ANSI vs ISO Keyboard Layout: Which Layout is Best for You?

If you’re a keyboard enthusiast or someone working long hours at a computer, choosing the right keyboard layout can significantly impact your typing experience, productivity, and even comfort. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to go with an ANSI or ISO keyboard layout. These two layouts dominate the world of keyboards, particularly in Western countries, but each comes with unique benefits depending on your specific needs.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key differences, benefits, and considerations between the ANSI and ISO keyboard layouts to help you make an informed decision.

What Are ANSI and ISO Keyboard Layouts?

The ANSI and ISO layouts are standard keyboard layouts defined by two organizations:

• ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute, which sets standards commonly used in the United States and Asia.
• ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization, a layout more common in Europe, including the UK, Germany, and France.

These layouts differ in the physical arrangement of the keys but do not impact the visual layout (such as QWERTY or AZERTY). Let’s break down the key differences.

Key Differences Between ANSI and ISO Keyboard Layouts

1. Enter Key

• ANSI Layout: The Enter key is rectangular and spans a single row. It’s positioned in a way that makes it easy to reach, especially for fast typists.
• ISO Layout: The Enter key is L-shaped and takes up two rows. It offers a bigger surface area, which can be more comfortable for typists who prefer a larger key.

One of the most noticeable differences between the two layouts is the Enter key.

Verdict: The larger L-shaped Enter key on the ISO layout is more ergonomic for some users, but others may find the compact Enter key on ANSI keyboards quicker to press, especially for coding or gaming.

2. Backslash Key

Another difference is the location of the backslash key.

• ANSI Layout: The backslash key is placed directly above the Enter key, which is convenient for frequent use.
• ISO Layout: The backslash key is located to the left of the Enter key. While this works well for users in European countries, it may feel awkward for those accustomed to the ANSI layout.

Verdict: The ANSI layout offers more intuitive access to the backslash key for users in programming or technical fields.

3. Shift Key

The Shift key also differs between the two layouts:

• ANSI Layout: The left Shift key is longer, making it easier for touch typists to access.
• ISO Layout: The left Shift key is shorter and is paired with an additional key on the left, which can be used for typing special characters in various languages.

The ISO layout includes an additional AltGr (Alt Graph) key, which gives access to special characters and symbols, particularly useful in European languages. The ANSI layout, by contrast, lacks this key and instead features a standard right Alt key.

Verdict: For typing in languages that require accented characters or symbols, the ISO layout provides added convenience.

5. Number of Keys

• ANSI keyboards typically have 104 keys on full-sized models and 87 keys on compact, tenkeyless keyboards.
• ISO keyboards have one additional key, bringing the total to 105 keys on full-sized models and 88 keys on compact ones.

Verdict: While the difference in the number of keys is minimal, the additional key on ISO keyboards can be useful for specific typing needs, particularly in Europe.

Which Layout Is Better for Gaming?

When it comes to gaming, particularly in genres like first-person shooters (FPS), the layout of the keyboard can make a noticeable difference in performance. Here’s how each layout stacks up for gaming:

• ANSI Layout: The longer Shift key in ANSI keyboards is often preferred by gamers, especially for crouching or running, as it’s easier to press without needing to reposition your hand. The backslash key placement also allows faster reach during intense gameplay.
• ISO Layout: While the ISO layout works well for general typing, some gamers find the smaller Shift key and the different placement of certain keys less intuitive, particularly for action-heavy games.

Verdict: For gamers, the ANSI layout is generally considered better due to its compact design and more gaming-friendly key placement.

Customization Options

When it comes to customizing your keyboard, the ANSI layout generally offers more options:

• Many keycap sets, especially those designed for mechanical keyboards, are optimized for ANSI layouts. This includes RGB lighting configurations and custom keycaps for gaming.
• ISO keyboards, while supported by certain brands, tend to have fewer customization options, especially when it comes to keycap sets.

Verdict: If customization is important to you, the ANSI layout offers greater flexibility and more choices in the market.

Ergonomics: ANSI vs IS

Ergonomics is a key factor when deciding between ANSI and ISO layouts:

• The ISO layout is designed with more space between the keys, and the larger Enter key can reduce the risk of hitting the wrong key. This is particularly useful for people with larger hands or those who spend long hours typing.
• The ANSI layout is more compact, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a sleeker design. However, the smaller Enter key and compact design may cause strain for some typists over time.

Verdict: If ergonomics and comfort are a top priority, the ISO layout may be the better choice for you.

ANSI vs ISO: Which Layout Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between an ANSI and ISO layout boils down to your specific needs and preferences:

• Choose ANSI if you’re a gamer, programmer, or someone who prefers a more compact layout with a longer Shift key and easier access to the backslash key.
• Choose ISO if you type in multiple languages, need frequent access to special characters, or prefer a larger Enter key for ergonomic reasons.

Can You Use ANSI Keycaps on an ISO Keyboard?

A common question is whether ANSI keycaps can be used on an ISO keyboard. The answer is: it depends. Keycap sets designed for ANSI layouts may not fit perfectly on ISO keyboards due to the differences in key sizes (particularly the Enter and Shift keys).

However, some manufacturers produce universal keycap sets that accommodate both layouts. Make sure to check compatibility before purchasing.

Conclusion

Both the ANSI and ISO keyboard layouts have their advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, whether for gaming, typing, or multilingual input. By understanding the key differences, you can select the layout that best suits your personal preferences, improving both comfort and efficiency.

If you prioritize customization, ease of use for gaming, and a compact design, go with the ANSI layout. If ergonomics, multilingual typing, or special character access are your top priorities, the ISO layout may be the better option.