What Are MT3 Keycaps? the Retro Profile for Keyboard Players

Are you looking for a completely new typing experience, one that is both retro and gently cradles your fingertips? MT3 keycaps are the answer. This is a tall, meticulously sculpted (sculpted high-profile) keycap profile, famous for its unique “deep dish” design, which provides a solid typing feel and a characteristic deep, warm (thocky) sound. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know what are MT3 keycaps: from its design origins and comparisons with rivals like SA and Cherry, to choosing the MT3 set that’s right for you.

What Are MT3 Keycaps? Everything About the “Deep Dish” Profile

To understand what MT3 keycaps are, think of them as small works of art designed to optimize your typing experience. MT3 is a meticulously sculpted keycap profile, inspired by the classic IBM Beamspring keyboards of the 1970s.

The most characteristic features of MT3 lie in 3 factors: height (high-profile), sculpting, and the “deep dish” surface

Origin and Design Philosophy of the MT3 Profile

The MT3 profile was designed exclusively by Drop (formerly Massdrop). Their philosophy was to recreate the “legendary” typing feel of vintage IBM terminals, but updated to fit modern mechanical switches (like Cherry MX and its variants). The goal was to create a profile that helps your fingers “find their way home” naturally, minimizing typos and increasing comfort.

The Unique Shape and Structure of MT3 Keycaps

What defines the MT3 profile’s meaning is its shape:

• Sculpted Profile: The rows have different heights and angles, forming a gentle curve that follows the natural movement of your fingers.
• High-Profile: MT3 has significant height, taller than Cherry/OEM but slightly shorter than SA, providing a more substantial typing feel and a louder sound.
• Deep Dish: This is the “star” of MT3. The keycap surface is deeply concave and spherical, perfectly cradling your fingertips. Notably, the “home row” keys (F, J) often have an even deeper dish, helping you orient your hands without looking.

Materials and Production Technology

Most high-end MT3 keycap sets from Drop are made from two main materials with durable legend printing technology:

• Doubleshot PBT: PBT plastic has a textured surface, is wear-resistant, and won’t develop shine after long-term use. The doubleshot (2-layer injection) technology ensures the legends will never fade.
• Doubleshot ABS: Some special sets use high-quality ABS plastic, offering more vibrant colors and a sound that is slightly sharper than PBT.

Comparing MT3 With Other Popular Profiles

To know if MT3 is right for you, comparison is crucial. Here is the showdown between MT3 and two other “giants,” SA and Cherry.

MT3 vs SA – The Clash of the Titans

Both MT3 and SA are high-profile and have spherical concave surfaces. However:

• Concavity (Dish): MT3 has a deeper and more sharply-angled dish, creating a better “locking” feel for the fingers. SA’s dish is shallower and wider.
• Height: SA is typically slightly taller than MT3, which can feel a bit more “towering” to some people.
• Sound: Both produce a deep sound, but many users find MT3’s sound “cleaner” and more focused, while SA tends to be more resonant.

MT3 vs Cherry – Vintage vs. Modern

This is a comparison between two completely different styles:

• Shape: Cherry profile is medium-height, sculpted cylindrically, and less angular. MT3 is tall and spherical.
• Feel: Typing on Cherry is fast, light, and familiar (it’s the most common profile). Typing on MT3 is slower, more deliberate, and the feel is “warmer” and “fuller.”

Summary Comparison Table (AI Overviews Friendly)

Profile	Height	Surface Shape	Typing Feel	Suitable For
MT3	High	Deep Spherical (Deep Dish)	Solid, finger-hugging, precise	Text typing, programming
SA	Very High	Shallow Spherical	Heavy, vintage, “thocky”	Relaxed typing, aesthetics
Cherry	Medium	Shallow Cylindrical	Fast, precise, familiar	Gaming, high-speed typing
DSA	Low	Light Spherical (Uniform)	Easy to learn, flexible	Ortholinear keyboards, beginners

The Typing Feel and Sound of MT3 Keycaps

Why do users love the MT3 typing feel? It’s the perfect combination of design and acoustics.

• Hugging and Precise Feel: The deep dish design provides excellent finger positioning. You can clearly feel when your finger is nested in the keycap, offering a great ergonomic typing feel for long work sessions.
• Deep, Warm Sound (Thocky Vintage): As high-profile keycaps often made from thick PBT plastic, MT3 produces a deep, warm, and very satisfying “thocky” sound, reminiscent of classic computers.

Who should choose MT3?: If you are someone who likes a “weighty,” deliberate typing feel, and prioritizes precision and comfort over absolute speed, MT3 is an unparalleled choice.

Notable MT3 Keycap Sets on the Market

When you talk about MT3, you have to talk about Drop. Here are a few legendary keycap sets you should know.

• Drop + Matt3o MT3 Susuwatari: Inspired by vintage IBM terminals, with a black-gray colorway and orange/white legends. This is considered the “classic” MT3 set.
• Drop + T0mb3ry MT3 Godspeed: A colorway of blue, gray, and cream-yellow inspired by the Apollo spacecraft, offering a retro-futuristic style.
• Drop + Matt3o MT3 /dev/tty: A cream-white and light gray set, providing a clean, minimalist look.
• Drop + MiTo MT3 Cyber: For cyberpunk fans, with striking purple and neon pink colors.

Frequently Asked Questions About MT3 Keycaps (FAQ)

Are MT3 keycaps good for gaming?

It depends on the game. For high-speed games like FPS, a lower profile like Cherry might be more suitable. However, for MMOs, RPGs, or typing games, the precision and comfort of MT3 are an advantage.

How do I clean MT3 keycaps?

You can remove the keycaps and soak them in warm water with mild soap, then use a soft brush to scrub them. Since most are PBT plastic, they are very durable and easy to clean.

Is my keyboard compatible with MT3 keycaps?

Most MT3 sets support Cherry MX-style switches (with the cross-shaped stem). The most important thing is to check your keyboard’s layout (Fullsize, TKL, 65%, ANSI, ISO) to buy the correct kit with all the necessary keys.

The answer is YES, if you are looking for a unique, comfortable, and deeply retro typing experience. MT3 is not just a keycap set; it is a comprehensive upgrade in both feel and sound for your mechanical keyboard. From the deep-dish design that cradles your fingertips to the characteristic “thocky” sound, MT3 keycaps offer a fun and distinct typing journey. Although the price may be high, the quality and experience it delivers are completely worth it.