10+ Best Gaming Keycaps For Mechanical Keyboard Enthusiasts

  • Keycaps 101
  • Posted by: amy-golden
  • Aug 8, 2023

If you are a mechanical keyboard enthusiast and want to take your gaming experience to the next level, you've come to the right place. Here, we have curated and listed the 10+ best gaming keycaps, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

Impact of Keycaps on Gaming Experience

Best gaming keycap set
best gaming keycap set

For fans of mechanical keyboards, keycaps significantly influence the gaming experience. There are some major effects that the best keycap sets for gaming may have:

  • Enhanced Gaming Performance: Keycaps with contoured profiles and the ideal key travel distance can increase efficiency and precision during games, enabling players to carry out commands more quickly and accurately.
  • Customization: Keycaps provide a wide range of customization choices for colors, styles, and materials, enabling gamers to tailor their keyboards to their styles. Numerous gaming keycaps are made with various profiles and shapes to accommodate various finger sizes and pressure points.
  • Improved Key Visibility: Keycaps with prominent and obvious legends, like double-shot or backlit keycaps, improve key accessibility. Players can see clearly to find the required keys without wasting time or making mistakes.
Best gaming keycaps
best gaming keycaps
  • Comfort and Ergonomics: Ergonomic keycaps can support better hand posture. These can lessen fatigue during prolonged gaming sessions, enabling players to stay focused and perform at their best for longer.
  • Macro and Function Keys: These keys allow players to designate difficult or frequently used commands to certain keys, facilitating quick access and simplifying gameplay. Using this feature throughout long game sessions will increase efficiency and productivity.
  • Durability and Longevity: Premium keycaps offer improved durability and longevity because they are composed of strong materials like PBT. These keycaps can survive the rigors of demanding gaming, prevent fading, and maintain their brilliance for a long time. 

Gamers may improve their setup and take their gaming to new levels by selecting the best gaming keycaps.

Best Keycaps for Gamers (Expert Picks)

Keycaps  Special Feature Price
HyperX Pudding keycaps

Hyperx pudding keycaps

  • Material: high-quality ABS material
  • The number of keys: 104 keys
  • Profile: traditional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) profile
$14.99/set
GMK Double Shot Keycaps

Gmk double shot keycaps

  • Material: premium ABS plastic
  • The number of keys: 135 keys
  • Profile: OEM profile
$39.99/set
HK Gaming Rubber Keycaps

Hk gaming rubber keycaps

  • Material: superior rubber material
  • The number of keys: 23 Keys
  • Profile: OEM Profile
$21.99 - $24.99

/set

SteelSeries PRISMCAPS

Steelseries prismcaps

  • Material: high-quality translucent plastic material
  • The number of keys: 105 keys
  • Profile: OEM profile
$34.99/set
YMDK DSA Retro Keycaps

Ymdk dsa retro keycaps

  • Material: premium PBT plastic
  • The number of keys: 104 keys
  • Profile: DSA (Distributed Structure Anesthesia) profile
$31.00 - $39.90

/set

HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps

Hk gaming dye sublimation keycaps

  • Material: high-quality PBT plastic 
  • The number of keys: 139 keys
  • Profile: Cherry Profile
$29.69 - $44.99

/set

YMDK White Gray Black Keycaps

Ymdk white gray black keycaps

  • Material: premium PBT plastic
  • The number of keys: 87 keys
  • Profile: OEM profile
$20.10 - $23.99

/set

YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps

Ymdk doubleshot rainbow keycaps

  • Material: superior PBT plastic
  • The number of keys: 104 keys
  • Profile: OEM profile
$20.50/set
Blank White Thick PBT Keycaps

Blank white thick pbt keycaps

  • Material: high-quality PBT plastic 
  • The number of keys: 108 keys
  • Profile: OEM profile
$23.99/set
Drop + Matt30/DEV/TTY MT3 Keycaps

Drop + matt30/dev/tty mt3 keycaps

  • Material: high-quality PBT plastic
  • The number of keys: 70 keys
  • Profile: MT3 profile
$87.30/set
Akko Neon keycaps

Akko neon keycaps

  • Material: Double-shot PBT
  • The number of keys: 157 keys
  • Profile: Cherry profile
$38.00/set

Note: The mentioned price is current at the time of writing and is subject to change. Please make real-time pricing checks before making any purchase decisions.

If you want to explore even the best keycaps for gamers, take a moment to discover your new-look keyboard right away.

