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Which keycap profile should you choose? A complete guide to SA, DSA, Cherry, OEM, and XDA.

Quel profil de keycaps choisir ? Guide complet SA, DSA, Cherry, OEM et XDA
Unsure which keycap profile to choose between SA, DSA, Cherry, OEM, or XDA? This comprehensive guide helps you understand the differences to enhance your custom keyboard with style and comfort.

Discover the Most Popular Keycap Profiles in 2025

The world of mechanical keyboards is a true playground for customization enthusiasts. And among the most crucial elements for improving typing comfort and the sound of your keyboard , the choice of keycap profile plays a major role. At CustomTonClavier.fr , we guide you to understand everything about SA, DSA, OEM, Cherry, and XDA profiles.

🔍 What is a keycap profile?

A keycap's profile is simply its shape , height , and angle . Each profile offers a unique typing experience, a distinct look, and a very different feel under the fingers.

Keycaps in different formats: CHERRY, OEM, XDA, DSA, SA

The 5 Essential Keycap Profiles

Here is an overview of the most popular profiles in the custom keyboard community:

🟥 CHERRY Profile – The star profile for enthusiasts

The Cherry profile is one of the most popular in the world of custom keyboards. It's sculpted (the rows have different heights) and slightly lower than the OEM profile. The result: comfortable typing, a rich bass sound, and improved precision for both gaming and typing.

  • ✅ Ideal for: gamers, typists, fans of balanced sensations
  • 📣 Sound: deep, muffled
  • 🛠️ Available in our custom collection at CustomTonClavier.fr

🔵 OEM Profile – The versatile classic

This is the standard profile found on most pre-assembled keyboards. Sculpted and comfortable, it offers a good transition for those new to mechanical keyboards. Less expensive and very common.

  • ✅ Ideal for: beginners, office work, casual gamers
  • 📣 Sound: balanced, slightly hollow
  • 💡 Perfect for getting started without making a mistake

🔶 SA Profile – For fans of “THOCC” and vintage

The SA profile is the tallest of all. Sculpted and very resonant, it offers a unique retro aesthetic and a pronounced " thump ." However, its height may require a short adjustment period.

  • ✅ Ideal for: intense striking, vintage looks
  • 📣 Sound: very resonant, deep
  • ⚠️ Less recommended for fast-paced gaming

⚪ DSA Profile – Uniform and low-profile

DSA keycaps are uniform, flat, and low-profile. They offer a smooth feel, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Their low height also allows for fast typing.

  • ✅ Ideal for: fans of clean design, fast typographers
  • 📣 Sound: muffled, deep
  • 🧠 Appreciated for its visual consistency

🟡 XDA Profile – Flat, smooth & stylish

Like the DSA, the XDA profile is uniform , but slightly taller. It stands out with a wider typing surface and a modern look. Highly regarded for aesthetically pleasing keycap sets.

  • ✅ Ideal for: custom lovers, uniform striking
  • 📣 Sound: similar to Cherry but softer
  • 👁️‍🗨️ May lack reference points for fast-paced gaming

📊 Comparative table of keycap profiles

Profile Sculpted or Uniform Height Her Ideal for
Cherry Sculpted AVERAGE Bassy Gaming + Hitting
OEM Sculpted AVERAGE Neutral General use
ITS Sculpted Very high Resonant Vintage strike
DSA Uniform Down Severe Aesthetics and speed
XDA Uniform AVERAGE Soft Design + Comfort
Keycaps comparison: Cherry, OEM, XDA, DSA, SA

💡 How to choose your keycaps profile?

It all depends on your preferences :

  • Do you want great bass and a comfortable fit? 👉 Cherry
  • Want retro, great sound, and great style? 👉 SA
  • Looking for a flat, fast, and modern strike? 👉 XDA or DSA
  • Want to stay within the standards? 👉 OEM

And the best part? All these profiles are available as custom keycaps on CustomTonClavier.fr 🤝

🛒 Want to change your keycaps?

Explore our exclusive collection of custom keycaps in Cherry, SA, DSA and XDA profiles : original designs, premium materials, and guaranteed compatibility with your setup!

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