What Are Kat Profile Keycaps? KAT vs SA vs KAM vs Cherry Profile

KAT Profile Keycaps (Keyreative All Touch) are keycaps profile created by Keyreative, a Taiwanese keycap manufacturer. KAT profile was released to the public in 2019 and quickly became popular in the mechanical keyboard community. Designed with a rounded face and slight tilt, the KAT profile is considered a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and precise keycap profile.

KAT profile keycap features

Marterial

KAT profile keycap is usually made from PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) plastic. This is a thermoplastic that is highly durable, abrasion resistant and stain resistant. KAT profile with PBT plastic provides good typing feeling, creating clear and crisp sound.

In addition to PBT plastic, some KAT keycaps can also be made from ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). This type of plastic is cheaper than PBT plastic, but it is less durable and stains easily. 

You can refer to the article below to better understand the difference between keycaps made of PBT and ABS keycap plastic.

Shape

The KAT profile keycap has a sculpted design, the key rows will have different heights to create a natural layout for the keyboard. It improves typing comfort and accuracy, as each row of keys conforms to the natural shape of your fingers. The top of the KAT keycap is also designed to be circular like a half-sphere, bringing a comfortable feeling to the fingertips and minimizing effort and fatigue when used for long periods of time. The sides of the keycap are angled inward, pointing your fingers toward the middle of each key. At the same time, the keycap surface area is quite spacious when operating. These create a comfortable surface that conforms to the fingertips, providing a precise and natural experience.

Height

The KAT keycap is considered a profile with a relatively high height, 13.5mm, but compared to the similar SA profile keycap (16.5mm), the KAT profile is a bit shorter and smoother. This difference in height creates a softer and more pleasant typing experience, especially suitable for those who like high configurations. However, this can also cause hand fatigue when typing continuously for long periods of time.

Besides, because of the sculptural design, the height of the keycap rows of the KAT profile is not equal. The keycap rows tend to be slightly inclined and lower in the middle, helping to create a natural and comfortable layout for the keyboard, as well as improving typing accuracy.

Thickness

It depends on the material of different keycaps. In general, KAT is made of thick plastic that emits a hollow, chattering-like sound with each stroke of a keycap.

Sound

While other keycap sets make passing references to audio quality, premium sound design was a major priority in the KAT profile. The keycaps' inside walls are slanted in such a way that sound is reflected in a precise pattern. When combined with KAT's high wall thickness, this should result in crisp clicks and muffled clacks.

Feel

KAT is smooth, unlike SA, which might appear pointed and overly tall on current keyboards. Satiny. Preeminently smooth. Kat's concave keycaps don't jab or obstruct your fingertips during row leaps, and they don't have the gritty sensation that PBT plastic is known for. The typical dryness of PBT is there, but the substrate will not grind your hands into submission.

KAT keycaps have a spherical, inclined form that makes them seem inviting to use, with fingers fitting snugly into each one. This is partly due to the fact that the surface area of each keycap's face seems fairly vast to type on.

Availability

Keycaps from KAT are manufactured of high-quality materials and come in a wide range of colors and designs. Their costs are also relatively inexpensive, making them a popular option for people searching for a cost-effective keyboard update. However, KAT keycaps are not easily available. You can find them someplace we recommend later.

Are Kat profile keycaps good for typing?

You'll like typing with the KAT profile since your fingertips will slide over the keycaps with ease. This keycap provides a fantastic typing experience. It's ideal for content writers, marketers, and those who spend a lot of time typing.

Are Kat profile keycaps good for gaming?

Kat profile keycaps are ideal for gaming as well as typing. Because of the curved shape of these keycaps, this is the case.
KAT profile's general design enables quick actuation, which is great for gamers trying to boost their efficiency. The typing experience is especially nice when contrasted to the SA profile, which, because of its high profile, can be difficult to type on at times.

Kat profile keycaps are ideal for gaming as well as typing. Because of the curved shape of these keycaps, this is the case.

KAT profile's general design enables quick actuation, which is great for gamers trying to boost their efficiency. The typing experience is especially nice when contrasted to the SA profile, which, because of its high profile, can be difficult to type on at times. If you want to see other keycap profiles and their characteristics, let's take a look at here.

Who manufactures KAT profile keycaps?

KAT profile keycaps are manufactured by Keyreative, thus the moniker Keyreative All Touch. Keyreative was founded in 2013 and specializes in visual design, 3D modeling, and keycap fabrication. Dye sublimation, laser etching, and keycap dyeing are all techniques they use. Keyreative's first self-developed profile for mechanical keyboards is the KAT profile.

Best KAT profile keycap set

Currently on the market there are many different versions of KAT profile keycap from popular brands such as KBD Fans, Keycreative, Keychron... This can cause difficulties and confusion for you in the selection process. Choose a profile for yourself. Therefore, we have researched and come up with the most worth-trying KAT keycap profiles.

Products	Tech specs	Prices
KAT BOW PBT	Material: PBT Dye-Sub Production Method: Dye-Sublimated Manufacturer: KBD Fans Compatibility: Cherry MX switches and MX-style clones	$38 - $42
Doubleshot PBT KAT Atlantis	Material: PBT Production Method: Doubleshot Manufacturer: Rensuya Compatibility: Cherry MX switches and MX-style clones	$39 - $50
KAT Alpha Keycap Set Dye-Sub PBT	Material: PBT Production Method: Dye-Sublimated Manufacturer: Keyreative Compatibility: MX Compatible	$50 - $52
Doubleshot PBT KAT Explosion	Material: PBT Production Method: Doubleshot Manufacturer: Keyreative Compatibility: Cherry MX switches and MX-style clones	$45 - $68
Doubleshot PBT KAT Crusader	Material: PBT Production Method: Doubleshot Manufacturer: Keychron Compatibility: Cherry MX switches and MX-style clones	$41 - $63
KAT Mizu	Material: PBT Production Method: Doubleshot Manufacturer: Keyreative  Compatibility: Cherry MX switches and MX-style clones	$38 - $50

*Note: Prices are updated at the time of this article and may be subject to changes. 

