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Old keyboards giving you the willies? Want to replace the worn-out keyboard keys?
The best move at this time will be to purchase a new set of keycaps. However, because of the wide variety of manufacturers, components, and styles available, choosing the finest custom keycaps can be challenging.
Therefore, to help you find out the best custom keycaps, this article provides a list of the top 15 keycaps with the fullest review for each. Additionally, we have also put together the key features to consider before purchasing in hopes of helping you make the best decision.
For your convenience, we will list these keycaps in a comparison table before going into an in-depth review.
|
Keycaps |
Feature | Price |
| RGB lighting | $16.99 | |
| Gliging 140 Key Japanese Bento Root Cherry Profile Dye Sub Keycaps | Clean design |
$37.99 |
| Unique design | $19.99 | |
| Sparkling color | $20.99 | |
| Botanical design | $39.99 | |
| Premium material |
$16.99 |
|
| Foamy Lizard Pro Rubber Keycap Set | Rubber material |
$19.99 |
| VULTURE Double Shot Rubber Keycaps | Non-slip texture |
$22.99 |
| Affordable keycaps | $8.49 | |
| NPKC Black Gray Mixed Dolch Thick Custom Keycaps for MAC | Laser-etched keycap |
$22.00 |
| Pudding design | $39.99 | |
| High-end keycaps | $110.00 | |
| YMDK DSA (Low) Profile 9009 | Retro design |
$29.90 |
| ePBT RamenStop | Unique design |
$19.99 - $99.99 |
| Drop + Matt3o MT3 Custom Keycap Sets) | High-end keycaps |
$120 |
Here’re in-depth reviews of the 15 best custom keycaps that we’ve summarized based on functionality, durability, compatibility, and aesthetic quality.
Let the show begin now!
Specifications:
With HK Gaming PBT Pudding Keycap Set, you can take your old gaming keyboard to the next level. The keycaps are compatible with most 60 percent mechanical designs and can be utilized with keyboards with up to 108 keys.
Furthermore, given that these keycaps are made of PBT and are created utilizing the double shot technique, you can be sure that they will last.
As a bonus, each pudding keycap has a transparent bottom that lets the keyboard's illumination pass through. Thanks to the Milk Pudding finish on the keycaps, the dazzling display is subdued, allowing you to play all night without disturbing others or straining your eyes.
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The Gliging Japanese Bento Root keycap set has some of the list's most minimalistic designs and bright colorways. This 140-key set will infuse your plain mechanical keyboard with flare, and make they look gorgeous.
Indeed, with the great mix of blue, pink, and white color schemes, your new look of the keyboard will brighten your work corner.
In addition to the excellent color contrast, the typography is simple yet exquisite and These are made of dye-subbed PBT plastic, which is higher quality and more sturdy than ABS.
Besides, these keycaps work with Cherry MX switches as well as any other switches with an X-shaped stem, such as Gateron, Kaihua or Halo.
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The lovely keycap set by SDYZ brand looks like a coral from Japan in all its beauty. With just a few different options included in the package, this 71-keys set will spice up your keyboard with a highly stylish look. This is created by the stunning colorways of white, red, and turquoise color.
The creative images painted all over the keycaps, such as the crimson sun, a whale, and the special fish, are its key selling point. Well, this PBT dye-subbed plastic keycap set is gorgeous in every aspect.
SBYZ Coral Sea work with Cherry MX switches as well as any other switches with an X-shaped stem, such as Gateron, Kaihua, or Halo.
However, this set of keycaps is only available for 60 percent keyboards.
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With Fitlink FPS & MOBA gaming keycaps specially designed for gamers, you can get more use out of your mechanical keyboard.
This set comes with a key puller making it easy to use and helping you replace any broken caps without causing damage to nearby objects.
To offer a backlit display when it shines through, each keycap has a transparent display with lettering on the top. In terms of durability, the keycaps can endure millions of strokes and are resistant to corrosion and scratches.
An extra benefit is that you can also customize the keys in both FPS and MOBA settings to fit your system and keyboard use.
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Don't go further than this simple keycap set from Sumgsn brand if you're sick of gamer typefaces or flashing lights.
Due to the dye sublimated PBT used in this keycap set, it is more durable without costing extra bucks.
