Are you a keyboard aficionado, or perhaps someone who spends significant hours typing away or immersed in gaming? You’ve likely encountered chatter about diverse keycap profiles. Today, let’s dip our toes into two of the crowd favorites: The Cherry and OEM profiles.
The Cherry Profile: Origin and Overview
The Cherry profile gets its name from the iconic German company, Cherry, who introduced it in the 1980s along with their original mechanical keyboards, the G80 and G81 series. These keycaps feature a distinctive sculpted shape that mimics the natural curvature of your fingertips, making for a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience.
The Cherry profile is shorter than most other profiles, including OEM. This decreased height gives Cherry profile keycaps a unique feel that some users find easier for typing and gaming. Additionally, this profile tends to produce a more bassy sound – though remember that other factors like switches used, case material or thickness of the keycaps can also affect sound.
You’ll often find these keycaps made by companies like GMK and ePBT in both ABS and PBT materials. While ABS plastic is cheaper and smoother, PBT offers better durability and grip.
OEM Profile: The Standard Bearers
On the flip side, we have the OEM profile. The term ‘OEM’ stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer which points to its widespread usage on many pre-built keyboards.
The OEM profile keycaps are generally taller than their Cherry counterparts providing a uniform height across all keys. They feature a cylindrical shape with a flat top offering consistent typing experience.
Most commonly made from ABS plastic, these keys come in various color options but may lack diversity in design compared to their Cherry counterparts. However, they can be bought at more affordable prices making them an attractive option for those on tight budgets.
Cherry vs OEM: A Question of Preference
In terms of price comparison between OEM and Cherry profiles, it’s quite clear that OEM keycaps tend to be more cost-effective. On the other hand, if customization is your thing then Cherry profile with its wide range of designs might be worth considering despite being pricier.
But here’s the catch – there isn’t really a definitive winner when comparing these two profiles because it all boils down to personal preference and typing style. Some folks love how their fingers nestle into each curve on a Cherry keycap while others prefer uniformity offered by OEM profile.
Another point to consider when choosing between these two is availability – while OEM tends to be more common; Cherry profile keycaps might require some hunting around as they usually have to replace stock ones that come with keyboards.
The Impact of Material Choices: ABS vs PBT
Whether you’re considering Cherry or OEM profile keycaps, it’s likely you’ll encounter two types of plastics in your search: ABS and PBT. But what does this mean for you and your gaming experience? ABS plastic, usually the more affordable option, features a smooth texture. It’s important to note that it may be less durable and can develop a shiny patina over time due to wear. Conversely, PBT plastic might pinch your pocket a tad more but offers a textured surface for an enhanced grip. Plus, it proudly claims superior durability compared to ABS.
Considerations for Gamers
For gamers who spend long hours bashing away at their keyboards, comfort and response can be critical factors. The shorter height of Cherry keycaps can make rapid keystrokes feel more responsive and less fatiguing over time. However, some gamers prefer the uniformity of OEM keycaps which allows for consistent keystrokes across all keys – an invaluable trait when the difference between victory and defeat can come down to split-second reactions.
Color and Design Options
Mechanical keyboards deliver a unique pleasure – the freedom to tailor them to reflect your personal flair or current mood. Cherry profile keycaps, boasting an extensive palette of colors and designs, are a hit among enthusiasts seeking that individualistic touch. On the other hand, OEM profiles might not flaunt as many design choices, but they do present a rainbow of color options without breaking the bank.
Sound Differences: A Matter of Acoustics
The symphony of your keystrokes might just be the unsung hero of your typing or gaming sessions. Renowned for their more resonant, bass-filled sound, Cherry profile keycaps owe this to their shorter stature. Yet, it’s important to remember that the final acoustic output is a concert of several factors. The type of switch you opt for, the material of the case and plate, and even the thickness of the keycap itself all play pivotal roles in shaping your keyboard’s unique sound.
FAQ
1. Which profile is better: Cherry or OEM?
There isn’t a definitive answer as it largely depends on personal preference. Some users prefer the shorter height and sculpted shape of Cherry profile keycaps while others enjoy the uniformity provided by OEM profiles.
2. Is there a price difference between Cherry and OEM profiles?
Yes, generally speaking OEM keycaps tend to be cheaper compared to Cherry profile sets made by GMK or ePBT.
3. Are both profiles compatible with any mechanical keyboard?
Yes, they are both compatible with keyboards that use switches with similar stem designs such as Cherry MX switches, Kailh switches, Gateron switches or Zealio switches.
4. What’s the difference in sound between these two profiles?
Cherry profile keycaps usually produce a deeper or bassier sound due to their decreased height compared to OEM profiles; however other factors including switch type and case material can affect sound too.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for keycaps for your rk61 or any other keyboard model – remember that choosing between these two profiles will largely depend on your personal liking and budget constraints.
No matter which switch you lean towards, remember, the key to a lasting and gratifying typing experience lies in choosing top-notch keycaps. Opt for those crafted from robust materials such as PBT plastic – they promise durability and a heightened sense of satisfaction every time you type.
In the grand scheme of things, every keystroke should resonate with satisfaction, making your gaming journey a joyous one. So go ahead, take a moment to weigh both options before you cement your decision.