Japan Layout Alliance

Redefine bottom row of Japanese array

The content shown on this page is not an official standard or certification, but a voluntary proposal by the private sector to improve the convenience of Japanese keyboards.

GreenEchoes Studio operator profile ( JP) ( EN )

This page is updated regularly.

The purpose of the Japan Layout Alliance (JLA) is not to “protect the Japanese layout because it is ideal.

However, the reality is that the majority of general users in Japan use Japanese-language layouts,

• Almost only Japanese-language sequences are sold at electronics retailers.
• Genuine manufacturer’s keyboards are also Japanese-language only.
• Japanese-language layouts are the standard for workplace and school PCs.

The market environment is such that

Therefore, the JLA operates not to “protect Japanese sequences” but for the practical purpose of
“organizing compatibility so that users who actually use Japanese sequences will not be troubled.”

The author personally is a user of ANSI layouts and home-made keyboards, and has no intention of antagonizing them.

J LA is a private voluntary organization that has no relationship with JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) or JISC (Japanese Industrial Standards), which are public standards.

The expression “JIS layout” or “Japanese layout” used here is based on the common name for Japanese keyboards generally distributed in the market, and is not intended to define or revise the JIS standard itself.

JLA is a compatibility class exclusively for Japanese alignment; it is completely different and compatible with other alignment such as ANSI/Ortho/40%.

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Purpose of the JLA badge (non-compulsory and visible)

The JLA badge is not intended to encourage changes to current design policies. It is a mechanism to provide “an easy-to-read indication of replacement and compatibility after purchase” for both users and brands. The badge makes the axis of interchangeability (space bar length x stabilizer fulcrum span) easily visible at a glance, allowing the user to operate without compromising the enjoyment of customization.

Only JLA-450 / JLA-425 are applicable for display. The adoption of short space bar itself is respected.

How to Join

Before participating, please check that your keycaps and keyboard space bar dimensions meet the following standard values.View dimensional drawings ▷▷▷

Listing in the JLA-450/425 “List of Participating Organizations” will be made only after prior confirmation.

You can update the content or temporarily remove it at any time by email. Listing on the list of participating organizations will only be done if prior permission has been obtained.

Governance

• Secretariat: Greenkeys (Coordination, Public and Contact Point)
• Technical collaborators (by area):.
  • Keycaps: Providing reference dimensions (keycaps)｜Keyreative
  • Stabilizers: reference dimensions provided (stabilizers)
  • PCB: Reference dimensions provided (mounting board)｜zfrontier(Carlxia)

The original drawings and illustrations of each company are the property of their respective right holders and are for display only (not for redistribution) on this site.

0. Introduction

First, we would like to express our respect to the brands that have consistently introduced Japanese layout mechanical keyboards in the Japanese market, especially to the manufacturers who have mass-produced and sold Japanese layout models with 4.5u class spacebars, supporting the culture of ‘selling mechanical keyboards with Japanese layout’ in the retail market.

Because such actual products have been distributed in Japan, we can now realistically discuss “wanting to provide replacement space bars and replacement keycaps for Japanese layouts as well.”

The JLA does not intend with this proposal to establish a new “correctness” or to assign any superiority or inferiority to existing array designs or to the efforts of individual companies or stores.

Rather, it is an attempt to build on the knowledge of manufacturers, stores, and community members who have been working seriously on Japanese-language arrays and short space bars, and to reorganize their actual measurements and historical history in terms of “compatibility classes.

The JLA’s goal is not to preserve or protect a particular sequence, but to “reduce the inconvenience to the many ordinary users already using Japanese sequences.

We are aware that ANSI and special keyboards are comfortable, but the cost of switching to ANSI is very high in the Japanese market, and most users say, “I like keyboards, but I can only choose a Japanese layout.

Therefore, the role of the JLA is a practical and user-friendly approach to “provide a minimum level of compatibility for real-life Japanese sequence users’ problems.

This document is neither an official statement from a specific manufacturer nor a binding industry standard.

This is an attempt to “organize the bottom row dimensions (e.g., space bar length, stabilizer fulcrum span) of Japanese keyboards already on the market today into easy-to-understand compatibility classes” from the perspective of the Japanese market.

This approach is not a request saying “please conform to new specifications from now on.”

It is for verbalizing existing actual dimensions as “compatibility classes” as they are, to make future supply of replacement space bars and keycaps, after-sales support, and resale even slightly easier.

