Australian Keyboard Layout: How It Differs from ANSI and ISO

When choosing a keyboard, understanding the differences between various layouts is crucial, especially for Australians. While Australia does not have a unique national keyboard layout like some countries, it primarily uses variations of the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) layout with some regional adaptations. However, many Australians also use ANSI (American National Standards Institute) keyboards, particularly in gaming and programming. This article will explore the Australian keyboard layout, its differences from ANSI and ISO standards, and its suitability for different users.

ISO vs. ANSI Keyboard: Key Differences and Which One to Choose

When choosing a keyboard, one of the most important considerations is whether to go with an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) layout or an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) layout. These two keyboard standards determine key placement, size, and overall usability. While ISO keyboards are more common in Europe, Australia, and some parts of Asia, ANSI keyboards dominate in the United States and Canada.

Understanding Keyboard Layout Standards

Before diving into the differences, it's essential to understand what ANSI and ISO standards represent:

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Layout:

• Used primarily in the United States, Canada, and some parts of Asia.
• Features a rectangular Enter key and a long left Shift key.
• Has 104 keys on full-sized keyboards and 87 keys on tenkeyless keyboards.
• Most mechanical keyboards and gaming keyboards follow ANSI standards.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Layout:

• Common in Europe, Australia, and some Asian countries.
• Includes a larger, L-shaped Enter key and a shorter left Shift key.
• Features 105 keys, adding an extra key near the left Shift.
• Supports additional characters for multilingual input.

Table for Key Differences Between ISO and ANSI Keyboards

Comparison of the key characteristics of ISO and ANSI keyboards

1.     Enter Key

• ISO Keyboard: L-shaped (taller and narrower)
• Function: Easier to press with the pinky finger, particularly for typists who prefer a larger key.
• ANSI Keyboard: Rectangular and smaller
• Function: Saves space and allows for a more compact layout. Preferred by gamers and programmers.

2.     Left Shift Key

• ISO Keyboard: Shorter, with an extra key next to it
• Function: Supports additional symbols, often used in multilingual typing.
• ANSI Keyboard: Longer, spanning the width of two key slots
• Function: Easier for users who rely on muscle memory for typing or gaming.

3.     Backslash () and Pipe (|) Key Placement

• ISO Keyboard: Located next to the left Shift key
• Function: Used for coding, file paths, and entering special characters.
• ANSI Keyboard: Placed above the Enter key
• Function: Offers a more intuitive position for programmers working with U.S. software.

4.     Total Number of Keys

• ISO Keyboard: 105 keys
• Function: Extra key allows for more regional symbols and language support.
• ANSI Keyboard: 104 keys
• Function: Simpler layout, optimized for efficiency and familiarity in global software environments.

Click here for more information about ANSI vs ISO Keyboard Layout

The Difficulty ISO Keyboards Users

Finding ISO keyboards and keycaps remains a challenge due to global market trends favouring ANSI layouts. While some options exist, ISO users often face higher prices, limited stock, and fewer customization opportunities. Until manufacturers expand production, ISO enthusiasts will need to rely on imports, custom orders, or adapt to ANSI layouts.

Why Australians Prefer ISO Keyboards

1. British Influence on the Australian Keyboard Standard

Australia's keyboard layout has been historically influenced by the United Kingdom (UK) keyboard layout, which follows the ISO standard rather than the ANSI format used in the United States. Since Australia shares many linguistic and administrative ties with the UK, it makes sense that the default keyboard layout aligns with the ISO standard, ensuring consistency across official documents, businesses, and educational institutions.

2. Government and Business Standardization

Many official institutions, workplaces, and schools in Australia use ISO-layout keyboards as their standard. This standardization means that most office computers, government-issued devices, and educational institutions are equipped with ISO keyboards, making them the default choice for many Australians who grow accustomed to them from an early age.

3. Better Support for Multilingual Typing & Special Characters

ISO keyboards include an extra key near the left Shift, allowing for easier access to special characters, diacritical marks, and symbols that are commonly used in different languages. This makes the ISO layout more versatile for multilingual users and professionals who work with international documents, particularly in industries such as academia, translation, and legal professions.

4. Ergonomic Advantages of the ISO Layout

One of the most noticeable differences between ISO and ANSI keyboards is the shape of the Enter key. ISO keyboards have a larger, L-shaped Enter key, which some typists find more comfortable and ergonomic. The shorter left Shift key also reduces accidental keystrokes, making it a preferred choice for those who type frequently.

5. Market Availability and Default Options

Most prebuilt computers and laptops sold in Australia come with ISO keyboards by default. Since major tech manufacturers provide ISO keyboards as their standard option for the Australian market, many users simply stick with what is readily available, reinforcing the prevalence of ISO keyboards in the country.

