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When talking about customized keyboards, usually we are talking about the switches. There's no denying that switches have brought us much happiness through customization. However, keycaps have gradually become another source of joy in customization. Different keycaps bring exactly different typing experiences. Among popular keycap profiles, OEM profiles and Cherry profiles are the two most favored types among a wide range of users.
Purpose of writing this article is trying to help you more easily understand the difference between OEM and Cherry profiles. Additionally, I hope that you can choose the most suitable keycaps profile for your needs by understanding their differences in touch and sound.
Before we start introduce two types of keycaps , we need know that what is keycaps profile? Keycaps profile usually refer to the keycaps shape,height and the designed angle. It is directly affect your typing experience, accuracy and typing speed.
We will introduce two mainstream keycaps profiles,Cherry and OEM. We will talking about their characteristics and application scenarios, and discuss their different experience.
What is Cherry profile?
Cherry keycaps profile came from Cherry company, which is famous for it mechanical keyboard switches. Based on the Cherry switch is wide selling, Cherry profile can be widely used in mechanical keyboard. Also it can be created by different materials, like ABS and PBT plastics.
Comparing with another profile, Cherry profile has more lower height, usually it was created as 9.3mm. keyboard layout can be more clear because its lower height. At the same time Cherry keycaps profile are shorter than other mainstream keycaps, it can reduce finger tiredness during typing, it is popular among programmers and writers.
OEM refer to Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM-profile keycaps, the standard keycaps included with most pre-built keyboards, are the shaped with flat tops and uniform heights, ensuring consistent tactile feedback across all keys.
Compared with Cherry-profile keycaps we mention before. OEM-profile keycaps have fewer options in terms of manufacturing materials, colors, and designs. Also they are usually made of ABS plastic.
However, due to their more rounded edges, OEM-profile keycaps provide better protection for your fingers, especially for those with thicker fingers, by preventing cuts from sharp edges.
OEM-profile keycaps are usually pre-installed on entry-level mechanical keyboards. They have thinner shell, which lowers the production cost for manufacturers. Therefore, OEM-profile keycaps are generally cheaper than Cherry-profile ones. Depending on the material chosen, a set of OEM-profile keycaps typically costs between $20 and $50 and is easily available on e-commerce websites.
And Cherry profile keycaps can select different kinds of material, so it may be more expansive than OEM profile keycaps. Usually a set of Cherry profile keycaps needs around 80-120 dollars.
ABS is a type of plastic material with high gloss that is lightweight and easy to process. PBT, on the other hand, typically has a matte finish and greater durability. Cherry profile keycaps and OEM profile keycaps usually use both materials to create. Also there are still have some keycaps which is made by another material, such as POM jelly or TPR rubber. Different material can bring different typing experience.
Even though OEM profile keycaps can use ABS and PBT two materials, most of OEM profile keycaps are made by ABS plastic. Only few keycaps factory use PBT plastic to make keycapes. Meanwhile, Cherry profile keycaps usually use ABS to build. Because ABS material is relatively thick, it can provide users with a comfortable typing experience. There is also a type of PBT material keycaps available on the market, but keycaps made of this material require group purchases; it is more difficult to buy.
As we mention before, OEM profile keycaps usually refer to pre-install keycaps. As a customer you can easily get them from online store and buy it.
Cherry profile also has a great market, however, it is a little bit hard to find it on the online store. Usually Cherry profile shows up at the high-level mechanical keyboard and makes it has a high quality first impression. So right now, people consider that Cherry profile keycaps can bring better typing experience.
Also there are another profile keycaps, such as KSA profile.
In short, OEM-profile keycaps are slightly taller than Cherry-profile ones. Meanwhile, the top row (first row) of Cherry-profile keycaps features a "higher at the back, lower at the front" design; while the bottom row adopts the opposite "lower at the back, higher at the front" design. This structure can both reduce the range of hand movement and ensure operational accuracy.
OEM-profile and Cherry-profile keycaps look similar in appearance, but it still have some differences between these two profile.
The top of both OEM and Cherry keycaps is usually shaped like a small cylinder. When pressed the keyboard, they produce a soft sound and a slight tactile bump feedback. However, the shape of OEM keycaps is a little more rounded.
Which profile is suit for you?
It is based on your budget and using situation. If customers do not have enough budget, I suggest them to buy keycaps. It is cheap,durable and easy to buy. Also OEM profile keycaps as pre-installed keycaps, it is suit for new user or casual customers.
However, keyboards lovers and pro-keyboard worker prefers Cherry profile keycaps. Its lower height can make user have a great experience. Also, PBT material is really good at resisting wear. When you press it, it makes a deep, nice "thud" sound. For people who collect keycaps, limited-edition Cherry keycap sets are more attractive because they’re worth collecting.
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1. Limited Edition Christmas Keycaps: Made from durable double-shot PBT material and paired with Cherry profile keycaps, it combines comfortable typing feel with vivid appearance. It makes an excellent Christmas gift for both keyboard enthusiasts and holiday decor lovers!
2. Infinite Possibilities in a small screen: A dynamic display showcases custom GIFs, dates, connection modes, WIN/MAC layouts, and battery status on its small screen.
1. 80% Keyboard with PBT keycaps: The durable cherry profile PBT keycaps resist shine and wear, offering a comfortable typing experience.
2. Master Any Game Genre with Advanced Features: It comes with a variety of special functions to meet diverse gaming needs, such as the SOCD function.
Conclusion
When choosing keycap profiles, OEM and Cherry are two of the most popular options, both with their own advantages and drawbacks. OEM keycaps are typically pre-installed on most entry-level mechanical keyboards, offering a more comfortable experience for your fingers. Most OEM keycaps are made of ABS plastic. They are affordable (ranging from $20 to $50), but due to their thinner shells and higher production volume, they are generally less durable.
In contrast, Cherry keycaps are often use higher-quality materials, such as PBT plastic, which can provide better durability and a more comfortable typing experience. Compared with the OEM profile, the Cherry profile is lower. It also uses a "back-higher-than-front" design, which helps reduce hand movement and improve accuracy. This makes Cherry profiles keycaps particularly favored among programmers and writers. However, Cherry keycaps are more expensive, typically costing between $80 and $120, and it is little hard to find on the market.
Overall, OEM profiles keycaps are better suited for users on a budget or do not need customization. They are affordable, durable enough for casual use, and easy to buy. On the other hand, Cherry profiles keycaps are ideal for keyboard enthusiasts or professional users, who looking for comfort and quality. The premium materials and lower height profile offer a superior typing experience, especially during extended use.
In conclusion, the choice between OEM and Cherry keycaps depends on personal budget, usage needs, and typing preferences.
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