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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: snurrebassen on Mon, 21 January 2019, 07:00:19

Title: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Mon, 21 January 2019, 07:00:19
Hello!

So from different places I've chatted with people who's moved from SA to cherry/oem profile, and it seems a lot of people quickly move from XDA/DSA profile, but I might be wrong or have a wrong insight on this.

I'm quite new to this whole business, and I haven't tried any high quality cherry profile caps yet. However I've found myself, after trying out both XDA and DSA that I really prefer either cherry or SA profiles, and rather dislike XDA/DSA profiles now.

I'd like to hear other inputs on this, as I have the impression that most people seem to land on GMK/Cherry, it sort of being at the end of the line for preferred keycaps.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: dexie on Mon, 21 January 2019, 08:13:54
My first board was OEM. I kinda liked it but decided to try DSA because of looks. Used it for few days and completely hated how it feels, so went back to OEM. Then I tried cherry and love it so much so use it since (~2 years).

I really want to try SA, but I am always hesitating to get a set. I've heard from others that it's hard to move from cherry to SA. Probably if I find one for <30$...
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: frydaja on Mon, 21 January 2019, 09:20:50
I don't exactly have a preferred keycap profile.
It went from flat (on Logitech K200) => Too flat (KD-800L) => OEM (Force K81) => OEM (Lite L) => Curved (RT101)

Out of them all, I prefer OEM and curved. Flat and stepped are usable, but there are exception on flat (chiclets). But curved wins slightly because the angle feels a bit more comfortable and because it's a great compromise between typing comfort and looks (ability to swap Y and Z without the board looking weird).
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Polymer on Mon, 21 January 2019, 10:47:58
Quote from: snurrebassen on Mon, 21 January 2019, 07:00:19
Hello!

So from different places I've chatted with people who's moved from SA to cherry/oem profile, and it seems a lot of people quickly move from XDA/DSA profile, but I might be wrong or have a wrong insight on this.

I'm quite new to this whole business, and I haven't tried any high quality cherry profile caps yet. However I've found myself, after trying out both XDA and DSA that I really prefer either cherry or SA profiles, and rather dislike XDA/DSA profiles now.

I'd like to hear other inputs on this, as I have the impression that most people seem to land on GMK/Cherry, it sort of being at the end of the line for preferred keycaps.

It is all personal preference.  Plenty of people like DSA and XDA keycaps....They also like how they look or just how they prefer to type it matches their style better.

But there is a reason Cherry or even OEM profiles are preferred and it isn't just because that is what you're used to....
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Hyde on Mon, 21 January 2019, 13:29:24
I start with OEM then tried Cherry, DSA, SA, MIX (has a new name now I think), and in the end I realize:

If you're talking purely ergonomics and typing efficiency I still like OEM the best.

If you're talking about sound and key feel then SA feels the most solid (deepest sound), though I still don't like sculpted SA I only like uniform row 3 SA.

In a perfect world if they can get OEM to feel and sound like SA then I'd use that.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Tue, 22 January 2019, 05:44:00
Quote from: dexie on Mon, 21 January 2019, 08:13:54
My first board was OEM. I kinda liked it but decided to try DSA because of looks. Used it for few days and completely hated how it feels, so went back to OEM. Then I tried cherry and love it so much so use it since (~2 years).

I really want to try SA, but I am always hesitating to get a set. I've heard from others that it's hard to move from cherry to SA. Probably if I find one for <30$...
I tried DSA because I loved how spherical tops looked, but eventually I ended up not liking it. It's good for certain boards though but not something I'll use daily. I'm more a fan of cherry now actually, after having tried out a little bit more profiles.
You should try to find a flat SA set, if you don't want such a hard transition from cherry. I'm enjoying both flat and sculpted SA profiles, but ultimately I prefer sculpted, since reaching the top rows is easier, and more comfortable.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Tue, 22 January 2019, 05:48:00
Quote from: frydaja on Mon, 21 January 2019, 09:20:50
I don't exactly have a preferred keycap profile.
It went from flat (on Logitech K200) => Too flat (KD-800L) => OEM (Force K81) => OEM (Lite L) => Curved (RT101)

Out of them all, I prefer OEM and curved. Flat and stepped are usable, but there are exception on flat (chiclets). But curved wins slightly because the angle feels a bit more comfortable and because it's a great compromise between typing comfort and looks (ability to swap Y and Z without the board looking weird).

