Keycapscustom

For those new to mechanical keyboards, you may have come across stunning photos of various keycap sets online. As you start looking to purchase some, you’ll encounter terms like “Cherry profile” or “OEM profile.” But what are the differences between these two keycap profiles?

While Cherry keycaps and OEM keycaps share a similar design and sculpt, there are some differences. Cherry profile keycaps are slightly shorter in height and may be more challenging to find as custom keycaps. On the other hand, OEM profile keycaps are commonly found on prebuilt mechanical keyboards and are what most people have likely typed on before.

What Are Cherry Profile Keycaps?

Cherry profile keycaps are a popular type of sculpted keycap that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts prefer due to their comfortable typing experience. These keycaps are similar to OEM profile keycaps but are shorter in height. Originally featured in Cherry’s G80 and G81 series mechanical keyboards, they have since gained a following in the mechanical keyboard community.

One notable feature of Cherry profile keycaps is their sculpted design, which varies between rows for improved typing accuracy. Additionally, the cylindrical shape of the keycap tops allows for a better fit with your fingers, enhancing comfort.

Cherry profile keycaps are primarily manufactured by companies such as GMK and ePBT. However, they can be challenging to find in stock, as they are often sold through exclusive group buys or in the aftermarket at inflated prices. Some budget Cherry profile keycap sets exist, but they may not use the original Cherry tooling, leading to variations in quality.

One potential issue with Cherry profile keycaps is their compatibility with certain switches. If a mechanical keyboard has LEDs on the bottom of the switch (south-facing), the keycap may rub or hit the LED. However, fixing this issue is straightforward, such as sanding or shaping the LED down until it no longer interferes with the keycap. Alternatively, using a keyboard without LEDs or ensuring that the LEDs are at the top of the switch (north-facing) is recommended.

What Are OEM Keycaps?

OEM profile keycaps are a common type of sculpted keycap found in prebuilt mechanical keyboards, such as those produced by Logitech, Corsair, and Razer. These keycaps are mass-produced and considered standard, providing a uniform look across different rows of a keyboard while conforming to the shape of your fingertips for comfortable typing or gaming.

Unlike other sculpted keycaps, OEM keycaps vary in design and height between rows. Despite this, they have become a widely adopted standard in the tech industry, making them affordable and available in various colors and designs. YMDK is a popular company for custom keycap sets, many of which are in OEM profile. While they are expanding into other profiles, it’s essential to read descriptions carefully before purchasing.

Cherry Profile vs. OEM Profile: A Comparison

To decide which keycap profile is superior, let’s evaluate some key aspects such as pricing, availability, material, sound, and comfort/feel. It’s important to note that there is no one definitive answer to this question. Ultimately, the choice between the two profiles boils down to personal preference and budget.

Comparing Prices

In terms of cost, OEM keycaps are more affordable than Cherry profile keycaps. This is because OEM keycaps are the standard keycaps that come with most mechanical keyboards. The cost of OEM keycap sets made by major manufacturers ranges from $20 to $50, depending on factors such as whether they are double-shot or not, thickness, and purchase location.

On the other hand, Cherry profile keycaps manufactured by GMK or ePBT are generally more expensive, ranging from $80 to $120 during group buy, depending on the specific set. Additionally, exclusive keycaps for spacebars, modifier keys, escape keys, and more are sold separately to improve compatibility with different mechanical keyboard layouts. While it’s possible to find non-genuine Cherry profile keycap sets online for around $30-$50, the quality is typically not as high as those from GMK or ePBT.

Comparing Keycap Height

The primary contrast between the Cherry and OEM keycap profiles is their overall height. Cherry keycaps are generally around one millimeter shorter than OEM keycaps. If you prefer a lower profile sensation while typing or gaming, then the Cherry profile might be an excellent choice for you. The lower height, along with the sculpted design, makes typing more comfortable as your fingers do not have to stretch as far.

Comparing Availability

OEM profile keycaps are widely available and commonly found as they come standard with most mechanical keyboards. They are also sold separately by various companies like Razer, HyperX, and Tai-Hao, providing users with a range of design and style options to choose from.

On the other hand, Cherry profile keycaps are generally more difficult to find since they are not commonly included in pre-built mechanical keyboards. The most popular and high-quality Cherry profile keycaps are produced by GMK and can be purchased through group buys or aftermarket sales at a premium price. However, budget options can also be found on platforms like Amazon. Some mechanical keyboard-specific vendors like Keycapscustom.com also offer a variety of Cherry profile keycaps.

Comparing Material

Keycaps in both Cherry and OEM profiles can be made from either ABS or PBT plastic. OEM keycaps that come with stock mechanical keyboards are typically made from thin ABS plastic, although big companies like Razer and HyperX also sell PBT keycaps in the OEM profile. Custom PBT keycap sets in various designs can also be found on Amazon.

Cherry profile keycaps are generally made from high-quality, thick ABS plastic by GMK, while ePBT produces Cherry profile keycaps made from PBT plastic. Cherry profile keycap sets are also available on Amazon, but they are less common than OEM profile keycaps.

Comparing Sound

The sound produced by Cherry profile keycaps tends to be more bassy. This is because the shorter height of the keycaps leaves less space for sound to reverberate within the keycap. However, the sound produced by a mechanical keyboard is influenced by various other factors, such as the type of switches used, the material of the keyboard case and plate, the thickness of the keycaps, whether the switches are lubricated or not, whether the stabilizers are modified or not, and the type of surface the keyboard is placed on.

Since sound is a subjective experience that can vary greatly depending on the specific mechanical keyboard setup, it is challenging to make an accurate comparison between Cherry profile and OEM profile keycaps when it comes to sound. Additionally, such comparisons often involve comparing stock ABS OEM profile keycaps to custom keycap sets that are thicker, higher quality, and made of PBT, which can significantly alter the sound produced.

Comparing Comfort & Feel

Determining which keycap profile is better in terms of feel and comfort is subjective, but there are a few assumptions we can make. OEM keycaps may feel the most familiar since they are typically installed on stock keyboards. However, with prolonged use of Cherry profile keycaps, users tend to prefer the lower keycap height and sculpted design, which reduces the need to raise hands and stretch fingers while typing or gaming. It is recommended to try out both keycap profiles before making a decision, but generally, the keyboard community and I prefer the Cherry profile.

Ultimately, choosing between Cherry and OEM profile keycaps comes down to personal preference. Factors such as comfort, feel, price, and sound all play a role in the decision-making process. OEM keycaps are convenient because they come standard on many mechanical keyboards. In contrast, purchasing a Cherry profile keycap set like GMK or ePBT requires more effort and money.

Our 20 best keycaps list includes several budget Cherry and OEM profile keycap sets, but their quality may not match that of GMK or ePBT keycap sets. For those interested in learning whether high-end Cherry profile GMK keycaps are worth the investment, check out this article. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which profile and material suits their preferences and needs best.

Visit our website https://keycapscustom.com/ to looking for the type of keycaps that fits your keyboard. Here you can also find out our newest collection of keycaps such as Artisan keycaps, Anime keycaps, Pokemon keycaps, Backlit keycaps, etc.