ISO and ANSI refer to two different keyboard layouts, each standardized by a distinct organization. Let's break down what each term means.
ISO: Stands for the International Organization for Standardization. In the context of keyboards, it refers to a layout commonly found in Europe. A key identifying feature of an ISO keyboard is its enter key, which has an upside-down L-shape that spans two rows.
ANSI: Stands for the American National Standards Institute. In keyboard terms, this refers to a layout standard prevalent in North America. A key identifying feature of an ANSI keyboard is its horizontal, rectangular enter key, which is often 2.25u in width.
In essence, they are two different keyboard layout standards, standardized by different organizations, with the primary visual difference being the shape of the Enter key.