If you’re diving into the world of mechanical keyboards, one thing you’ll quickly notice is how important keycaps are. They don’t just affect how your keyboard looks—they change how it feels and sounds every time you type.
But with so many keycap materials out there, how do you know which one is right for you? This guide will help you understand the different types of keycap materials, so you can choose the perfect fit for your typing style and preferences.
Keep reading, and you’ll soon discover how the right keycaps can transform your whole keyboard experience.
Credit: redragonshop.com
Keycap Material Basics
Keycap materials affect the feel and look of a mechanical keyboard. Different materials change how keys sound and wear over time.
Choosing the right material helps you get the best typing experience. Each type has unique features and durability.
Common Types Of Keycap Materials
Plastic is the most common keycap material. The two main types are ABS and PBT. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):Smooth and shiny, but can wear down and shine over time.
- PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate):More durable and textured. It resists shine and lasts longer.
- POM (Polyoxymethylene):Known for smoothness and durability. Less common but high quality.
- PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide):Very tough and heat resistant, usually for high-end keycaps.
Each material changes how the keyboard feels and looks. ABS is softer, while PBT feels firmer and rougher.
Keycap Shapes And Profiles
Keycap shape and profile affect typing comfort and speed. Profiles describe the height and angle of the keys.
Popular profiles include OEM, Cherry, SA, and DSA. Each profile offers a different typing feel.
- OEM:Common and medium height with a slight curve.
- Cherry:Lower and more comfortable for long typing sessions.
- SA:Tall and sculpted with a vintage look.
- DSA:Low and flat, uniform across all keys.
Choosing the right profile depends on your typing style and preference. Some people like tall keys, others prefer flat keys.
Abs Keycaps
ABS keycaps are one of the most common types used in mechanical keyboards. They are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic.
These keycaps offer a smooth and shiny surface and are popular for their affordability and feel.
Properties And Feel
ABS keycaps have a smooth texture that can feel slightly soft to the touch. They often shine after use because their surface wears down.
| Property | Description |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Texture | Smooth, slightly soft |
| Durability | Moderate, prone to shine |
| Sound | Higher-pitched and crisp |
| Color | Usually bright and vivid |
Advantages And Drawbacks
- Advantages:
- Affordable and widely available
- Lightweight and easy to mold
- Bright colors and clear legends
- Drawbacks:
- Surface wears and shines quickly
- Less durable than some other materials
- Can develop a greasy feel over time
Best Uses For Abs
ABS keycaps work well for users who want colorful and budget-friendly options. They suit casual typing and general use.
- Entry-level mechanical keyboards
- Custom keycap sets with bright designs
- Users who prefer a smooth key feel
- Typing environments where shine is not a concern
Pbt Keycaps
PBT keycaps are a popular choice for mechanical keyboards. They are made from a durable plastic called polybutylene terephthalate. These keycaps offer a unique feel and long-lasting performance.
Many keyboard users prefer PBT for its resistance to shine and wear. This guide covers durability, texture, color options, and reasons to pick PBT keycaps.
Durability And Texture
PBT keycaps are tough and resist damage from heavy use. They keep their texture even after long hours of typing. The surface feels slightly rough, which helps prevent slipping.
- Resistant to wear and shine
- Harder and thicker than ABS keycaps
- Maintain texture over time
- Less prone to discoloration
Color And Finish Options
PBT keycaps come in many colors and finishes. They often have a matte or textured surface. This helps hide fingerprints and smudges better than glossy keycaps.
| Finish | Description | Common Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Matte | Smooth, non-reflective surface | Black, White, Grey |
| Textured | Rough surface for grip | Dark Blue, Green, Red |
| Dye-Sub | Legends dyed into keycap | Various bright colors |
Why Choose Pbt
PBT keycaps offer many benefits over other materials. They are durable and keep their look for years. Their texture improves typing comfort and grip.
- Long-lasting and wear-resistant
- Resist shine and discoloration
- Provide a comfortable typing feel
- Wide variety of colors and styles
Credit: hhkeyboard.us
Pom Keycaps
POM keycaps are made from polyoxymethylene, a strong plastic. They are popular for mechanical keyboards because of their unique feel.
POM keycaps offer a different experience compared to other materials like ABS or PBT. They are smooth and durable.
Smoothness And Sound
POM keycaps have a naturally smooth surface. This smoothness helps fingers glide easily over the keys.
The sound from POM keycaps is usually softer and deeper. They create a quieter typing noise than ABS keycaps.
