Complete Guide to Keycap Profiles: SA, OEM, DSA... Which One to Choose?
Introduction
Choosing the right keycap can completely transform your typing experience on a mechanical keyboard. But did you know that the profile of your keys plays a decisive role in your comfort, speed, and even the accuracy of your typing? Between SA, OEM, Cherry, and DSA profiles, it can sometimes be difficult to make the right choice.
This comprehensive guide deciphers each keycap profile to help you choose the one that perfectly meets your needs.
What is a keycap profile?
A keycap's profile refers to its height and specific shape. Some profiles are tall and curved, while others are flat and regular. These characteristics directly impact:
- Typing comfort
- Execution speed
- The tactile sensation
- The overall aesthetics of the keyboard
Let’s discover together the main keycap profiles available on the market.
The main keycap profiles
source: MelGeek
1. SA (Spherical All) profile
🔹 Height : Very high
🔹 Shape : Spherical and domed surface
🔹 Feel : Retro, with a deep, accentuated strike
🔹 Who is it for?: Perfect for vintage sensation lovers and collectors
The SA profile immediately evokes the charm of old mechanical keyboards. Its nostalgic design is very popular but requires some getting used to due to its height.
2. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) profile
🔹 Height : Medium
🔹 Shape : Slightly curved
🔹 Feel : Good balance between comfort and speed
🔹 Who is it for?: Ideal for everyone, especially mechanical keyboard beginners
This profile is the most common on the market, adopted as an industry standard. It is appreciated for its versatility and immediate comfort.
3. Cherry Profile
🔹 Height : Lower than OEM
🔹 Shape : Gently curved
🔹 Feel : Faster, more precise and comfortable for long sessions
🔹 For whom?: Gamers and professional typists
The Cherry profile reduces finger fatigue and improves speed, making it the preferred choice for competitive gamers.
4. DSA (Distributed Spherical Angle) profile
🔹 Height : Low and uniform
🔹 Shape : Flat with a slight spherical curvature
🔹 Feel : Consistent typing, with no significant variation from one key to the next
🔹 For whom?: Programmers and users of ortholinear keyboards
The DSA profile is often chosen for custom configurations because of its uniformity and minimalist aesthetic.
5. XDA Profile
🔹 Height : Medium
🔹 Shape : Flat with a larger surface area than DSA
🔹 Feel : Uniform, soft and very comfortable strike
🔹 Who's it for?: Those looking for a soft but consistent hit
The XDA profile is the perfect compromise between the DSA and more traditional profiles, offering comfort and regularity.
6. MT3 Profile
🔹 Height : High
🔹 Shape : Very curved, inspired by old IBM keyboards
🔹 Sensations : Tactile, deep and very immersive
🔹 Who is it for?: Vintage enthusiasts and those with a pronounced typing feel
The MT3 profile offers a unique experience, much appreciated by fans of pronounced strokes.
How to choose the right keycap profile?
✅ For gaming
- Best choice : Cherry or OEM
- Why?: Fast strike, low height for less fatigue
✅ For typing and office automation
- Best choice : OEM , Cherry or XDA
- Why?: Comfort and balance between ergonomics and precision
✅ For a retro look and vintage feel
- Best choice : SA or MT3
- Why?: Unique aesthetics and immersive typing
✅ For custom and ortholinear keyboards
- Best choice : DSA or XDA
- Why?: Uniformity and versatility
Conclusion
Choosing a keycap profile depends primarily on your usage habits and personal preferences. Whether you're a gamer looking for speed, a professional seeking absolute comfort, or a fan of vintage designs, there's sure to be a profile that meets your needs.
Discover our selection of 3D printed keycaps on KCOD now, and find the perfect keycap for your mechanical keyboard.
FAQ: Your questions, our answers
Can you mix different keycap profiles on the same keyboard?
👉 It is possible, but it can harm ergonomics and visual harmony.
Which profile should I choose for a 60% keyboard?
👉 The Cherry profile is often recommended due to its low height and excellent typing comfort.
Do profiles influence the sound of keycaps?
👉 Yes, high profiles like SA or MT3 produce a deeper, more resonant sound, while low profiles like DSA or Cherry have a drier, more muted sound.
Which profile is most comfortable for intensive typing?
👉 The Cherry or XDA profile is ideal for long typing sessions thanks to its low height and ergonomics adapted to fast and precise finger movements.
Now that you're an expert on keycap profiles, feel free to share your favorite or one you'd like to try in the comments!