Best Keycaps In 2023: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Keycaps are one of the essential components of any keyboard and integral to your work. They are the removable covers that fit over the switches on a keyboard and play a crucial role in providing you with the tactile feedback and sound you desire. The right set of keycaps can transform an average keyboard into a stunning work of art and enhance your overall typing experience.

However, with the ever-increasing popularity of mechanical keyboards, the market for keycaps has grown significantly, and it can be challenging to decide which ones to buy. This post will provide a comprehensive guide to the best keycaps available in 2023, covering their keycap profile, material, type, compatibility, as well as their pros and cons.

Whether you are a gamer, typist, or just someone who appreciates beautiful and functional keycaps, this guide has got you covered. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the Best Keycaps Today

After considering the different types of keycaps, materials, profiles, and compatibility, we’ve compiled a list of the best keycaps in 2023.

1. GMK Keycaps

GMK keycaps are a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts, known for their high-quality materials, detailed designs, and compatibility with most mechanical keyboards on the market.

Here’s a breakdown of these keycaps.

• Keycap Profile: GMK keycaps are typically available in Cherry profile, a popular profile among keyboard enthusiasts. Cherry profile keycaps have a sculpted design that varies in height, with the keys in the center being the tallest and the keys on the edges being the shortest. This profile provides a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience for most users.
• Keycap Material: GMK keycaps are made from high-quality ABS plastic, which is excellent for its durability and resistance to fading or wearing over time. The plastic used for GMK keycaps is thick and sturdy, which provides a solid and satisfying typing experience.
• Keycap Type: GMK keycaps are typically produced using a double-shot molding process, which involves injecting two different colors of plastic into a mold to create a keycap with a legend (text or symbol) that will not wear off over time. This results in a keycap with a durable and long-lasting design.
• Compatibility: GMK keycaps are compatible with a wide range of mechanical keyboards, including those with Cherry MX switches and clones. However, it’s worth noting that some keyboards may have non-standard layouts that may not be fully compatible with GMK keycaps. Before purchasing a set of GMK keycaps, it’s essential to check the compatibility of your keyboard to ensure that the keycaps will fit properly.

Pros Of GMK Keycaps

• High-quality ABS plastic material, which is durable and long-lasting
• Double-shot molding process that results in a legend that won’t fade or wear off
• Wide range of designs and colors available to suit different preferences and styles
• Compatible with a wide range of mechanical keyboards
• The Cherry profile is popular among keyboard enthusiasts for its ergonomic design

Cons Of GMK Keycaps

• More expensive than some other types of keycaps
• Limited availability, as GMK keycaps are often produced in limited runs that can sell out quickly
• May not be compatible with all keyboards, particularly those with non-standard layouts

2. EnjoyPBT Keycaps

EnjoyPBT keycaps are a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, known for their high-quality materials, a wide range of color options, and compatibility with various keyboards. Here’s a breakdown of the key features.

• Keycap Profile: EnjoyPBT keycaps are available in various profiles, including Cherry, OEM, and DSA. The Cherry profile is the most popular and offers most users a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience.
• Keycap Material: EnjoyPBT keycaps are made from high-quality PBT plastic, known for its durability and resistance to wear and fading over time. The plastic used for EnjoyPBT keycaps is thick and sturdy, which provides a solid and satisfying typing experience.
• Keycap Type: EnjoyPBT keycaps are produced using a dye-sublimation process, which involves printing the legends (text or symbols) onto the keycaps using a heat transfer process. This results in a keycap with a durable and long-lasting design that does not fade with use.
• Compatibility: EnjoyPBT keycaps are compatible with a wide range of mechanical keyboards, including those with Cherry MX switches and clones. They are also compatible with keyboards such as Filco, Ducky, Varmilo, Leopold, and many others.

