Introduction
Keycap profiles are the shapes of the keys on a keyboard. Keycaps are usually made from ABS or PBT plastic, with dye-sublimated legends.
Keycaps can be found in a variety of profiles, which are typically named after the manufacturer who designed them. Cherry MX keycaps are among the most popular, as they come in a variety of colors and have a consistent profile.
What is a Keycap Profile?
A keycap profile is the shape of the top surface of a keycap. Keycap profiles can be round, square, or rectangular. Some keycap profiles have a beveled edge, while others are straight.
The profiles are typically categorized by their height, width, and depth. There are a variety of profiles available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some profiles are better suited for specific applications than others.
The profiles are important because they determine how well a keycap will fit on a keyboard. Keycaps with a round profile are not as compatible with keyboards as keycaps with a square or rectangular profile.
Explained
There are a few different keycap profiles that you may come across. The most common is the Cherry MX profile, which is used on most mechanical keyboards. This profile has a flat top and bottom, with angled sides.
There is also the OEM profile, which is used on some laptop keyboards. It has a curved top and bottom, with straight sides. Finally, there is the DSA profile, which has a round top and bottom, with curved sides.
Features and Design
Features and design are two important aspects of a keycap set. Keycap profile is the shape of the keycap. There are many different profiles, but the most common ones are cylindrical, spherical, and rectangular.
Keycap design is how the lettering and symbols are printed on the keycaps. There are two main types of designs: laser-etched and dye-sublimated. Laser-etched keycaps have the lettering or symbols etched into the plastic. Dye-sublimated keycaps have the lettering or symbols printed onto a piece of cloth, which is then heat-sealed to the plastic keycap.
Types
There are a few different types of profiles, which can be generally categorized as either cylindrical or non-cylindrical.
Cylindrical keycap profiles are the most common type, and are essentially just tubes with rounded ends. They provide a good amount of surface area for your fingers to grip, and are generally considered to be the most comfortable type of profile.
Non-cylindrical keycap profiles are less common, but can be found on some ergonomic keyboards. These keys have a more tapered shape, which allows your fingers to grip them in a more natural position. This can be more comfortable for some people, but others find it to be more awkward.
The benefits of using a custom keycap profile
There are many benefits to using a custom keycap profile. One of the most important is that it can help you to be more productive. When you have a custom profile that is specifically designed for your needs, it can help you to type faster and more accurately.
This can be especially helpful if you are doing a lot of typing work or if you need to be able to type quickly in order to meet a deadline.
Another benefit of using a custom profile is that it can help to reduce fatigue. When you are using a standard profile, your fingers may get tired after typing for a while.
With a custom profile, however, your fingers will be in a more natural position, which can help to reduce fatigue. This can be especially helpful if you are using your computer for extended periods of time.
Finally, using a custom keycap profile can also help to improve your accuracy. In particular, it can help you to avoid mistakes caused by mistyping. This can be especially helpful if you are working on important documents or if you need to ensure that all of your data is correct.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
– The profiles can be customized to fit the user’s hands perfectly, increasing comfort and efficiency.
– The profiles can be designed to look aesthetically pleasing.
– Reduces the amount of force required to press down on a key.
– Prevents keys from bottoming out, which can lead to discomfort and damage to the keyboard.
Disadvantages:
– The profiles can be difficult to find in stores.
– The profiles can be expensive.
– May not be compatible with all keyboards.
– Can be more expensive than traditional keycaps.
Top11 Keycap Profile
1. DSA Keycap Profile:
DSA keycap profile is favored by many because it has a relatively low profile and a wide variety of printing methods that can be used to create legends. This type of keycap also has a reduced chance of wobbling, thanks to its thick walls.
2. SA Keycap Profile:
SA keycap profile is similar to OEM, but has square corners instead of curved ones. It also has a slightly taller height, which makes it easier to grab and remove from the keyboard switch stem.
3. GH60 Keycap Profile:
GH60 keycap profile was created by custom keyboard maker GH60. It has a unique cylindrical shape that’s not found on any other profiles. This profile is often used on 60% keyboards, as it allows for more keys to be placed in a small area.
4. Alps Keycap Profile
The Alps Keycap Profile is another popular option that has a trapezoidal shape. It is slightly wider at the top than the bottom and features rounded edges for a comfortable grip.
5. OEM Keycap Profile
The OEM Keycap Profile is designed to be used with OEM keyboards. It has a rectangular shape with rounded corners and is typically quite thin.
6. DCS Keycap Profile
The DCS Keycap Profile is similar to the OEM Profile, but it is slightly thicker and has sharper corners. It was designed for use with DCS keyboards, but it can also be used with other brands of keyboards.
7. Cherry MX Keycap Profile
The Cherry MX keycap profile is one of the most popular profiles on the market. This profile is used on keyboards that use Cherry MX switches.