HyperX Pudding keycaps - Best Overall Gaming Keycap

One of the best keycap sets for gamers, HyperX Pudding keycaps are becoming more and more well-liked among players. The HyperX Pudding keycaps are intended to improve your mechanical keyboard's aesthetic and function.

Hyperx pudding keycaps
hyperx pudding keycaps

Features:

  • Model name: HyperX Pudding keycaps
  • Manufacturer: HP Inc.
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Double-shot
  • Color: Pudding
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Number of Keys: 104 keys

HyperX Pudding keycaps provide a pleasing typing experience in terms of sound and feel. When pushed, the keycaps emit a unique "thock" sound that is prominent and gives you nice tactile feedback as you press the keys.

These keycaps have a solid and long-lasting structure that resists wear and fading since they are made of double-shot PBT material. This keycap is a must-have keycap set for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts. 

Wondering which HyperX Pudding keycaps are best for you? The video review below will help you experience everything about this keycap.

Pros Cons
  • Low price
  • Smooth and Comfortable typing
  • Durable and Long-Lasting
  • Improved key visibility
  • Enhanced aesthetics
  • Superior compatibility
  • Multiple Layers
  • High-Quality PBT
  • Limited Color Options
  • The sound is louder and sharper

GMK Double Shot Keycaps - Best Budget-Friendly Keycap

If you are on a tight budget but still want a quality keycap set, look no further than GMK Keycaps.

Gmk double shot keycaps
gmk double shot keycaps

Features: 

  • Model name: GMK Double Shot Keycaps
  • Manufacturer: TOKEY
  • Keycap material: ABS
  • Keycap printing: Double-shot
  • Color: Green
  • RGB Light: No
  • Number of Keys: 135 keys

GMK Double Shot keycaps provide a pleasing typing experience in terms of sound and feel. These keycaps offer a robust and durable feel with a subdued textured surface since they are made of thick ABS plastic.

In addition to their high quality, GMK Double Shot keycaps come in a variety of hues and patterns to match various tastes and aesthetic preferences. 

Pros Cons
  • Extremely durable and preserves gloss
  • Clear and precise legends
  • Flexible compatibility with Cherry MX stem
  • Numerous design options
  • Thick ABS Construction
  • Double-Shot Molding
  • High cost
  • Limited production of keycaps

Are you looking for an affordable keyboard? Luckily, we can help you narrow down a list of the 10 best gaming keyboards under $100 available on the market now.  

HK Gaming Rubber Keycaps - Best Rubber Keycap

One of the most excellent selections for rubber keycaps, HK Gaming Rubber Keycaps are renowned for their distinctive features.

Hk gaming rubber keycaps
hk gaming rubber keycaps

Features:

  • Model name: HK Gaming Rubber Keycaps
  • Manufacturer: HK Gaming
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Double-shot
  • Color: Purple
  • RGB Light: No
  • Number of Keys: 23 keys

The typing experience is distinctive with HK Gaming Rubber Keycaps. When compared to regular keycaps, the rubber substance reduces the sound of keystrokes, making typing more silent. The keycaps are long-lasting and resistant to wear, so they maintain their standard and look over time.

These keycaps offer a unique and pleasurable improvement to your mechanical keyboard. It is also one of the best keycap sets for gaming

You will experience the thrill and excitement of unboxing the best gaming keycap set with the catchy sounds of HK Gaming Rubber Keycaps in the video below.

Pros Cons
  • Low price
  • Elimination of noise
  • Good and soft feel
  • Durable and resistant
  • Great grip and anti-slip texture
  • High-quality rubber material
  • Difficult to Clean
  • Limited availability

SteelSeries PRISMCAPS - Best Keycap for Backlights

SteelSeries PRISMCAPS is one of the best gaming keycap selections for illuminated keyboards because of its distinctive features. 

Steelseries prismcaps keycaps
steelseries prismcaps keycaps

Features:

  • Model name: SteelSeries PRISMCAPS keycaps
  • Manufacturer: ‎SteelSeries
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Double-shot
  • Color: Black
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Number of Keys: 105 keys

PRISMCAPS keycaps have a transparent design that enables brilliant lighting. The keycaps provide beautiful lighting effects when used with RGB lighting, which improves the overall aesthetics of your gaming setup.

The keycaps from SteelSeries PRISMCAPS have an eye-catching design, a pleasing sound, and a comfortable typing sensation. They are also the best gaming keycap set for players and enthusiasts looking for a distinctive and engaging gaming environment.

