Slab Contrasted Kadu 3 is a regular weight, narrow, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Malaga' by Emigre (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: editorial, book text, headlines, newspaper, institutional branding, authoritative, traditional, sturdy, academic, readability, density, authority, editorial tone, classic utility, slab serif, bracketed serifs, vertical stress, crisp terminals, economical width.
This typeface is a sturdy slab serif with clearly bracketed, rectangular serifs and a compact, economical footprint. Strokes show moderate contrast, with firm vertical stems and slightly lighter connecting strokes, producing a steady, print-like rhythm. Letterforms lean toward classical proportions—open counters, confident bowls, and well-defined joins—while maintaining a crisp, controlled edge in the serifs and terminals. The overall spacing and proportions prioritize clarity and density, reading as composed and utilitarian rather than ornamental.
It performs well in editorial settings such as magazines, newspapers, and book typography, where a strong serif voice supports long-form reading and structured hierarchy. The compact proportions also suit headlines, subheads, and labeling where space is at a premium while keeping a traditional tone. It can also serve institutional or heritage-leaning branding that benefits from a stable, authoritative typographic base.
The tone is dependable and institutional, evoking editorial seriousness and academic credibility. Its strong slabs and measured contrast lend an air of authority and permanence, suitable for content that needs to feel established and trustworthy.
The design appears intended to deliver a classic slab-serif voice with practical readability and a confident, print-forward texture. It balances firmness and refinement through moderate contrast and bracketed slabs, aiming for a dependable workhorse feel for text and display roles.
Uppercase characters feel especially solid and formal, while the lowercase maintains readable, traditional construction with a straightforward, text-oriented cadence. Numerals appear robust and legible, matching the serifed structure and maintaining a consistent weight and presence alongside the letters.