pqrs-org/Karabiner-Elements

iso and ansi keybords mismatched?

Closed

#4,295 opened on Oct 22, 2025

View on GitHub
 (10 comments) (2 reactions) (0 assignees)C++ (909 forks)batch import
bugenhancementhelp wantedneeds to be addressedquestionstale

Repository metrics

Stars
 (22,112 stars)
PR merge metrics
 (No merged PRs in 30d)

Description

Hi, i have mba m1 with iso keyboard: https://www.thetechedvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1145px-Physical_keyboard_layouts_comparison_ANSI_ISO-1-1024x805-1-660x400@2x.png

However its not working with iso setting in app. I need to select ansi so it correctly assigning keys by default.

Easily tested by input ` (left from Z) and § (left from 1)

Contributor guide

Research direction
Investigate the keyboard layout detection logic in Karabiner Elements, focusing on how ISO and ANSI keyboards are distinguished. Look at the source files related to key mapping and device properties. Determine why setting to ANSI works for an ISO keyboard and identify the root cause. Consider checking the virtual key code mapping for the backtick and section sign keys.
Tech stack
cpp
Domain
desktoptooling
Issue type
Bug
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
Half day
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
Active
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
Clear
Prerequisites
C++macOS developmentKeyboard layouts
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
40