Keycap Profiles Explained: OEM vs Cherry vs MOA vs XDA vs SA

If you’ve recently bought a mechanical keyboard or started looking into custom keycaps, you’ve likely been hit with a wall of acronyms: OEM, Cherry, XDA, MOA, KOA.

It can be confusing for the beginner, but the "profile" of your keycaps is actually one of the most important factors in how your keyboard feels and sounds. It refers to the shape, height, and angle of the plastic caps.

This guide breaks down the most popular profiles to help you decide which one is right for your fingers (and your desk setup).

Quick Summary:

• Choose OEM if: You are happy with your current standard keyboard and just want to change the colors.
• Choose Cherry if: You type for hours every day and want the most comfortable, ergonomic experience possible.
• Choose XDA if: You prioritize the visual "look" of the keyboard above all else and enjoy large icons/artwork on your keys.
• Choose SA if: You want your keyboard to look like a piece of art or a vintage terminal, and you love a loud, deep sound (get a wrist rest!).
• Choose MOA/KOA if: You are chasing that trendy "creamy" sound and want a keyboard that looks soft and rounded.

Note: Sound mainly depends on switches. Keycaps just helps a bit.

1. Sculpted Profiles: OEM & Cherry

• Profiles in this category: OEM, Cherry

"Sculpted" means the keycaps are shaped differently depending on which row they are in. The keys are angled to cradle your fingers, making it easier to reach from the top row to the bottom row without stretching.

OEM Profile (The "Default" Standard)

If you bought a pre-built mechanical keyboard (like a Keychron, Logitech, or Razer), it mostly came with OEM profile keycaps.

• Shape: Cylindrical tops (slightly curved side-to-side to hug your fingertip).
• Height: Medium-High (approx. 11.9mm).
• Feel: Familiar. Because this is the standard, it feels "normal" to most people. The keys are tall enough to give a satisfying "clack."
• Best For: Beginners, Gamers, and general typists.

Crystal OEM Profile Keycaps Set

Cherry Profile (The Enthusiast Favorite)

Named after Cherry (the company that invented the MX switch), this profile looks very similar to OEM but is shorter.

• Shape: Cylindrical tops (like OEM), but with a lower center of gravity.
• Height: Low-Medium (approx. 9.4mm).
• Feel: Because they are lower, they have less "wobble" and often produce a deeper, bassier sound (often called "thocky") compared to the higher-pitched OEM caps. They are widely considered the most comfortable profile for long typing sessions.
• Best For: Writers, Coders, and anyone seeking a premium typing feel.

GMK Red Samurai Cherry Profile Keycaps Set by KM Rayhanul Islam

2. Uniform Profiles: XDA, MOA, KOA

• Profiles in this category: XDA, MOA, KOA

"Uniform" means every single keycap is the same height and shape. You could take a key from the top row and put it on the bottom row, and it would feel exactly the same.

What is XDA Profile

XDA is famous for its flat, wide look. It is a favorite for custom keycap sets with cute or artistic designs because the flat surface acts like a canvas for artwork.

• Shape: Flat top with a very subtle dish. Wide surface area.
• Height: Medium-Low (approx. 9mm).
• Feel: Stable and wide. However, because they are flat, your fingers have to stretch a bit more to reach the distant keys compared to a sculpted profile.
• Best For: Aesthetics. If you want your keyboard to look clean and modern.

This is Plastic XDA Profile Keycaps Set by Abdullah Al Abid

What is MOA Profile

MOA is arguably the trendiest profile for building a creamy or thocky keyboard.

• Shape: Spherical tops (concave, like a deep bowl) with rounded edges. Unlike the flat XDA, MOA hugs your fingertip.
• Height: Taller than XDA (common range is approx. 9.8mm - 10.5mm), giving more room for sound resonance.
• Feel: Very smooth and "soft." The rounded edges make them feel distinctively different from sharp-edged profiles. The shape creates a deep, hollow sound that enthusiasts love.
• Best For: People who want a deep sound ("Thock") and a cozy, rounded aesthetic.

GMK Resonance MOA Keycaps by Rafee Maisoon

What is KOA Profile

• KOA is very similar to MOA but often features slightly different curvature or height adjustments depending on the manufacturer (associated with brands like KBDiy).

Difference from MOA: KOA is often described as slightly more ergonomic than MOA by many, sometimes featuring a subtle curve in the rows despite being a uniform-style profile. Visually, they are nearly identical to MOA—round, cute, and tall.

• Best For: Users who like the look of MOA but want a slightly different typing angle.

Blue Samurai KOA Profile Keycaps Set

3. The Tall & Retro Profile: SA

• Profiles in this category: SA

This profile is in a league of its own. It is designed to mimic the feel of vintage typewriters and old computer terminals from the 70s and 80s.

What is SA Profile

SA stands for "Spherical All." Unlike the cylindrical OEM/Cherry keys, these have a deep, round dish on top.

• Shape: Spherical tops (deeply concave).
• Height: Very High (approx. 16.5mm).
• Feel: Grand and substantial. The deep dish hugs your finger perfectly, but the height can be tiring for your wrists if you don't use a wrist rest. So wrist rest is recommended.
• Sound: Because the keycaps are so tall and hollow, they act like an echo chamber, producing the deepest, loudest "thock" of all profiles.
• Best For: Showcasing a setup, vintage aesthetics, and typists who love a loud, heavy sound.

GMK ROME SA Profile Keycaps Set

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1: What is the difference between OEM and Cherry profile?

Answer: OEM is the standard profile found on most pre-built keyboards. Cherry profile is very similar in shape, but is shorter and lower to the board. Enthusiasts prefer Cherry because the lower height creates less wobble and a more comfortable, ergonomic angle for long typing sessions.

Question 2: Which keycap profile is best for gaming?

Answer: Generally, Cherry or OEM profiles are considered best for gaming. Their sculpted shape and distinct row heights help you find keys by feel without looking. Flat profiles like XDA can make it harder to distinguish between keys during fast-paced gaming, leading to accidental presses. But it's all about skills anyway.

Question 3: Which keycap profile sounds the "thockiest"?

Answer: If you want that deep, hollow "thock" sound, taller profiles like SA or MOA are the best choice. Their large internal volume acts like an echo chamber, deepening the sound. Cherry profile is also popular for a clean, muted "thock," whereas OEM tends to sound slightly higher-pitched and "clackier." However, sound mostly depends on the switch.

Question 4: Do all keycaps fit on any mechanical keyboard?

Answer: Most keycaps fit any switch with a "+" shaped stem (like Cherry MX, Gateron, or Kailh). However, you must check your keyboard's "layout." The most common issues are the Right Shift key size and the bottom row keys (Alt, Fn, Ctrl). Always check if your keyboard is a "Standard Layout" before buying.

Question 5: Can I mix different keycap profiles?

Answer: It is not recommended. Because different profiles have different heights, mixing them will make your keyboard feel uneven and uncomfortable to type on.

Still Not Sure Which Profile is Right for You? Choosing between the comfort of Cherry and the sound of SA can be tricky. If you’re still undecided, we’re here to help! Check out our detailed Fullset Keycap Collection to see these profiles in action, or drop us a message; we’d love to help you build your dream keyboard.