I'd really like to try a curved keyboard, i love how it looks. I've primarily been using flat layouts, but just started out trying sculpted and I find it easier and more comfortable typing on the latter.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Ruskie on Tue, 22 January 2019, 12:24:15
For me, I started out with DSA as my preferred profile. At the time, I was experimenting with different layouts, and really enjoyed the fact that I could use different layouts like Colemak and workman without having to buy a specialty set. Over the years, I grew to dislike uniform profiles, and am now pretty comfortably set of cherry profile. For me, it just checks all the right boxes. That being said, the acoustics arent the greatest compared to something like SA, which has my favorite sound profile, but overall, Cherry profile is the best for me.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: zslane on Tue, 22 January 2019, 12:49:34
Since getting into mech keyboards back in 2015, my favorite profile has been SA. It still is my favorite.

I am also a big fan of MT3 and, to a lesser extent, DSA and XDA. Basically anything spherical.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Lanrefni on Tue, 22 January 2019, 14:14:16
Went from OEM to round typewriter caps to DSA,I'll try SA just as soon as I can find a set that will cover my BFO-9000 without costing more than all my boards are worth combined.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: crowKAKAWWW on Tue, 22 January 2019, 21:23:48
OEM --> Cherry --> SA -- > Cherry

I wanted to like SA, but in the end it was a bit too tall for my tastes. I'm thinking about trying MT3 next, looks like it might be the right balance between sculpt and height for me.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: jcoffin1981 on Wed, 23 January 2019, 04:40:59
My first mech was a Cherry MX 2.0.  I loved the low keycap profile.  I hated the OEM in comparison.  This led me to the Leopold profile I believe is Step-Sculpture and a preference for PBT.  However after using the Poker 3 caps to replace the generic ones on another 60% board, the Poker 3's OEM became my favorite.  No other profile feels more natural to my fingers, and no other keycap feels as satisfying to press.  Maybe it's the hefty weight of the caps? Anyway, I'm back to OEM.  There is certainly no reason to replace the keycaps on the Vortex Poker boards, except for aesthetics. 
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Fri, 25 January 2019, 02:47:19
Quote from: crowKAKAWWW on Tue, 22 January 2019, 21:23:48
OEM --> Cherry --> SA -- > Cherry

I wanted to like SA, but in the end it was a bit too tall for my tastes. I'm thinking about trying MT3 next, looks like it might be the right balance between sculpt and height for me.

I'm still on the SA part, but i'm starting to like cherry now, liking the low, stepped profile and the feel of the caps. As long as the switches are lubed and quiet the sound is perfect. I'm really excited to try out MT3, got two sets coming this summer, Susuwatari and Godspeed.

Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Fri, 25 January 2019, 02:52:58
Quote from: jcoffin1981 on Wed, 23 January 2019, 04:40:59
My first mech was a Cherry MX 2.0.  I loved the low keycap profile.  I hated the OEM in comparison.  This led me to the Leopold profile I believe is Step-Sculpture and a preference for PBT.  However after using the Poker 3 caps to replace the generic ones on another 60% board, the Poker 3's OEM became my favorite.  No other profile feels more natural to my fingers, and no other keycap feels as satisfying to press.  Maybe it's the hefty weight of the caps? Anyway, I'm back to OEM.  There is certainly no reason to replace the keycaps on the Vortex Poker boards, except for aesthetics.

Interesting for sure, how you came to love what you hated to start with.
I've used an uniform R3 SA profile on my nightfox for a while now, but now I switched to a stepped cherry set (the Leopold profile I believe) and so far it feels much more comfortable to type on compared to a flat profile.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: algernon on Fri, 25 January 2019, 04:18:57
I've started my mechanical keyboard journey with DCS caps, and liked those a lot on my ErgoDox EZ. I was never a big fan of DSA, nor R3 SA, and prefer non-uniform profiles. However, there's one exception: I like XDA on my ortholinear boards - not on anything else though. The more sculpt, the better, which is why my favourite is the Keyboardio Model01's fully custom sculpted profile. The keycap selection is obviously low, but all I need are blanks anyway.

As far as non-uniform profiles are concerned, I've tried OEM/Cherry, but found them inferior to both DCS and SA, the only keyboard I have OEM caps for is one I don't even use, just have it for show. For non-orthos, I have DCS or SA caps (and I'll be replacing DCS with SA once my wallet - and my wife - permits). The thing I like about SA is that they're higher than DCS, and have a slightly bigger surface area. I like big surface areas, and wouldn't mind something that's the height of SA, is sculpted, with larger areas for my fingertips. Something like the Model01's custom sculpt, but for MX switches. I'd love to try MT3, but I'm only buying blanks, and never again from Massdrop, so sadly I have not tried the profile yet.

