What is Keycap? Types of Profile keycap are popular today

I. Keycap, keycap profile là gì?

2. Keycap hồ sơ

Profile keycap là thông số về độ cao và độ nghiêng của keycap. Tùy vào từng profile keycap sẽ mang đến cho bạn trải nghiệm gõ phím và tính thẩm mỹ khác nhau. Dù có sự khác biệt nhưng các hãng đều hướng tới mục tiêu tạo ra không gian làm việc thoải mái và linh hoạt cho người dùng.

Hồ sơ keycap

II. Keycap làm bằng chất liệu gì?
1. Nhựa ABS

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) là loại nhựa có tính đàn hồi cao và khả năng chịu va đập tốt. Nhựa ABS thường được sử dụng trên các mẫu bàn phím cơ giá rẻ. Màu sắc của các phím làm bằng nhựa ABS rất đẹp và bắt mắt do màu nền của loại nhựa này vốn đã tươi cộng với việc sờ vào phím có cảm giác chắc tay nên rất dễ nhận biết loại nhựa này.

Một ví dụ về nhựa ABS là gạch LEGO. Hãy tưởng tượng cảnh bạn dẫm lên một miếng LEGO, bạn sẽ hình dung được độ bền của loại nhựa này. Keycap ABS khi gõ sẽ nghe thấy tiếng *click* rõ ràng đặc trưng.

Keycap làm bằng nhựa ABS

Lợi thế

Giá thấp.
Chống va đập tốt.
độ đàn hồi cao.
Mẫu mã đa dạng do nhựa dẻo, dễ tạo khuôn.

Khuyết điểm

Bề mặt sáng bóng sau một thời gian sử dụng.
Nó dễ bị ố vàng khi tiếp xúc trực tiếp với ánh nắng mặt trời.
Độ bám kém hơn do trơn trượt.
2. Nhựa PBT

Nhựa PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) có bề mặt nhám hơn, cứng hơn và co ngót hơn ABS. Keycap PBT khi gõ bạn sẽ nghe thấy tiếng “bốp bốp”. Hầu như chỉ những bàn phím cao cấp trở lên mới sử dụng loại nhựa này, do loại nhựa này có tốc độ kết tinh nhanh nên đòi hỏi kỹ thuật xử lý cao hơn. Bàn phím rẻ hơn sẽ sử dụng nhựa PBT cho keycap và switch (khung bàn phím) sẽ sử dụng cả nhựa PBT và ABS.

PBT nhựa plastic keycap

advantage

High strength and good dirt resistance.

Surface rougher than ABS.

No shine or discolouration after a period of use.

Easy biological protection independent of chemical substances.

Good temperature resistance.

defect

high value
Crispy plastic material.
Change the formula to look at high spreads.
There is no bright color palette.
3. Plastic PC

PC (Polycarbonate) plastic undergoes the most drying conditions, so it has high hardness. Thanks to its transparency, PC plastic is often used for LED-lit keyboards.

Although not as popular as PBT or ABS, you can still find this material on Razer’s high-end designs. Plastic PC can be manufactured on its own or combined with ABS to form ABS-PC.

PC plastic keycap

advantage

ABS horizontal strength.

Not gilded after long time use.

Good impact resistance.

High aesthetics due to characteristic transparency.

Good temperature stability.

defect

Visible scratches make strong impact.

Need to protect the keycap regularly to ensure aesthetics.

4. POM . Plastic

POM (Polyoxymethylene) plastic has very high resistance, along with scratch resistance – resistance to detergents, so it is classified as a top product.

Because the price is too expensive and too difficult to customize, very few manufacturers choose this type of plastic to make keycaps. Often these high-end keycap lines will be used to mark the exclusivity or class of the company.

POM . plastic keycap

advantage

Durable, very good impact resistance.

Resistant to detergents makes it easy to clean the keycap.

Scratch resistance.

High aesthetics.

defect

High cost, few sources of production.

Hard to craft.

The surface grip is low, there is a feeling of sliding.

5. PVC

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is quite hard, mainly used to make keycaps.

The popular variable is only behind ABS, which is used by large technology companies due to its low cost. However, PVC plastic has only medium hardness and strength, along with being easily affected by temperature.

PVC keycap

advantage

The value must be.

Various colors and designs.

Cleaning and sanitizing have surfaces.

Less curved.

defect

Poor heat resistance.

Medium hardness.

The grip is not too high.

6. Metals

Today, many keycap artisans are also starting to raise the bar when using metal to create unique and unique keycap models on the market.

The metal used is mainly aluminum, magnifying glass or their alloy metal (light weight).