Pros Of EnjoyPBT Keycaps

• High-quality PBT plastic material that is durable and long-lasting
• Wide range of color options available to suit different preferences and styles
• Compatible with a wide range of mechanical keyboards
• Multiple profiles available to suit different typing preferences
• Dye-sublimation process results in a legend that won’t fade or wear off

Cons Of EnjoyPBT Keycaps

• More expensive than some other types of keycaps
• Limited availability, as EnjoyPBT keycaps are often produced in limited runs that can sell out quickly
• Some users may prefer a different keycap profile or type

3. Akko Black and White Keycaps

The Akko Black and White keycaps are a stylish and minimalistic option if you’re looking to customize your mechanical keyboard. These keycaps have a simple design with black legends on a white background, creating a clean and modern look. Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the Akko Black and White keycaps.

• Keycap Profile: The Akko Black and White keycap set features a unique spherical keycap profile. This profile provides a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience by reducing the distance between each key and your fingers. The spherical shape of the keycaps also makes them easier to hit accurately.
• Keycap Material: The Akko Black and White keycap set is made from PBT plastic. PBT is a high-quality plastic material that is more durable than ABS plastic, commonly used for keycaps. The PBT material used in the Akko keycaps is resistant to wear, fading, and shining over time, ensuring that your keycaps look and feel great for years.
• Keycap Type: The Akko Black and White keycap set uses a dye-sublimation process to print the legends (text or symbols) onto the keycaps. This ensures the legends don’t fade or wear off over time, resulting in a durable and long-lasting design.
• Compatible Keyboards: The Akko Black and White keycap set is compatible with a variety of mechanical keyboard brands, including Ducky, Varmilo, Leopold, Filco, Vortexgear, and Keychron. However, before purchasing a set of Akko Black and White keycaps, ensure your keyboard is actually compatible.

Pros Of Akko Black and White Keycaps

• Unique spherical keycap profile provides a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience
• PBT plastic material is durable and resistant to wear, fading, and shining over time
• Dye-sublimation printing process ensures that the legends will not fade or wear off over time
• Stylish and eye-catching black and white design
• Relatively affordable

Cons Of Akko Black and White Keycaps

• Limited availability, as the Akko Black and White keycap set is often produced in limited runs that can sell out quickly
• Some users may find the spherical keycap profile to be uncomfortable or difficult to type on if they’re used to a different profile

4. YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps

The YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow keycaps are a colorful and eye-catching option if you’re looking to add some personality to your mechanical keyboard. These keycaps have a unique design with a gradient rainbow color scheme that fades from pink to purple to blue and green. Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the YMDK Double-shot Rainbow keycaps.

• Keycap Profile: The YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow keycaps feature an OEM profile, a standard profile used in many mechanical keyboards. The relatively low OEM profile provides a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience. The keycaps have a sculpted shape, which helps you find the correct keys without looking at the keyboard.
• Keycap Material: The YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow keycaps are made from ABS plastic, a lightweight and durable material. However, it’s important to note that ABS plastic may be more prone to wear and fade over time than other materials like PBT plastic.
• Keycap Type: The YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow keycaps use a double-shot molding process to create the legends on the keycaps. This process ensures the legends are durable and don’t fade or wear off. The keycaps are also backlit, allowing the RGB lighting from your keyboard to shine through and create a colorful and vibrant effect.
• Compatible Keyboards: The YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow keycaps are compatible with various mechanical keyboard brands, such as Ducky, Filco, IKBC, Corsair (with Cherry MX-compatible switches), Vortex, and Anne Pro. As always, ensure your keyboard is compatible with the keys before purchasing.

Pros Of YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps

• Vibrant and colorful design adds a unique and eye-catching look to your keyboard
• OEM profile provides a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience
• Double-shot molding process ensures the legends don’t fade or wear off over time
• Backlit design allows for the RGB lighting of your keyboard to shine through

Cons Of YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps

• Made from ABS plastic, which may be more prone to wear and fading compared to other materials like PBT plastic
• Keycap legends may be difficult to read for some users due to the rainbow color scheme
• Limited availability, as the YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow keycaps are often produced in limited runs that can sell out quickly

5. New Arrial XDA Lotus Keycaps

The New Arrial XDA Lotus keycaps are a recent addition to the mechanical keyboard community, and they offer a unique and elegant design that will elevate any keyboard setup. They also feature a lotus flower design on a dark blue background, which creates a peaceful and calming visual aesthetic. Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the New Arrial XDA Lotus keycaps.

