APK Protocol
APK Type · Maël Bächtold, Arthur Schwarz · 2021
A symmetry-driven modern grotesque with hard-edged stroke terminations, a high x-height and tight spacing, relaunched in 2026 as a variable font.
About
Originally drawn in 2018 and expanded into a full family in 2021 with Swiss type designer Maël Bächtold, APK Protocol pushes the neutrality and rationalism of the contemporary grotesque to deliberate extremes. Strokes terminate on strict horizontal or vertical axes, letterforms favour inner symmetry, and the overall spacing is dense and compact. A set of alternates introduces a more eccentric character when required. The 2026 relaunch, refined with Arthur Schwarz, adds a variable font version across seven weights.
Classification
A contemporary grotesque with a strict geometric discipline, emphasising inner symmetry, horizontal and vertical stroke terminations, and a high x-height. Its hard-edged, neutral character places it firmly in the modern grotesque tradition.