This proposal is being compiled by Greenkeys (operated by Kawamura) as the coordinating contact from the perspective of Japanese user support and Japanese sequence localization sites.

Greenkeys is involved in supervising the layout of Japanese-language layout models and providing feedback (consultation and verification of Japanese-language layouts for the Japanese market in Japan, etc.), and has determined that Japanese-language layouts need to remain as something that can be sold/fixed/played with for a long time, rather than being “put off because it is special”.

The purpose of this document is to catalog the “reality” of the current Japanese bottom row and to facilitate the supply of replacement parts in the future.

For Users / For Users

Why is the JLA important?

Currently, if you purchase a keyboard with a Japanese layout, there are few compatible replacement parts available when the space bar breaks or you want to replace it with your preferred design.

The JLA solves this problem:

• You can get a replacement space bar.
• Third party keycaps can be used.
• Long-lasting and customizable

How to check if your keyboard is JLA compliant

1. Check the manufacturer’s website for the “JLA-450” or “JLA-425” label.
2. Check to see if JLA badge is listed on product page
3. Find your own keyboard brand in the list of participating companies

Advantages of purchasing a JLA compliant keyboard

✓ Replacement space bars will be available in the future
✓ Keycap manufacturers will increase the number of JLA-compatible products
✓ Long-term support and repairability
✓ Contribute to the development of Japanese keyboard culture

Historical Background of JIS Layout and JLA’s Approach

Prior to this proposal, the JLA expresses its deep respect for the history of the Japanese keyboard and the background to the establishment of the Japanese keyboard.

The JIS keyboard has its origins in the typewriter standard of the 1960s (JIS B 9509-1964), and JIS C 6233 was established in 1972 as the key layout for information communication terminals.

The 1980 revision (JIS X 6002) brought alphanumeric and symbol alignment in line with international standards (ISO 646), allowing greater freedom in control key placement.

While this standard defines the key layout, it does not specify physical dimensions (e.g., space bar size) and has allowed for a variety of implementations by different manufacturers.

For example, Fujitsu’s OASYS series adopted a dedicated key layout for word processing, which contributed to more efficient Japanese input.

On the other hand, this flexibility creates compatibility challenges, and from a keyboard customization perspective, we face the problem of “no replacement keycaps.

As for these developments, they are not inherently related to the context of the Japanese sequence.

However, many Japanese people love Japanese layout keyboards, and keyboard fans who think that “mechanical keyboards must also have Japanese layout” are losing the opportunity to enjoy their keyboards even after they buy them, because keycaps cannot be replaced in the same way as the ANSI layout, JLA believes that this is a loss of opportunity for keyboard fans to enjoy their keyboards even after they have bought them.

Respecting this history and the efforts of predecessors (e.g., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation, IBM, Fujitsu, etc.), JLA proposes that keyboards and keycaps that use the two “4.5u/4.25u” space bar lengths, which are currently the most commonly adopted on the market, be given an “identification badge”.

This is not a foot-dragging or desecration of history.

The core of this effort is the desire to ensure that Japanese-language keyboards will remain in use well into the future and that a “culture of customization and enjoyment” will take root in the same way it has throughout the world.

The following historical timeline summarizes the major JIS keyboard establishment histories and related events in chronological order.

About short space bar (JLA’s concept)

For the time being, JLA is organized by 4.5u / 4.25u (stabilizer fulcrum span ≈ 70/60mm) for the purpose of “interchangeability of replacement parts and clarity of distribution”. This does not mean that the design concept and usability are aligned to one color.

We fully understand the rationale for a short space bar in Japanese input (conversion/non-conversion key operation) and respect the product policies of each company.

In addition, considering the practical aspects of post-purchase replacement/repair and availability of keycaps, there are situations where 2.75u is a better option when employing short space bars ( such as the 2.25u + 2.75u convex included in the Alice layout kit; the molds are clearly defined, and the stabilizer spans are also specified), (such as the 2.25u + 2.75u convex included in the kit for Alice layout, the mold is clear, and the stabilizer span is also defined).

Note that the JLA standard class (badge/registry indication) covers only 4.5u / 4.25u, giving priority to clarification of compatibility.

The adoption of the short space bar itself will be respected and information aspects will be shared as needed.

1. mission

A keyboard with a Japanese layout is a computer keyboard with a key layout that conforms to the JIS X 6002 Information Processing Keyboard layout, a standard established by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).

