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 of them have the same dimensions and anchorage, not all of them have the standard measurements and, in fact, not all keyboards use standard measurements. So are all mechanical keyboard keycaps supported? How can you know if they are? Let’s see it.
The keycap dimensions standard was defined by the inventor of mechanical switches, Cherry, which although it is not a standard defined as such, it can be considered standard because it is the design on which all the others have been based. For this reason, the keycap unit of measure is known as ” Cherry profile “, or sometimes ” OEM profile “.
The standard dimensions of the keycap for mechanical keyboards
Following the Cherry profile, the usual width-by-depth dimensions of mechanical keyboard keycaps are 1 × 1 (18mm) , and what changes slightly is height and shape, something that doesn’t usually interfere with compatibility.
The compatibility problem is usually in the special keys, like CTRL, ALT, the space bar, and the SHIFT. Here you have 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 specifically have 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 if the keycaps you intend to buy have the same anchorage as those on your keyboard. The anchorage of the mechanical keyboards is usually in the form of a cross in the center, Cherry-style as well 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 need to make sure that the keycaps your current keyboard has have Cherry profile dimensions. If they are 18 x 18 mm in their widest part, then they are standard, and as a general rule, any set of keycaps that are compatible with these dimensions will serve you. With everything and with that, you will have to make sure of the dimensions of the CTRL, ALT, SHIFT and the space bar, as well as the ENTER key that, as you know, on ANSI keyboards is different from 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, manufacturers are aware of this and in almost all cases indicate the exact dimensions of all the keys they sell.
So you already know, although the anchorage is the same, not all keycaps are compatible with all keyboards, and if you want to change yours, you will have to measure to verify it.