• Keycap Profile: The New Arrial XDA Lotus keycaps use an XDA profile, which is a uniform and flat profile that offers a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience. The flat design of the keycaps makes it easier to type without having to reach as far for each key, and it also reduces the strain on your fingers over time.
• Keycap Material: The keycaps are made from PBT plastic, a high-quality and durable material resistant to wear and fading. This material ensures that the keycaps maintain their shape and color even after heavy use and provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience.
• Keycap Type: The New Arrial XDA Lotus keycaps are double-shot keycaps, meaning the legends and background are created separately and then fused together during the manufacturing process. This process creates a high-quality keycap that is resistant to fading and wear and ensures the legends do not wear over time.
• Compatible Keyboards: The New Arrial XDA Lotus keycaps are compatible with Cherry MX switches and most other MX-style switches. This makes them a versatile option for keyboard enthusiasts. You can also use these keycaps on a variety of mechanical keyboards, including popular models like the Ducky One 2, the Vortex Pok3r, and the Filco Majestouch.

Pros Of New Arrial XDA Lotus Keycaps

• Unique and beautiful lotus flower design
• XDA profile provides a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience
• Doubleshot PBT material is durable and long-lasting
• Compatible with a wide range of MX-style switches

Cons Of New Arrial XDA Lotus Keycaps

• XDA profile may take some time to adjust to
• Lotus flower design may not appeal to everyone’s tastes
• Premium price point may be prohibitive for some users

6. HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps

The HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps are a versatile keycap option you can pair with any mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX-style switches. They are also an excellent choice if you’re looking to upgrade your keyboard’s aesthetics and typing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps.

• Keycap Profile: The HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps feature a Cherry profile, which is more sculpted than the commonly used OEM profile. Every keycap has a unique curve to fit your fingers for a comfortable typing experience.
• Keycap Material: These keycaps are made from dye-sublimated PBT plastic, a high-quality material that is more durable and resistant to shine than ABS plastic. The dye-sublimation process ensures the legends don’t fade or wear even after years of heavy use.
• Keycap Type: The HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps are double-shot, meaning that the legend and the keycap body are made from different pieces of plastic. This provides a clear, sharp legend that won’t fade or wear even after heavy use.
• Compatible Keyboards: These keycaps are compatible with any keyboard that uses Cherry MX style switches, which includes most mechanical keyboards on the market. They also come in various layouts, including full-sized, TKL, and 60%.

Pros Of HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps

• High-quality PBT plastic material is durable and resistant to shine
• Cherry profile provides a comfortable typing experience
• Double-shot legends won’t fade or wear away over time
• Available in a variety of layouts to fit your keyboard

Cons Of HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps

• Limited color options may not appeal to everyone’s personal tastes
• Higher price point compared to some other keycap sets on the market

7. Drop Skylight Series Keycaps

The HK DROP Skylight Series Keycaps are a high-quality keycap set designed for mechanical keyboards. These keycaps feature a sleek, minimalist design with a clean, modern font that is easy to read. Here’s a breakdown of the key features.

• Keycap Profile: The HK DROP Skylight Series Keycap Set features a Cherry profile, which is popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cherry profile is similar to the OEM profile but has a slightly shorter height and a more curved shape.
• Keycap Material: These keycaps are made from double-shot PBT plastic, Which is durable and resistant to wear and tear. The HK Drop keycaps are also less likely to develop a shiny or oily appearance over time, making them an excellent option for gaming or long-term use.
• Keycap Type: The HK DROP Skylight Series Keycap Set features a standard layout compatible with most Cherry MX-style switches. Such keyboards include popular brands such as Ducky, Filco, and Varmilo.
• Compatibility: The keycap set is compatible with Cherry MX-style switches, widely used in mechanical keyboards. It is also compatible with most keyboards that use a standard ANSI layout, the most common layout for mechanical keyboards.