In terms of color scheme, the white, black, and green color combination looks so soothing and clean, and the contrast truly makes your board stand out. Besides, t his 14-key set has a Cherry profile and is suited to your full-sized board.
The typeface has a simple, classic design, which gives your keyboard a very tidy, modest appearance. With green cool plant imagery added by the included modifiers, the board is given the nickname "Botanical."
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SDYZ XVX Keycaps 60 Percent grey and purple color scheme gives something a bit unique that appeals to everyone.
Besides, the keycaps are double shot PBT and made to handle your daily activities and continuous gaming hours. Many people like the OEM keycap profile height since it has an ergonomic layout that makes playing more enjoyable.
SDYZ XVX Keycaps includes a cap puller, you won't have to worry about damaging or scratching your new or old keycaps. It makes it simple to take off the old keycaps and put on the new ones. Additionally, XVX offers you a warranty for this keycap set.
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Let's consider getting this cap set from Foamy Lizard to upgrade your mechanical keyboard. The keys are a particular kind of rubber with a rough surface that makes it simple for you to slide over them during the game battles.
Foamy Lizard keycaps have a shine-through style that ensures you can see how your keyboard is illuminated. Although the black key set is compatible with the majority of systems, it also comes in several colors so you may personalize your configuration.
The Foamy Lizard keycap set includes a key puller, just like the other keycap sets on this list, so you can easily replace your keycap.
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With this keycap set from VULTURE, you can give an outdated mechanical keyboard a new look. Any keyboard compatible with the Cherry XM switch will work with VULTURE keycaps.
The main benefit that VULTURE Rubber Keycaps offer users is its rubber material. The rubber coating improves finger grip, which is advantageous for gamers during extended gaming sessions.
In addition, the keys are used with backlit screens and let the colors shine through.
After all, the vivid red color or the soft purple option of the keycaps along with their durability have appealed to many people.
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These 9 orange keycaps are made of premium PBT plastic and are offered by RUNSTAR. Because the dual-injected keycaps are transparent, backlighting may properly shine through.
These keycaps suit the WASD, arrow, and escape keys on all Cherry MX switches. The keycap puller that comes with the product is also made of high-quality PBT plastic.
Moreover, these RUNSTAR 9 Keys Orange are quite affordable for those who want to try a new feel with a smooth texture.
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The NPKC Black Gray Mixed Dolch Thick is painted in a sophisticated black and grey color pattern. This laser-etched keycap is made of 90% PBT and has a 1.5mm thickness, making it compatible with the majority of ANSI MX switches.
Unlike other custom keycaps, this custom keycap has a wider variety of keys. A 61, 87, or 104 key custom keycap is available. On the other hand, there aren't many compatibility differences. Your bottom modifier key must be 1x6.25u 7x1.25u in order for these keycaps to function properly.
After all, The Mixed Dolch Thick Custom Keycaps from NPKC are excellent for MAC. Nevertheless, due to its versatility, it might be also utilized with conventional ANSI keyboards.
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The second pudding option on this list - HyperX Pudding keycaps is simple yet stylish. The top of this set is all black, while the bottom is all opaque white.
The layout enables RGB to shine not only on the legend but also shine through the bottom of the keycap, resulting in an improved keyboard design with virtually no extra effort.
Moreover, with premium PBT material, it is not surprising that HyperX Pudding keycaps look extremely sturdy. Indeed, these keycaps are rated as one of the best durable keycaps on our list.
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If money is not an issue for you, we suggest purchasing Drop + Redsuns GMK Red Samurai Keycap. This set has an artsy design in addition to a striking color scheme.
Let's wield your katana and type like a Samurai!
It has a distinctive appeal because of the color scheme that was inspired by a warrior's armor.
Custom cherry tooling is used in these keycaps, which were created in Germany. The 1.5mm thick ABS double-shot gives them durability and sturdiness.
Moreover, the keycaps mostly work with Cherry MX switches since they have a Cherry profile. But it doesn't mean that you can't combine them with Kaihua, Gateron, or any others.
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Wanna try some retro vibe?
This YMDK DSA low Profile keycaps set comes with a classic retro 9009 colorway. With the combination of bright colors like white, soft green, and red, everyone who loves retro themes will be surely allured by this set.
