When talking about customized keyboards, we usually refer to the switches. There's no denying that switches have brought us great joy through customization. However, keycaps have gradually become another source of pleasure in customization. Different keycaps deliver distinctly different typing experiences. Among popular keycap profiles, OEM and Cherry are the two most favored types among a wide range of users.
The purpose of this article is to help you understand the differences between OEM and Cherry profiles more easily. Additionally, we hope you can choose the most suitable keycap profile for your needs by learning about their differences in tactile feel and typing sound.
What is a keycap profile?
Before introducing these two types of keycaps, we need to clarify what a keycap profile is. A keycap profile generally refers to the shape, height and designed angle of the keycaps. It directly affects your typing experience, keystroke accuracy and typing speed.
We will introduce two mainstream keycap profiles — Cherry and OEM, including their characteristics, application scenarios and the different typing experiences they bring.
What is Cherry profile?
Cherry keycap profile originates from Cherry, a brand famous for its mechanical keyboard switches. Thanks to the widespread popularity of Cherry switches, Cherry profile has been widely used on mechanical keyboards. It can also be made of different materials, such as ABS and PBT plastics.
Compared with other profiles, Cherry profile has a lower height, typically 9.3mm. Its lower height makes the keyboard layout cleaner and neater. Meanwhile, as Cherry keycaps are shorter than other mainstream keycaps, they can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making them popular among programmers and writers.
What is OEM profile?
OEM refers to Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM-profile keycaps, the standard keycaps equipped with most pre-built keyboards, feature flat tops and uniform heights, ensuring consistent tactile feedback across all keys.
Compared with the Cherry-profile keycaps we mentioned earlier, OEM-profile keycaps have fewer options in terms of manufacturing materials, colors and designs, and they are usually made of ABS plastic.
However, with their more rounded edges, OEM-profile keycaps better protect your fingers — especially for those with thicker fingers — by preventing scratches from sharp edges.
Cherry profile VS OEM profile
Price
OEM-profile keycaps are usually pre-installed on entry-level mechanical keyboards. They have thinner shells, which lowers manufacturers' production costs. Therefore, OEM-profile keycaps are generally cheaper than Cherry-profile ones. Depending on the material, a set of OEM-profile keycaps typically costs between $20 and $50 and is easily available on e-commerce websites.
Cherry-profile keycaps offer a variety of material options, making them more expensive than OEM-profile ones. Usually, a set of Cherry-profile keycaps costs around $80-$120.
Material
ABS is a glossy plastic material that is lightweight and easy to process. PBT, on the other hand, typically has a matte finish and higher durability. Both Cherry and OEM profile keycaps can be made of these two materials. There are also keycaps made of other materials, such as POM jelly or TPR rubber, and different materials deliver different typing experiences.
Although OEM-profile keycaps can be made of both ABS and PBT, most of them are made of ABS plastic, with only a few manufacturers producing PBT OEM keycaps. Meanwhile, Cherry-profile keycaps are usually made of ABS plastic — the relatively thick texture of ABS provides users with a comfortable typing experience. PBT Cherry keycaps are also available on the market, but they are mostly sold via group purchases and thus harder to buy.
Availability
As mentioned earlier, OEM-profile keycaps are standard pre-installed keycaps, so you can easily buy them from online stores.
Cherry profile also has a large market share, but it is a little harder to find standalone Cherry keycaps on online stores. They are usually pre-installed on high-end mechanical keyboards, which gives people a first impression of high quality. That's why Cherry-profile keycaps are now considered to deliver a better typing experience.
There are also other popular keycap profiles, such as KSA profile.
Height difference
In short, OEM-profile keycaps are slightly taller than Cherry-profile ones. Meanwhile, the top 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.
Appearance
OEM and Cherry profile keycaps look similar in appearance, but there are still subtle differences between them.
The tops of both OEM and Cherry keycaps are usually slightly cylindrical. When pressed, they produce a soft sound and a slight tactile bump feedback. However, OEM keycaps have a slightly more rounded overall shape.
Which profile is suitable for you?
It all depends on your budget and usage scenarios. If you are on a tight budget, we suggest you choose OEM keycaps — they are cheap, durable enough for daily use and easy to buy. As standard pre-installed keycaps, OEM profiles are also suitable for new users or casual users.
However, keyboard enthusiasts and professional heavy typists prefer Cherry-profile keycaps. Their lower height delivers a more comfortable typing experience, and PBT Cherry keycaps excel in wear resistance. When pressed, they produce a deep, pleasant "thud" sound. For keycap collectors, limited-edition Cherry keycap sets are more attractive due to their collectible value.
RK Recommended Keyboards
RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 (Christmas Special):
1. Limited Edition Christmas Keycaps: Made from durable double-shot PBT material and paired with Cherry-profile keycaps, it combines a comfortable typing feel with a vivid appearance. It makes an excellent Christmas gift for both keyboard enthusiasts and holiday decor lovers!
2. Infinite Possibilities on 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 and consistent 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, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. OEM keycaps are typically pre-installed on most entry-level mechanical keyboards, with rounded edges that offer gentle finger protection. Most OEM keycaps are made of ABS plastic, costing between $20 and $50 — they are affordable but generally less durable due to their thinner shells and mass production.
In contrast, Cherry keycaps often use higher-quality materials such as PBT plastic, which delivers better durability and a more comfortable typing experience. Cherry profile is lower than OEM profile, and its "back-higher-than-front" ergonomic design helps reduce hand movement and improve accuracy, making it particularly favored among programmers and writers. However, Cherry keycaps are more expensive, typically costing between $80 and $120, and a little harder to find on the market.
Overall, OEM-profile keycaps are better suited for budget-conscious users or those who don't need customization. They are affordable, durable enough for casual use and easy to purchase. On the other hand, Cherry-profile keycaps are ideal for keyboard enthusiasts or professional users pursuing comfort and quality — their premium materials and low-height design offer a superior typing experience, especially during extended use.
Ultimately, the choice between OEM and Cherry keycaps depends on your personal budget, usage needs and typing preferences.
