When customizing a mechanical keyboard, one of the most important choices is the keycap profile. The profile determines the shape, height, and typing feel of your keys. Four of the most popular profiles are OEM, Cherry, SA, and XDA. But what exactly is the difference between them, and which profile suits your typing or gaming style best? Let’s explore each one in detail.

What are keycap profiles?

A keycap profile defines the height, shape, and angle of each row of keys. Profiles can be sculpted (each row has a different angle) or uniform (all rows are the same). The choice affects comfort, typing speed, and even sound.

OEM Profile – the standard

OEM profile is the most common keycap profile, used on most pre-built mechanical keyboards. It has a medium height and a sculpted design, making it comfortable and versatile.

Key features:

  • Medium height
  • Sculpted rows
  • Standard on most mass-produced keyboards

Community insights: On Reddit, many describe OEM as the “default profile.” It’s easy to adapt to, but enthusiasts often move on to Cherry or other profiles for comfort improvements.

Cherry Profile – lower and ergonomic

Cherry profile is slightly shorter than OEM, with sculpted rows designed for ergonomic typing. Many enthusiasts prefer Cherry for its comfortable, low-profile feel.

Key features:

  • Lower height than OEM
  • Sculpted rows
  • Ergonomic, popular for long typing sessions

Community insights: Cherry is often praised as the “enthusiast standard.” Many users say it reduces fatigue and feels smoother compared to OEM.

SA Profile – tall and retro

SA profile keycaps are tall, spherical, and sculpted. They’re inspired by vintage typewriters and provide a unique typing sound and feel. SA caps are popular for custom keyboards with a retro aesthetic.

Key features:

  • Very tall, spherical shape
  • Sculpted rows
  • Loud, deep sound

Community insights: On Deskthority, SA fans describe them as “satisfying and thocky.” Others find them too tall for gaming or fast typing.

XDA Profile – flat and uniform

XDA profile keycaps are medium height with a uniform, flat surface. Unlike sculpted profiles, every row is the same. This gives XDA a modern, minimal look and makes it easy to rearrange keys.

Key features:

  • Medium height
  • Uniform, flat surface
  • Consistent typing feel across rows

Community insights: XDA divides opinions. Some love the wide surface area for comfort, while others say the flatness feels “mushy” compared to sculpted profiles.

Comparison: OEM vs Cherry vs SA vs XDA

Profile Height Shape Sculpting Best for
OEM Medium Cylindrical Sculpted General use
Cherry Lower than OEM Cylindrical Sculpted Typing comfort
SA Tallest Spherical Sculpted Retro style, deep sound
XDA Medium Flat, wide Uniform Minimal design, rearranging keys

Which keycap profile should you choose?

If you’re new to mechanical keyboards, OEM or Cherry are the safest bets. If you love retro aesthetics and sound, SA is ideal. For a modern, flat look, go with XDA. Ultimately, the choice depends on your typing style, hand size, and aesthetic preference.

Find all keycap profiles at RGBKeys

At RGBKeys, we stock a wide variety of keycaps in OEM, Cherry, SA, and XDA profiles.

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