Common MX-style keycap profiles include: Cherry, MOA, OEM, XDA, SA, KCA, HOA, CBSA, MDA, DSA, MOG, etc.
There is also the “Low-profile” keycap category.
- Cherry Profile (Popular and widely sold)
Pros: Slightly shorter overall than OEM; the curvature fits the fingers better; a popular choice in the custom keyboard community; comfortable typing feel.
Cons: Relatively low profile; some users may need time to adjust; compatibility with third-party keyboard kits needs to be verified. - MOA Profile (Popular and widely sold)
Pros: Spherical tops; uniform height across all rows; rounded, consistent appearance; moderate height requires less finger lift than SA profiles, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions; the spherical curve fits fingertips, offering a soft feel.
Cons: No stepped row curvature, making accidental presses likely for beginners; overall height is taller than OEM, posing a risk of interference with some low-profile cases; requires adjustment to the typing feel of uniform-height keycaps. - OEM Profile (Popular and widely sold)
Pros: The most common profile on the market; standard on the vast majority of mass-produced keyboards; moderate height suitable for both gaming and office work; compatible with most keyboard kits.
Cons: No distinctive feel; represents a general standard rather than a unique experience. - XDA Profile
Pros: Uniform spherical profile (all rows are the same height); minimalist, retro aesthetic; great for typing; looks excellent with side-printed legends.
Cons: No stepped curvature; prone to accidental presses when first starting out; requires adjustment for gaming. - KCA Profile
Pros: Falls between OEM and XDA; spherical profile; balances typing feel with aesthetics; a popular profile in the domestic custom keyboard market.
Cons: Compatibility with third-party keyboard kits requires attention.