The metal keycap will cost slightly more than ABS due to the processing cost, but in return, the finished product will be extremely satisfied and beautiful. Moreover, you can optionally use text/picture or engrave text/emboss on your own keycap.

Metal keycap

advantage

Good durability, heat resistance and wear resistance.

Beautiful and unique finished product.

Various colors and designs.

defect

High price.

Make loud sounds when typing.

Some types of metal keycap stick to fingerprints.

III. Some of the most popular keycap profiles today

1.OEM

OEM  (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is the most common type of keycap profile.

This extended keycap belongs to the type of sculpting configuration (the key in each row will have a different height and tilt to accommodate the movement of the finger when typing) so the height and tilt between rows will have a difference.

and the surface of the keycap is slightly curved up like a cylinder to hug the fingers, also known as Grabkey.

Like its name suggests, the OEM configuration is applied to the original keyboards of the manufacturers when they just hit the market.

Most major brands such as Razer, Corsair, Logitech,… all use OEM keycap profiles for their products.

But because of their popularity, OEM profiles are often rated as causing a “boring” feeling when typing.

• OEM Profileadvantage

  The height and inclination are designed just right.

• The surface curvature is evenly spread horizontally to help arrange the appropriate force for the fingers, making it easier for the fingertips to distinguish the keys from which to enter faster and more accurately.
  Easy to get used to, easy to use.
  The value must be.
  Popular in the market so easy to find and buy.defect

  Cannot change the position of keycap.

• Depending on the brand, the OEM profile will be individually tweaked, so you need to be aware of the size and format when you want to change the new keycap.
• Not suitable for those with small hands because they have to stretch their hands a lot, causing hand irritation.

2. Cherries

Cherry profile  originated from the company  Cherry  –  “mechanical switch tycoon”  from Germany.

This configuration has an even flat surface with a relatively large slant in the last rows.

This is a keycap form that is considered easy to use, highly aesthetic and feels solid and smooth when typing.

Although not as popular as OEM, Cherry is also popular with many people due to its many beautiful designs and designs, plus the meticulous attention to detail of German engineers.

Cherry is quite similar to OEM but the high level is somewhat lower. Therefore, the inclination of the last rows is also adjusted to balance the force of the hand when manipulating.

Cherry is especially suitable for those of you who have smaller hands or do not want to raise your hand too much when typing.

This is also the main reason that many people switch from OEM to Cherry, although there is not too much difference between them.

cherry profile

advantage

For a very good typing experience, few hands when typing for a long time.

Keystrokes are firm and smooth even when typing at a fast pace.

Comfortable, easy to use.

High aesthetics, many unique designs.

defect

Not compatible with the bottom LED switch.

High price.

3. WRONG

SA profile  designed by   Signature Plastics   of the US, the company is famous for its meticulousness in each stage of production when each keycap is molded by doubleshot technology and produces top quality. Keycap SA is in the “hardcore” form, with a much higher key than the OEM, suitable for those who use a lot of force when typing or those who like strong feelings.

This configuration has a moderate convexity, high design and when combined with ABS plastic, creates a characteristic smoothness for the keys, creating a very convenient feeling and beautiful image.

Although it does not give the optimal import experience like OEM or Cherry, SA is very sought after due to its beautiful design but very rare in the market.

For mechanical keyboard players, owning the SA keycap profile proves to be a great passion as well as their microscope because it takes months, even years to buy, not to mention the case you don’t fit. are place sell this line profile.

Profile SA

advantage

Extremely durable keycap with machined doubleshot technology.

Beautiful design with clear curves, solid but no less harmonious.

The logical order of rows creates a sense of attraction.

Many unique designs, create your own substance.

defect

Not as optimal as OEM or Cherry.

High price.

Key height is easy to irritate hands, often have to buy hand pads.

4. DSA

DSA records  also come from SP house. Unlike its SA brother, the DSA keycap has a high and low keycap and each row is of equal height.

The surface is slightly convex to hug the fingers when manipulating. In addition, the keys are also designed with a wide surface, helping users avoid feeling constricted when using.

The overall DSA gives users a sense of simplicity, harmony and elegance.

However, with a low level of specificity, DSA is not suitable for tactile or clicky switches, the resulting sound will not be as clear or bright as the high configuration types (high keys).

• DSA . recordsadvantage

  Keycap is low, so you can type without using your hands for a long time.
  Simple, compact, elegant.

• The surface is wide and convex to the center for a good typing experience.
• The character for easy viewing is in the middle of the keycap.
• Easy to get used to, easy to use. 
• defectNot suitable for tactile or clicky switches.