Pros Of Drop Skylight Series Keycaps

• The minimalist design of the keycaps looks great on any keyboard and provides a sleek, modern look.
• Durable and resistant to wear and tear, ensuring the keycaps remain sharp and legible over time
• The Cherry profile provides a comfortable typing experience, with a slightly shorter height and a more curved shape than the OEM profile.
• The standard layout makes these keycaps compatible with most Cherry MX-style switches.

Cons Of Drop Skylight Series Keycaps

• The keycaps are only available in white, which may not be suitable for those looking for a more colorful or customizable option
• Some users may prefer a different keycap profile, such as SA or DSA, which are not available with this keycap set
• The keycap set does not include additional keycaps for non-standard layouts, such as split spacebars or ortho-linear keyboards

8. Tai-Hao Hawaii PBT Keycaps

Tai-Hao Hawaii PBT Keycaps are popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts due to their unique design and high-quality material. The keycaps are also a great choice if you want to add color and personality to your mechanical keyboard. Here’s a closer look at their key features.

• Keycap Profile: Tai-Hao Hawaii PBT Keycaps have a Cherry MX keycap profile, making them compatible with most mechanical keyboards that use Cherry MX switches.
• Keycap Material: The Tai-Hao keycaps consist of durable PBT plastic, which is resistant to wear and tear, fading, and shine. The material is also more textured and has a higher density than ABS plastic, and provides a more satisfying typing experience.
• Keycap Type: The Tai-Hao Hawaii PBT Keycaps are double-shot, which means the legends are molded into the keycaps and will not fade over time. The keycaps are also backlit compatible, allowing the RGB lighting on your keyboard to shine through.
• Compatible Keyboards: These keycaps are compatible with most mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX switches, including brands like Corsair, Ducky, Filco, Leopold, and more.

Pros Of Tai-Hao Hawaii PBT Keycaps

• Unique and colorful design
• Made of high-quality PBT plastic
• Doubleshot legends that won’t fade over time
• Backlit compatible with RGB lighting
• Compatible with most mechanical keyboards

Cons Of Tai-Hao Hawaii PBT Keycaps

• The design may not be to everyone’s taste
• Some users may find the price to be a bit high compared to other keycap sets on the market

9. Hyekit PBT Keycaps

Hyekit is another relatively new brand in the mechanical keyboard world but has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality keycaps at an affordable price point. Here’s a closer look at the keycaps’ key features.

• Keycap Profile: Hyekit PBT keycaps come in the popular Cherry profile, a mid-height profile similar to the OEM profile but with a slightly shorter height. The Cherry profile is a favorite among many mechanical keyboard users as it provides a comfortable typing experience with a good balance of tactile feedback and typing speed.
• Keycap Material: These keycaps are made from PBT (short for polybutylene terephthalate), a high-quality thermoplastic material. PBT is also resistant to shine, meaning the keycaps will look new for longer.
• Keycap Type: Hyekit PBT keycaps are double-shot, meaning the legends (the characters on the keycaps) are injected into the keycaps themselves rather than printed on. This ensures the legends never fade or wear off, even after years of use.
• Compatibility: These keycaps are compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones, as well as with other switches with a similar stem design. They are also compatible with most mechanical keyboards that use the Cherry profile, including, Ducky One 2, Filco Majestouch 2, Leopold FC750R, Varmilo VA87M, and Anne Pro 2.

Pros Of Hyekit PBT Keycaps

• Affordable price point
• High-quality PBT material that is durable and shine resistant
• Double-shot legends that won’t fade or wear off
• Cherry profile provides a comfortable typing experience
• Compatible with most mechanical keyboards that use the Cherry profile

Cons Of Hyekit PBT Keycaps

• Limited color options compared to other brands
• No compatibility with non-Cherry profile keyboards or switches

10. Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile 61 ANSI Keycaps

Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile 61 ANSI Keycaps are a great option if you prefer a minimalist look for your keyboard. Their OEM profile provides a comfortable typing experience and is compatible with a variety of keyboards that use the ANSI layout. Here’s a look at these keycaps features.

