Cherry vs KSA Keycaps: Which Profile to Choose
By Keychron | Custom Mechanical Keyboards for Mac, Windows ... | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Comparisons
Compare Cherry Profile and KSA PBT keycap sets from Keychron: fit, layout coverage, and which suits your custom keyboard build best.
Quick answer
Choose Cherry Profile keycaps for maximum layout compatibility across HHKB, WKL, and non-standard sizes; choose KSA keycaps for a streamlined fit with specific Keychron Q, V, and Pro series boards.
Layout coverage vs. board-specific fit
The main difference between these two PBT keycap sets is how they approach compatibility. Cherry Profile Double-Shot PBT Full Set covers HHKB, WKL, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 96%, and 100% layouts—including UK ISO. That makes it a go-to for custom builds or unusual keyboard sizes.
KSA PBT Full Keycap Set, on the other hand, is tuned for specific Keychron series: Q, Q Pro, Q Max (with exceptions), V, V Max, 81 Pro, Lemokey L1, L3, L4, P1, K2, and more. If you own one of those boards, the KSA set is a direct drop-in without extra keys to sort through.
Set size and material
Both sets use double-shot PBT, which offers durable, fade-resistant legends and a textured feel that resists shine over time. The Cherry Profile set includes 218 keycaps, while the KSA set covers a full set for its supported boards—neither set includes the keyboard itself.
Cherry Profile vs KSA: trade-offs to consider
- Cherry Profile: broad layout support: Covers HHKB, WKL, and many non-standard layouts. Ideal for custom builds or switching between different keyboard sizes. Best if you build keyboards or use non-Keychron boards.
- KSA: board-specific simplicity: Precisely matches Keychron Q, V, Pro, and Max series (with listed exceptions). No extra keys to manage. Best if you own a compatible Keychron keyboard and want a clean drop-in set.
- Material and durability: Both use double-shot PBT for long-lasting legends and a matte texture that resists wear. Material quality is comparable; choose based on fit, not feel.
Product facts at a glance
- Cherry Profile Double-Shot PBT Full Set Keycaps - Camel: 218-keycap set covers HHKB, WKL, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 96%, and 100% layouts including UK ISO. You can use this set on almost any custom or non-standard keyboard layout without hunting for missing keys.
Cherry Profile Double-Shot PBT Full Set Keycaps - Camel - Double Shot KSA PBT Keycap Full Keycap Set: Designed specifically for Keychron Q, Q Pro, Q Max, V, V Max, 81 Pro, Lemokey L1, L3, L4, P1, K2 series keyboards (excluding several specific models). If you own a supported Keychron board, this set fits exactly—no extra keys, no guesswork.
Double Shot KSA PBT Keycap Full Keycap Set
Which set fits your build?
Best for
- Custom keyboard builders needing broad layout compatibility
- Users with HHKB, WKL, or non-standard keyboard sizes
Not for
- Keychron Q8, Q9 Plus, Q10, Q11, Q60, V8, V10, and other excluded models—these need a different set
