Ask HN: Is it possible to buy a ANSI US Laptop in Europe?

[laktak]

I'm trying to buy a new Laptop but apparently it's almost impossible to get a ANSI US keyboard option in Europe.

EDIT: most people think you can just switch keycaps but in fact the physical keys are different. for example the enter key is vertical instead of horizontal.

As a developer I think I'm not the only one preferring this keyboard layout over a localized version that is putting common keys in hard to reach places.

As of now I only know of Apple and Framework offering great keyboard options. All other shops from Asuz, Acer, Dell, etc. do not have any options if they even mention which keyboard the laptop comes with. Some countries have international English but not ANSI.

Is there a company specialized in importing Laptops with different keyboard options that deliver to Austria? Do I need a business account? Any tips would be appreciated.

https://www.sbsupply.eu/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-qwerty-qwerty-nl-azerty-and-qwertz

[frankjr]

> Is it possible to buy a ANSI US Laptop in Europe?

I've never had anything but ANSI US. The selection of non-Apple laptops is pretty poor, though you can find some.

https://www.alza.at/laptops/18842920.htm#f&cst=null&cud=0&pg...

[laktak → frankjr]

The selection isn't the best but at least they have the option to filter! Thanks

[RGamma]

IME Lenovo generally has sane keyboard options (the weird Fn, Ctrl swap can be reverted in firmware). Probably would get a framework these days anyway.

[axiologist]

Easy, get a Lenovo Thinkpad and buy a replacement US keyboard for it on eBay.

Never during the last 20 years living in two different European countries we ever had any issue getting a Lenovo Thinkpad with US keyboard layout.

Lots of European programmers use US keyboards by default because of obvious coding advantages of this layout.

[red_trumpet]

Not sure if this is helpful, but maybe you can try to get a UK keyboard? They don't seem to be identical to ANSI US[1], but maybe close enough?

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_and_American_keyboards

[laktak → red_trumpet]

Thanks but UK keyboards have a vertical enter key, so no.

[raverbashing]

Possible, but maybe not easy

Apple does it (online)

Other manufacturers may or may not do it, but your best chance is with online orders

But that being said, as others mentioned, the drawing on the keys doesn't matter, you can set the layout as US and be done with it, just type without looking.

[laktak → raverbashing]

It's not that easy as the keys on the keyboards are entirely different. The enter key is vertical and when you hit \ you execute a command instead.

[raverbashing → laktak]

Yes, the vertical enter can be annoying. Never saw \ run a command though, mostly it is another character.

Depending on the OS you use you can remap those, no big deal

[laktak]

https://www.sbsupply.eu/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-...

[viraptor]

Do you really care about the paint? You can set a different layout and improve the touch typing. You can also buy the right tool for your type of key caps and move them around yourself.

[laktak → viraptor]

I don't care about the paint but the keys are different, on US keyboards the enter his horizontal while on others it's vertial.

https://www.sbsupply.eu/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-...

[viraptor → laktak]

I've switched between many countries/layouts and honestly, it never mattered for more than a few minutes.

[pestatije]

i was looking for one myself last year, this is the list i compiled then, might have been changes since, i dunno

pcspecialist.de

bestware.com

tuxedocomputers.com

au-banggood.com/en/

xoticpc.com

sagernotebook.com

au.starlabs.systems

slimbook.es

[laktak → pestatije]

perfect, thank you!