The keycap is made of PBT material, the thickness is around 1.35mm.
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Besides, this keycap is a DSA ball shape keycap, which is lower than the XDA profile.
You don't also have to worry about the keycaps fitting your switch since this set offers different variations for compatibility.
In terms of price, YMDK sets are considered affordable keycaps which are well-liked by both newbies and experienced keycap fans.
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Are you a ramen fan? But do you like ramen enough to own a keyboard with a ramen theme?
Don't worry about the answer; this keycap set will be your best option with its eye-catching mixture of Cyan, Magenta, and Yellows and entertaining freshness set with a ramen theme.
The scene really pops because of the vivid magenta Japanese legends. Although it's not GMK, ePBT is renowned for having superb keycap sets at a reduced cost.
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If you've been following The Keeblog for a time, you might already be aware of how popular MT3 is here. They are very comfy to type on and beautifully shaped.
These keyboards are modeled by the dated IBM beam spring terminals that were popular in the 1970s. Depending on the modern color schemes, they may either offer your keyboard a robust, vintage aesthetic or a very elegant appearance.
While the other colors are ABS, the original /dev/tty colorway is still available in PBT. Yet, both are fantastic!
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You might need to buy a new keycap set if you own an old keyboard that demands a little updating.
Many inexpensive keyboards have below-average keycaps that seem dull and uninspiring. Due to this, installing a new keycap set will increase your gaming efficiency or even use a different keycap set for work purposes.
Nevertheless, deciding on the best custom keycaps may be a tediously slow task for you.
That’s why we’re here to help you do such a daunting task.
Each of these custom keycap sets was chosen by us for a specific purpose; they all provide top-notch design and quality for the money. Making a decision may be difficult, therefore we searched the web extensively to make sure that only the greatest custom keycap sets made the cut.
Each set we've chosen above has great designs, lovely color contrasts, and elegant letters in order to pick out the top custom keycap set available on the market now. Besides, they also look sturdy and durable thanks to thick PBT or ABS materials.
In terms of compatibility, all keycaps in our list are widely compatible with different type of switches including Cherry MX switches as well as others from Gateron, Kailh, Halo, and so on. As a result, no matter which keycap set you to choose, it will work well with your keyboard.
After all, with the time and effort that we put into researching and reviewing, these keycaps are sure to catch your eye at first sight, and will definitely be worth your money.
These are just a few outstanding features we gave when putting these 15 best custom keycaps set in our top picks. Read the next part below to get a full guide to picking the best custom keycaps for your mechanical keyboard.
The smoothness of a keycap surface affects how it feels to type. The keycap design is impacted by various key profiles.
For example, to avoid thickness, the buttons on your laptop are typically flat compared to those on your keyboard. It has been demonstrated, though, that such a flat surface will slow down your typing speed.
Knowing how to size keycaps is not too hard as you think. A relative scale is created using the alphanumeric keys. That is due to the fact that these are the smallest keyboard keys. As a result, each alphanumeric key functions as a single unit, or 1u. Following this rule, you can measure other keycaps.
For example, a backspace key is twice as large as a 1u key 1u. It is therefore a 2u keycap. The size of a spacebar is also often 6 times larger than an alphanumeric key; so, based on the design, it can range from 6 to 6.75u.
Make sure that the keycap dimensions and those of the keyboard match when selecting custom keycaps.
Modern keycap sets are frequently made specifically for Cherry-style switches.
Fortunately, since many switch makers are Cherry MX clones, they all use the same "X" fitting, allowing for some cross-compatibility.
Obviously, there are alternative switch models with keycaps that will fit, so make sure your new keycaps and switches are compatible before using them.
Still confused whether your new keycaps fit your keyboards? Then read this post: Are Keycaps Universal? How to find keycaps that fit your mechanical keyboard.
This is a sometimes disregarded yet crucial feature of custom keycaps. Many users have eagerly awaited the arrival of their lovely new keycaps only to have their dreams of custom keycap greatness mercilessly crushed. They ignored the layout, which is why this happened.
Typically, many people often confuse layout with form factor, but they are completely different concepts. The layout essentially defines the size, shape, and relative spacing among different keys.
