Ansi vs iso: difference between spanish keyboards

Keyboard: ANSI vs ISO

ANSI and ISO are different designs, that is, they describe the size and position of the keys, regardless of the logical distribution (US QWERTY, UK QWERTY, German QWERTZ, Colemak, Windows vs Macintosh, etc.).

However, Japan has its own keyboard layout, JIS, similar to ISO , but with three additional keys. The terms " ANSI" and "ISO" are also used, perhaps erroneously, to describe keyboards with a large ENTER key, that is, an ENTER key that takes the place of this key and that of the RETURN key.

ANSI design

ANSI is the design of the keyboards used in the United States and the Netherlands, among other countries. ANSI-designed PC keyboards like the one used by the IBM Model M typically refer to 101 keys (prior to 1995), 104 keys (with Windows and context menu keys), and 87 keys (without numeric keypad).

ISO design

ISO-designed keyboards are used by many European countries, and with an extra key compared to the ANSI standard. Consequently, they can be 102, 105 or 88 keys.

In addition to having an extra key, the ISO layout has another fundamental property: the right Alt key is replaced with the Alt Gr key, which is a type key that has access to the third symbol on a keyboard. The use of accents in European languages leads to the need to enter many more symbols than on United States keyboards, with the keys containing more symbols. For example, in the UK, the "4" key will produce "$" with the Shift key pressed together, and the "€" symbol with the Alt Gr key pressed.

Ergonomics

We are going to compare the ANSI and ISO keyboard layouts from an ergonomic point of view. Let's start with the ANSI standard. As you can see, the left Shift keys, ENTER key, and spacebar key are quite different on ANSI and ISO keyboards.

On ISO keyboards, the Left Shift and ENTER keys are farther from the center of the keyboard, which is a shame given their frequent use.

Based on the above, it is difficult to argue that an ISO keyboard is more ergonomic. ENTER and Left Shift are pressed at least hundreds, if not thousands of times per day, and are located about 1 unit (20 millimeters = 0.8 inches) farther from the center in the ISO design. The backslash is closest to the value of 1 in unity and includes an extra key next to the left Shift, although it is not a frequently used key.

Regardless of ergonomics, many users have made it clear that ISO design is a must have, and some of them are very used to the L-shape of the ENTER key, so they are unwilling to alter the memory of their typing fingers.

North America, for the most part, uses ANSI keyboards. Instead, Europe uses ISO keyboards. The layouts are similar, but the ISO has a couple of additional keys. An ANSI keyboard typically has two keys between the L and the Return key, while an ISO keyboard usually has three. Also, ANSI houses the left Shift key next to the Z key, but an ISO keyboard has a key before the left Shift. To allow this, the ANSI design has a left shift key larger than that of an ISO design.

How to choose your keyboard

Choosing a keyboard is not that simple. The choice can be complicated due to the huge variety and price ranges. But what justifies such a difference? We leave you the steps that we recommend you follow.

Keyboard appearance

You work in an office? If so, you will surely spend all day with your fingers on the keyboard and sometimes your eyes too. In addition you have to consider the keyboard design, so that it adapts to your environment. There are several "design" models, such as this conventional keyboard:

Or other more classic keyboards are also in China:

With or without cables?

As for mice, there are wired and wireless keyboards. It is possible to get bluetooth or wifi keyboards, depending on how you want. Thus, you should think about buying batteries, since no keyboard has an integrated battery, being difficult to recharge in this case. Weight doesn't matter much, don't be afraid to choose a wireless keyboard. But the choice of the gamer user will be the wired keyboard, since it has the possibility of pressing several keys at the same time.

Programmable buttons

These types of buttons with the ability to be programmed are very useful. If we want to pause the current track, put a link to open your browser or your email, it is always practical. Therefore, it is advisable to have a minimum. Better that they be placed in a practical and quickly accessible way.

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Numeric keyboard

Make sure that the numeric keypad is not integrated with the rest of the keys. It is best to get a detachable keyboard.

Easy to clean

It is very difficult to keep the keyboard clean. Between the breadcrumbs and cigarette ashes, it's easy to have two or three keys locked. But there are several solutions. If you have a laptop, this is safer. However, if you have a fixed computer, you can remove the keys with a screwdriver. A keyboard is one of the richest areas in bacteria.

The practical side

For example, with a college job, it's normal to press thousands of times on your keyboard keys at least. For this, the keyboard must be practical and pleasant to facilitate the task of typing.

Typing

First, keyboard typing should be light. You should not press too hard. Therefore, a maximum pressure of 50 grams is recommended, so that the character appears on the screen. Forget about keyboards with high keys. In the future, they will all be flat.

Silence: Yes or no?

Do you want to hear an annoying sound every time you press a key? To do this, make sure the keys are silent; in general this is specified in the manual. The main advantage is that a quiet keyboard requires little key pressure. These keyboards are, in most cases, flat.

Sleek like an LCD screen

Some keyboards are equipped with LCD screens, as logitech or the new Razer DeathStalker Ultimate became fashionable in its day:

The screen can show the music being played, the messenger alerts, the CPU usage and the RAM memory. There is also the OLED keyboard, which displays images on the keyboard keys, which is very practical and aesthetic to use.

Other details

Make sure the keyboard part can be raised, allowing for quick and easy typing (this avoids stretching your fingers to access the keys on top of the keyboard). And most importantly, the keyboard surface should not reflect light.

Also, if you are going to use your computer until late at night, think of illuminated keys, such as Corsair keyboards, despite the fact that they are geared towards gamers.

Ready! You already know everything about keyboards and are fully prepared to buy one. If you want to know the best models, I recommend you read our guide to the best keyboard for PC.