However, JIS X 6002 defines mainly the layout of “what should exist in what position as a key” (the arrangement and names of character keys such as alphabet, kana, and symbols), and does not go into the physical specifications.

For example, “hardware form” such as space bar lengths, bottom row key assignments, and stabilizer locations, dimensions, and tolerances are not specified.

As a result, the bottom rows of Japanese layouts (around the space bar, non-conversion, conversion, and kana keys) have not been standardized at all, and have been different from manufacturer to manufacturer/model to model for many years.

The disparate physical specifications make it nearly impossible to substitute parts such as replacement space bars, keycaps, plates, and PCBs from other manufacturers.

A particular problem is the length of the space bar.

In ANSI layouts (commonly used in English-speaking countries), the space bar is approximately 6.25u in length, which is the de facto standard, and a culture of keycap replacement has been established among the products of various companies.

Users can freely customize the space bar and can safely replace it with third-party products.

This is also true for the manufacturers who design and sell keycaps.

As a result, keyboards are not “buy and play” objects.

On the other hand, in Japanese-language layouts, the space bar is often shorter, such as 4.5u or 4.25u, and the length and support (position of stabilizers) of the space bar varies from product to product.

Because of this, the compatible space bar itself is virtually non-existent on the market.

In other words, only Japanese-language sequences are physically isolated.

Furthermore, Japanese users have a strong culture of quickly switching between “Kana” and “Eisu” with a single key, and many find it difficult to use without a “bottom row of Japanese layout (including the non-conversion/conversion key)” to begin with.

In addition to this, the “half/full-width(半角/全角)” key is indispensable for Windows users.

This is a barrier to entry for foreign manufacturers, inducing them to make the decision that Japanese-language layouts are too costly and will be an afterthought.

This situation is disadvantageous to users who want to choose Japanese-language layout, and as a result, it has encouraged design decisions that “Japanese-language layout is too cumbersome to adopt” or “Japanese-language layout is only available in limited models.

In the long run, this will reduce the viability of the Japanese sequence itself.

The Japan Layout Alliance is an effort to address this problem by “creating a minimum common physical baseline for the space bar of Japanese layouts alone.

The goal is not “standardization for standardization’s sake,” but rather “to keep Japanese-language sequences alive in a form that can be sold, made, and played with in the future.

The goal is to return the Japanese language sequence to a culture that can be properly tended to and nurtured, rather than one that is “special and unwieldy.

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2. why do it now?

Today, the market for low-profile keyboards is expanding rapidly.

Kailh choc v2, Gateron Low Profile (2.0 / 3.0), and other low-profile key switches are available from various companies, each with its own stabilizer structure, plate design, and PCB cutout.

The result is a rather difficult situation for low-profile mechanical keyboards, including ANSI.

• Low-pro is not compatible, but rather “low-pro is incompatible”.
• Manufacturer A’s space bar does not match manufacturer B’s stabilizer position
• No replacement keycaps or spare parts on the market

At the same time, the number of brands that officially offer Japanese-language sequences is increasing.

Nevertheless, there is still no cross-industry agreement “let’s make this the standard” for the bottom row of Japanese-language sequences.

This is especially true for the size of the space bar, which can be 4.5u or 4.25u, and varies from model to model.

Because of this, it is difficult for Japanese users to enjoy the fun of buying a keyboard and later replacing its parts to their own liking.

Manufacturers are more likely to judge that the return on Japanese-language layouts is small compared to the cost, and the priority for Japanese-language layouts will be reduced.

In other words, we are now at the crossroads of whether to “save the Japanese sequence here and create a common assumption” or to “leave it as a special treatment again.

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3. proposed baseline

This is the core of Japan Layout Alliance.

The first thing we need to agree on is how to handle the “physical interface” of the bottom row of the Japanese layout, especially around the space bar.

This is not asking manufacturers to “please change your design.”

This attempts to verbalize the actual bottom row dimensions (space bar length and stabilizer support point span) of Japanese layout models already in mass production and sale as “compatibility classes” as they are.

In other words, the purpose is not “someone imposing a new standard from above,” but “making it easier to supply replacement space bars and keycaps by organizing existing actual dimensions.”

A prerequisite for joining the JLA is that your company’s keyboard and keycap space bar sizes conform to the drawings below to some degree and are determined to be compatible.

Nature of JLA Guidelines]
JLA-450 and JLA-425 are voluntary guidelines for the physical compatibility of keyboards, keycaps, cases, etc.
Compliance is voluntary, and no disadvantage is intended for products that do not comply.
It is not intended to restrict products with unique layouts or dimensions.

