Keycap profiles refer to the shape and height of keycaps on a mechanical keyboard. Different profiles have different design elements, such as sculpted curves, angled sides, and varying heights. Keycap profile comparison is essential because it can impact a keyboard's overall feel, sound, and typing experience. With so many profiles to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one to use. This article will cover some of the most popular keycap profiles and what to consider when making your choice.

The exact number of keycap profiles is constantly changing as new profiles are developed, and older ones become obsolete. However, some of the most popular and well-known keycap profiles include Cherry, OEM, SA, XDA, KAM, DSA, ASA, and XVX.
There are likely many other lesser-known or niche keycap profiles as well.

Here's a list of some popular keycap profiles sorted by type:

1. Uniform height profiles:

• a. Cherry: Classic standard profile with a uniform height and simple design.
• b. OEM: A sculpted profile often used as keyboard manufacturers' default option.
• c. DSA: A flat and uniform profile good for those who prefer a minimalist look and amplify the sound of key presses.

2. Sculpted profiles:

1. a. SA (Spherical-ABS): A profile with a distinct spherical shape that is popular among typists and those who enjoy the sound of their keyboard.
2. b. XDA: A flat and uniform profile with a slight typing angle that is good for gaming.
3. c. ASA: A profile with a distinct angular design that is good for those who enjoy a futuristic and modern look.

3. Ergonomic profiles:

• a. KAM: A unique profile with curved and angled sides that provides a comfortable typing experience.
• b. XVX: A pronounced curve and angled sides profile is ideal for those who prefer a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience.

Keycap Profiles

Cherry Profile

The most common standard keycap profiles are Cherry and OEM. Cherry profile keycaps are known for their uniform height and simple design, which makes them ideal for everyday use. The Cherry profile is one of the most well-known and widely used keycap profiles. It is characterized by its uniform height and simple, classic design. The Cherry profile is known for its versatility and can be used for various typing styles and keyboard layouts.

One of the benefits of the Cherry profile is its uniform height, which makes it easy to identify critical locations and reduces the risk of incorrect key presses. Additionally, the profile's classic design makes it popular among those who prefer a more traditional look for their keyboard.

The Cherry profile is compatible with a wide range of mechanical switches, and keycaps in this profile are readily available from many manufacturers. Additionally, Cherry profile keycaps are often used as the default option by keyboard manufacturers, making it a convenient choice for those who do not wish to purchase separate keycaps.

Overall, the Cherry profile is a solid choice for those looking for a versatile and classic profile that is easy to use and widely available.

 

OEM Profile

The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) profile is a sculpted profile often used as keyboard manufacturers' default option. The profile is designed to provide a comfortable typing experience by allowing the user's fingers to rest naturally on the keys.

The OEM profile typically has a curved shape higher in the center and gradually slopes down toward the edges. This design allows for a comfortable typing position and reduces the risk of incorrect key presses.

One of the benefits of the OEM profile is its compatibility with a wide range of mechanical switches and its availability from many manufacturers. OEM profile keycaps are often sold pre-installed on keyboards, making it a convenient choice for those who do not wish to purchase separate keycaps.

Additionally, the OEM profile is a popular choice among typists and those who enjoy the sound of their keyboard, as the profile's sculpted design amplifies the sound of key presses.

Overall, the OEM profile is a good choice for those looking for a comfortable typing experience and prefer a widely available sculpted profile.

SA Profile

The SA (Spherical-ABS) profile is a sculpted profile characterized by its distinct spherical shape. This profile is popular among typists and those who enjoy the sound of their keyboard, as the spherical design amplifies the sound of key presses.

One of the benefits of the SA profile is its ergonomic design, which allows for a comfortable typing experience by allowing the user's fingers to rest naturally on the keys. The profile's spherical shape also provides a unique look that sets it apart from other keycap profiles.

The SA profile is compatible with a wide range of mechanical switches, and keycaps in this profile are readily available from many manufacturers. Additionally, the shape is often used by keyboard enthusiasts and hobbyists, as the profile's spherical design is favored by many for its unique look and sound.

Overall, the SA profile is a good choice for those looking for a comfortable typing experience, enjoy the sound of their keyboard, and prefer a sculpted silhouette with a distinct spherical shape.

XDA Profile

The XDA profile is a flat and uniform with a slight typing angle. It is a popular choice among gamers and those who prefer a minimalist look for their keyboard.

The XDA profile is characterized by its flat design, which makes it easy to identify critical locations and reduces the risk of incorrect key presses. Additionally, the profile's typing angle allows for a comfortable typing experience and improves gaming accuracy.

One of the benefits of the XDA profile is its compatibility with a wide range of mechanical switches and its availability from many manufacturers. Keycaps in the XDA profile are often sold in sets, making it easy to replace the keycaps on a keyboard.

Overall, the XDA profile is a good choice for those looking for a flat and uniform shape with a slight typing angle and prefer a minimalist look for their keyboard. It is also popular among gamers, as the profile's typing angle can improve gaming accuracy.

KAM Profile

The KAM profile is known for its unique sculpted design, which allows the user's fingers to rest naturally on the keys and reduces the risk of incorrect key presses. The profile's shape is similar to other sculpted profiles but with a slightly different contour that sets it apart.

The KAM profile is compatible with a wide range of Kailh mechanical switches, and keycaps in this profile are readily available from many manufacturers. Additionally, the profile is often used by keyboard enthusiasts and hobbyists, as the profile's sculpted design is favored by many for its unique look and feel.

One of the benefits of the KAM profile is its ergonomic design, which provides a comfortable typing experience even after extended periods of use. Additionally, the profile's sculpted design amplifies the sound of key presses, making it a popular choice among typists and those who enjoy the sound of their keyboards.