KAT vs Other Keycap Profiles 

Factors	KAT	KAM	SA	Cherry
Height	High profile (13.5mm), shorter than SA	Medium profile (9.1mm), shorter than KAT	High profile (16.5mm), taller than KAT	Medium profile (9.4mm), shorter than KAT
Shape	Spherical and inclined	Angled, concave tops	Sculpted, Spherical, concave tops	Sculpted and angled
Sound	Clear "click" sound	Softer and quieter than KAT	Louder than KAT, Deep, thocky	Quieter, more muted
Typing feel	Comfortable, unique	Uniform and precise	Uncomfortable, causing fatigue	Smooth, comfortable feeling
Availability	Growing availability	Lower availability than KAT, mainly through group buy	Widely available	Most popular and easiest to find
Customization	Moderate customization	Moderate customization	Good, many options	High customization options

KAT profile keycaps strike a balance between Cherry and SA profiles, offering a unique typing experience. At 13.5mm tall, they're higher than Cherry (9.4mm) but lower than SA (16.5mm). Unlike the uniform KAM profile, KAT features sculpted rows for improved ergonomics.

Compared to Cherry's low profile and wide availability, KAT provides a taller alternative with a more pronounced spherical top, potentially offering better comfort. While not as tall as SA, KAT still delivers a satisfying feel without the extreme height that can cause fatigue. Though less available than Cherry, KAT's popularity is growing, offering increasing customization options for enthusiasts seeking a middle ground between traditional and high-profile keycaps.

Where to buy KAT profile keycaps?

Below are a few websites that provide reputable keycap profiles, they have all the KAT keycap items you need from simple to limited models.

 zFrontier

• Items: Specializes in providing keycap profile models from major brands on the market, including Key Creative. They distribute a wide range of KAT set models, from popular sets such as KAT Mizu, KAT Explosion, to exclusive and limited sets.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping however delivery time is quite slow, can be up to 30 days.
• Policy: Supports returning defective or damaged products within 48 hours of receipt

Deck Hero

• Items: Deskhero is a reputable KAT keycap set supplier with models from basic to exclusive sets and limited editions.
• Shipping: Fast global shipping, maximum 12 days
• Policy: Support for returning defective or damaged products within 30 days from the date of receiving the order.

Canon Keys

• Items: Providing all products related to mechanical keyboards from major brands on the market from switches, keyboards, keycaps to other accessories. Specializing in providing modern and new products on the market, including KAT profile.
• Shipping: You will receive an email when your order is ready for pickup.
• Policy: Accepts requests to return any sealed and unused product within 30 days of receipt. Don't work on weekends.

KBDfans

• Items: Offering everything mechanical keyboards and related accessories, from simple to custom designed.
• Shipping: For retail orders it will only take 5 - 15 days but for Group buy orders it will take 2 - 15 months.
• Policy: Returns can be made within 7 days for unused products and a certified invoice.

Divinikey

• Items: Returns accepted on new, unopened items within 30 days.
• Shipping: Fast delivery time, only takes 2 - 10 days to ship worldwide.
• Policy: Returns accepted on new, unopened items within 30 days.

If you're looking to buy KAT profile keycaps, online stores that specialize in high-end mechanical keyboards like Drop, KBDfans, zFrontier, and Deck Hero are good places to look for your favorite keycap sets. They offer both retail, group buy and used products. When purchasing KAT keycaps, pay attention to each store's waiting times and policies to ensure you receive a quality product that suits your needs.

Conclusion

It is completely up to the user to decide whether switching to KAT profile keycaps is worthwhile. KAT keycaps are a good compromise between Cherry and SA keycaps, so if you've tried both and enjoyed them, the KAT profile could be a good fit for you. Furthermore, the medium profile and rounded, curving feel of KAT keycaps are great for gamers and typists aiming to optimize their productivity.

FAQs

What keycap profile is similar to KAT?

The KAT profile is a shorter and more rounded version of the SA profile. Both the KAT and SA keycaps have a spherical top, providing a comfortable and consistent typing surface. They also feature a sculpted design that provides sturdiness and comfort, thereby enhancing your typing experience.

How tall is a Kat profile keycap?

KAT configuration keycaps have a fairly high height, usually ranging from about 9mm to 13.5mm depending on the row. This configuration is designed with the height gradually decreasing toward the center of the keyboard. The keycaps on the top row, including the function keys, are about 13.5 mm high. The second row keycap is a bit higher at about 11mm. The keycaps in the third row are about 10mm and the fourth row is the lowest, about 9.5mm. 

What is the difference between Kat and SA keycaps?

The biggest difference between the KAT and SA profile is the shape. KAT is taller (13.5mm) while SA is taller at 16.5mm. SA profile has a classic design, whereas KAT is designed to be more modern and new. At the same time, the SA profile has a more defined and sharp shape while the KAT profile favors a more rounded and soft feel.

What is the difference between Kat and Kam keycaps?

The KAT keycaps are taller (13.6mm) while the KAM keycaps have a significantly lower profile (9.1mm), creating a difference in aesthetics. At the same time, the KAT has a gently curved spherical top that provides a comfortable experience, while the KAM keycaps have a straighter cylindrical top for a consistent feel.