Physical Keyboard Layouts: ANSI vs ISO (Smart Typewriter)

If you have a Generation 1 or 2 Smart Typewriter, you have one of two different physical keyboard layouts. Both layouts are based on modified versions defined by two of the world's standards organizations:

  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Gen 3 Smart Typewriters and all Traveler devices use a combination ANSI-ISO keyboard layout to best accommodate all users globally, so this article does not apply to your device.

Generally speaking, the ANSI layout is used predominantly in the United States, while the ISO layout is used in some other countries.
The below diagrams show the two layouts with the different keys. The easiest way to determine whether you want an ANSI or ISO keyboard is to look at your current keyboard's [enter] or [return] key. 

*NOTE: This article discusses physical differences between the keyboards, not how each key is defined in software.  To see all available keyboard mappings and languages supported, the full list of supported layouts is here: Freewrite Keyboard Layouts. You will see that most of the alternative layouts are for the ISO keyboard because languages other than English typically require an [Alt Gr] key. Once you receive your Freewrite, you will be able to add these alternative mappings to your device through Postbox. If you only write in English, you can use either ANSI or ISO, however, if you usually write on an ANSI keyboard and you choose ISO for your Freewrite, the shorter left [shift] key and upside-down L [return] key will take some getting used to.

Note: This article discusses physical differences between the keyboards, not how each key is defined in software. Find all available keyboard mappings and languages supported here: Freewrite Keyboard Layouts.

You will see that most of the alternative layouts are for the ISO keyboard because languages other than English typically require an [Alt Gr] key. Once you receive your Freewrite, you will be able to add these alternative mappings to your device through Postbox.

If you only write in English, you can use either ANSI or ISO, however, if you usually write on an ANSI keyboard and you choose ISO for your Freewrite, the shorter left [shift] key and upside-down L [return] key will take some getting used to.

Still need help? Email us at hello@getfreewrite.com.

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