influence typing efficiency, keycap compatibility and area using habit. Here is the detailed comparison.
| ANSI keyboard | ISO keyboard | |
| Enter Key | Rectangle Shape | L shape, take up 2 rows |
| Left Shift Key | long rectangle, 2.25U | short rectangle, 1.25U |
| Right Alt Key | Right AltOnly Alt key | Alt gr for European language |
| Backslash key | Above the enter key | In the middle of Z key and left shift key |
| Backspace | Normally 2U size | Almost the same, sometimes 1.5U |
| Light effect | Bigger shine through area for better rgb | / |
| History | Optimize the efficiency of English typing | Mainly for multi language needs in typewriter era |
uk keyboard vs us keyboard, which is better?
After understanding the difference of us vs uk keyboard, we know each layout has pros and cons. For Ansi keyboard, it is more common in English language countries. And maybe gamer and coder prefer it better. The lack of alt gr key makes it restrictive for European countries. However，the ISO keyboard helps a lot in typing their language accent and characters with gr key. Maybe it is hard to find an ISO keyboard when go out of Europe.
Honestly, we can not tell which is better, which is worse. Look beyond "it's what I'm used to", then there is no answer for this question, it is all about using preferences and typing habits to enhance our overall experience.
As for now, Kzzi offer keyboards with ANSI layout only.
How to choose between uk keyboard vs us keyboard?
The 2 layouts have strong adaptability to different regions and scenarios. Even for someone who tries both 2 layouts, they will probably switch back to the original layout they used before. So sticking with the layout we know best will reduce the confusion when the key you want isn’t in the spot you think it is.
According to regions and scenarios
ANSI keyboard layout is mainly used in North America, Asia and some international gaming community. It suits well with gaming, English coding and customize mechanical keyboard lover. If you are using European language as daily input, then we do not suggest Ansi keyboard.
According to using habit
Prefer ANSI keyboard, if you:
- Using English as primary input
- Playing gaming in need of frequent shift key, like FPS or MOBA
- Custom mechanical keyboard lover liking switch types of keycaps
- Getting used to compact layout keyboard, like 60% keyboard
ISO is better for multi language office or software coding, used in Europe, some Africa countries.
Give preference to ISO layout if you:
- Frequently typing European characters like €、á、ñ、ß
- Getting used to the right key of shorter shift key.
- In need of \| key for coding
Is there method to switch between ANSI and ISO keyboard?
Software remap
Using QMK/VIA or Brand Software to switch the key profile, while the keycap keeps the original shape and characters. Now, most mechanical keyboards in the market support remap the keys, like Kzzi software.
Switch ANSI/ISO position plate
Some custom mechanical keyboards support switch ANSI or ISO position plate according to the position of socket.
Try the layout based on your core needs. The adaptation period caused by physical differences usually lasts no more than one week. Or having two keyboards with different layouts might be a good solution!
Note:
For the ANSI keyboard, it is easier to find out the replacing keycap set in the market. The ISO keyboard needs to make sure the keycap set contains the L-shaped enter key and shorter left shift key. That’s to say, we have to notice the keycap size for some special keys.
Q&A
How to know if my keyboard is ansi or iso?
Just need to check the Enter key of the keyboard. If it is a normal rectangle-shaped enter key, it is the ANSI keyboard. If there is a L-shaped enter key, then you are using the ISO keyboard.
Is ANSI the same as QWERTY keyboard layout?
Actually no, we can find both ANSI layout and ISO layout in the qwerty keyboard. For a qwerty keyboard, it can be designed with ansi keyboard and ISO keyboard layout.
Is the UK keyboard ISO or ANSI?
The UK keyboard follows ISO standard, so normally the UK keyboard is ISO. And US keyboard follows ANSI standard.