This is the reason I like XDA for my orthos too: they're bigger than DSA. For orthos, I prefer a uniform profile, as all my orthos are one-piece, and I found sculpted to be best when tented & tilted on a split keyboard.

I have yet to try a keyboard with keyboard wells - I currently think I'd use an XDA set there, but you never know 'till you try.

Anyhow! I started with sculpted, and ended up with even more sculpting on most of my boards. The single uniform profile I like is XDA.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: no, the other guy on Fri, 25 January 2019, 04:24:03
The older I am, the higher keycaps I prefer.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: chyros on Fri, 25 January 2019, 08:11:56
Big fan of OEM and Modern SA, myself.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Sat, 26 January 2019, 02:59:35
Quote from: chyros on Fri, 25 January 2019, 08:11:56
Big fan of OEM and Modern SA, myself.
Modern SA ? is that uniform R3 profile?
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: SBJ on Sat, 26 January 2019, 05:45:48
I am pretty sure it started out with me being all about the SA caps.
I'm currently on a DSA set and I love it, so I'll be sticking with that for now I think.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Sat, 26 January 2019, 06:41:11
Quote from: StickyBlueJuice on Sat, 26 January 2019, 05:45:48
I am pretty sure it started out with me being all about the SA caps.
I'm currently on a DSA set and I love it, so I'll be sticking with that for now I think.
Interesting! what DSA set is that, and on what board?
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: SBJ on Sat, 26 January 2019, 07:10:36
Quote from: snurrebassen on Sat, 26 January 2019, 06:41:11
Quote from: StickyBlueJuice on Sat, 26 January 2019, 05:45:48
I am pretty sure it started out with me being all about the SA caps.
I'm currently on a DSA set and I love it, so I'll be sticking with that for now I think.
Interesting! what DSA set is that, and on what board?
It's the KBD8X.
Believe it or not I bought some cheapish DSA keyset from KBDfans as well and that's what I am using.
Definitely budget-board if you compare it to some of the other ones out there. But it does all I want it to and I am very happy with the switches. (67g V1 Zealio's)

I just found out today that R1 KBD8X PCB's are out of stock. I never got around to asking if they're going to restock, but I had hoped to build a 2nd board with some other switches that I could then switch out.
Alas that won't happen now unless I can find a PCB elsewhere.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: azhdar on Sat, 26 January 2019, 08:08:19
Cherry.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: rudeboy on Sat, 26 January 2019, 10:50:24
OEM rules all in my opinion. Can't beat that classic height / feel. I personally can't stand DSA's but they do look fitting for certain builds for sure, I just can't imagine how someone could enjoy using that to type on daily.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 26 January 2019, 14:33:42
Cherry is my preferred, because it's closer to the keyboard than OEM, which is a little too tall at times.

OEM and Cherry are both better than flat profiles like DSA,  because Flat profile feels very unnatural when striking the keys. The slope definitely helps smooth out the strokes.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Sun, 27 January 2019, 11:04:35
Quote from: StickyBlueJuice on Sat, 26 January 2019, 07:10:36
Quote from: snurrebassen on Sat, 26 January 2019, 06:41:11
Quote from: StickyBlueJuice on Sat, 26 January 2019, 05:45:48
I am pretty sure it started out with me being all about the SA caps.
I'm currently on a DSA set and I love it, so I'll be sticking with that for now I think.
Interesting! what DSA set is that, and on what board?
It's the KBD8X.
Believe it or not I bought some cheapish DSA keyset from KBDfans as well and that's what I am using.
Definitely budget-board if you compare it to some of the other ones out there. But it does all I want it to and I am very happy with the switches. (67g V1 Zealio's)

I just found out today that R1 KBD8X PCB's are out of stock. I never got around to asking if they're going to restock, but I had hoped to build a 2nd board with some other switches that I could then switch out.
Alas that won't happen now unless I can find a PCB elsewhere.
wow, i havent seen that one to be honest. looks really gorgeous.
I also have a DSA set from KBDfans, a blue/white full set, it was the first keycap set i got! :) I'm too nostalgic about it to sell it. Might use it one day, you never know.
Zealios are so pleasantly tactile, particularly unlubed, sounds like a great build.

