Everything You Should Know About Cherry Profile Keycaps

Apr 1, 2025

What are Cherry Profile Keycaps?

Cherry Profile keycaps are designed to be the same height as the keycaps used in the mechanical keyboards of the German Cherry company.

Unlike flat profiles (such as DSA or XDA), Cherry profile keycaps offer a curved, natural hand position, making them more comfortable for extended use. They are shorter than OEM keycaps but taller than low-profile designs, striking a balance between comfort and performance.

Key Characteristics of Cherry Profile

1. Sculpted Profile

Cherry profile keycaps in each row have different heights, usually arranged as R1-R1-R2-R3-R4-R4 (R stands for row). For example, the bottom row of the keyboard is R1, and the heights increase upwards to form an arc arrangement, which is ergonomically designed to reduce finger fatigue.

2. Lower Height Than OEM Profile

The height of a single keycap is usually between 9.5mm and 12.5mm, which is 1-2mm lower than the common OEM height.

3. Compatibility

Due to the popularity of Cherry switch keyboards, the original height keycaps are more adaptable and can be used on most mechanical keyboards on the market.

4. Sound

Cherry keycaps produce relatively less sound when typing because there is less space inside for sound to rebound and weaken. Many users prefer Cherry profile keycaps for their deeper and more satisfying sound, especially when using premium materials like PBT plastic.

5. Widely Used in Custom Keyboards

As the leader in the mechanical keyboard market, Cherry mechanical keyboard keycap size and height have become the industry standard. Therefore, Cherry profile keycaps have high recognition and compatibility in the market.

Pros and Cons of Cherry Keycaps

Pros:

Comfortable, sculpted design reduces finger strain
Deeper, more muted sound preferred by enthusiasts
Popular in custom mechanical keyboards
Great for both typing and gaming
Many colorways and designs available

Cons:

Lack of personalization for pursuing personalization and unique feel
More monotonous in appearance compared to uniquely designed keycap profile
Not ideal for those preferring a more pronounced and distinct sound

The sculpted design of Cherry's keycap can provide a comfortable typing feel for long-time use. And the deeper sound is preferred by many enthusiasts. However, its personalization is relatively low and may not meet the specific needs of all users.

Are Cherry Keycaps Good for Typing?

Cherry keycaps are very suitable for typing, especially for users who need to type for a long time.

Provide a comfortable typing experience: The sculpted nature of Cherry profile keycaps keeps your hands in a more relaxed, natural position, making it easier to type for extended periods.

Improve typing efficiency: Cherry keycaps are moderate, in this way, our fingers do not need to move too much when typing. At the same time, the position and height of each key are carefully designed, making it easier for fingers to accurately find the corresponding keys, thereby improving typing efficiency and comfort.

Deeper sound for quiet typing: Cherry profile keycaps provide a deeper, more muted sound, in this way, they are a good choice for quiet typing.

Wide compatibility: Cherry keycaps are compatible with most standard keyboards and are easy to replace and install. This allows users to replace keycaps with different materials, colors, or functions according to their needs and preferences.

Are Cherry Keycaps Good for Gaming?

The Cherry profile keycaps perform well in gaming, but their suitability depends on your playstyle and preferences.

Provide faster speed: Cherry profile keycaps are shorter than OEM or SA profiles, which means less finger movement and quicker key presses, making them ideal for fast-paced games.

Sculpted design for a comfortable typing experience: The ergonomic sculpting of Cherry profile keycaps reduces finger strain during long gaming sessions.

Provide a better key stability: Since Cherry profile keycaps sit lower on the switch, they provide more stability and reduce wobbling, which is crucial for precise key inputs in FPS and MOBA games.

Improved Sound Profile: Many gamers prefer the deeper, more muted sound of Cherry profile keycaps, especially when using PBT versions, for a more satisfying experience.

Are Cherry Profile Keycaps Better Than OEM?