Overall, the KAM profile is a good choice for those looking for a sculpted shape that provides a comfortable typing experience and prefers a unique look and feel for their keyboard. It is also a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts and hobbyists.

DSA Profile

The DSA (Distributed Systems Architecture) profile is a uniform profile characterized by its flat surface and lack of sculpting. The profile is designed to provide a minimalist look and feel for the keyboard and is favored by those who prefer a uniform and clean look.

One of the benefits of the DSA profile is its compatibility with a wide range of mechanical switches and its availability from many manufacturers. Keycaps in the DSA profile are often sold in sets, making it easy to replace the keycaps on a keyboard.

The DSA profile is popular among minimalist keyboard enthusiasts and those who prefer a clean and uniform look. Additionally, the profile's consistent design makes it easy to identify key locations and reduces the risk of incorrect key presses.

Overall, the DSA profile is a good choice for those looking for a uniform and flat profile and prefer a minimalist look for their keyboard. The profile's lack of sculpting and uniform design makes it a popular choice among minimalist keyboard enthusiasts and those who prefer a clean look.

ASA Profile

The ASA (Asymmetrical System Architecture) profile is a relatively new profile characterized by its asymmetrical design. The profile is designed to provide a comfortable typing experience while reducing the risk of incorrect key presses.

One of the benefits of the ASA profile is its unique design, which many keyboard enthusiasts and hobbyists favor for its distinct look and feel. The profile's asymmetrical design allows the user's fingers to rest naturally on the keys, providing a comfortable typing experience even after extended use.

The ASA profile is compatible with a wide range of mechanical switches, and keycaps in this profile are readily available from many manufacturers. Additionally, the profile is often used by keyboard enthusiasts and hobbyists, as the profile's asymmetrical design is favored by many for its unique look and feel.

Overall, the ASA profile is a good choice for those looking for an asymmetrical profile that provides a comfortable typing experience and prefers a unique look and feel for their keyboard. It is also popular among keyboard enthusiasts and hobbyists who prefer a unique and distinct look for their keyboards.

XVX Profile

XVX (XVX V2) is a relatively new profile designed for enthusiasts and hobbyists. The profile is characterized by its sculpted design and is intended to provide a comfortable typing experience.

One of the benefits of the XVX profile is its ergonomic design, which many keyboard enthusiasts and hobbyists favor for its comfort and reduced risk of incorrect key presses. The profile's sculpted design allows the user's fingers to rest naturally on the keys, providing a comfortable typing experience even after extended use.

The XVX profile is compatible with a wide range of mechanical switches, and keycaps in this profile are readily available from many manufacturers. Additionally, the profile is often used by keyboard enthusiasts and hobbyists, as the profile's sculpted design is favored by many for its unique look and feel.

Overall, the XVX profile is a good choice for those looking for a sculpted profile that provides a comfortable typing experience and prefers a unique look and feel for their keyboard. It is also popular among keyboard enthusiasts and hobbyists who prefer a unique and distinct look for their keyboards.

What keycap profile should I use?

When deciding on a keycap profile, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Typing style: A flatter profile like XDA or DSA may be more comfortable if you type mainly with the tips of your fingers. If you type more with the pads of your fingers, a profile with a curved shape like SA, KAM, or ASA may be more comfortable.
2. Personal preference: Some people prefer a minimalist look and feel for their keyboard; in that case, a flat profile like XDA or DSA may be preferred. Others may prefer a unique look and feel for their keyboard, so a sculpted profile like SA, KAM, ASA, or XVX may be preferred.
3. Keycap compatibility: It's vital to ensure that your keycap profile is compatible with the mechanical switch you are using. Some keycap profiles may not be compatible with certain switches.

In conclusion, the choice of keycap profile will depend on your typing style, personal preference, and keycap compatibility. It is recommended to try out different profiles to determine which one provides the most comfortable typing experience. Some popular keycap profiles include Cherry, OEM, SA, XDA, KAM, DSA, ASA, and XVX.

Is the XDA profile good for gaming?

The XDA profile is not specifically designed for gaming but can be suitable for some gamers. The XDA profile is a flat profile with a uniform design, which provides a clean and minimal look for the keyboard. Some gamers prefer this look for their gaming setup.

However, the XDA profile does not have a curved shape, which can be uncomfortable for some gamers who type with the pads of their fingers. The lack of a curved shape can make it harder to locate the keys by touch, which can be important for fast-paced gaming.

Ultimately, the choice of keycap profile for gaming will depend on personal preference and typing style. Some gamers may prefer a flatter profile like XDA for a clean look, while others may prefer a sculpted profile like SA, KAM, ASA, or XVX for a comfortable typing experience. It is recommended to try out different profiles to determine which one provides the most comfortable typing experience for gaming.

What are standard keycap profiles?

The most commonly used standard keycap profiles are:

1. OEM profile - the default profile found on most stock keyboards. It features cylindrical keycaps with slightly angled faces that slope down toward the center of the keyboard.
2. Cherry profile - named after the German company Cherry GmbH, features cylindrical keycaps with a uniform shape and a slightly curved surface. Cherry profile keycaps are compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones.
3. Sculpted profile - refers to various profiles with different shapes and contours designed to improve comfort and reduce fatigue during typing. Some popular sculpted profiles include the SA (Spherical Profile), DSA (Distributed Systems Architecture), and ErgoDox profile.

Each profile has its unique feel, design, and function so that the best choice will depend on the user's typing habits and preferences.

In conclusion, keycap profiles are an important aspect to consider when selecting a mechanical keyboard. Whether you prefer a simple and uniform design, a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience, or a unique and modern look, there's a profile that will fit your needs. Consider what you value most in a keyboard and choose the profile to help you achieve the best typing experience possible.