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As many enthusiasts today expect to inspire their taste in their keyboards, Cherry profile keycaps are becoming a favorite for their full customization.
Feeling, ergonomics, and aesthetics can be fully customized by the Cherry profile keycap. Thus, Cherry profile keycaps can be a great alternative to the OEM keycaps that come standard on most keyboards.
However, depending on availability and design, high-quality Cherry keycaps may be difficult to find. Getting to know what Cherry profile keycaps are and where to get unique keycap sets will get you on the right track.
Now below is everything you need to know! Let’s get going with the question: “What are Cherry profile keycaps?”
The name "Cherry" originates from Cherry Corporation, a German company that was one of the pioneers in mechanical keyboard switches.
Cherry profile keycaps, first introduced in the 1980s, are a popular keycap profile type used in mechanical keyboards. They rose to prominence and eventually took over as the norm for mechanical keyboards.
Here are some noteworthy features of Cherry profile keycaps:
Most mechanical keyboard lovers prioritize Cherry profile keycaps because they satisfy all tastes and preferences, whether they are used for gaming or typing.
It's no surprise that people keep praising Cherry profile keycaps for their aesthetics, reliably-stable typing experience, ergonomics support, broad compatibility, and customization options.
If you want to learn more about other types of keycap profiles, give this guide to different keycap profiles a read.
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Yes. Cherry profile keycaps are generally good for gaming for some reasons as follows:
Yes. As typing is the primary task for most keyboards, Cherry profile keycaps also aim to deliver a smooth and productive typing experience. So, why are Cherry profile keycaps a good choice for typists?
However, as with any keycap profile, typing comfort and preference can vary from person to person. Some individuals may find other keycap profiles, such as OEM or SA profile, more suitable for their typing style. Ultimately, the choice of keycap profile for typing depends on individual preferences and typing habits.
While Cherry profile keycaps stand out as a reliable choice for keyboard enthusiasts and gamers alike, many other profile keycaps out there also shine with their own merits. In particular, SA and OEM keycaps are one of the best options that are not inferior.
The following table will give you a quick breakdown of Cherry, SA and OEM keycaps.
| Cherry keycaps | SA keycaps | OEM keycaps | |
| Height | Short | Tall | Medium |
| Shape | Angled | Angled and concave | Angled |
| Row Shape | Sculpted | Sculpted | Sculpted |
| Thickness | Around 1.5 mm | Around 1.8 mm | Around 1.5 mm |
| Sound level | Low | Loud | Medium |
So, let’s dig deeper into the nuances of Cherry vs OEM vs SA profile keycaps!
As you can see, Cherry and OEM profile keycaps are fairly comparable. Yet, the two of them do differ in a few ways.
The choice ultimately comes down to your interests. Go for Cherry if you enjoy customizations or prefer an elegant and low-profile keyboard. Conversely, if you value simplicity over customization, you can't go wrong with OEM keycaps.
The noticeable difference between SA and Cherry keycaps is the height. This leads to further distinctions between these two types of keycaps:
Both these profile keycaps are ideal for avid customizers. If you desire something one-of-a-kind, SA keycaps would perfectly show your personal style. Nonetheless, Cherry profile keycaps offer more suitable options for those on a tight budget.
Aside from these three popular keycaps, our guide on all profile keycaps will give you a comprehensive view of the land of keycaps and in-depth comparison.
CanyonCaps by Deskr is the true winner when it comes to Cherry profile keycaps. This fantastic keycap set is available in two colors: black and white.
Moreover, it features a distinctive design of Grand Canyon geography, showcasing the range of height levels that enable users effortlessly complete the needed commands.
CanyonCaps keycaps work with approximately 75% of keyboards. Furthermore, these Cherry profile keycaps are comprised of a real PBT design that is heat and chemical resistant.
At the end of the day, it's no doubt one of the most eye-catching keycap designs available, and it's compatible with Cherry MX switches and MX-type switches.
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Ducky is the second most common brand on this list, with one of the greatest collections of mechanical gaming keycaps. Its keycaps have superior functionality and bright designs, enhancing the visual appeal of any gaming or office workplace.
We've chosen the following outstanding Cherry keycaps from Ducky's limited edition keycap designs:
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Cherry makes excellent keycaps for typists and gamers. This revolutionary brand offering the top keycap is known for its high-end tech, great accuracy, and fine-tuned touch.
Despite the fact that the Cherry profile has been taken by many other excellent manufacturers, Cherry remains a top keycap brand, offering unique designs to the gaming world.
Cherry's MX switches are the most reliable and they are available in a variety of textures, colors, and bouncing tones.
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GK6 is a unique keycap set by Gizmo Engineering that is compatible with most Cherry MX switches, demonstrating once again that a smooth typing experience is essential for the majority of their users.
This keycap set, which is both customizable and small, is just what any busy office staff who is usually stuck in the office for a long time needs to increase their job and typing speed.
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Thanks to its artisan and customizable design in many coloring choices, Capsmiths is a top brand on our Cherry profile keycaps list. You'll find anything from flowers, fruits, and plants to creatures, funny, and haunting keycaps among its unique designs.
These keycap sets are the most bright on the market, suiting the interests of thousands of users. They may not be the ideal choice for gamers, but they are also top picks for novelty lovers who want to find new inspiration for keyboards.
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As you delve deeper into the world of Cherry profile keycaps, your ideal Cherry MX keycaps become a thrilling quest to discover the best match that will truly make your keyboard come to life.