I feel TKL kits are really hard to come by, ended up getting the XD87 for a build for my friend, quite happy with it.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Lucien Midnight on Thu, 31 January 2019, 16:34:43
Went from Poker II to a set of Ducky PBT caps, then got a 40% Ortho kit and paired with DSA caps which I currently hate. Next up was MDA on an XD75re. I ordered SP Ice Caps for a uniform r3 SA profile to see if I like it and for aesthetics. I like the MDA profile alright. Maybe will try Cherry next.  :cool:
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: mattlach on Thu, 31 January 2019, 19:11:18
Could someone explain the differences between these, SA, OEM, Cherry DSA, etc?
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: dexie on Fri, 01 February 2019, 01:23:05
Quote from: mattlach on Thu, 31 January 2019, 19:11:18
Could someone explain the differences between these, SA, OEM, Cherry DSA, erätc?
(http://i.imgur.com/kFxqOm8.jpg)
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: mattlach on Fri, 01 February 2019, 12:44:17
Quote from: dexie on Fri, 01 February 2019, 01:23:05
Quote from: mattlach on Thu, 31 January 2019, 19:11:18
Could someone explain the differences between these, SA, OEM, Cherry DSA, erätc?
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/kFxqOm8.jpg)


Interesting, thank you.   Been using Model M's for so long that I know very little about the world of MX compatible keycaps.  (I wonder which of these are closest to my M's)

So typically, all OEM caps have pretty much the same style?  I have typed on some Ducky One 2 OEM PBT caps and I thought they felt very nice, but that's about my only experience with MX style switches.

I have a couple of Ducky boards arriving (one with MX greens and one with tactile MX clears) I intend to play around with.   I guess now is about time to get up to speed on the keycap alternatives.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Peripheral Prophet on Fri, 01 February 2019, 16:46:56
SA was destiny for me, so was GMK, so I can choose from either when a drop hits... Super pissed I fell asleep for sa danger zone, literally fell asleep with danger zone in my cart with my phone on my chest and bam, drop ended, no keycaps for one of the best looking kits ever produced imo..
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Sat, 02 February 2019, 02:49:47
Quote

Interesting, thank you.   Been using Model M's for so long that I know very little about the world of MX compatible keycaps.  (I wonder which of these are closest to my M's)

So typically, all OEM caps have pretty much the same style?  I have typed on some Ducky One 2 OEM PBT caps and I thought they felt very nice, but that's about my only experience with MX style switches.

I have a couple of Ducky boards arriving (one with MX greens and one with tactile MX clears) I intend to play around with.   I guess now is about time to get up to speed on the keycap alternatives.

Yeah, Model M's pretty close to cherry I believe, probably with a curved backplate, with a cylindrical top (SA, DSA and MT3 etc all have a spherical top)
Keycaps is a super fun world to delve in. Some sets are more pricey than others, in my understanding, GMK is usuaully the priciest, depending on the set of course.

I have not tried either greens nor clears, but I've been wanting to try the latter for a long time. I hear they are very pleasant! Good luck!!
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Sat, 02 February 2019, 02:53:06
Quote from: Peripheral Prophet on Fri, 01 February 2019, 16:46:56
SA was destiny for me, so was GMK, so I can choose from either when a drop hits... Super pissed I fell asleep for sa danger zone, literally fell asleep with danger zone in my cart with my phone on my chest and bam, drop ended, no keycaps for one of the best looking kits ever produced imo..
Oh boy.

I even requested that one, but when the drop arrived, I've already ordered three other SA sets...
gorgeous colors in the Danger Zone. Think you might be able to find it on mechmarket for a fair price, since this is the second drop I believe.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: ander on Sun, 03 February 2019, 05:27:28
Isn't it more fun to have a bunch of keebs with different profiles, switches, key finishes, case designs, theme songs, etc., and enjoy typing on all of them? Why fixate on just one sort of anything?
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: macclack on Sun, 03 February 2019, 10:56:01
I can sill type fastest on Cherry profile but the more I get into this hobby, the more I've started liking just about every profile with the mild exception of XDA. I've also found my preference of the profile depends on the switches I pair with it.

For instance, high, spherical profiles like SA and MT3 seem to give my fingers more leverage and therefor they can be paired with a stiffer spring like Cherry MX Black or an equivalent.

With something like DSA where it's relatively flat and my fingers don't feel like they get as much leverage, I prefer a lighter linear switch like Gateron Yellows, Tangerines, Matcha, etc.

With Cherry can go with just about anything as it seems to be the most versatile.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Mon, 04 February 2019, 02:13:51
Quote from: ander on Sun, 03 February 2019, 05:27:28
Isn't it more fun to have a bunch of keebs with different profiles, switches, key finishes, case designs, theme songs, etc., and enjoy typing on all of them? Why fixate on just one sort of anything?
Definitely! I'm not planning on ruling out a certain profile and ending up with just one profile! It's just interesting to hear what other people prefer  ;D
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 04 February 2019, 04:40:06
My favourite keycap profile is Topre, but I use Cherry MX keyboards.

