Keycaps with German QWERTZ Layout ( ISO-DE / ANSI-DE )

Keycaps with German layout: ISO-DE and ANSI-DE

Most custom keycap sets are designed for the American ANSI layout. For a German keyboard, that means the umlauts, the ß and several keys in the right shape are missing. That's our speciality: almost all our sets are available with a kit for the German layout.

What is ISO-DE?

ISO-DE is the regular German QWERTZ layout. It has the tall, L-shaped Enter key, a short left Shift with the extra < > | key, the umlauts Ä, Ö and Ü, the ß, a key for # and ' and AltGr for the third layer.

And what is ANSI-DE?

ANSI-DE means German legends on ANSI key shapes: wide Enter, long left Shift. Two keys don't physically exist there – # moves to the key above Enter, and you remap < > | in your operating system or firmware. ANSI-DE is handy when your keyboard only has an ANSI PCB.

Which kit do I need?

For most sets, a German keyboard needs the base kit plus a German kit – depending on the brand it's called German Base, DE Base, NorDe or International Kit. Some sets include the German keys in the base kit. Each set's kit overview shows what's in which kit. Also check the bottom row (6.25u or 7u spacebar) and, on compact boards, the shorter right Shift.

Will the set fit my keyboard?

First check whether your keyboard has an ISO or ANSI PCB, then choose ISO-DE or ANSI-DE. Our sets fit switches with an MX stem. Keyboards with German layout are in ISO-DE keyboards, all keycap sets in keycaps. Our guide keyboard sizes & layouts explains which sizes need which keys.