If you feel overwhelmed with the mass market out there, here are the top 6 Cherry MX keycaps to give your keyboard the perfect outfit.
| Name | Number of keys | Material | Brand | Price |
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153 keys | Doubleshot ABS | GMK | $150.00 |
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153 keys | Doubleshot ABS | GMK | $150.00 |
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129 keys | Doubleshot ABS | GMK | $150.00 |
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89 keys | ABS Hi-Profile keycaps | Matt3o | $130.00 |
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125 keys | Doubleshot ABS | GMK | $145.00 |
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HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps
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139 keys | Dye Sublimation PBT | HK GAMING | $49.99 |
* Note that prices shown above have been updated as of July 2023
DROP GMK Redsuns Blue Samurai would be a must-have Cherry profile keycap set if you want to add a touch of cultural flair and warrior spirit to your keyboards.
This set is inspired by the traditional Japanese culture of samurai warriors, featuring a true-to-life deep blue colorway, contrast-crisp legends and sharp sound.
However, given its high price point, it may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
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Bearing the same spirit as Redsuns Blue Samurai, DROP GMK Redsuns Red Samurai also captures the rich history and alluring aesthetics of Japanese samurai warriors.
This set features white legends with a mixture of red, black, and gold colors for excellent visibility and contrast when typing.
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Enjoy neon-lit cityscapes? Then look no further than the GMK Laser Cyberdeck keycap set to put your keyboard into a stunning work of art with a cyberpunk vibe.
The best thing? It showcases vibrant colorways of deep blues, purples, pinks, and touches of dazzling neon, making it the most sought-after Cherry profile keycap set on the market.
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Evoked by the beloved film "My Neighbor Totoro", Drop + Matt3o MT3 Susuwatari keycap set stands out for its whimsical and enchanting spirit.
The legends are designed with the Susuwatari pattern in mind. The mix of classic light and dark grays, together with novelties and accents, produce a visually cohesive appearance. This set perfectly reflects the essence of the movie's dust sprites.
This is a go-to keycap set for Studio Ghibli fans or anybody cherishing a touch of little charm and nostalgia in their keyboard setup.
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One more high-end keycap set from DROP! DROP + MiTo GMK Pulse Mitolet keycap set is shined for its violet base complemented with vibrant cyan legends, giving your keyboard an exceptionally high-contrast and eye-catching look.
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What makes HK Gaming Dye Sublimation keycaps the winner is its budget-friendly price.
Moreover, this keycap set features stylish and eye-catching designs, including different color combinations, patterns, and custom legends. Users will gain from its slightly chalky surface texture, which provides the ideal grip.
Overall, this set is the best Cherry profile keycap set which provides a good value overall for your money.
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If you can invest once, why not get the most premium keycap set that will be still durable after millions of keystrokes? It is truly worthwhile.
Indeed, wasting time and money on a cheap-made keycap set only makes you happy for a while, then will be annoyed and disappointed.
With that in mind, the Cherry profile keycap is an ideal solution for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts. Hirosart also offers a lot of Cherry MX Switches compatible keycaps for you to pick, check it out Hirosart - Customized Cherry MX keycaps so you don't miss out many deals.
The Cherry MX profile refers to the keycap shape and design standardized by Cherry. It has the most popular cross-shaped switched stem.
While Cherry, best known for its proprietary Cherry MX switches, is a pioneer in the production of Cherry profile keycaps, there are many other manufacturers such as GMK, Signature Plastics, EnjoyPBT, and more.
Cherry profile keycaps have gained popularity due to their combination of reliability, ergonomic design, aesthetics, and wide availability.
Yes. The Cherry profile keycaps have a sculpted shape that makes it easier for your fingertips to reach the keys at a more natural slope and angle. As a result, users can enhance typing accuracy and reduce the possibility of typos.
Yes. Cherry profile keycaps ensure a wobble-free and consistent feel along with faster response and accurate inputs during gaming sessions.
No. Although Cherry MX switches are considered the norm in the mechanical keyboard market, they cannot fit several switches featuring special stems such as low-profile Choc or Topre switches.
Cherry MX profile keycaps often fall into the mid- to high-price category compared to other keycaps. Yet, it mainly depends on the brand and design. For example. Cherry keycaps made by GMK are pricey and cost up to $150 while a set from HK costs less than $50.
In fact, the exact sound is determined by the type of switch used beneath the keycaps. Yet the Cherry profile keycaps also contribute a bassy sound because of the low keycap size, resulting in less space for the rebounce sound.
The sound of Cherry profile keycaps generally has more bass with less resonance. Thicker keycaps will produce a deeper sound.
Yes. The Cherry MX profile keycaps are sculpted, which means that the different rows on the keycaps feature different heights and shapes
No. Cherry MX keycaps are not compatible with the OEM profile. These two profiles have different shapes and dimensions, so Cherry keycaps will not fit properly on OEM-profile switches.
Cherry profile keycaps have a life lifetime of about 50,000 keystrokes. However, with proper care and usage, Cherry profile keycaps are generally durable and can survive for several years.
As many enthusiasts today expect to inspire their taste in their keyboards, Cherry profile keycaps are becoming a favorite for their full customization. Feeling, ergonomics, and aesthetics can be fully customized by the Cherry profile keycap. Thus, Cherry profile keycaps can be a great alternative to the OEM keycaps that come standard on most keyboards. […]