There are differences between Cherry profile keycaps and OEM keycaps in many aspects. Which one is better depends on personal usage habits and preferences. Cherry profile keycaps and OEM keycaps each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Cherry vs. OEM Profile: Key Differences

Feature	Cherry Profile	OEM Profile
Height	Lower (shorter than OEM) → Faster keypresses, less strain	Taller → May feel more natural for some users
Sculpted Design	Yes (each row is angled for comfort)	Yes (but slightly taller angles)
Typing Feel	More ergonomic and efficient	Slightly taller, may require more finger movement
Gaming Performance	Better (lower height = faster actuation)	Good, but may feel slower for some gamers
Sound Profile	Deeper & more muted (especially PBT versions)	Louder, slightly higher-pitched
Availability	Mostly found in custom keycap sets	Common in pre-built mechanical keyboards

Cherry profile keycaps excel in comfort and compatibility, suitable for users who type for a long time and need wide compatibility. OEM keycaps are loved by some players for the slightly taller height, especially for those who pursue quick response and personalized typing feel.

Best Cherry Profile Keycaps

BOW ISO FR AZERTY Keycap Set

Best choice for AZERTY keyboards

Features:

AZERTY layout
BOW Theme for a clean, minimal aesthetic
Wide Compatibility (ISO Layouts)
Durable PBT Material
Long-Lasting Legends for dye-sublimated printing

If you want an ISO-FR layout keycap set, the BOW ISO FR AZERTY Keycap Set is a great choice. The keys are decorated with the French element.

Akko Canned PBT Keycaps

Best Affordable Choice

Features:

Affordable Price
High-Quality PBT Material
Double-Shot
108-Key Full Compatibility

If you are looking for the high-quality, durable, and affordable Cherry keycaps, The Akko Canned PBT Keycaps (108-Key, Cherry Profile) is a great choice.

Doraemon Macaron Keycap Set

Best Choice for Anime Fans

Features:

Doraemon-Inspired Pastel Macaron Colors
Durable PBT Material for Longevity
Dye-Sublimated Legends for Long-Lasting Prints
136-Key Set for Maximum Compatibility

The Akko Doraemon Macaron Keycap Set is a colorful, high-quality Cherry profile keycap set inspired by Doraemon, perfect for adding a fun and unique touch to your mechanical keyboard.

Mochi & Dango Keycap Set

Best Choice for Artistic Style

Features:

Soft Mochi Dango Color Theme
High-Quality PBT Material for Durability
Dye-Sublimated Legends for Longevity
170-Key Set for Maximum Compatibility

Mochi & Dango theme keycaps, featuring designs by artist Wintea in PBT dye sublimation and Cherry profile. It is a beautiful pastel-themed keycap set. If you are looking for a blend of aesthetics, comfort, and wide compatibility, choose the Mochi & Dango Keycap Set.

Conclusion

Cherry profile keycaps are a fantastic upgrade for both gaming and typing enthusiasts. Their ergonomic sculpted design, lower height, and improved sound profile make them superior to many other profiles, including OEM. Whether you're customizing your keyboard for aesthetics, comfort, or performance, Cherry profile keycaps are a solid investment.

FAQ

Are Cherry keycaps low profile?

No, Cherry profile keycaps are not considered low-profile.

Feature	Cherry Profile	Low Profile Keycaps
Height	Medium-low	Very low
Ergonomics	Sculpted, comfortable	Flat or slightly curved
Typing Feel	More natural, tactile	Shorter key travel, faster actuation
Best For	Typing & gaming	Ultra-thin keyboards, portability

Why are cherry keycaps so popular?

Cherry keycaps are popular because of their ergonomic design, providing a comfortable typing and gaming experience. With a lower height and sculpted shape compared to OEM keycaps, they reduce finger fatigue and improve typing speed. Additionally, Cherry keycaps are often made from durable PBT material, which offers better resistance to wear and a deeper, more satisfying sound. Their wide compatibility with various mechanical switches makes them a favorite among custom keyboard enthusiasts.