In the market there are many keycaps of all kinds that we can use to change the design of our mechanical keyboard . The problem is that even though almost all have the same dimensions and anchor, not all have the standard measurements and, in fact, not all keyboards use standard measurements. So are all mechanical keyboard keycaps compatible? How can you tell if they are? Let’s see it.
The standard for keycap dimensions was defined by the inventor of mechanical switches, Cherry, who, although not a defined standard as such, can be considered standard because it is the design on which all the others have been based. For this reason, the unit of measure for keycaps is known as ” Cherry profile “, or sometimes ” OEM profile “.
The standard dimensions of the keycaps for mechanical keyboards
Following the Cherry profile, the typical width-by-depth dimensions of mechanical keyboard keycaps are 1 × 1 (18mm) , and what changes slightly is the height and shape, which does not usually interfere with compatibility.
The compatibility problem is usually with the special keys, such as CTRL, ALT, the space bar, and SHIFT. Here are the dimensions considered as standard, based on the Cherry profile.
As you can see, the special keys have a standard size of 1 × 1.25, with the SHIFT 1 × 2.25 and the space bar 1 × 6.25, and yet there are many keyboards whose CTRL, ALT and WIN keys have specific dimensions which do not match this, as the standard says that all three should be the same size.
As for the space bar, these are its standard dimensions according to the Cherry profile.
What to look for to see if they are compatible with your keyboard
The first thing you should look at is whether the keycaps you intend to buy have the same anchorage as those of your keyboard. The anchoring of mechanical keyboards is usually in the shape of a cross in the center, Cherry style the same as its size, but you must be careful because in the end not all use the same system. Also be careful if your keyboard is low profile or with hybrid switches, because the anchorage also changes.
After this, you must make sure that the keycaps that your current keyboard has have Cherry profile dimensions. If at its widest part they measure 18 x 18 mm then they are standard, and as a general rule any set of keycaps that is compatible with these dimensions will work for you. With everything and with that, you will have to make sure of the dimensions of the CTRL, ALT, SHIFT and spacebar keys, as well as the ENTER key that, as you know, on ANSI keyboards is different from on others.
Unfortunately, you will have to measure the keycaps of your keyboard and know the dimensions of the keys you want to buy to know if they will be compatible or not. Luckily, the manufacturers are knowledgeable about this and in almost all cases they indicate the exact dimensions of all the keys they sell.
So now you know, although the anchor is the same, not all keycaps are compatible with all keyboards, and if you want to change yours, you will have to measure to check it.