3.1 Spacebar Length Class

First, organize the length of the space bar as follows

The “u” is a unit of width used in keyboard design. 1u represents the width of one standard key.
In a typical keyboard, the pitch (center-to-center) between adjacent keys is defined as 3/4″ = 19.05mm, and the width of one key is called “1u” on the board. However, for keycaps, the width at the above pitch is about 18.0 mm to avoid contact between adjacent keys, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, the standard keyswitch width defined by each manufacturer is defined as “1u” on the keyswitch, and 4.5u or 4.25u refers to a space bar that is 4.5 times/4.25 times as long as the 1u.

It is important to note that we are not talking about “only 4.5u is correct and 4.25u is truncated”.

We take the approach of positioning 4.5u (JLA-450) as the future reference axis while keeping 4.25u (JLA-425) as a realistic option as well.

This will prevent Japanese keyboards in the market from being treated as “incompatible” at once.

While various other space bar lengths exist, for Japanese layout keyboards newly designed and developed in the future (lines from brands and distributors involved in the alliance), we basically recommend basing them on either the JLA-450 or JLA-425 class.

3.2 Stabilizer fulcrum span (lateral distance)

Just as important as the length of the spacebar itself is “the positioning of the two points on either side that support it under the spacebar.

Specifically, the distance between the center and center of the fulcrums (i. e., stabilizer and auxiliary feet) on either side of the spacebar center switch (i.e., stabilizer fulcrum span ) has a direct effect on keycap compatibility and plate/PCB design.

Currently, the following two major spans of Japanese sequences are in existence.

Japan Layout Alliance defines these two spans as the official “compatibility class” and would like new Japanese layout keyboards to align with either JLA-450 or JLA-425.

This is so that each manufacturer can follow their own layout philosophy (whether they want to use 4.5u or 4.25u) while still allowing users to obtain replacement parts later.

Conversely, we want to avoid further increasing proprietary spans that do not fit either JLA-450 or JLA-425.

If such “third physical specifications” increase without limit, Japanese layout users will be isolated again.

This concept of “clearly stating the two classes” is the foundation on which keycap makers, space bar single product makers, and PCB/plate designers can safely call themselves “Japanese layout compatible”.

The reasons why this classification is important are as follows

The first thing Japan Layout Alliance wants to protect is to have this “common physical interface representation called JLA-450 / JLA-425” for both industry and users.

3.3 Technical Specifications and Tolerances

This section describes the technical specifications and crossings of the JLA-450/425.

3.3.1 JLA-450 Detailed Specifications

Dimension Definition

• Total length of space bar : 85.60mm±0.20mm (4.5u)
• Stabilizer fulcrum span 70.0mm ± 0.20mm
• Measurements: Distance from center to center of stabilizer housing
• Key switch mounting position: center of space bar
• Stabilizer placement: in line with the key switch

3.3.2 JLA-425 Detailed Specifications

Dimension Definition

• Total space bar length: 80.11mm±0.20mm (4.25u)
• Stabilizer fulcrum span: 60.00mm ± 0.20mm
• Measurement method : Center to center of stabilizer housing
• Key switch mounting position: center of space bar
• Stabilizer placement : in line with key switch

Measurement Reference Points

• Criteria: PCB Surface
• Horizontal reference: center axis of key switch
• Measuring instrument : Digital caliper (0.01 mm resolution)

3.3.3 Technical Drawings

3.3 What not to ask for

I want to make it clear here that we do not intend to go into the internal know-how of each company.

We respect this kind of content as unique to each brand. We do not require that they be published or standardized.

Japan Layout Alliance only wants to share interface dimensions (where the fulcrum should be).

3.4 Current Issues

Currently, differences in stabilizer support point spans are isolating only Japanese layouts.

Please refer to the diagram below.

As shown, 4.5u space bars and approximately 4.25u space bars have different stabilizer intervals (support point spans).

Based on this fact, we propose two classes , JLA-450 / JLA-425.

3.5 Request to Keycap Keyboard Stabilizer Brand

Request to Keyboard Brands

Japan Layout Alliance recommends the following to brands that design and market new Japanese-language layout products in the future

• Newly designed Japanese-language layout models should conform to the specifications of either JLA-450 or JLA-425 for better compatibility throughout the market.
  This is widely used in Japanese-language layout products currently distributed in Japan, and we believe it is an easier standard to ensure future space bar/keycap interchangeability.
• Conversely, we would like to avoid adding new proprietary dimensions (e.g., 4.4u / 65mm fulcrum span) that do not fall into either of the above two classes.
  This would divide Japanese-language users into “yet another standard” and make the supply of compatible parts more difficult.

