Introduction
For mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, choosing the right keycap set is an important decision. Two of the most popular keycap profiles are OEM and Cherry. While they may look similar at first glance, there are some key differences between OEM and Cherry keycap profiles that can significantly impact your typing experience. In this article, we’ll explain what keycap profiles are, compare OEM and Cherry profiles, and discuss how your choice of keycap profile affects typing feel and comfort.
What are Keycap Profiles?
Keycap profiles refer to the shape and height of keycaps on a mechanical keyboard. The profile affects the vertical distance your fingers must travel to press each key, as well as the angle at which your fingers strike the keys. Keycap profiles are often named after the company that first manufactured keycaps with that particular shape.
There are several common keycap profiles, but two of the most popular are OEM and Cherry. Both are medium-height sculpted profiles, meaning the rows are shaped with different heights and angles to match the natural hand positioning. Sculpted profiles like OEM and Cherry allow for faster, more ergonomic typing than uniform profiles where all the rows are the same height.
Comparing OEM and Cherry Keycap Profiles
OEM profile keycaps were first made by cherry, but are now manufactured by many companies. They have a relatively tall height and cylindrical shape. Rows 1 and 2 have a significant incline, with each row getting progressively shorter. This helps align the keycaps with the natural hand and finger positions.
Cherry profile keycaps were designed and manufactured by the Cherry Corporation. They are lower in overall height than OEM. The rows have a more gradual decrease in height across the rows. The tops of the keycaps also have a spherical curve compared to the cylindrical OEM shape.
Both OEM and Cherry profiles have deep dish homing keys on the F and J keys to orient your fingers on the home row. But Cherry profile keys have a more pronounced scoop shape to the homing keys.
How Keycap Profiles Affect Typing Experience
The shape and height of your keycaps can have a significant influence on the feel, comfort, and speed of typing. Here are some of the major ways the profile impacts typing experience:
- Key Travel – The OEM profile’s taller height leads to more key travel distance. Cherry has shorter travel. Some prefer the longer travel of OEM while others like the short and fast feel of Cherry profile.
- Comfort – The lower height and gradual sculpting of Cherry keycaps encourage a more natural hand and wrist angle for many typists. OEM’s increased height can lead to more wrist extension.
- Finger Positioning – The sharper incline of OEM makes it easier to feel and identify the different rows for touch typists. The gradual sculpting of Cherry provides less tactile differentiation between rows.
- Typing Speed – Some typists can move faster across the shorter travel distance of Cherry profile keys. But the sharper angle and differentiation of OEM can help with accuracy.
- Sound/Feel – Cherry’s spherical keycap tops produce a higher-pitched, sharper sound compared to OEM’s deeper thock. The shape also affects the cushioning feel at the bottom of the keypress.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Keycap Profile
When selecting a keycap set, make sure to consider the profile. Think about your typing style and priorities – speed, comfort, ergonomics, or audio feedback. Here are some final tips:
- Try switches first – Switches have a larger impact on feel and sound. Test different switches before deciding on keycap profile.
- Mind the material – Keycap material also changes acoustics. Doubleshot PBT will sound different than ABS plastic.
- Watch key sizes – Some alternate layouts only come in OEM sized keys, while Cherry profile needs Cherry unit sizes.
- Think about legends – Since OEM sits taller, the legends may look more prominent. Cherry has shorter and more subtle legends.
- Go for sculpting – For ergonomics, sculpted profiles like OEM and Cherry are preferred over flat, uniform profiles.
No matter your preference, understanding how subtle physical changes in key shape impact the typing experience allows you to make the best choice for your needs. So try out different profiles and see what feels fastest and most comfortable for your typing style.