Choosing a keyboard layout might seem like a minor detail until you realize how much it impacts your comfort, typing speed, and even your ability to game efficiently. If you’ve ever browsed mechanical keyboards or imported a high-end model, you’ve likely encountered the debate between ANSI vs. ISO standards. These two keyboard layouts dominate different parts of the world, offering unique advantages depending on how you type and the languages you use.
That’s why, when comparing ANSI vs ISO keyboard layouts, it’s necessary to break down each of their benefits and drawbacks so you can make the best decision that fits your needs.
What are ANSI and ISO Keyboards?
When deciding between ANSI vs. ISO, it’s a good idea to fully understand what these keyboard layouts are in the first place, especially if you’re new to doing a gaming PC build.
ISO (which is short for “International Organization for Standardization”) and ANSI (which stands for the “American National Standards Institute”) are two of the most widely used physical keyboard layouts globally.
ANSI keyboards, widely adopted in North America, are characterized by:
A wide, rectangular Enter key
A larger left-shift key
A Backslash key is above the Enter key.
ISO keyboards, which are common in many European countries, feature:
A taller, upside-down L-shaped Enter key
A smaller left-shift key
An extra key is to the left of the Z key.
ISO layouts also replace the right Alt key with an AltGr key, which allows access to special characters and symbols used in various European languages. While ANSI keyboards typically have 104 keys, ISO versions have 105 keys to accommodate the additional character key.
Due to differences in key sizes and placements, keycaps from one layout are generally not compatible with those from another. Most keyboard manufacturers adhere to one of these two standards, with ANSI being more prevalent globally and ISO providing better support for multilingual typing.
ANSI vs. ISO keyboard: The Benefits of the ANSI Keyboard
The ANSI keyboard layout is the standard in the United States and several other countries. It’s especially popular in the gaming and mechanical keyboard communities thanks to its simplicity and extensive compatibility with keycap sets and custom mods.
The key benefits of an ANSI vs. ISO keyboard include:
More Compatible Keycap Sets: The popularity of ANSI makes it easier to find replacement and custom keycaps, especially for mechanical keyboards.
Better for Gaming and Customization: Uniform key sizes and predictable layouts make ANSI ideal for remapping keys, setting up macros, or swapping switches.
Easier to Learn and Use (for U.S. users): Most operating systems and software default to ANSI settings, making it user-friendly right out of the box.
Wider Shift and Enter Keys: The full-size left-shift and horizontal Enter key can be more ergonomic and familiar to gamers and fast typists.
If you’re in North America or use your keyboard primarily for English typing, ANSI offers widespread support and convenience. When comparing ANSI vs. ISO, ANSI is often the preferred standard for gaming and general use in the U.S.
ANSI vs. ISO keyboard: The Drawbacks of the ANSI Keyboard
Despite its popularity, ANSI does have limitations, especially for users outside the U.S. or anyone typing in multiple languages.
The main drawbacks of ANSI vs. ISO include:
Limited Language Support: ANSI keyboards lack the extra keys required for regional accents or special characters, limiting their international versatility.
Not Ideal for International Users: Without the additional key near the left Shift that is present on ISO boards, typing certain characters may require inconvenient key combinations.
Smaller Enter Key Preference: Some users find the rectangular Enter key less intuitive than the taller version found on ISO keyboards.
In the ISO vs. ANSI keyboard comparison, ANSI’s strengths shine in English-centric workflows, but its weaknesses become apparent when dealing with European languages or specialized input.
ISO vs. ANSI keyboard: The Benefits of the ISO Keyboard
The ISO keyboard layout is the standard in Europe and parts of the world that use region-specific characters. It includes a few layout changes that make it more adaptable for multilingual use.
Some of the benefits of ISO vs. ANSI include:
Supportive of More Languages: The ISO layout is better suited for typing in European languages, with easier access to specific symbols and various accents.
Vertical Enter Key: Many typists find the tall, L-shaped Enter key easier to hit accurately due to muscle memory built from years of use.
Extra Key Near the Z Key: ISO boards feature an additional key that enables the direct input of language-specific symbols for a more efficient typing experience.
If you’re comparing ISO vs. ANSI keyboard layouts and you’re someone who types in more than one language or prefers regionally adapted layouts, ISO may be the superior choice.
ISO vs. ANSI Keyboard: The Drawbacks of the ISO Keyboard
While ISO has distinct benefits, it also introduces several limitations, particularly for users who prioritize gaming, customization, or part availability.
These drawbacks of ISO vs. ANSI include:
Fewer Keycap Options: Since ANSI dominates the mechanical keyboard market, ISO-compatible keycap sets can be harder to find and more expensive to obtain.
Shorter Left Shift Key: ISO’s shorter left Shift key may cause more mistyped keystrokes for fast typists or those accustomed to ANSI layouts.
Less Common in Gaming and Enthusiast Communities: Many gaming and enthusiast keyboard models are released only in ANSI, limiting ISO options for hobbyists.
In the ANSI vs. ISO keyboard discussion, ISO may be more functional for typing in multiple languages, but it comes with trade-offs in customization and availability.
ISO vs. ANSI: Which is the Best for You?
After exploring the features of each layout, it’s now time to decide which is best suited for your needs. Here’s a side-by-side to help clarify your choice between ISO vs. ANSI:
Choose ANSI if:
You live in the United States, Canada, or an ANSI-compliant region.
You prioritize gaming performance, customization, or modding.
You type primarily in English.
Choose ISO if:
You’re in Europe, or you often write in multiple languages.
You prefer the larger vertical Enter key.
You need built-in access to regional characters and punctuation marks.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer when deciding between ANSI vs. ISO. The debate is less about which layout is objectively better and more about which one works best for you.
Whether you prefer ANSI or ISO, explore our collection of mechanical keyboards and other gaming accessories at iBUYPOWER. Our keyboards are perfect for any style of typing, especially for gamers.
Discover our top-of-the-line gaming PCs and gear at iBUYPOWER. We have excellent deals on our top-of-the-line gaming PC products, so visit the iBUYPOWER coupons page and our gaming deals to find the latest discounts.
To stay updated on all things iBUYPOWER follow us on our socials
Instagram iBUYPOWER
Facebook iBUYPOWERPC
TikTok @iBUYPOWER
Reddit /r/iBUYPOWER
Discord iBUYPOWER