- Smooth texture reduces finger friction
- Produces a muted, deep typing sound
- Feels comfortable for long typing sessions
Longevity And Resistance
POM keycaps resist wear and shine well over time. They do not get glossy as easily as ABS keycaps.
They handle heat and chemicals better. This makes them last longer with regular use.
- High resistance to wear and shine
- Strong against heat and chemicals
- Maintains appearance after long use
Ideal Scenarios For Pom
POM keycaps are great for users who want smooth keypresses and quieter sound. They suit office or home typing well.
They work best for people who type a lot and want durable keycaps that stay looking good.
- Office and work environments
- Typing heavy workloads
- Users wanting quiet keyboards
Specialty And Hybrid Materials
Mechanical keyboard keycaps come in many materials. Specialty and hybrid materials offer unique features and styles. These materials can change the feel and look of your keyboard.
Below, we explore some popular specialty and hybrid keycap materials. Each has distinct benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Pbt-abs Blends
PBT-ABS blends combine two common plastics to balance durability and texture. PBT is tough and resists shine, while ABS offers smooth surfaces and better color options.
- Durability is higher than pure ABS but lower than pure PBT
- Texture feels smoother than PBT alone
- Colors can be vibrant with good shine resistance
- Price is usually moderate
Polycarbonate And Other Plastics
Polycarbonate keycaps are strong and transparent. They offer a unique shine and can be used for backlit keyboards. Other plastics like POM add smoothness and durability.
| Material | Features | Common Use |
| Polycarbonate | High strength, clear, glossy | Backlit keycaps |
| POM (Polyoxymethylene) | Very smooth, low friction | Typing-focused keycaps |
| TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Flexible, soft feel | Specialty or novelty caps |
Metal And Resin Options
Metal and resin keycaps are less common but add style and weight. Metal keycaps feel solid and last long. Resin keycaps allow for creative designs with colors and shapes.
- Metal keycaps give a cool, heavy touch
- Resin keycaps can have custom colors and patterns
- Both types may wear differently than plastic caps
- Usually more expensive and used for custom builds
Printing And Legends
Keycap legends are the symbols or letters on mechanical keyboard keys. They show what each key does. The printing method affects how clear and long-lasting these legends are.
Different printing styles offer various looks and durability. Choosing the right one helps keep your keyboard easy to use and nice to see.
Common Printing Methods
There are several ways to print legends on keycaps. Each method changes how the keys feel and how long the legends last.
- Pad Printing: Ink is pressed onto the keycap surface. It is cheap but wears out fast.
- Laser Etching: A laser burns the legend into the plastic. It lasts longer and looks clean.
- Double-shot Molding: Two layers of plastic form the legend and keycap together. It is very durable and clear.
- UV Printing: Uses ultraviolet light to cure ink on the keycap. It has good detail but less durability.
Durability Of Legends
Durability means how long the legends stay visible with regular use. Some methods fade or wear off faster than others.
Double-shot molding is the most durable. Laser etching also lasts well but can fade with heavy use. Pad printing and UV printing wear out quicker.
- Double-shot molding: Very durable, legends never fade.
- Laser etching: Durable, may fade after years.
- UV printing: Good detail, less durable.
- Pad printing: Least durable, fades fast.
Custom Keycap Printing
Custom printing lets you add unique designs or fonts to your keycaps. Many printers can create small batches for personal use.
Popular custom methods include UV printing and dye-sublimation. These let you print colorful or complex images on keycaps.
- UV printing: Prints detailed images with many colors.
- Dye-sublimation: Uses heat to dye legends into the plastic. Durable and vibrant.
- Screen printing: Good for simple designs, less detail.
Choosing Keycaps For Typing And Gaming
Keycaps affect how your keyboard feels and sounds. Picking the right material can improve your typing and gaming experience.
This guide looks at three main points: feel and feedback, sound profile, and how the keycaps look.
Feel And Feedback
Keycap materials change how each keypress feels. Some are soft and smooth, while others are firm and textured. This changes your comfort and typing speed.
- ABS keycaps feel smooth but can get shiny fast.
- PBT keycaps are textured and resist wear well.
- POM keycaps offer a balance of smoothness and durability.
- PBT is often preferred for long typing sessions.
- ABS can be good for quick gaming reactions due to its slick feel.
Sound Profile
Each keycap material creates a different sound when pressed. This sound affects your overall keyboard noise and can be important in shared spaces.
| Material | Sound Type | Typical Use |
| ABS | Higher-pitched, sharp | Gaming, casual typing |
| PBT | Deeper, quieter | Typing, office use |
| POM | Soft, moderate volume | Balanced gaming and typing |
Aesthetic Considerations
Keycap materials differ in color options and styles. Your choice can change the look of your keyboard and match your setup.