Why Australians Prefer ANSI Keyboards

While the ISO keyboard layout is the most common in Australia due to historical ties with the UK and government standardization, a growing number of Australians are opting for ANSI (American National Standards Institute) keyboards instead. This preference is particularly evident among gamers, programmers, and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

1. Gaming and Competitive eSports Influence

Many gaming keyboards, especially those designed by American and Asian brands, use the ANSI layout. Gamers in Australia often purchase international gaming peripherals, meaning they are more likely to use ANSI keyboards. Key advantages for gaming include:

• Longer left Shift key, reducing accidental keystrokes.
• Uniform key spacing, leading to a more consistent typing and gaming experience.
• Wider availability of gaming keyboards with ANSI layouts, making them the go-to choice for eSports players.

2. Programming and Software Development Preferences

Australian programmers often work with American-developed coding environments, such as those in Silicon Valley and other global tech hubs, which primarily use the ANSI layout. The ANSI keyboard’s design offers benefits such as:

• Easier access to backslash () and pipe (|) keys, which are commonly used in coding.
• More intuitive key placement, improving efficiency when writing code.
• Standardization with international tech industry norms, making it easier for Australian developers to collaborate with global teams.

3. Wider Availability of Mechanical Keyboards and Keycap Sets

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts in Australia often prefer ANSI keyboards due to the broader range of:

• Custom keycap sets, which are primarily designed for ANSI layouts.
• Mechanical keyboard brands, many of which focus on ANSI configurations.
• Switch options, as many enthusiast boards are produced with ANSI layouts in mind.

Since ANSI keyboards dominate the mechanical keyboard market, Australian enthusiasts looking to build custom setups find it easier to source ANSI-compatible parts and accessories.

4. Compatibility with U.S. and International Work Environments

Many Australians work remotely or collaborate with global teams where ANSI keyboards are the norm. This includes industries such as:

• Software development and IT
• Finance and business sectors dealing with American companies
• Academia and research institutions with international ties

Using an ANSI keyboard ensures familiarity with standard shortcuts, keyboard commands, and documentation formatting, making cross-border work more seamless.

5. Personal Preference and Ergonomics

Some Australians simply find ANSI keyboards more comfortable to use, citing reasons such as:

• A longer left Shift key, reducing typing errors.
• A smaller Enter key, allowing for smoother hand movements.
• Consistent key spacing, providing a more natural typing experience.

ANSI And Iso Keyboard: Overview & Benefits

Advantages of ANSI Keyboards

✅ More widely available: Used in North America, making it the default layout for most keyboards.
✅ Better for gaming: The longer left Shift key is often preferred by gamers.
✅ More keycap customization options: Most mechanical keyboard keycap sets are designed for ANSI layouts.

Disadvantages of ANSI Keyboards

❌ Limited special characters: Does not support as many regional characters compared to ISO layouts.
❌ Less ergonomic Enter key: The small Enter key may not feel as natural for some typists.

Advantages of ISO Keyboards

✅ Ergonomic Enter key: The larger, L-shaped Enter key provides better accessibility for typing.
✅ Supports more language characters: ISO layouts allow for easier input of special characters, especially in European languages.
✅ Common in offices & professional settings: Many workplaces in Australia and Europe use ISO keyboards.

Disadvantages of ISO Keyboards

❌ Less common in gaming keyboards: Most gaming keyboards follow the ANSI standard, making ISO gaming keyboards harder to find.
❌ Keycap customization limitations: Many custom keycap sets are designed for ANSI, making it harder to find ISO-specific replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it difficult to switch from an ISO to an ANSI keyboard?

For most people, adjusting to an ANSI keyboard is relatively easy, though it may take time to get used to the smaller Enter key and longer left Shift key. Many find the transition beneficial, especially if they frequently type code, game, or use U.S.-based software.

Can I type special characters on an ANSI keyboard in Australia?

Yes! While ISO keyboards include an extra key for additional symbols, ANSI keyboards can still access special characters through key combinations or software settings.

What is JIS Layout?

The JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) keyboard layout is a keyboard standard used primarily in Japan. It is distinct from both ANSI (American) and ISO (European/Australian) layouts because it includes additional keys to support Japanese characters and input methods. JIS keyboards have more keys (109 Keys in Total) than ANSI (104 keys) and ISO (105 keys) which include extra keys for switching between English and Japanese input methods.

Where Can I Find ANSI and ISO Keycaps?

If you’re looking for ANSI or ISO keycaps to customize your keyboard, there are several online and offline options available. Some popular options include TheKapco, KBDFans, Keychron, Candykeys, Drop. Be sure that the keycaps you buy match the switch type and layout of your keyboard.

Can I Use an ANSI Keyboard If My Language Uses ISO?

Yes, you can use an ANSI keyboard even if your language typically follows the ISO layout. However, there are some key factors to consider when making this choice, especially if you type in a language that requires special characters.