Keycap Sizes & Layouts
Once you understand units, layouts start to make more sense.
Most keyboards are based on a standard layout, even if they look different at first.
Standard ANSI Key Sizes
Here are the common key sizes for a standard ANSI layout:
|
Key |
Row |
Size |
Stabilizer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Esc |
R1 |
1u |
No |
|
Tab |
R2 |
1.5u |
No |
|
Caps Lock |
R3 |
1.75u |
No |
|
Left Shift |
R4 |
2.25u |
Yes (2u) |
|
Left Control |
R4 |
1.25u |
No |
|
Left GUI |
R4 |
1.25u |
No |
|
Left Alt |
R4 |
1.25u |
No |
|
Spacebar |
R4 |
6.25u |
Yes (6.25u) |
|
Right Alt |
R4 |
1.25u |
No |
|
Right GUI |
R4 |
1.25u |
No |
|
Right Menu |
R4 |
1.25u |
No |
|
Right Control |
R4 |
1.25u |
No |
|
Right Shift |
R4 |
2.75u |
Yes (2u) |
|
Enter |
R3 |
2.25u |
Yes (2u) |
|
Backspace |
R1 |
2u |
Yes (2u) |
Why This Matters
When buying keycaps, compatibility comes down to:
- layout
- key sizes
- included keys in the set
Not all sets support all layouts.
→ Next: How Keycaps Are Made
