We are excited to introduce the PFF profile, a dedicated keycap height designed specifically for MX low-profile mechanical switches, which has now completed development.
In line with our commitment to open collaboration, the full design drawings for the PFF profile have been made publicly available:
Download via the link below ⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://www.xbigcat.com/pff-profile-design-and-information/
The PFF molds are now accessible to designers and distributors globally for production.
Designer: Matt3o (Italy)
Design Introduction: https://matt3o.com/introducing-pff/
The following is a translation of the designer's linked content:
Since the launch of PBS, compatibility with low-profile keyboards has been a frequent question.
While making new stems for PBS is easy, the results aren't ideal. Truly low-profile boards need keycaps designed from the ground up—that's why we created PFF (Penguin Flat Feet). For context, PBS stands for "Penguin Belly Slide."
A Quick Look at the PBS Profile
The PBS profile is moderately low (just over 7mm at its highest point) and is designed for ergonomics. Its key surface is cylindrical, while the dish is spherical, creating a broad, comfortable contact area for your fingers.
If you're interested in this profile, you can read more in this blog post: Introducing the PBS Profile.
You can also find PBS profile products in our store:
Bringing PBS Ergonomics to Low-Profile
The "Penguin" name is shared because PFF's top surface is very close to PBS's. Our goal was to bring PBS's smooth, ergonomic typing feel to the low-profile form factor, despite the space constraints and lack of standard in that market.
Many low-profile keycaps are flat and ignore comfort. PFF is different. It offers a broad, cylindrical surface with a deep, rounded dish. Like PBS, it uses a uniform layout for maximum mixing-and-matching freedom—a boon for custom keyboard enthusiasts.
Don't just take our word for it; you'll need to try it to feel the difference.
PFF keycaps front view display on keyboard.
PFF keycaps side view display on keyboard.
Manufacturing
Speaking of manufacturing, Keyreative is the official manufacturer, and they have done an excellent job optimizing this challenging keycap profile.
We have already obtained the first prototype samples and are busy completing the final adjustments to the molds. If everything goes smoothly, the molds should be completed by November 15th. Therefore, the first batch of products will be launched in early 2026. The good news is that the pricing will be lower than the PBS series.
It has also been learned that CannonKeys plans to launch an ultra-thin split keyboard, which is expected to adopt the PFF profile. This is something to look forward to.
Switch Compatibility
Designing a keycap for the diverse and tightly toleranced low-profile switch market is complex. While compromises were necessary, the final PFF keycap targets compatibility with approximately 90% of today's low-profile switches.
Our testing indicates compatibility with the following major switches:
- Cherry MX Low Profile
- Kailh Choc V2 (and similar Kailh low-profile switches)
- Gateron Low Profile
- Huano Low Profile
A notable inclusion is Huano switches. Though less common, they are key to Keychron's popular ultra-thin keyboards. To ensure a secure fit, the PFF keycap's stem is precision-engineered with an H-shaped design that matches the unique stem of Huano switches.
PFF internal structure
The PFF keycap itself stands at 5mm, with a slight stem protrusion bringing its total height to 5.7mm. However, the more critical measurement is the installed height from the PCB to the keycap top.
The PFF system achieves a significantly lower profile than most keycaps on the market. Here is how it compares:
| Profile | Keycap Height (from PCB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PFF | ~11.7 mm | The new low-profile standard. |
| PBS | ~17.8 mm | A relatively low profile, yet ~6 mm taller than PFF. |
| MTNU | ~20.5 mm | Results in a height difference of ~8.8 mm compared to PFF. |
In essence, while the PFF keycap is only about 1.8mm shorter than a PBS keycap, this difference translates to a reduction of over 6mm in overall keyboard height.
Illustrated below is a comparison of PFF with other keycap profiles. Please note that the PFF specifications are based on prototype data.
PFF vs MTNU
Materials
PFF keycaps will be crafted from a PBT composite material, likely incorporating glass microbeads. This filler serves a dual purpose: it provides crucial structural integrity to prevent warping in the short keycaps during cooling, and it enhances surface scratch resistance.
The texture aims to be very close to the PBS profile, perhaps feeling imperceptibly rougher. As a PBT keycap, all designs will be produced using the dye-sublimation printing method. There are currently no plans for double-shot molding.
Supported Keycaps
The PFF profile features a uniform design (all rows identical), which streamlines production and supports comprehensive layout compatibility, including fully convex bottom rows.
Concave Keys (Dished):
1u, 1u homing (bar and deep dish), 1.25u, 1.5u, 1.75u, 1.75u stepped, 2u, 2u vertical, 2.25u, 2.75u, ISO Enter.
Convex Keys:
1u, 1.25u, 1.5u, 1.75u, 2u, 2.25u, 2.75u, 3u, 4.5u, 6u, 6.25u, 7u.
(The 4.5u spacebar is a special nod to the JIS market!)
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