If you’re a mechanical keyboard enthusiast looking to optimize your typing or gaming experience, understanding keycap profiles is essential.

This guide breaks down the most popular profiles—Cherry, ASA, MDA, SAL, JDA, OEM and more, covering their height, materials, sound characteristics, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re figuring out how to enhance your setup or simply exploring your options, this comprehensive overview will help you choose the perfect keycap profile for your needs.

Cherry Profile

Height: Features four distinct row heights (R1–R4):

• R1: Flat, used for function keys and number row.
• R2 & R3: Slightly slanted, providing a low-profile feel.
• R4: Taller, angled for the bottom row, including the spacebar.

Features: Popular for its ergonomic design.Produces a “thocky” sound; widely used in custom keyboards.

MOA Profile

Height: Uniform

Features: Spherical top with curved edge lines. Provides a consistent typing experience.

Spacebar Foam: Recommended.

OEM Profile

The most common profile.

Height: Sculpted with slightly taller and more pronounced curves than Cherry.

• R1–R4: Each row has a distinct height and slope.
• R2 & R3: Higher than Cherry, creating a steeper curve.

Features: Standard profile for many pre-built keyboards.

ASA Profile

Akko-SA Profile launched in 2021.

Height: Medium height with sculpting similar to OEM but with rounder, more curved tops.

• R1–R4: Distinct height for each row, with a slightly taller and more curved design than Cherry.

Features: Designed to combine the benefits of SAL’s feel with OEM’s ergonomics. Comfortable for both typing and gaming.

MDA Profile

“MDA”means “Medium-Height, Doubleshot, and Sculpted All Rows”

Height: Medium height with a gentle sculpting.

• R1–R4: Slightly curved for ergonomic typing but less pronounced than OEM or Cherry.
• Balanced between flat profiles like XDA and taller sculpted profiles.

Features: Spherical top; uniform across all rows.

SAL Profile

Height: 

• R1–R4: Each row has a distinct height, similar to SA but slightly shorter and more ergonomic.
• Great for users who enjoy tall profiles but prefer slightly less height than SA.

Features: Spherical top. Provides a vintage look and feel; deep sound profile.

JDA Profile

Height: Medium height with gentle sculpting.

• R1–R4: Each row has slight variations in height, but the curve is less pronounced than OEM.

Features: Spherical top; lower overall height compared to SAL. Suitable for those who prefer a sculpted

OSA Profile

Height: The tallest among profiles, highly sculpted.

• R1–R4: Distinctly tall and curved, with significant height differences between rows.

Features: Spherical top; combines elements of SAL and OEM profiles.

Comparisons Between Profiles

Choosing the right keycap profile for your mechanical keyboard depends on your preferences for height, sound, and typing feel. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Shortest Profiles:
  • Cherry, OEM, MOA – Best for users who prefer a lower, ergonomic typing height. Cherry and OEM offer sculpted designs, while XDA provides a flat, uniform layout.
• Medium Profiles:
  • MDA, ASA, JDA, SAL – A balanced height offering both comfort and versatility. MDA is flatter, while JDA, ASA, and SAL have slight sculpting for added ergonomics.
• Tallest Profiles:
  • OSA – A tall, sculpted design with a deep “thock” sound, ideal for typing enthusiasts who prefer a retro feel.