The other profile that is closest to Topre's would be Signature Plastics DCS, but it has thinner walls and is not compatible with O-rings or other silencing mods. Long ago I had been promised inexpensive blank ISO sets in DCS profile but that never materialised. So I use blank ISO sets in thick Cherry profile instead, and those are all PBT and are probably cheaper than the DCS sets would have been anyway.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Wood_Cables on Wed, 06 February 2019, 09:47:51
I started with a WASD board, using their caps which I'm pretty sure were OEM or Cherry. Then went to XDA and immediately loved those. Finally I got a grab bag of random SA's, kind of never looked back after that.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Wed, 20 February 2019, 02:05:46
Quote from: Wood_Cables on Wed, 06 February 2019, 09:47:51
I started with a WASD board, using their caps which I'm pretty sure were OEM or Cherry. Then went to XDA and immediately loved those. Finally I got a grab bag of random SA's, kind of never looked back after that.
SA is so nice and thick. I don't see myself going back to DSA or XDA from SA at least.

Think I'll like GMK once I try it out though
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Kyi195 on Wed, 20 February 2019, 07:37:01
Originally started with an old Model M.  Moved to some DSA caps after that and now I'm currently using SA (the last pulse drop that went through MD).  Definitely eyeing GMK for a 60% I'm planning.  We'll see what happens when I finally pull the trigger.

Oh, for a little bit at work I was using a Varmilo tkl.  Do those use OEM or Cherry?  So far I've liked the Varmilo caps the best which is probably why I went with SA with my new work board.  My board at home is still DSA tho a different set (and board fwiw) than what I started on.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Lucien Midnight on Wed, 20 February 2019, 09:49:59
Just reporting back that I got my SA Ice Caps and they just feel absolutely wonderful. Using on two different ortho boards at home and at work.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Wed, 27 February 2019, 04:54:57
Quote from: Lucien Midnight on Wed, 20 February 2019, 09:49:59
Just reporting back that I got my SA Ice Caps and they just feel absolutely wonderful. Using on two different ortho boards at home and at work.
I know, it's hard to let it go once you try it!
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Sintpinty on Sun, 03 March 2019, 07:08:33
Not very well.. still waiting for the g20 and flat keycaps stock from signature plastics to come in. Everybody downvoted me for liking flat keycaps. I just can’t seem to find completely flat keycaps anywhere but I’m supposing that DSA keycaps will work just fine.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: mta on Sun, 03 March 2019, 12:56:41
I started out with OEM, thought it was fine.

Moved onto Cherry and DSA at roughly the same time. Liked Cherry, but was iffy on DSA.

Moved onto SA (Nuclear Data, which I believe is uniform R3) and really enjoyed how it felt and sounded.

Haven't tried XDA yet but I've got XDA Melon on the way eventually so I'll be able to try that out then.

I don't know if I prefer one over the other so much as it's just fun to have a variety depending on the mood.

DSA though I'd rank slightly lower... it feels like you're typing on tiny little islands -- kind of a weird sensation. Maybe it'll grow on me but it's certainly an acquired taste, if anything!
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Sintpinty on Sun, 03 March 2019, 17:28:46
Quote from: dexie on Fri, 01 February 2019, 01:23:05
Quote from: mattlach on Thu, 31 January 2019, 19:11:18
Could someone explain the differences between these, SA, OEM, Cherry DSA, erätc?
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/kFxqOm8.jpg)

The apple profile looks really cool. It looks like the ibm caps lock. Still don't understand why people like those kinds.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: _GMK_ on Sun, 03 March 2019, 17:41:16
Quote from: Sintpinty on Sun, 03 March 2019, 07:08:33
Not very well.. still waiting for the g20 and flat keycaps stock from signature plastics to come in. Everybody downvoted me for liking flat keycaps. I just can’t seem to find completely flat keycaps anywhere but I’m supposing that DSA keycaps will work just fine.

I really hate flat profile keycaps. Your hands need to move much more. I only noticed it when I first tried a cheery g80-3850 cylindrical and uniform profile. Nice keeb but unusable keys.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: _GMK_ on Sun, 03 March 2019, 17:42:21
Quote from: Lucien Midnight on Wed, 20 February 2019, 09:49:59
Just reporting back that I got my SA Ice Caps and they just feel absolutely wonderful. Using on two different ortho boards at home and at work.

