[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "compare%20key%20profile%20on%20keycron%20q3%20max%20with%20keycron%20q3%20ultra%204k%2C%20i.e.%20oem%2C%20osa%2C%20k%2C%20tall%20or%20short%20keys"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a detailed comparison of the keycap profiles and related height, slope, and shape features between the Keychron **Q3 Max** and **Q3 Ultra 8K** keyboards. I\u2019ll cover the OEM, OSA, KSA profiles, and whether these are considered tall or short, along with other physical specs.\n\n---\n\n### Key Profiles & Their Designs\n\n| Profile | Name | Row Sculpt | Shape Type | How Tall vs Others |\n|---|---|---|---|---|\n| **OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)** | Traditional sculpted profile with 4 rows of height differences. | Sculpted (4 rows) | Cylindrical top; oval/slope shape. | Standard height\u2014neither very tall nor very low. |\n| **OSA (OEM Spherical Angle)** | Keychron\u2019s version of OEM with spherical-eared shaping. | 4 rows (same as OEM) | Cylindrical but with slight curve (\u201cspherical-angle\u201d) on the edges. | Same height as OEM overall; some edges more curved. |\n| **KSA (Keychron Spherical Angle)** | Taller, more sculpted sphere-like profile, similar in height to SA. | 5 rows (each row clearly distinct in height) | Deep sphere tops, strong sculpt, tall profile. | Significantly taller than OSA/OEM; among the tallest. |\n\n---\n\n### Q3 Max \u2013 what you get by default\n\n- Ships with **KSA profile** *and* **OSA profile** keycaps depending on variant. ([keychron.com](https://www.keychron.com/collections/add-on-for-oem-profile-pbt-retro-keycap-set/products/keychron-q3-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai))  \n- Height/dimensions (without keycaps):  \n  \u2022 Front height: ~19.7 mm  \n  \u2022 Back height: ~32.6 mm ([keychronsg.com](https://www.keychronsg.com/products/keychron-q3-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai))  \n- Angle of the board: ~5.2\u00b0 ([keychronsg.com](https://www.keychronsg.com/products/keychron-q3-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai))  \n\n#### Keycap profile notes:\n\n- **OSA profile**: OEM-like height and sculpt; 4 rows; cylindrical surface, slightly curved edges; apparently same total height as OEM sets. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/1nnuca9/osa_keycap_options/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **KSA profile**: Taller than OSA/OEM; 5 rows of height, spherical (deep curved) caps; more sculpt. Users report it feels significantly higher under fingers. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/1nnuca9/osa_keycap_options/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### Q3 Ultra 8K \u2013 what you get\n\n- Comes with **KSA double-shot PBT keycaps** by default; no OSA option listed among stock (though keycaps are MX-standard so aftermarket swaps are possible). ([keychron.com](https://www.keychron.com/collections/q-ultra-series-landing-page/products/keychron-q3-ultra-8k-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai))  \n- Physical specs (without keycaps):  \n  \u2022 Front height: ~20.6 mm  \n  \u2022 Back height: ~31.09 mm ([keychron.com](https://www.keychron.com/collections/q-ultra-series-landing-page/products/keychron-q3-ultra-8k-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai))  \n- Angle: ~5.3\u00b0 ([keychron.com](https://www.keychron.com/collections/q-ultra-series-landing-page/products/keychron-q3-ultra-8k-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai))  \n\n#### Keycap profile notes:\n\n- **KSA profile**: Deep sculpt, 5 rows; tall and highly contoured. ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/keyboards/keychron-q3-ultra-8k-review?utm_source=openai))  \n- Reviewers say the height/slope of the lowest rows (e.g. number row, F-row, space bar row) are *much taller* than OEM or Cherry profiles, and that it takes some adjustment if coming from flatter profiles. ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/keyboards/keychron-q3-ultra-8k-review?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### Direct Side-by-Side: Q3 Max vs Q3 Ultra 8K\n\n| Feature | Q3 Max | Q3 Ultra 8K |\n|---|---|---|\n| Default key profile(s) | OSA or KSA (depending on model) ([keychron.com](https://www.keychron.com/collections/add-on-for-oem-profile-pbt-retro-keycap-set/products/keychron-q3-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Height w/o keycaps (front / back) | 19.7 mm / 32.6 mm ([keychronsg.com](https://www.keychronsg.com/products/keychron-q3-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Height w/o keycaps (front / back) | 20.6 mm / 31.09 mm ([keychron.com](https://www.keychron.com/collections/q-ultra-series-landing-page/products/keychron-q3-ultra-8k-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Key profile feel | If using **OSA** \u2192 more moderate height (OEM-like). With **KSA**, tall profile with deeper sculpt. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/1nnuca9/osa_keycap_options/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| Profile feel on Ultra 8K | Tall, sculpted, deeper profile (KSA); noticeable increase in height especially in the bottom rows; some users find the slope too aggressive if used to flatter profiles. ([tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/keyboards/keychron-q3-ultra-8k-review?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n### Manufacturer / OEM Source & Compatibility\n\n- Both boards use **OEM-compatible MX switch footprints**, so keycaps intended for OEM, Cherry, OSA, KSA profiles will physically fit. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Keychron/comments/1iq2rf5/q_max_series_keycap/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Keychron itself makes OEM-like sets (OSA), as well as its own tall set (KSA). ([keychron.com](https://www.keychron.com/collections/add-on-for-oem-profile-pbt-retro-keycap-set/products/keychron-q3-max-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### Tall vs Short Keys Summary\n\n- **Short / moderate**: OSA / OEM are middle-ground in height. Not flat but not tall. Good if you don\u2019t want a big drop between rows or feel strain from tall keys. (Q3 Max has this option.)  \n- **Tall**: KSA is significantly taller. Deep sculpt; increases vertical drop especially between bottom and top rows. Some love it for classic, vintage \u201ctactile\u201d feel; others feel overstretched. Ultra 8K only offers this stock.\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which profile you prefer (lower, like OEM/Cherry, or very sculpted and tall like SA/KSA), I can suggest which board might suit you better\u2014or whether swapping keycaps is practical to get your preferred feel."
    }
]