Pros Cons
  • Long-lasting Construction
  • Compatible with standard ANSI layout
  • Extremely durable PBT material
  • Bright and eye-catching RGB backlight
  • Limited quantity of goods
  • Out-of-reach price
  • Use symbols instead of text for keys such as shift, tab and enter

YMDK DSA Retro Keycaps - Best Retro Keycap

The YMDK DSA Retro Keycaps offer the same originality and creativity as the first keyboards.

Ymdk dsa retro keycaps
ymdk dsa retro keycaps

Features:

  • Model name: YMDK DSA Retro Keycaps
  • Manufacturer: WPL
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Dye Sublimation
  • Color: White
  • RGB Light: No
  • Number of Keys: 104 keys

Your keyboard will have a distinctive and nostalgic feel thanks to YMDK DSA Retro Keycaps' vintage-inspired design. They provide a pleasing typing sound and a consistent feel across all keys.

Whether you're a gamer or a keyboard fan looking for the best keycaps for gaming with a vintage appearance, YMDK DSA vintage Keycaps provide the chance to give your keyboard a traditional and fashionable touch.

Pros Cons
  • Consistent typing experience
  • Compatible with standard ANSI layout
  • Eye-catching Retro Design
  • High-durable PBT material
  • Not compatible with Corsair, Razer, and Logitech keyboards
  • Quite expensive price

HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps - Best Colorful Keycap

HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps are renowned for their vibrant designs and premium materials. 

Hk gaming dye sublimation keycaps
hk gaming dye sublimation keycaps

Features:

  • Model name: HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps
  • Manufacturer: HK Gaming
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Dye Sublimation
  • Color: White
  • RGB Light: No
  • Number of Keys: 139 keys

HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps are also the best gaming keycap sets, providing a superior typing experience, long-lasting structure, and customization choices. While the PBT material offers a tactile and comfortable typing sensation, the dye sublimation printing technology guarantees durable legends and brilliant colors.

Regardless of whether you play video games or type, these keycaps are made to improve the aesthetic of your keyboard and offer a smooth typing experience.

Pros Cons
  • High durability, luster resistance, and oil accumulation avoidance
  • Compatibility with different keyboard configurations
  • Affordable price
  • Vibrant designs with bright and striking colors 
  • Color Sublimation Printing produces a sturdy, durable design
  • The surface of the Doubleshot PBT is smooth and comfortable.
  • Limited Availability
  • The sound is a bit loud

YMDK White Gray Black Keycaps - Best Minimalist Keycap

The best minimalist keycaps you can purchase without spending a lot of money are YMDK White Gray Black Keycaps. In addition, it is also one of the best gaming keycaps for gamers who play a lot without worrying about losing their legends.

Ymdk white gray black keycaps
ymdk white gray black keycaps

Features:

  • Model name: YMDK White Gray Black Keycaps
  • Manufacturer: WPL
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Laser etched
  • Color: White Gray Black
  • RGB Light: No
  • Number of Keys: 87 keys

YMDK White Gray Black Keycaps are frequently crafted using strong and premium materials like ABS or PBT to provide longevity and resistance to wear. They are compatible with the majority of common mechanical keyboards and provide a cozy typing experience.

Pros Cons
  • Cheap cost
  • Smooth Texture
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Compatibility for various keyboard layouts and Cherry MX-style switches
  • Minimalist design 
  • Durable PBT material
  • Limited color scheme that emphasizes white, gray, and black.
  • Unclear legends

YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps - Best Keycaps for RGB Enthusiasts

The YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps are the must-have keycap sets for gamers who desire a colorful keyboard. 

Ymdk doubleshot rainbow keycaps
ymdk doubleshot rainbow keycaps

Features:

  • Model name: YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps
  • Manufacturer: WPL
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Double-shot
  • Color: Rainbow
  • RGB Light: No
  • Number of Keys: 104 keys

The YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps feature a vivid and colorful design, are compatible with the majority of common mechanical keyboards, and provide an enjoyable typing experience.

The purpose of these keycaps is to give your keyboard configuration a vibrant and dynamic appeal. These are the best keycaps for gamers who adore RGB illumination.

Pros Cons
  • Compatible with Cherry MX-style switches and ANSI and ISO layouts.
  • Cheap price
  • Colorful RGB Compatibility
  • Lively and vibrant rainbow design
  • Wear-resisting double-shot ABS material
  • Incompatible with dark boards
  • More susceptible to shine and deterioration over time

Blank White Thick PBT Keycaps - Best Blank Keycap

These Blank White Thick PBT Keycaps are a wise choice for keyboard aficionados and gamers that strictly adhere to a color scheme for their setup.

