Artisan Keycaps Guide: Profiles, Sizes and How to Make Sure They Fit
An artisan keycap is a small, handmade keycap that replaces one key on a mechanical keyboard, usually Esc. Where a normal keycap set is mass-produced in plastic, an artisan keycap is sculpted, painted and cast by hand, often in clear resin with a tiny scene inside. This guide explains keycap profiles, sizes and compatibility so you can buy one with confidence.
What makes a keycap "artisan"?
- Handmade: each one is sculpted, painted and cast by hand, so no two are identical.
- Sold individually: artisans are accent keys, not full sets. Most people add one or two.
- Designed to be looked at: ours are cast in transparent resin, so a dragon, a Pokemon or a koi seems to float inside the key.
Keycap profiles explained
A keycap profile is the shape and height of the keys. It changes how a keyboard looks and feels. The most common profiles are:
| Profile | Height | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry | Low | Sculpted rows, slightly curved tops |
| OEM | Medium | Sculpted rows; the default on most pre-built keyboards |
| SA | Tall | Sculpted rows, rounded (spherical) tops, retro look |
| DSA | Low | Uniform rows, rounded tops |
| XDA | Low to medium | Uniform rows, wide flat tops |
| MT3 | Tall | Sculpted rows, deep dish |
Our keycaps use the SA profile. SA keys are taller than Cherry or OEM keys, so an SA artisan stands slightly proud of the rest of your keyboard. That is part of the appeal, and it is why most people put an artisan on a key they don't press constantly, such as Esc.
Keycap sizes: what 1u, 2u and 6.25u mean
Keycap sizes are measured in units (u). One unit is the width of a standard letter key, based on a key spacing of 19.05 mm (0.75 inch).
- 1u: letters, numbers and Esc. Most artisan keycaps are 1u.
- 1.5u: Tab on most layouts. 1.75u: Caps Lock.
- 2u: Backspace. 2.25u: Enter and left Shift.
- 6.25u: the standard spacebar on full-size and most 60% keyboards. Some layouts use 6u, 6.5u or 7u.
How to measure your spacebar: divide its length in millimeters by 19.05. About 114 mm is 6u, 119 mm is 6.25u, 124 mm is 6.5u and 133 mm is 7u. Our custom Pokemon spacebar comes in all four lengths, plus Tab, Caps Lock, Backspace and Enter sizes. If your keyboard has a split or unusual spacebar, email us before ordering.
Will an artisan keycap fit my keyboard?
Look at the stem under any keycap. If it is a cross shape (+), you have an MX-style switch, and our keycaps will fit. That includes Cherry MX and most MX-style switches from brands such as Gateron and Kailh.
Our keycaps won't fit low-profile switches such as Kailh Choc, laptop or membrane keyboards, or Topre and Alps switches without an MX-style stem.
How to install an artisan keycap
- Remove the old keycap with a keycap puller, pulling straight up.
- Line up the cross-shaped stem with the switch.
- Press the artisan down evenly until it seats. Don't rock it from side to side.
Popular artisan keycaps
Custom Pokemon Spacebar Artisan Keycap
Our best-selling keycap: 1u Pokemon keycaps from $52, larger modifier keys from $72.90 and custom spacebars at $172.90.
Azure Phantom Dragon Artisan Keycap
A dragon suspended in clear resin. See all dragon keycaps. $52.
Blue Purple-Tail Kyuubi Naruto Artisan Keycap
Available as a single keycap or a set of five, for fans who want a matching row. From $52.
Axolotl Artisan Keycap
A cute pick from our cute keycaps. $52.
Caring for resin keycaps
- Dust with a soft brush or dry microfiber cloth.
- Avoid alcohol and solvents, which can dull the surface and the paint.
- Keep your keyboard out of strong direct sunlight; UV is the main cause of yellowing in resin.
Artisan keycaps FAQ
Are artisan keycaps worth it?
If you enjoy your keyboard, yes. It is the one key you will notice every day, and a handmade piece makes a mass-produced keyboard feel personal.
Can I type on an artisan keycap?
Yes, but SA artisans are tall and sculpted, so most people use them on Esc or another accent key.
How long do custom keycaps take?
Custom keycaps are made to order and take 8 to 25 days to make, plus shipping. See our shipping policy.
Find your key: browse all artisan keycaps, anime keycaps, Pokemon keycaps and Naruto keycaps.
Character designs are fan-made and not affiliated with or endorsed by the rights holders.
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