Understanding Keycap Profiles
Keycap profiles are the shapes and heights of the keycaps that affect the aesthetics, typing feel, and ergonomics of a mechanical keyboard. They are broadly categorized into uniform and sculpted profiles.
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Uniform Profiles: Such as DSA and XDA, feature identical keycaps across all rows, facilitating custom layouts.
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Sculpted Profiles: Like Cherry and OEM, have uniquely shaped keycaps for each row to complement natural finger movements.
Popular Keycap Profiles
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OEM Profile: Medium height, angled tops, widely used and user-friendly.
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Cherry Profile: Slightly shorter than OEM, well-proportioned, and comfortable.
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SA Profile: Taller with a spherical sculpt, preferred for a retro look.
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DSA and XDA: Uniform low profiles, ideal for custom and non-standard layouts.
Keycap Materials
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ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Smooth, easy to mold, but prone to shine over time.
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PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): Durable, textured, and maintains quality over time.
Dye-Sublimation Manufacturing Process
Dye-Sublimation is a printing method where legends are first printed on paper with special ink and then transferred onto the keycaps using heat. This process allows the dye to penetrate the plastic, making the legends nearly immune to fading.
Double-Shot PBT Legends Manufacturing
Double-shot manufacturing involves injection molding where two layers of plastic are used to create the keycap and the legend. This technique ensures that the legends never fade and allows for a wide range of color combinations.