Request to Keycap/Spacebar Manufacturers

We would like to request the following cooperation from brands, factories, and designers who make keycaps and single space bars.

• For space bars, we recommend having a lineup of two variations: JLA-450 compatible (4.5u / ≈70mm span) and JLA-425 compatible (4.25u / ≈60mm span).
  This will enable Japanese layout users to obtain replacement space bars even for existing keyboards.
• However, this does not mean you cannot claim “JLA compliance” unless you support both classes. Supporting either one is sufficient.
• We aim for a state where users who want to purchase Japanese layout replacement keycaps can see labels like “JLA-450 compatible,” “JLA-425 compatible,” or “450/425 both compatible” and choose space bars/key sets that match their keyboards.
• We do not require disclosure or uniformity of internal know-how such as stabilizer housing construction, cross stem side wall shape, wire fixing method, etc.
  We only want to share the “mounting position dimensions” such as “space bar length” and “stabilizer fulcrum span (distance between centers of right and left fulcrums).

Japan Layout Alliance’s goal is to create a world where replacement space bars/keycaps are properly distributed for Japanese layouts.

The ability to have multiple SKUs on the keycap side is a critical part of that realization.

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4. scope (do’s and don’ts)

Here, Japan Layout Alliance clarifies “do’s” and “don’ts”.

By clearly delineating this line, manufacturers can create an environment in which users can easily enjoy their products while preserving their “own identity.

5. Display of JLA Badges

Notes on the JLA badge]
The JLA badge is a voluntary mark indicating that the product agrees with the purpose of the JLA and follows its voluntary guidelines.
It has nothing to do with JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) or any other official certification system.

For companies, designers, and brands that have agreed to participate, we ask that you display a “label” (badge) supporting physical compatibility with Japanese keyboard layouts.

The purpose is to be able to declare “This product complies with Japan Layout Alliance (JLA-450 / JLA-425)”.

Regarding badge download posting rules, the guidelines are summarized below.

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Q&a / Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions from manufacturers, distributors, and designers, along with our thinking.

Administrative Office

Japan Layout Alliance Management Office: GreenEchoes Studio
Representative: Ryosuke Kawamura
Address: 2-1-5 Jindoji Minami, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture

For inquiries about JLA, please use this form.

7. glossary

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Finally.

The Japan Layout Alliance is an effort to ensure that keyboard brands and third-party keycap makers share the same “premise” regarding the bottom row of Japanese layouts.

By doing so, we hope to make it commonplace in Japan to “cultivate the keyboard as more than an input device, but also as a pleasure,” similar to the 6.25u culture in the rest of the world.

We will support both the industry side and the user side to ensure that Japanese language sequences will remain in the future.

Licenses / Rights notices

The description (text) portion of this page is provided under CC BY 4.0. Please credit “Japan Layout Alliance (Greenkeys)” when quoting from this page.

However, drawings, images, and numerical values provided by third parties (e.g., keycap dimensions, stabilizer dimensions, PCB reference) belong to the original copyright holder and are not subject to redistribution or secondary use (display only). Individual rights notes will be assigned to each drawing as necessary.

About CC BY 4.0

• What you can do: You can reproduce, adapt, translate, and commercially use the text as long as you indicate the source.
• Terms: Credit notation (e.g., “Source: Japan Layout Alliance (Greenkeys), CC BY 4.0”).
• What you cannot do:Original drawings provided by third parties are not eligible (display only / cannot be redistributed or modified).
• Not included: does not include patent licenses (this is a copyright license).
• Official Description: Creative Commons – CC BY 4.0

Credit example: Source: Japan Layout Alliance (Greenkeys), “JLA-450/425 Overview”, CC BY 4.0

Disclaimer

This document is not an official statement by any specific manufacturer or a standard or standard by any official body.
JLA (Japan Layout Alliance) is a private voluntary organization that has nothing to do with JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) or JISC (Japanese Industrial Standards Committee), and JLA-450 / JLA-450 / JLA-425 shown in this page are voluntary guidelines to improve keyboard compatibility.

Compliance or non-compliance with these guidelines is not intended to make a product or brand superior or inferior, nor is it intended to require brands or distributors to change or redesign their designs or incur additional costs.