Is it uniform or sculpted?
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Mon, 04 March 2019, 05:12:01
To be honest, since making this post, I've grown more towards cherry and cylindrical keycaps. Comparing an SA R3 kit to a PBT cherry set, I love the feel and the sound much more.
 I'm going to try out two GMK sets now, so I might even end up selling the two MT3 sets I'm getting this summer  :-X
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Sintpinty on Mon, 04 March 2019, 05:39:26
Quote from: ander on Sun, 03 February 2019, 05:27:28
Isn't it more fun to have a bunch of keebs with different profiles, switches, key finishes, case designs, theme songs, etc., and enjoy typing on all of them? Why fixate on just one sort of anything?
Typing slanted is just not comfortable for me. I would say cherry profile and g20 + dna profile would be best.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Kavik on Tue, 05 March 2019, 11:35:41
I think OEM is a nice neutral profile for everyday use. Cherry profile is my least favorite because the dishing is too deep making the edges feel sharp, even on non-homing keys.

I like DSA and SA quite a bit; I prefer spherical caps overall because of the lack of sharp edges. My only issue with sculpted SA is that row 1 is so angled that every keypress feels like an off-center, causing a weird catching tactile feeling.

It depends on the switch type too. In general, SA sounds and feels better on heavy clicky and tactile switches because it attenuates the harshness of the click/tactile event while DSA feels better on lighter tactile switches. I think OEM is best on linear switches overall. From my limited experience, MT3 seems to be good on both medium weight linear and tactile.

SA is utterly exhausting on heavy linears.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Kevadu on Tue, 05 March 2019, 18:51:13
Quote from: Kavik on Tue, 05 March 2019, 11:35:41
I think OEM is a nice neutral profile for everyday use. Cherry profile is my least favorite because the dishing is too deep making the edges feel sharp, even on non-homing keys.

Uh, I'm literally looking at some OEM and Cherry keycaps right in front of me as I type this.  And I'm virtually certain that the dishes are deeper on the OEM caps than the Cherry caps...

Cherry profile has rather shallow dishes.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: snurrebassen on Wed, 06 March 2019, 05:45:53
Quote from: Kavik on Tue, 05 March 2019, 11:35:41
I think OEM is a nice neutral profile for everyday use. Cherry profile is my least favorite because the dishing is too deep making the edges feel sharp, even on non-homing keys.

I like DSA and SA quite a bit; I prefer spherical caps overall because of the lack of sharp edges. My only issue with sculpted SA is that row 1 is so angled that every keypress feels like an off-center, causing a weird catching tactile feeling.

It depends on the switch type too. In general, SA sounds and feels better on heavy clicky and tactile switches because it attenuates the harshness of the click/tactile event while DSA feels better on lighter tactile switches. I think OEM is best on linear switches overall. From my limited experience, MT3 seems to be good on both medium weight linear and tactile.

SA is utterly exhausting on heavy linears.
I agree, it depends a lot on the switches. SA is great with heavy tactiles yes, gives such a nice thock sound. Linear switches are extra smooth with Cherry (only caps i've tried it with) compared to SA, but DSA is pretty smooth with linears as well.

Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 06 March 2019, 05:57:45
If I didn't say this already, Leopold step culture 2 is the best then stock hhkb caps.


Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: nathanchere on Wed, 04 March 2020, 06:00:46
As far as flat profiles go, XDA is a comfortable favourite. Nice feel, plenty of high quality dye-sub PBT options out there from various manufacturers, and of course there is XDA Canvas. DSA isn't too far off - it's more of an aesthetic preference than a drastically different typing experience. Others like G20 and SA (all R3) are pretty annoying to type on by comparison.

As for sculpted profiles, it isn't even close. MT3 by a mile. It frustrates in a way me since (mass)drop own the only manufacturing moulds for it but it's so much nicer to type on than anything else. I haven't tried KAT yet and have a couple kits on the way but I can't see any way it could improve on MT3. Pretty much the only thing that would make me temporarily overlook (mass)drop's garbage one last time would be a good BoW MT3 set (or maybe MT3 Terminal... but even then I'd probably just wait for aftermarket sales).
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: mode on Thu, 05 March 2020, 00:51:40
I realised I don't really care and just go with aesthetics, so I type on SA for my daily driver.

