Keycap Profiles: How to Choose the Best Type for You

Keycap profiles that you use in typing on a mechanical keyboard may significantly improve your typing experience. Not just the feel and sound of what you are typing, but the aesthetics of your setup are determined by keycaps. There are many profiles in the market, and it should be known that they differ in their type, and which one fits your typing style, comfort, and general preferences. This guide is going to discuss different keycap profiles, their features, and the main factors that should be taken into account to make a successful purchase.

What Is a Keycap Profile?

The keycap profile is the shape and height of the keycaps on a mechanical keyboard. Looking at your keyboard sideways, you will notice that the keycaps are not all the same height and shape, particularly between rows. Some of the profiles of keycaps can be made uniform, and some can be made to fit the natural movement of your fingers as you type. The keycap profile is not only going to impact the typing experience, but it is also going to impact the look of your setup and how comfortable and practical your typing will be.

Popular Keycap Profile Types & Their Characteristics

Keycap profiles are available in various shapes and sizes, and each has a different kind of typing experience. They are some of the most popular types:

OEM Profile

OEM keycaps are medium-height keycaps with a slight sculpted design. The keycaps are angled at the top a bit, which also makes typing possible in a more comfortable way. These keycaps offer a good balance of comfort and speed and thus are applicable in general use and in gaming, as well as in the office.

Cherry Profile

Like OEM, but a little bit shorter, Cherry keycaps are a little smoother sculptured with less prominent angles. This profile has a smaller typing experience, which is beneficial to those who want to type faster and have less strain on their fingers. The reason why people select cherry keycaps is that they are comfortable to use during extended typing sessions.

SA Profile

SA keycaps are tall and designed with deep concave tops, hence having the shape of a retro, spherical keycap. They have tactile feedback, which is popular, and a unique typing experience with a distinctive sound. Their height may, however, need an adjustment period, and they are more comfortable for those users who prefer a stronger keystroke.

MDA Profile

The MDA profile is a medium keycap that is round and semi-sculptured at the top. It is praised because of the comfortable typing experience and distinct look. The MDA profile is a flexible balance between flatter and sculpted profiles, hence a good option for users who are comfortable and aesthetic.

Flat Keycaps

Rather self-evidently, flat keycaps have no sculpting and are entirely flat. It has a low typing height and a minimalist appearance that is available in this profile, thereby fitting the fast typing and minimalist keyboard systems. Although not as comfortable as sculpted profiles, the flat keycaps are perfect for those who like speed and simplicity.

All the keycap profiles will fit various tastes, and to find the most appropriate keycap, it is best to know its nature.

Key Considerations: How to Choose Your Keycap Profile

The choice of a keycap profile depends on a number of features, such as typing experience, material, and appearance. The following are some of the points to take into account:

Height, Shape & Typing Feel

The keycaps' height influences the distance of the fingers to reach the keys. Higher keycaps, such as SA, offer a better feel than lower profiles, such as Cherry or flat keycaps, which make typing less taxing and more responsive. The ergonomics of the keycap shape are also concave or flat and determine the comfort and the interaction of your fingers with the keys.

Related reading: Low Profile Keycaps: Sleek Design for Comfortable Typing

Material, Legends & Sound

The type of keycap material may have an effect on the typing durability and sound. Most frequent materials used are ABS (not as durable but usually brighter-sounding) and PBT (which is more durable and gives deeper and quieter sound). The legends on the keycaps (the markings on the keys) can also be of varying quality, and certain profiles, such as doubleshot keycaps, also have legends of higher quality, which will not fade away with use.

Related reading: A Guide to Different Types of Keycap Profiles and Materials

Layout Compatibility & Fit

Some profiles of the keycaps might not fit any layout. Make sure the profile of the keycap that you are selecting fits your keyboard layout and, in any other way, you might want to customize your keycap (e.g., key sizes or custom layouts). Other keycap designs are more sculptural, and this may compromise the consistency of your keyboard layout.

Aesthetics, Lighting, and Custom Build Sound

The appearance of your keyboard can be no less significant than the sensation. There are keycap profiles that impact the aesthetic, and thus, you should take into account how they will fit with your system. In case you are fond of RGB lighting, certain profiles will be better placed to display the effects of the lighting. Also, the various profiles give different sounds, and therefore, in case the quality of sound matters to you, take into consideration how each profile sounds.

Brand-Specific Custom Profiles: The MelGeek MCR Example

In case you want a special keycap shape that will fulfill your aesthetics as well as functionality, the MelGeek MCR Horseman ABS Doubleshot Keycap Set is a great choice. This profile was inspired by the original Cherry profile but had some major enhancements. The keycaps' size is slightly increased to give a larger contact area to fingers, and the upper part of the keycaps is more rounded and taller, which is more comfortable during long typing periods.

Although these changes have been made, it maintains a similar height and sculpted profile to the Cherry profile. It provides a similar typing experience to high-quality keycaps such as GMK. It is composed of ABS plastic, and the legends are double-shot, which makes them last longer. Also, the surface has been polished to become a finer touch, and the legends are printed in special fonts to be distinguished.

The theme of MelGeek MCR Horseman keycaps is based on the colors of Nappa leather; it is dedicated to leather and equestrian sports. The set has three gorgeous matching color schemes, and you have the freedom to choose the one that complements your personal style better.

In case you need something practical and at the same time has a unique design flair, the MelGeek MCR Horseman keycap set is the next addition to your customization of the keyboard.

Conclusion – Making Your Decision

The correct keycap profiles may bring you comfort while typing, as well as the general appearance of your keyboard setup. One must know the variations of height, shape, and material to make a wise decision. We have the tall keycaps that give you a retro experience, or the minimal and smooth design that uses flat profiles that will suit you perfectly, and help you find just the right one. Test various profiles to find out which of them is most comfortable to type and looks the best to you.

FAQ

Which profile is best for gaming vs typing?

In the case of gaming, the profile with the shortest height, such as Cherry or OEM, can have faster response times, but in typing, a higher profile, such as SA or MDA, can be more comfortable and in touch.

Will the keycap profile affect sound?

Yes, the profile is capable of affecting the sound. The higher profile keycaps, such as SA, have a louder sound, whereas the lower profile keycaps, such as Cherry or flat keycaps, have a lower profile and thus they have a softer sound.

Can I mix profiles on one keyboard?

Yes, one can mix keycap profiles on a keyboard. Other users would like to use a mix of profiles with some keys, such as keeping the typing keys taller profile and the function row shorter profile.

Are taller profiles always worse for ergonomics?

Not necessarily. Although taller keycaps might need more finger motion, they can also be ergonomic, and that is based on the shape and how it fits the natural movement of your fingers.

Does profile matter more than switch type or plate?

The type of keycap profile can be an important factor in the typing feel and comfort; however, the type and plate material can have a role in the overall typing experience. All these, in the end, make the combination of your ultimate keyboard.