ANSI vs. ISO Keyboard Layouts

If you have ever purchased a new set of keycaps only to find that the "Enter" key doesn't fit, you have likely run into the ANSI vs. ISO conflict. These are the two most common mechanical standards defined by international hardware bodies.

What is ANSI?

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is the standard layout used primarily in the United States, Canada, and most of Asia. It is characterized by a rectangular, horizontal Enter key and a wide Left Shift key. Most online keyboard test tools default to this layout because of its global popularity.

What is ISO?

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the standard throughout Europe and several other regions. Its most striking feature is the large, L-shaped Enter key (often called the "Big Ass Enter"). It also features a shorter Left Shift key to make room for an extra backslash key.

Why Does the Layout Matter?

Muscle memory is a powerful thing. If you are used to an ANSI layout, your pinky finger expects a wide Enter key. Moving to an ISO board can result in many typos during a keyboard typing test as you accidentally hit the backslash key instead. Furthermore, when performing a keyboard test, the physical position of the symbols like "@" and "~" will change significantly between the two standards.

Conclusion

While ANSI is the dominant choice for custom mechanical keyboard enthusiasts due to wider keycap compatibility, ISO remains vital for those requiring specific European characters. Before starting your next keyboard typing test, make sure you know your layout to ensure peak efficiency.