YMDK 104 Key SA Profile ANSI ISO Double Shot Shine Through PBT (Purple) Review (2026)

Who this keycap set is for

This set is aimed at builders who want the classic SA profile look, a rounded, sculpted, cylindrical top that sits noticeably taller than Cherry or OEM caps, but still need the legends to light up under RGB or single color backlighting. The purple colorway with double shot shine-through PBT construction means the letters and symbols are molded in a separate layer rather than printed, so they stay legible and glow evenly for the life of the caps. Because the set includes both the standard ANSI keys and four extra ISO keys, it works for shoppers building either a US layout or a UK or European ISO board, which is a combination most keycap sets do not offer in one package. Anyone who dislikes tall profiles or wants a flush, low typing angle should look elsewhere.

Layout and switch compatibility

The set is built for standard MX-style mechanical keyboards using a 104, 87 or 61 key ANSI bottom row layout, meaning a 6.25u spacebar paired with seven 1.25u modifier keys along the bottom. The listing specifies it is meant for standard Cherry MX style switches and stems, so it should fit most hot swap and soldered boards using that stem shape. It is explicitly not compatible with Corsair, Razer or Logitech keyboards, which use their own non-standard stem or spacing on some models, so owners of those brands should check their specific bottom row before ordering. Builders with a nonstandard bottom row, such as a 6u or 7u spacebar layout common on some 60 percent boards, will also need to confirm their board uses the 6.25u configuration this set expects.

Backlighting and legend placement

Because SA caps are tall and the legends in this set are positioned toward the north or top edge of each keycap, the shine-through effect looks best on boards with north-facing LEDs. Boards that place their LED south of the switch, closer to the front of the key, will not illuminate the legends as evenly, since the light has to travel further up through the tall cap before reaching the printed area. This is a common limitation across SA profile shine-through sets generally, not unique to this one, but it is worth checking your board's LED position before assuming a dramatic backlit look. Single color and white backlighting tend to show the effect most clearly, while multicolor RGB can look slightly uneven near the top of the tallest rows.

Typing feel and sound

SA profile is one of the tallest common keycap shapes, taller than Cherry, OEM or DSA, and it gives each row a deep, spherical dish that many typists describe as a retro or vintage feel reminiscent of older terminal keyboards. That height changes the overall typing angle and can require a wrist rest or a lower keyboard tenting angle for comfortable long sessions, especially for people used to flatter modern profiles. The thick PBT material used here also affects sound, generally producing a deeper, slightly more muted tone than thinner ABS caps, along with better resistance to finger oil shine over time. Typists switching from a low profile board should expect an adjustment period before the taller rows feel natural under fast typing.

Value and what is in the box

The set ships as keycaps only, with no keyboard, switches or puller mentioned in the listing, so factor in a separate keycap puller if you do not already own one. At this price point, getting a full 104 key ANSI set plus the four ISO keys in one package is a reasonable value for anyone who specifically wants SA profile with shine-through legends, since dedicated SA sets with dual layout support are less common than standard ANSI-only options. Because the color and cap shape are distinctive, it suits a themed or retro build more than a subtle office keyboard. Buyers should double check their board's bottom row spacing and LED position against the compatibility notes before ordering to avoid a mismatch.

Frequently asked questions