• Keycap Profile: The Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile 61 ANSI Keycaps feature an OEM profile, a standard keycap profile similar to the keycaps found on most keyboards. The OEM profile has a slightly curved top and is slightly taller than the Cherry profile keycaps.
• Keycap Material: These keycaps consist of PBT plastic, which is durable and resistant to wear and fading. These PBT keycaps also have a textured surface that provides a more tactile typing experience compared to ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) keycaps.
• Keycap Type: The Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile 61 ANSI Keycaps are blank, meaning they do not have any legends or markings on them. This can be beneficial for touch typists who do not need to look at the keys while typing or if you want to customize your keyboard layout in a striking way.
• Compatible Keyboards: These keycaps are compatible with any keyboard that uses a standard ANSI layout, the most common layout for mechanical keyboards. However, it’s important to note that these keycaps do not come with any additional keys, so they may not be suitable for keyboards with non-standard layouts or additional function keys.

Pros Of Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile 61 ANSI Keycaps

• High-quality PBT material is durable and resistant to wear and shine
• OEM profile is similar to the keycaps found on most keyboards
• Blank design allows for customization and a minimalist look
• Compatible with any keyboard that uses a standard ANSI layout

Cons Of Blank Thick PBT OEM Profile 61 ANSI Keycaps

• Blank keycaps may not be suitable for users who rely on key legends or markings
• These keycaps do not come with any additional keys, so they may not be ideal for keyboards with non-standard layouts or additional function keys

11. Gliging PBT Olivia Keycaps

Gliging PBT Olivia Keycaps are another popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. These keycaps are designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience and to fit on Cherry MX switches. Here’s a look at these keycaps features.

• Keycap Profile: The Gliging PBT Olivia Keycaps feature a Cherry profile. This profile is a high-profile keycap design that provides a comfortable typing experience. It also features a curved top surface that allows your fingers to rest comfortably on the keys.
• Keycap Material: The plastic keycaps made of PBT provide excellent wear and tear resistance while maintaining their color over time. Moreover, the keycaps are dye-sublimated, meaning the legends are embedded into the keycap material, ensuring a long-lasting print that will not fade or wear off.
• Keycap Type: The Gliging PBT Olivia Keycaps are a complete set of 104 keycaps. The set includes all of the standard keys needed for a full-sized keyboard and additional keycaps for various layouts. The keycaps fit Cherry MX switches and other compatible mechanical switches of the same size.
• Compatibility: These keycaps are compatible with most Cherry MX-compatible mechanical keyboards. This includes keyboards from popular brands such as Ducky, Varmilo, Filco, and more. However, you should always ensure that the keycaps are compatible with your keyboard before purchasing them.

Pros Of Gliging PBT Olivia Keycaps

• The Gliging PBT Olivia Keycaps use durable PBT plastic material, ensuring long-lasting quality
• The keycaps are dye-sublimated, ensuring the legends will not fade or wear off over time
• The Cherry profile of these keycaps provides a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience
• Includes a complete set of 104 keycaps, as well as additional keycaps for a variety of layouts
• The keycaps are compatible with most Cherry MX-compatible mechanical keyboards

Cons Of Gliging PBT Olivia Keycaps

• These keycaps are not backlit, which may be a drawback if you’d prefer backlit keycaps
• The design may not be suitable for everyone’s taste

12. G.SKILL Crystal Crown Keycaps

The G.SKILL Crystal Crown Keycaps are a stunning addition to any mechanical keyboard setup. These keycaps feature a unique crystalline design that will catch the eye. But there’s more to these keycaps than just their looks. Here’s a closer look at the G.SKILL Crystal Crown Keycap features.

• Keycap Profile: The G.SKILL Crystal Crown Keycaps feature a standard OEM profile. This means they have a slightly curved shape with a relatively flat top. Moreover, this profile is a popular choice among gamers and typists because it offers a comfortable typing experience.
• Keycap Material: These keycaps are made from high-quality ABS plastic that’s durable and resistant to wear and tear. It also has a smooth texture that feels great under your fingertips.
• Keycap Type: The G.SKILL Crystal Crown Keycaps are laser-etched with a unique crystalline design. The etching process removes the top layer of the keycap to reveal the translucent layer beneath. This gives the keycaps a beautiful, shimmering effect that is sure to turn heads.
• Compatible Keyboards: These keycaps are compatible with any keyboard that uses standard Cherry MX switches. This includes most mechanical keyboards on the market, including, Ducky, Filco, and Corsair. But as always, ensure you verify they’re compatible with your keyboard before committing to the purchase.

