Keycap profile
The shape and height of the keys.
Keycap "profile" describes the height and shape of the caps. Sculpted profiles (Cherry, OEM, SA) vary the shape row by row so the board curves toward your fingers; uniform profiles (DSA, XDA) use the same shape everywhere, which suits ortholinear and ergo boards. Taller profiles tend to sound deeper; shorter ones feel more like a laptop.
Sculpted profiles are shaped per-row for a traditional, ergonomic curve. Uniform profiles are identical across rows, which looks clean and lets you rearrange keys freely — ideal for ortho/ergo layouts.
Cherry is short and a community default. OEM is a touch taller (what most stock keyboards ship with). SA and MT3 are tall and sculpted with a deep, "thocky" sound. Low-profile (Choc) caps are the thinnest, for slim boards.
Cherry and OEM have by far the widest selection of sets, colours and group buys. Exotic profiles look stunning but ship less often and cost more.
Every choice you'll see for this decision in the builder.
Low, comfortable and sculpted per row. Arguably the most popular profile, with the widest set selection. A safe, excellent pick.
- Comfortable low height
- Enormous set selection
- Great all-rounder
- Less dramatic sound than tall caps
A touch taller than Cherry and instantly familiar, since most pre-built keyboards ship with it.
- Familiar to everyone
- Widely available
- Comfortable sculpt
- Less refined sound/feel than premium profiles
Big, spherical, vintage-looking caps with a deep sound and striking presence. Polarising but beloved.
- Striking retro look
- Deep, full sound
- Premium feel
- Tall — may want a wrist rest
- Pricey, slower to restock
Tall and heavily sculpted with scooped tops that cradle your fingers. Distinctive, cosy, and great-sounding.
- Very comfortable scoop
- Deep, satisfying sound
- Distinctive look
- Tall and "grippy" — divisive
- Limited selection
Uniform low-profile caps you can place in any position. Clean, minimal, and the natural match for ortholinear and ergo boards.
- Rearrange keys freely
- Clean minimal look
- Ideal for ortho/ergo
- No per-row sculpt to guide fingers
Required if you chose low-profile switches — thin, light caps for a slim, laptop-like board.
- Pairs with low-profile switches
- Slim and portable
- Laptop-like feel
- Only fits low-profile switches
- Small selection