- ABS keycaps often come in bright, glossy colors.
- PBT keycaps have a matte finish and hold color longer.
- Custom artisan keycaps add unique designs.
- Check compatibility with your keyboard layout.
Maintenance And Longevity
Mechanical keyboard keycaps need care to last long. Proper maintenance keeps them looking and feeling good. This guide helps you keep keycaps clean and fresh.
Knowing how to clean, avoid wear, and replace keycaps can save money. It also improves your typing experience over time.
Cleaning Tips
Clean keycaps regularly to remove dust, oils, and grime. Use gentle methods to avoid damage. Avoid harsh chemicals that can fade colors or wear fonts.
- Remove keycaps carefully with a keycap puller.
- Soak them in warm water with mild soap for 15–30 minutes.
- Use a soft brush to clean hard-to-reach spots.
- Rinse well and dry completely before reinstalling.
- Do not use abrasive materials or strong cleaners.
Avoiding Wear And Shine
Wear and shine happen when oils from fingers build up and the keycap surface wears out. Avoid these signs by following simple habits.
| Cause | Prevention |
| Natural finger oils | Wash hands before typing |
| Friction from typing | Use keycaps made of durable materials |
| Cleaning with harsh chemicals | Use mild soap and water only |
| Exposure to sunlight | Keep keyboard away from direct sunlight |
Replacing Keycaps
Replace keycaps if they are cracked, faded, or uncomfortable. Changing keycaps refreshes your keyboard’s look and feel.
- Choose keycaps that fit your keyboard’s switch type.
- Pick materials that suit your typing style and budget.
- Remove old keycaps using a keycap puller.
- Align new keycaps carefully and press them firmly into place.
- Test all keys to ensure they work well after replacement.
Where To Buy Quality Keycaps
Finding the right place to buy keycaps can improve your typing experience. Quality keycaps last longer and feel better.
This guide covers popular shops, custom makers, and compares budget to premium options.
Popular Retailers
Many online stores offer a wide range of keycaps. These retailers stock popular brands and styles for all users.
- Amazon – Large selection and fast shipping
- MechanicalKeyboards.com – Specialized in mechanical keyboard parts
- Drop (formerly Massdrop) – Group buys and exclusive sets
- Keychron Store – Keycaps designed for Keychron keyboards
- PimpMyKeyboard – Variety of unique and artisan keycaps
Custom Keycap Makers
Custom keycap makers craft unique designs. You can get personalized colors, shapes, and materials.
| Maker | Style | Material |
| Keyreative | Artisan, themed | Resin, metal |
| Jelly Key | Handcrafted, detailed | Resin |
| GMK | High-quality doubleshot | ABS plastic |
| Drop Custom | Custom sets | PBT plastic |
Budget Vs Premium Options
Keycaps come in many price ranges. Budget options suit beginners. Premium keycaps offer better feel and durability.
- Budget:Usually made of ABS plastic. Affordable but may wear out faster.
- Mid-range:Often PBT plastic. More durable and resistant to shine.
- Premium:Custom sets with thick PBT or specialty materials. High build quality.
Credit: hhkeyboard.us
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Common Mechanical Keyboard Keycap Materials?
The most common keycap materials are ABS, PBT, and POM. ABS is smooth but wears fast. PBT is durable and textured. POM offers a smooth feel and good durability. Each material affects typing feel and sound differently.
How Does Abs Keycap Material Compare To Pbt?
ABS keycaps are softer and develop shine quickly. PBT keycaps are harder, more durable, and resist shine. PBT also offers better texture and sound quality, making it a preferred choice for long-term use.
Are Pom Keycaps Better For Mechanical Keyboards?
POM keycaps provide a smooth, durable surface with low friction. They resist wear and offer a unique typing feel. However, they are less common and usually more expensive than ABS or PBT keycaps.
Which Keycap Material Offers The Best Durability?
PBT keycaps are widely regarded as the most durable. They resist wear, fading, and shine over time. PBT maintains texture and legends longer than ABS, making it ideal for heavy typists.
Conclusion
Choosing the right keycap material matters. Each offers unique benefits. ABS is budget-friendly and common. PBT provides durability and a textured feel. POM offers smoothness and resilience. Metal keycaps add a premium touch. Consider your typing preference. And your budget too.
Trying different materials helps find your favorite. Each material enhances your keyboard experience. Make an informed choice. Enjoy your mechanical keyboard. Happy typing!