Pros Of G.SKILL Crystal Crown Keycaps

• Stunning, unique design that is sure to catch the eye
• Durable ABS plastic material
• Compatible with most mechanical keyboards
• Standard OEM profile offers a comfortable typing experience

Cons Of G.SKILL Crystal Crown Keycaps

• The crystalline design may not be to everyone’s taste
• The keycaps are only available in a limited range of colors
• Can be relatively expensive

What are the Different Kinds of Keycaps?

Several types of keycaps are available on the market, each with unique features and benefits.

Here’s an overview of the most common types of keycaps, their features, and their pros and cons.

After this, we will then dive in and reveal to you our findings on the best switches for this year.

1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Keycaps

ABS keycaps are made of lightweight plastic commonly used in consumer products. ABS keycaps are smooth to the touch and have a slight shine that gives them a polished appearance. These keycaps are also known for their ability to produce a high-pitched sound when typing, which could be an issue depending on who you are.

Features

Some of the key features of ABS keycaps include:

• Lightweight and durable
• Smooth texture
• High-pitched sound when typing
• Shiny appearance

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to produce
• Available in a wide range of colors and designs

Cons

• Susceptible to losing their shine and wear over time
• Can become slippery with prolonged use
• Prone to attracting fingerprints and smudges

2. PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) Keycaps

PBT keycaps consist of a denser plastic known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. PBT keycaps are typically thicker than ABS keycaps and have a rougher texture, providing a better grip when typing. Moreover, PBT keycaps are known for producing a deeper and more satisfying sound when typing.

Features

Some of the key features of PBT keycaps include:

• Durable and resistant to wear and tear
• Rougher texture for better grip
• Deeper sound when typing
• Less susceptible to shine over time

Pros

• Longer lifespan than ABS keycaps
• Resistant to fading and discoloration
• More resistant to heat and chemicals

Cons

• Limited color and design options compared to ABS keycaps
• More expensive than ABS keycaps
• Longer lead times due to production difficulties

3. Double-Shot Keycaps

Double-shot keycaps are made of two layers of plastic injected into a mold at different times. The result is a keycap with a two-tone color scheme, with a top translucent and a bottom opaque layer. This type of keycap is known for its ability to produce a unique look and feel, as well as a satisfying sound when typing.

Features

Some of the key features of double-shot keycaps include:

• Two-tone color scheme
• Unique look and feel
• Satisfying sound when typing
• Resistant to wear and tear

Pros

• Long-lasting and resistant to shine
• Available in a wide range of colors and designs
• Durable and resistant to fading and discoloration

Cons

• More expensive than single-shot keycaps
• Limited design options for certain profiles
• Can be more challenging to produce, resulting in longer lead times

4. Dye-Sublimated Keycaps

Dye-sublimated keycaps are made by applying a dye to a specially coated keycap and then heated to a high temperature. This process causes the dye to penetrate the surface of the keycap, resulting in a durable and long-lasting finish. Dye-sublimated keycaps are known for their ability to produce vivid colors and intricate designs, making them a popular choice among customization enthusiasts.

Features

Some of the key features of dye-sublimated keycaps include:

• Vivid colors and intricate designs
• Long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear
• Smooth texture
• Resistant to fading and discoloration

Pros

• Available in various colors and designs options
• Durable and long-lasting
• High-quality printing that won’t fade or wear off
• Can be customized with personalized designs

Cons

• Limited design options for certain profiles
• More expensive than other types of keycaps
• Can also be more difficult to produce, leading to longer lead times

5. Sculpted Keycaps

Sculpted keycaps are designed to provide a more ergonomic typing experience by varying the shape and height of the keys. This type of keycap is especially popular among gamers and touch typists, as it allows for more comfortable and efficient typing. Sculpted keycaps come in various shapes and sizes, including OEM, Cherry, and SA profiles.

