Keycap Profiles Explained: OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA, XDA and MT3

OEM is the most common profile in the world. It is found on most keyboards under £80. The height is moderate, with a slight backward tilt angle.

OEM is not an official manufacturer standard — each producer has slightly different dimensions. This makes OEM keycaps less precisely standardised than Cherry.

Cherry profile is lower than OEM and was originally defined by Cherry. It is considered more ergonomically balanced: less wrist angle while typing.

Cherry profile keycaps are available from many manufacturers (GMK, ePBT, Infinikey). One of the best options for most keyboard setups.

SA (Spherical All, originally from Signature Plastics) is the tallest of the common profiles. The keys are strongly curved and evoke the aesthetic of 1970s typewriters.

SA requires an adjustment period. Some users love the presence and sound; others find the height tiring. SA is always ABS, available only as group buys or special sets.

DSA is a flat, uniform profile. All rows are identical — the tilt angle stays constant. This makes rearranging keys much easier.

DSA is flatter than OEM or Cherry. Some users appreciate the minimalist feel; others miss the ergonomic profiling of sculpted variants.

XDA is like DSA — uniform — but slightly taller and with a wider key surface. The round dish is large, with a less pronounced edge than Cherry.

XDA is popular among users who want a uniform look but prefer more surface area than DSA. Often available as affordable PBT sets.

MT3 was developed by Matt3o for @Desk of Matt / Drop. It combines the height of SA with a deep, pronounced dish — the key surface is bowl-shaped.

MT3 requires adjustment, but many enthusiasts describe it as the most comfortable profile for extended typing. Available in both PBT and ABS.