DSA Milkshake vs. GMK Darling: Colorway and Profile Face-Off

Quick Answer

Choose DSA Milkshake if you want a uniform, low-profile keycap with a playful pastel colorway and a flat typing angle. Choose GMK Darling if you prefer a sculpted Cherry profile with a taller, more traditional feel and a pink-focused aesthetic. Both are excellent, but your preference for profile and color scheme will decide the winner.

When it comes to custom keycaps, the colorway and profile are two of the most important decisions. DSA Milkshake and GMK Darling are two popular sets that cater to different tastes. DSA Milkshake offers a uniform, low-profile design with a playful pastel palette, while GMK Darling features a sculpted Cherry profile with a pink-heavy colorway that has captured the hearts of many.

In this face-off, we'll compare these two sets across colorway, profile, and typing feel, so you can decide which one deserves a spot on your keyboard.

Colorway: Playful Pastels vs. Pink Perfection

DSA Milkshake is known for its vibrant yet soft pastel colorway, featuring shades of pink, blue, yellow, and green that evoke a retro diner vibe. The set is playful and whimsical, making it a great choice for those who want a fun, colorful board. GMK Darling, on the other hand, is dominated by pinks and soft creams, with a more cohesive and romantic aesthetic. It's a favorite among those who love a monochromatic pink setup.

Your choice here depends on your personal style. If you want a multi-color set that stands out, DSA Milkshake is the way to go. If you prefer a more uniform, pink-focused look, GMK Darling will be more appealing.

• Consider your desk setup and other peripherals when choosing a colorway.

Profile: Uniform DSA vs. Sculpted Cherry

DSA profile is uniform, meaning all rows have the same height and shape. This allows for a flat typing surface, which some users find more comfortable for long typing sessions and makes it easier to swap keycaps between rows. GMK Darling uses the Cherry profile (often referred to as CYL), which is sculpted with different heights per row, providing a more ergonomic, contoured feel that many typists prefer.

The trade-off is clear: DSA offers a modern, flat aesthetic and flexibility, while Cherry profile provides a classic, sculpted typing experience that has been a standard for decades. Your preference for typing feel will heavily influence your decision.

• If you're unsure, try a cheap DSA and Cherry keycap set to feel the difference.

Typing Feel and Sound

The profile affects not only the look but also the sound and feel of your keyboard. DSA's uniform profile tends to produce a slightly different sound profile compared to Cherry's sculpted rows, often described as more consistent across keys. Cherry profile, with its stepped rows, can feel more natural for touch typists who are used to standard keyboard layouts.

Both sets are made from ABS plastic with double-shot construction, ensuring durable legends and a smooth, familiar texture. The choice between them comes down to whether you prefer a flat, uniform typing experience or a sculpted, ergonomic one.

• Sound and feel are subjective; what works for one person may not work for another.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

• Colorway: DSA Milkshake offers a playful, multi-color pastel palette; GMK Darling is pink-focused and cohesive. Choose based on your desired desk aesthetic.
• Profile: DSA is uniform and flat; Cherry (CYL) is sculpted with row-specific heights. Consider your typing comfort and preference.
• Availability: GMK Darling is a preorder with various kits; DSA Milkshake may have limited availability. Check current stock and lead times before committing.

Product Facts

• DSS Easter: DSS Easter is a keycap set from NovelKeys, LLC. This set is offered in the DSS profile and is constructed from ABS plastic with a double-shot manufacturing process. Please note that this item is part of a clearance sale and is nonreturnable. While not the exact set in this comparison, DSS Easter shows NovelKeys' variety in profiles and colorways, offering a similar playful aesthetic with a different profile option.
• GMK Analog Dreams R3: GMK CYL Analog Dreams is back again with a blast from the past and a taste of the future. For the first time since 2019: Latin-only alphas. For the first time ever: MTNU. But don't worry, there's still plenty of sublegends for maximum A E S T H E T I C. This set from the same store demonstrates the range of GMK offerings, with a dreamy colorway and the classic CYL profile, similar to GMK Darling.

Which Set Fits You?

Best for

• Those who love a playful, multi-color pastel aesthetic and prefer a flat, uniform typing surface.
• Typists who want the flexibility to swap keycaps between rows without worrying about profile angles.

Not for

• Those who prefer a sculpted, ergonomic typing feel and a more cohesive, pink-centric color scheme.

In the end, DSA Milkshake and GMK Darling are both fantastic keycap sets, but they cater to different preferences. If you're drawn to a playful, colorful board with a uniform profile, DSA Milkshake is your pick. If you prefer a romantic, pink aesthetic with a classic sculpted feel, GMK Darling will be your dream. Consider your typing habits and desk setup, and you'll find the perfect set for your keyboard.