Sans Normal Melab 9 is a very bold, wide, medium contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Jacquot Sans' by BRCH Studio, 'FF Good' by FontFont, 'Remora Corp' by G-Type, 'Practico Display' by Monotype, 'PG Gothique' and 'PG Grotesque' by Paulo Goode, and 'Palo' by TypeUnion (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, branding, packaging, sports graphics, playful, punchy, retro, sporty, friendly, impact, motion, approachability, display emphasis, retro flavor, rounded, slanted, compact, soft corners, chunky.
This typeface uses heavy, rounded letterforms with a consistent rightward slant and smoothly blunted terminals. Curves are generous and elliptical, with compact counters that create strong dark–light rhythm at display sizes. Strokes feel broadly uniform while subtle shaping in joins and bowls keeps the forms lively rather than purely geometric. The overall texture is dense and cohesive, with tightly integrated curves in letters like a, e, s, and g and sturdy, simplified constructions in the capitals.
It performs best in short, high-impact settings such as headlines, posters, event promotions, and bold brand moments. The slanted, rounded forms work well for packaging, merchandising, and sports or youth-oriented graphics where energy and friendliness are priorities. Large sizes and moderate tracking help maintain clarity in dense phrases.
The tone is energetic and approachable, combining a sporty, poster-like impact with a playful softness from its rounded contours. Its slanted stance adds motion and urgency, while the chunky silhouettes keep it friendly instead of aggressive. The overall impression leans retro and exuberant, suited to attention-grabbing messages.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum visual impact with a fast, forward-leaning stance, while keeping the personality approachable through rounded geometry. It balances simplified, sturdy constructions with lively curves to remain legible and expressive in display typography.
The numerals share the same rounded, weighty construction and read best when given ample spacing and size. Rounded apertures and compact counters can make interior space feel tight in longer lines, reinforcing its role as a headline-forward style rather than a text face.