Blank white thick pbt keycaps
blank white thick pbt keycaps

Features:

  • Model name: Blank White Thick PBT Keycaps
  • Manufacturer: WPL
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Laser etched
  • Color: White
  • RGB Light: No
  • Number of Keys: 108 keys

Blank White Thick PBT Keycaps provide a pleasurable typing experience, a sturdy structure, and a simple and elegant design. The thick PBT material provides longevity and a tactile feel, while the blank design enables a consistent and elegant appearance. These best gaming keycaps offer a premium and refined choice for your mechanical keyboard and gaming experience.

Pros Cons
  • Compatible with Cherry MX-style switches
  • Good price
  • Smooth and satisfying surface
  • Clean and minimalist appearance
  • Thick PBT Material
  • No letter identification legends
  • Non-backlightning

Drop + Matt30/DEV/TTY MT3 Keycaps - Best Premium Keycap

Drop + Matt30/DEV/TTY MT3 Keycaps are the best keycaps for gamers because of their high quality, colorfulness, personality, and uniqueness.

Drop + matt30/dev/tty mt3 keycaps
drop + matt30/dev/tty mt3 keycaps

Features:

  • Model name: Drop + Matt30/DEV/TTY MT3 Keycaps
  • Manufacturer: ‎DROP
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Dye Sublimation
  • Color: White
  • RGB Light: No
  • Number of Keys: 70 keys

The sculpted MT3 profile of the Drop + Matt30/DEV/TTY MT3 Keycaps provides a comfortable and luxurious typing experience. The premium ABS material and the sublimated legends guaranteed their durability and long-lasting visibility.

These keycaps have a distinctive appearance and feel, making them must-have keycap sets for gaming for anyone looking for a new keyboard.

Pros Cons
  • Premium and luxurious feel to keyboard setup
  • Compatible with a variety of mechanical keyboards
  • High-quality materials 
  • Brilliant set of keys
  • The MT3 profile provides a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
  • Unique and eye-catching design options
  • High Construction
  • Expensive price
  • Lack of RGB

Akko Neon keycaps - Best Akko Keycap for Gaming

Akko Neon keycaps are one of the best keycaps for gaming. These keycaps are certain to improve your gaming experience thanks to their premium materials and striking colors. 

Akko neon keycaps
akko neon keycaps

Features: 

  • Model name: Akko Neon keycaps
  • Manufacturer: AKKO
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Double-shot
  • Color: Blue
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Number of Keys: 157 keys

In comparison to PBT keycaps, ABS keycaps often have a higher pitch and are more resonant. The surface is comfortable and sensitive to the touch thanks to the smooth ABS material.

Akko Neon keycaps are the best keycaps for gamers because they have a stunning and bright design, are compatible with the majority of mechanical keyboards, and can improve backlighting effects.

If you want to enjoy Akko Neon keycaps with your own eyes but don't have time to find out, then this video will help you experience it in the most authentic way.

Pros Cons
  • Bright and striking neon color palette
  • The caps are nicely textured 
  • Feel nice to type
  • Reasonable price
  • Excellent sound
  • Double-Shot PBT keycaps increase overall durability
  • Standard Cherry Profile
  • The collection is not compatible with Macs (no CMD or Option keycaps).
  • Prone to fade or take on a shiny look.

Are there so many keycap manufacturers that you wonder which one to choose? Here we have introduced the 19 best keycap manufacturers for your reference.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Keycaps

There are several aspects to take into account while choosing the best keycap sets for gaming. Here is a guide to assist you in selecting suitable keycaps for your gaming requirements:

Keycap Material

Keycaps are frequently composed of ABS or PBT plastic. Due to their resilience and resistance to abrasion, gloss, and grease buildup, PBT keycaps are typically chosen for gaming. 

Keycap Profile

Keycap profiles adjust the size and appearance of the keycaps. There are several profiles available, including OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA, and others. For pleasant and effective gaming sessions, gamers frequently favor keycaps with a low-profile or sculpted profile, like Cherry or DSA.

Legends and Visibility

Legends and visibility of gaming keycaps
legends and visibility of gaming keycaps

The legends on gaming keycaps are frequently large or highly contrasted to make them easy to read and find during lengthy gaming sessions. Furthermore, translucent legends or backlight compatibility can improve visibility in RGB or low-light environments.