Features

Some of the key features of sculpted keycaps include:

• Ergonomic design for more comfortable typing
• Varying shapes and sizes for a custom fit
• Available in a variety of profiles

Pros

• More comfortable and efficient typing experience
• Customizable to individual preferences
• Have a wide variety of colors and designs options

Cons

• More expensive than non-sculpted keycaps
• Limited design options for certain profiles
• It takes time to get used to the different shapes and sizes

6. Artisan Keycaps

Artisan keycaps are custom-made keycaps designed to add a unique touch of personality to a keyboard. These keycaps are often hand-crafted and can take on a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Keyboard enthusiasts and collectors highly seek artisan keycaps, which can more than often inflate their prices.

Features

Some of the key features of artisan keycaps include:

• Unique and personalized designs
• Hand-crafted for a high level of detail
• Highly collectible

Pros

• Adds a personalized touch to a keyboard
• Available in limited edition designs
• Can increase the value of a keyboard

Cons

• Very expensive compared to other types of keycaps
• Limited availability and long lead times
• May not be compatible with all keyboards

Conclusion

Typing is one of the most essential aspects of working and gaming today. Choosing the right keycaps for your keyboard can make a huge difference in your overall typing experience. Whether you’re looking for a particular aesthetic, improved durability, or simply a more comfortable typing feel, a variety of keycaps are available on the market to fit your needs.

From popular options like GMK and EnjoyPBT to newer arrivals like New Arrial XDA Lotus and HK Gaming Dye Sublimation, a wide range of keycaps are available at different price points.

When selecting keycaps, it’s essential to consider factors such as compatibility, profile, material, and design. It’s also crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option to make an informed decision.

It’s ultimately up to you to determine the type of keycap that best suits your needs and preferences. Moreover, researching and comparing different keyboard keycaps is the key to finding the perfect ones. So, what are the best keycaps, in your opinion? Share your thoughts below in the comments.

FAQs

Can you mix and match different keycap sets on a keyboard?

In most cases, you can. As long as the keycaps have the same stem size (usually Cherry MX or OEM), they should be interchangeable. However, keep in mind that different keycap sets may have different profiles and colors, which could affect your keyboard’s overall look and feel.

Are all keycap materials the same?

Keycap materials can vary widely in terms of durability, texture, and sound. Some popular keycap materials include ABS, PBT, and acrylic. Each material has pros and cons, so it’s essential to consider your preferences and needs when choosing keycaps.

How do you clean your keycaps?

You can clean keycaps by removing them from the keyboard and washing them with soap and water. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before reattaching them to your keyboard. You can also use specialized keycap cleaning products or a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and grime.

Do keycap profiles affect the typing experience?

Keycap profiles can affect the typing experience. Different profiles have different shapes and angles, impacting how your fingers hit the keys. Some people prefer higher profiles for better wrist support, while others prefer lower profiles for faster typing speeds. It’s all a matter of personal preference.

Are custom keycaps worth the investment?

It depends on your priorities. Custom keycaps can be expensive, but they can also add personality and flair to your keyboard. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time typing, investing in keycaps that feel and look good can be worth it. However, plenty of affordable options still offer excellent performance if you’re on a tight budget.

Are all keycap materials durable?

Not all keycap materials are created equal in terms of durability. While materials like PBT and ABS are known for their durability, other materials like acrylic or resin may be more prone to scratches or damage.

Can I customize my own keycaps?

Yes, some companies offer custom keycap printing services where you can upload your own design or choose from pre-made designs to create personalized keycaps. However, custom keycaps can be more expensive than pre-made keycap sets.

Can I use keycap sets from one keyboard brand on another brand’s keyboard?

It depends on the compatibility of the keycap sets and the keyboards. Some keycap sets only fit specific keyboard brands or models and might not fit on your keyboard. However, there is no harm in trying to see if they fit if you have some lying around.

What is the best keycap material?

The best keycap material is subjective and can depend on personal preference. Some popular keycap materials include ABS, known for their smooth texture and ability to produce vibrant colors, but can wear down over time. PBT, known for their durability and resistance to wear and shine, but can have a rougher texture. And POM, a newer material similar to PBT in durability but has a smoother texture.