The keycaps are usually rectangular in shape and have a sloped curve on the top. This profile is designed to fit comfortably in your hand and provide a good amount of grip.
8. OEM Keycap Profile
The OEM keycap profile is another popular choice for desktop keyboards. This profile is found on keyboards that use Alps switches. The keycaps are typically cylindrical in shape and have a slightly concave top. This profile is designed to provide a good amount of grip and keep your fingers from slipping off the keys.
9.The Topre Keycap Profile
The Topre keycap profile is unique because it uses a combination of a rubber dome and spring-action switch. This profile is found on keyboards that use Topre switches. The keycaps are typically convex in shape and have a smooth surface. This profile is designed to be comfortable to type on and has a tactile feedback when you press down on the keys.
10. IBM Model M Keycap Profile
The IBM Model M keycap profile is one of the oldest profiles on the market. This profile is found on keyboards that use buckling spring switches. The keycaps are typically rectangular in shape and have a sloped curve on the top and bottom. This profile is designed to fit comfortably in your hand and provide a good amount of grip.
11. Kaihua Box Keycap Profile
The Kaihua Box keycap profile is one of the newer profiles on the market. This profile is used on keyboards that use Kaihua Box switches. The keycaps are usually cylindrical in shape and have a slightly convex top and bottom. This profile is designed to provide a good amount of grip and keep your fingers from slipping off the keys
How to choose the right keycap profile for you?
There are a few different types of profiles, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The most common are the Cherry MX compatible stem profile and the OEM profile.
The Cherry MX compatible stem profile is the most common type of profile. It is found on most mechanical keyboards and has a rectangular stem that fits into the Cherry MX keycap mount. This profile is easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
The OEM is found on some older keyboards and has a round stem that fits into the OEM keycap mount. This profile is harder to find and more expensive than the Cherry MX compatible profile.
Both of these profiles have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for you. Consider your needs and preferences when choosing a profile.
Keycap profile buying guide
When looking to purchase a keycap set, it is important to consider the profile of the caps. Keycap profiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it is important to find one that will fit your keyboard and hands comfortably.
There are three main types of profiles: Cherry MX, OEM, and Topre. Cherry MX is the most popular type of keycap profile and is used on most mechanical keyboards. OEM profiles are often used on older keyboards, while Topre is used on Japanese keyboards.
If you are unsure which profile to choose, it is best to consult with experts or try out different profiles before making a purchase. Online communities like Reddit’s Mechanical Keyboards subreddit can be helpful in finding information about specific keycap profiles.
Keycap profile showcase
A keycap profile is the shape of the keycap. Keycap profiles can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Keycap profiles can be classified into three main categories: round, sculptured, and linear.
Round keycaps are the most common type of keycap and are typically the easiest to find. They have a smooth, rounded shape that is comfortable to use. Sculptured keycaps are more uncommon than round keycaps and have a more distinctive shape.
They often provide a more ergonomic typing experience, but can be harder to find. Linear keycaps are the rarest type of keycap and have a straight edge instead of a curve. They offer a unique typing experience and are often used in gaming keyboards.
Each type of profile has its own advantages and drawbacks. Round keycaps are the most common type and are typically the easiest to find, making them a good choice for general use. Sculptured keycaps offer a more ergonomic typing experience, but can be harder to find. Linear keycaps offer a unique typing experience and are often used in gaming keyboards.
Why we recommend you buy one?
Keycap profile is important to ensure that the keycaps fit well on your keyboard and do not wobble. A bad profile can cause the keycaps to move around and wear down faster. Additionally, a good profile will help with feel and comfort while typing.
Keycap profiles are important because they dictate how each key on a keyboard feels. They come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find the right one for you. Some people prefer a slim profile, while others prefer a more substantial one. Whatever your preference, we recommend you buy one that’s right for you.
FAQs
What is a keycap profile?
A keycap profile is the shape of a keycap. There are many different profiles, but the most common are cylindrical, spherical, and concave.
What are the different types of keycap profiles?
The three most common types of profiles are cylindrical, spherical, and concave.
What is the difference between cylindrical and spherical profiles?
Cylindrical profiles are more common than spherical profiles. Cylindrical profiles are more simplistic in shape, while spherical profiles have a more rounded shape.
What is the difference between concave and convex profiles?
Concave profiles are more common than convex profiles. Concave profiles have a curved shape, while convex profiles have a more angular shape.
Conclusion
Keycap profiles are an important consideration when you’re shopping for a new keyboard. Different profiles offer different benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
In this article, we’ve looked at the most common profiles and explained what each of them offers. We hope this information helps you choose the perfect keyboard for your needs. Do you have a favorite keycap profile? Let us know in the comments below!