Texture and Grip

Keycaps with a textured surface are popular for gaming since they can improve grip and tactile feedback. These keycaps frequently include a textured or rough surface to help keep fingers from slipping during long gaming sessions.  

A decent option for improved grip and durability is a double-shot PBT keycap with a textured surface.

Texture and grip of keycaps for gaming
texture and grip of keycaps for gaming

Design and Aesthetics

The best keycaps for gaming are available in a variety of hues, themes, and fashions to fit personal tastes.

The best keycaps for gamers are available in a variety of hues, themes, and fashions to fit personal tastes. They have a design and aesthetic that go beyond practicality to create a space that reflects the player's personality and improves the entire gaming experience.

Design and aesthetics of keycaps for gaming
design and aesthetics of keycaps for gaming

Compatibility

Make sure the keycaps you select are appropriate for the design and switch type of your keyboard. There are keycaps available for various switch types, such as Kailh, Gateron, or Topre, while most keycaps are made for Cherry MX-style switches. 

Additionally, make sure the keycaps work with the layout of your keyboard, whether it be ANSI, ISO, or another particular layout.

Backlight Compatibility

The best keycaps for gaming are made to function without a hitch with RGB or single-color backlighting setups, boosting the aesthetic effect of your gaming setup.

Backlight compatibility of keycaps for best gaming
backlight compatibility of keycaps for best gaming

Backlight-compatible keycaps give you the freedom to personalize and coordinate the lighting effects with your gaming setup, boosting the overall appearance and engrossing you in an engaging gaming experience.

Price

Entry-level keycap sets usually cost between $20 and $50, offering an affordable upgrade from default keycaps with better durability and appearance. 

Mid-range keycaps, which vary in price from $50 to $100, include better components like doubleshot PBT and could have more elaborate patterns or color schemes.

For fans looking for one-of-a-kind and limited-edition designs, premium or best gaming keycap sets can cost more, frequently reaching $100.

Do these keycaps still not meet your needs? So, this post will give you the best custom keycaps that you should buy to make the best choice for you.

FAQs

What is the best low-profile gaming keycap?

The YMDK DSA Retro Keycap is the best low-profile gaming keycap because the "DSA" profile is a well-liked choice for low-profile.

Which is the best gaming keycap set with a Cherry profile?

The Akko Neon keycap is the best gaming keycap set with a Cherry profile. With their great durability and compatibility with Cherry MX-style switches, Akko Neon keycaps are widely used among gamers.

What is the best SA profile gaming keycap set?

The "SA Pulse" keycap set is the best SA profile gaming keycap set. SA Pulse is widely praised for its quality, aesthetics, and compatibility with various gaming setups.

What is the best OEM profile keycap set for gaming?

The GMK Double Shot Keycaps set is an appreciated option when it comes to the best keycap set for gaming. It is a standout option thanks to its high-quality construction, classic style, and compatibility with gaming keyboards.

What is the best rubber keycap for gaming?

The HK Gaming Rubber Keycap is the best rubber keycap for gaming. HK Gaming Rubber Keycaps are widely recognized for their quality, durability, and enhanced gaming performance, making them a popular choice among gamers seeking the best rubber keycaps for gaming.

Are there any gaming keycaps without RGB lighting?

Yes. Some gaming keycap sets don't have RGB lighting and instead place more emphasis on other factors, including keycap material, profile, design, and ergonomics.

What is the best pudding keycap for gamers?

When it comes to pudding keycaps, HyperX Pudding Keycap is the best choice for you. The HK Gaming Pudding Keycaps offer increased durability and resilience to wear and tear because they are composed of sturdy doubleshot PBT material.

What is the cheapest gaming keycap set?

HyperX Pudding keycap is the cheapest gaming keycap set at $14.99 per keycap. It is frequently recommended to gamers looking to enhance their gaming keyboards on a budget. 

What is the quietest keycap set for gamers?

The Akko Neon keycap is the quietest keycap set for gamers because it has a high-quality PBT keycap, so it can help reduce the sound of bottoming out or typing impact, resulting in a quieter typing experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the best gaming keycaps is very important to enhance the gaming experience. You should consider the features, benefits, and drawbacks of keycaps to make a choice that suits your personal needs and preferences.

Author

I work as a freelance blogger in Seattle, Washington. I've been freelancing full-time for 5 years. I'm interested in anime, resin art, and mechanical keyboards.

amy-golden