How frustrating it is to find out that those gorgeous keycaps you just bought don't fit because of the wrong layout. That’s why you should check carefully the layout before placing an order.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you better understand the keyboard layout: Intro To Keyboard Sizes And Layouts.
Most of the keycaps are available in a variety of sizes for various layouts. These factors support these keycaps' objective which is to provide optimization by prioritizing ergonomics.
You select a certain design when adapting a specific form factor that will improve your efficiency. For example, you could live without a 40 or 60 percent keyboard if you're a writer.
But if you enjoy playing video games, you might prefer the Numpad or navigation cluster. As a result, ergonomics is a must-have factor to consider before getting a keycap set.
Custom keycaps are often made of ABS or PBT by manufacturers.
Since ABS is less expensive than PBT, it is the more common of these materials. PBT, on the other hand, has a higher quality and is more challenging to produce.
As a result, you would have to trade off ergonomics for quality and price.
In addition to ABS and PBT materials, people also choose odd materials like rubber, aluminum, and POM in some cases.
Not every keycap set has the option to shine through. Therefore, if you want your keyboard to produce the desired effect of shining the RGB through the keys, a translucent keycap set will surely be the way to go.
On the contrary, you should select the units without a transparent or shine-through style if you like a straightforward, conventional style with no light coming through your keyboard.
In the end, make sure to read the product description if this is a feature that is significant to you.
To totally change your keyboard, many firms provide full keycap sets. Others could provide 1 custom keycap or up to 18 keycaps.
One unique keycap to stand out from the others is really a favorite among keyboard fans and gamers. Spiderman, Hammer of Thor, Pokemon, Samurai, and other characters are some well-liked examples of custom character keys.
Many custom keycaps feature the same font as those we are familiar with, despite the fact that they could be different colorways.
Your overall visibility can be improved by using a big, bold, and visible font. Therefore, get the appropriate setting with a large, obvious font if you don't want to fight with visibility.
Most keycap sets include a repair kit that contains extra keys for replacement. Besides, it also comes with handy tools that let you remove and then replace the keys.
As a result, it is a useful feature that many premium keycap sets offer and may be of lifelong service. Choose a bundle that includes this repair kit or even a key puller whenever possible.
Almost every color keycap is available, however not every color is provided by the same vendor. When selecting a color, keep in mind the color of your backlighting as well as it can affect how your new keycaps will appear.
There are even more specialized kinds of custom keycaps available, and some of them, like artisan keycaps, can be really cool.
Artisan keycaps are the best way to give your keyboard a one-of-a-kind appearance if you've ever highly sought after a limited edition keycap.
In general, artisan keycaps are completely unique in their form and layout. Therefore, Your keyboard will look very luxurious and stylish with artisan keycaps.
Some of the artisan keycaps may have caught your eye because they resembled little scenes from nature or cute sculptures of Pokemon.
Unlike mass-produced keycaps, artisan keycaps are unique and can be customized with anything you like such as Corgi, or Anime (which has lured many teenagers).
That's why these keycaps are generally a bit more expensive.
Furthermore, these keycaps are often placed on the escape key or spacebar key to provide a small decorative touch to the board as they serve no purpose for typing.
If you want to know how cool artisan keycaps are, check out Hirosart right away to discover.
So you’ve already known how to buy, it’s time to find the place to buy new keycaps now. Don’t miss out on this post: What Are Custom Keycaps & Where to Find Them? to arrive in the right place to get your dream keycaps.
You will find out the best custom keycaps for your mechanical keyboard after going through our list of top 15 keycaps and the necessary features.
Without a doubt, a high-quality keycap set is needed to complete the task of leveling up your keyboard.
We hope you have enjoyed reading our reviews and shopping guide for custom keycaps. We wish you luck in your hunt for the ideal keycaps to take your keyboard to next level.
HK Gaming PBT Pudding Keycap Set is one of the best custom keycap sets in our list above thanks to its unbeatable endurance, high level of compatibility, and overall usability.
One of the most well-liked brands that make the best custom keycaps is Drop.
HK gaming PBT Pudding and Fitlink FPS & MOBA gaming keycaps are the two best sets for gaming.
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