Sans Other Kelam 5 is a regular weight, normal width, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font.
Keywords: editorial, branding, packaging, posters, book covers, warm, lively, friendly, bookish, crafty, add warmth, improve readability, distinct voice, humanist tone, humanist, calligraphic, tapered, flared, inked.
A humanist sans with subtly calligraphic construction and tapered stroke endings that read like small flares rather than true serifs. Curves are generous and slightly oval, with a soft rhythm and mild stroke modulation that becomes most noticeable on diagonals and joins. Uppercase forms stay fairly open and rounded, while lowercase shows distinct, handmade-like details such as a single-storey “a,” a looped “g,” and a lively, slightly asymmetric “k.” Numerals are oldstyle-leaning in feel, with varied silhouettes and rounded terminals that match the text face.
Well suited to editorial typography, book covers, and cultural or lifestyle branding where a friendly, human voice is desired. The clear, open shapes and steady rhythm also make it practical for packaging, posters, and short-to-medium text settings that benefit from added personality.
The overall tone feels approachable and slightly literary, combining clean sans structure with a gentle, hand-drawn warmth. It suggests a personable, crafted voice rather than a strictly technical or corporate one, with enough character to add charm without becoming overtly decorative.
The design appears intended to blend sans-serif clarity with a calligraphic touch—retaining straightforward letter skeletons while using tapered terminals and mild modulation to create warmth and individuality.
In text, the face maintains an even color while preserving its tapered terminals, which help keep long lines from feeling rigid. Several forms (notably diagonals and bowls) show a subtle pen-like energy that gives the design a distinctive texture at display sizes as well as in comfortable reading sizes.