Keycap Profile FAQ: Should I Choose OEM or Cherry?

Before purchasing keycaps, please check which keycap profile your keyboard uses. OEM and Cherry profiles mainly differ in height and typing feel. They usually do not affect installation if your keyboard uses standard MX-style switches, but we do not recommend mixing different profiles on the same keyboard.

1. How do I know whether my keyboard uses OEM or Cherry profile?

First, find your keyboard brand and model. Then search online using your keyboard model.

You can search on:

Google: https://www.google.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com
Brand official website: search for your keyboard brand’s official site

Search phrases you can use:

Keyboard brand + model + keycap profile
Keyboard brand + model + OEM profile
Keyboard brand + model + Cherry profile
Keyboard brand + model + compatible keycaps
Keyboard brand + model + replacement keycaps

For example:

Keychron K2 keycap profile
RK R75 keycap profile
Akko 3087 compatible keycaps
Logitech mechanical keyboard keycap profile

If the result says OEM Profile, choose OEM.
If the result says Cherry Profile, choose Cherry.

2. Where can I find my keyboard model?

You can usually find your keyboard model in these places:

The label on the back of the keyboard
The original packaging box
Your order details page
The product title or product description
The brand’s official product page

If you purchased your keyboard online, you can also check your order history here:

Amazon Orders: https://www.amazon.com/gp/css/order-history
Best Buy Orders: https://www.bestbuy.com
Walmart Orders: https://www.walmart.com
eBay Purchase History: https://www.ebay.com/mye/myebay/purchase

If you only know the brand but not the exact model, please send us a clear photo of the front of your keyboard and the label on the back. We will help you check.

3. What if the product page does not mention the keycap profile?

If the product page does not show the keycap profile, try searching again on Google, YouTube, Reddit, Amazon Q&A, or keyboard forums.

Useful websites:

Google: https://www.google.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com
Reddit Mechanical Keyboards: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/
Geekhack Keyboard Forum: https://geekhack.org
Deskthority Wiki: https://deskthority.net/wiki
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com

Search phrases you can use:

Keyboard model + keycap profile
Keyboard model + replacement keycaps
Keyboard model + compatible keycaps
Keyboard model + OEM vs Cherry
Keyboard model + keycap height

Other users may have already shared the original keycap profile in reviews, Q&A, forum posts, or videos.

4. What keywords should I search for?

Useful search terms include:

Keycap profile
OEM profile
Cherry profile
Compatible keycaps
Replacement keycaps
Keycap height
Keycap compatibility

English keywords usually give better results, especially for international keyboard brands.

You can copy and paste these keywords directly into:

Google: https://www.google.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com

5. What if I still cannot find the profile?

If you are replacing the full keycap set, both OEM and Cherry profiles usually fit most mechanical keyboards with MX-style cross switches. The main difference is height, appearance, and typing feel.

Choose OEM if you want a taller profile closer to many stock mechanical keyboards.

Choose Cherry if you prefer a lower profile and a more compact typing feel.

If you are replacing only a few keycaps, we do not recommend mixing OEM and Cherry profiles because the height difference will be noticeable.

6. Does choosing the correct profile guarantee compatibility?

No. Besides OEM or Cherry profile, please also check:

Whether your keyboard uses MX-style cross switches
Your keyboard layout, such as 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL, 96%, 98%, or full-size
Spacebar size, commonly 6.25U or 7U
Shift, Enter, Backspace, Alt, Ctrl, Fn, and other bottom-row key sizes

Membrane keyboards, scissor-switch keyboards, and laptop keyboards usually cannot use standard mechanical keyboard keycaps.

7. What is the difference between OEM and Cherry profile?

OEM Profile

OEM is common on many prebuilt mechanical keyboards. It is generally taller and gives a more raised typing feel.

Cherry Profile

Cherry profile is generally lower. It feels closer to the keyboard and is popular among many custom keyboard users.

Simple comparison:

OEM: taller, common on many stock mechanical keyboards
Cherry: lower, more compact typing feel

8. Can I use Cherry profile keycaps on an OEM keyboard?

Usually, yes. If your keyboard uses MX-style cross switches and the key sizes match your layout, Cherry profile keycaps can be installed.

However, the overall height will be lower than your original keycaps, so the typing feel may change.

9. Can I use OEM profile keycaps on a Cherry profile keyboard?

Usually, yes. The keycaps will sit taller than Cherry profile keycaps, and the typing feel may be different.

Please still check switch type, layout, and larger key sizes before purchasing.

10. What information should I send if I need help?

If you are not sure, please contact our customer support and send:

Keyboard brand and model
A clear front photo of the keyboard
A photo of the label on the back
Original product link or order screenshot
If possible, remove one keycap and send photos of the bottom and side of the keycap

We will help you check whether OEM or Cherry profile is more suitable for your keyboard.