I've typed on OEM, Cherry, SA, AEK, any time I change my typing suffers for a bit then I get used to it. I do like a wrist rest for tall profiles like SA though so pausing to rest doesn't feel so awkward. SA is better at a somewhat steeper angle, it's a profile that really benefits from having options in your keyboard feet.

Floating hands typing makes profile mostly moot imo.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Kiyoshi_NYC on Sun, 26 July 2020, 13:22:57
 :eek: First post ever...

I care deeply about profiles!
I tried OEM, Cherry, DSA, DCS, XDA, SA, KAT, KAM, MT3, Apple Extended Keyboard profile, and Alps.
I have not yet tried Apple IIGS, HSA (half SA), or NP (Novel Pro).

Without a doubt, sculpted profiles are better for typing.


I've used a lot of wooden/walnut keys, but they are only available in OEM, like so many sets. I've decided to only look for Cherry.
I only use AKEII keys on all my Alps boards, but since AEKII modifiers are weird sizes, and Apple has a weird space bar size, I mix/match when I have to.

I would like to think that Apple IIGS, HSA (half SA), and NP (Novel Pro) could be my new favorites, but they are so hard to get.
TLDR: Sculpted is the way to go, in my opinion! And, as OEM and SA is too tall, try Cherry or HSA! For Alps, try AEKII keys  :thumb:


https://i.imgur.com/t3l0lrF.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/t3l0lrF.jpg) is HSA.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: mode on Sun, 26 July 2020, 13:34:47
Comfort: AEK>Cherry>DCS>OEM>SA

I'm honestly totally fine with all of them though, I rank them by how quickly I get used to them, AEK and cherry are pretty much instant comfortable workflow keycaps, whatever I was used to before using them. AEK is still clearly my favourite profile for comfort, cherry is just totally inoffensive, but I love AEK profile.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Kiyoshi_NYC on Sun, 26 July 2020, 17:08:15
Quote from: mode on Sun, 26 July 2020, 13:34:47
Comfort: AEK>Cherry>DCS>OEM>SA

I'm honestly totally fine with all of them though, I rank them by how quickly I get used to them, AEK and cherry are pretty much instant comfortable workflow keycaps, whatever I was used to before using them. AEK is still clearly my favourite profile for comfort, cherry is just totally inoffensive, but I love AEK profile.

Agreed!
I would do anything to learn how to mod ALPS stem into CHERRY MX stem, so I could use AEKII keycaps with my other boards.
I am thinking of using an X-Acto knife to force my AEKII space bar from a 6.0U to a 6.25 size.
(there is nobody selling ALPS space bar in 6.25 size, with this profile)

I think the sculpted-ness of AEKII is okay, but where it really shines* is the very slight cylindrical curve. It's a little less aggressive than Cherry, and it makes it easier to type on.
*AEKII are all PBT (no shine), but the space bar is actually ABS.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Sintpinty on Sun, 26 July 2020, 17:23:50
G20 has mostly been discontinued. ):
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: -Jerry- on Sun, 26 July 2020, 17:30:06
My first mechs were all Corsair K70s, so I was most familiar with OEM keycaps. When I switched to Vortex, I got used to flat profiles, since they use DSA and their own VSA profiles. I moved on to ortho boards and splits and with that I ended up using DSA a lot since it's just easier than a sculpted profile.

Now I'm back on staggered boards, I'm finding Cherry just fine. Perfectly pleasant to type on, though having to worry about which row a 1U key will sit is obviously a pain, hehe.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: mode on Mon, 27 July 2020, 01:08:20
Quote from: Kiyoshi_NYC on Sun, 26 July 2020, 17:08:15
Agreed!
I would do anything to learn how to mod ALPS stem into CHERRY MX stem, so I could use AEKII keycaps with my other boards.
I am thinking of using an X-Acto knife to force my AEKII space bar from a 6.0U to a 6.25 size.
(there is nobody selling ALPS space bar in 6.25 size, with this profile)

I think the sculpted-ness of AEKII is okay, but where it really shines* is the very slight cylindrical curve. It's a little less aggressive than Cherry, and it makes it easier to type on.
*AEKII are all PBT (no shine), but the space bar is actually ABS.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

This blows my mind as an alps fan, The only thing I find frustrating about AEK keycaps is that there never was a normal ISO set, just the 0.25u shifted AEKII ISO and skinny enter M0118. I exclusively type on alps though, got rid of all of my cherry boards.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: jamster on Mon, 27 July 2020, 01:25:50
Mine has progressed from spherical on terminals decades ago, to cherry and OEM and stayed there. Tried spherical Sa and DSA) again this decade, and found it very unpleasant. Especially the high SA profile.

