Sans Contrasted Usmu 9 is a very bold, normal width, high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'EF Radiant' by Elsner+Flake and 'Radiant' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, sports branding, packaging, logos, assertive, retro, editorial, sporty, industrial, impact, readability, brand presence, vintage punch, blocky, compact, sturdy, bracketed, ink-trap.
A heavy, high-contrast display face with sculpted, block-like letterforms and crisp, squared terminals. Stems are broad and steady while joins and curves show sharp internal cut-ins that create a carved, ink-trap-like bite—especially in letters like C, G, S, and the lowercase a/e. The overall geometry mixes straight-sided bowls with tightly controlled curves, producing a compact rhythm and strong vertical emphasis. Numerals are robust and legible, with a notably angular 4 and a dense, oval 0 that matches the type’s chunky, poster-ready color.
Best used for large-scale text such as headlines, posters, signage, and bold brand marks where its dark color and carved detailing can be appreciated. It can also work well for short bursts of copy on packaging or promotional materials, especially where a retro-industrial or sports-driven impact is desired.
The tone is loud and confident, with a vintage, headline-driven energy that reads as both athletic and industrial. Its carved details add a slightly mechanical toughness, giving the face a punchy, no-nonsense personality suited to attention-grabbing typography.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact with a compact, carved aesthetic: strong verticals for authority, high contrast for drama, and strategically cut-in curves to keep large, dense letterforms readable and lively.
Lowercase forms keep a straightforward, sturdy construction; round letters are slightly squarish and the counters tend to be tight, reinforcing a dark overall texture. The distinctive internal notches at curves and joins help differentiate similar shapes at large sizes and add visual snap in all-caps settings.