As a friend put it "in reminds me of the old University keyboards, not sure why I'd would want to go back to that"
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: CarnageHimura on Mon, 27 July 2020, 14:11:49
I really wanted to try SA profile keycaps, but the more I read, the more people with good reasons to not do it I found, at this time, SA profile, to me, look's like something only for aesthetics.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: dgneo on Mon, 27 July 2020, 14:14:16
cherry or topre oem profile. everything else just feels bad to me.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: rhubarbpi on Tue, 28 July 2020, 10:22:29
Quote from: Kiyoshi_NYC on Sun, 26 July 2020, 13:22:57
:eek: First post ever...

I care deeply about profiles!
I tried OEM, Cherry, DSA, DCS, XDA, SA, KAT, KAM, MT3, Apple Extended Keyboard profile, and Alps.
I have not yet tried Apple IIGS, HSA (half SA), or NP (Novel Pro).

Without a doubt, sculpted profiles are better for typing.

  • I prefer Apple Extended Keyboard Profile and Cherry for every single key except for the Function keys and the Space Bar.
  • For Function keys, I like SA!
  • For Space Bar, I like OEM, as I only use my thumb for the space bar, and never use my thumb to hit z/x/c/v/b/n/m/,/. keys. OEM is slightly taller, so easier to hit.

I've used a lot of wooden/walnut keys, but they are only available in OEM, like so many sets. I've decided to only look for Cherry.
I only use AKEII keys on all my Alps boards, but since AEKII modifiers are weird sizes, and Apple has a weird space bar size, I mix/match when I have to.

I would like to think that Apple IIGS, HSA (half SA), and NP (Novel Pro) could be my new favorites, but they are so hard to get.
TLDR: Sculpted is the way to go, in my opinion! And, as OEM and SA is too tall, try Cherry or HSA! For Alps, try AEKII keys  :thumb:


https://i.imgur.com/t3l0lrF.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/t3l0lrF.jpg) is HSA.


I've gone from OEM to Cherry to OEM Cubic (Tai Hao) and now over to AEK & IIgs.

As the AEK & IIgs are my daily drivers, I have to say that both are DELECTABLE in terms of profile feel.
The stepped PBT's on the IIgs make for a slightly higher curve than the AEK, and make for a more tactile grip on the keycaps due to the stepped cap.

That being said, AEK feels slightly more comfortable as its slightly more recessed into the frame.
Also arguably smoother keycap feel with the non-stepped caps.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: Kavik on Fri, 31 July 2020, 09:27:15
Quote from: CarnageHimura on Mon, 27 July 2020, 14:11:49
I really wanted to try SA profile keycaps, but the more I read, the more people with good reasons to not do it I found, at this time, SA profile, to me, look's like something only for aesthetics.

I am one of the few who actually likes SA profile for typing. They are best with heavy clicky, very tactile switches, or light linears. Light clicky or light tactile aren't great with SA in my experience.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: w9gfo on Fri, 31 July 2020, 16:39:40
I used many different profiles and board types, and now started to like low profile keyboards with low profile keycaps, feels like now my wrists are never getting tired [=
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: mode on Sat, 01 August 2020, 01:34:11
I like SA, it's entirely possible to get used to it and enjoy typing on it, it just absolutely has an adjustment period. If you like the aesthetic definitely go for it, just expect to get used to it.

I've been swapping boards every few days while working from home, and this has been more of an issue than it usually is, I used my SA board as my main work keyboard for months last year.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: rhubarbpi on Sat, 01 August 2020, 15:55:21
Quote from: mode on Sat, 01 August 2020, 01:34:11
I like SA, it's entirely possible to get used to it and enjoy typing on it, it just absolutely has an adjustment period. If you like the aesthetic definitely go for it, just expect to get used to it.

I've been swapping boards every few days while working from home, and this has been more of an issue than it usually is, I used my SA board as my main work keyboard for months last year.

I think theres a correlation between the adjustment period for both DSA and SA :

DSA being so flat that it actually works different arm muscle groups lol
SA being so tall that it works the tendons of your fingers differently from the height, possibly requires wrist rest for your set up lol

Both being fairly polarizing.
That being said, DSA as a typist is a no go.
SA are much better of an experience, at least to me.
Title: Re: How's your preferred keycap profile progressed?
Post by: mode on Sat, 01 August 2020, 16:33:37
I’ve not tried DSA or any uniprofile other than flat modern apple keyboards, but yeah, a wrist rest is a must for SA. I also prefer a steeper typing angle than other profiles.