Do you love the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards? Are you in search of the perfect sound for your typing experience but overwhelmed by the multitude of options in the market? Let's explore our list of the best sounding keycaps that will breathe new life into your keyboard and elevate your typing experience to new heights.
Note: Prices are for reference only and may change over time
Drop + GMK Redsuns Keycap - Best Overall Sounding Keycap
Specification
Brand: DROP
Color: Two-tone red and dark gray with Red and dark gray with gold-plated accents and keycaps
Compatibility: Cherry MX switches and clones
Keycap profile: Cherry profile
Material: Doubleshot ABS (1.5 mm thick)
Backlighting support: No
Weight: 14.1 ounces
Size: 12.52 x 9.41 x 1.93 inches
Drop + gmk redsuns keycap (source: gear zone)
The Drop + RedSuns GMK Red Samurai Keycap Set is a stunning set of keycaps inspired by the armor of Japanese warrior General Ii Naomasa. The bold red and dark gray colorway with golden accents is evocative of Naomasa's fearsome appearance on the battlefield. The keycaps are made from durable doubleshot ABS plastic and work with Cherry MX switches and clones.
About the durability and sound, the keycaps are made from 1.5mm-thick doubleshot ABS, which makes them long-lasting and sturdy. This material is known for its resistance to wear, ensuring the legends remain sharp and the colors vibrant even after extended use. Users have reported that the keycaps produce a crisp, satisfying sound when pressed.
Pros
Cons
High-quality doubleshot ABS construction
Cherry profile for comfort and versatility
Striking colorway inspired by Japanese samurai armor
Available in a variety of kits to support different keyboard layouts
High-quality printing and legends
Deep, thick sound profile
Smooth and textured feel
Satisfying typing experience
Shiny appearance after prolonged use
Some defects on the artisan enter key's print
Jagged edges and bad finishing on some keys
Ducky Joker PBT Keycaps - Best Sounding OEM Keycap
Specification
Brand: Ducky Channel
Color: Eye-catching pink, blue, and purple color combination
Compatibility: Cherry MX switches
Keycap profile: OEM profile
Material: Double-shot seamless
Backlighting support: No
Weight: 35.273 ounces
Size: 32.4 x 15.5 x 5.1 inches
Ducky joker pbt keycaps (source: ducky channel)
The Ducky Joker PBT Keycaps are a set of 108 keycaps that are compatible with all Ducky keyboards. They are made from PBT, a high-grade plastic known for its durability and resistance to shine. The keycaps feature a unique Joker theme with vivid blue and purple colors, making your keyboard stand out. The keyboard's color scheme consists of teal alphas combined with hot pink and purple modifiers, resulting in a vibrant appearance.
Ducky Joker PBT Keycaps are known for their excellent sound quality. PBT plastic produces a deeper and more satisfying sound than ABS plastic, which is commonly used in keycaps. The double-shot PBT construction of Ducky Joker keycaps further enhances the sound profile, resulting in a crisp and satisfying "thock" sound when typing.
Pros
Cons
Vivid and captivating color combination of blue, purple, and pink
Durable PBT material
Double-shot construction for long-lasting legends
Pleasant, grippy texture
RGB backlighting opacity
Cost premium over ABS plastic
Acoustic noise
Keycap compatibility
HyperX Pudding - Best Budget Sounding Keycap
Specification
Brand: HyperX
Color: Black, white, pink
Compatibility: HyperX mechanical keyboards
Profile: OEM Profile
Material: PBT
Backlighting support: No
Weight: 6.7 ounces
Size: 5.7 x 5.1 x 1.4 inches
Hyperx pudding keycap (source: hyperx)
The HyperX Pudding Keycaps are a set of keycaps designed to enhance the lighting of your keyboard. Their translucent dual-layer keycaps and HyperX font are designed to let RGB lighting shine through. The keycaps are made from PBT, a durable plastic that will last for many years. The keycaps fit HyperX and most mechanical gaming keyboards.
HyperX Pudding Keycaps have a more deeper and pleasant acoustic experience than most other keycaps on the market. This is due to the use of PBT plastic and double-shot construction. If you are looking for a set of keycaps with excellent sound quality, HyperX Pudding Keycaps are a great option to consider.
Pros
Cons
Durable double-shot PBT construction
Translucent RGB keycap set
Colorful and versatile keycaps
Usable with most Cherry MX switches and clones
Only compatible with certain keyboards
Noise
Short lifespan
Poor visibility of legends on white keycaps with bright lighting, especially in the dark
Corsair PBT Double-Shot PRO - Best Sounding Keycap for Typing
Specification
Brand: Corsair
Color: Arctic White, Elgato Blue, ORIGIN Red, Rogue Pink, and Mint Green
Compatibility: Cherry MX switches or clones
Profile: OEM profile
Material: PBT
Backlighting support: Yes
Weight: 2.69 ounces
Size: 7.28 x 1.89 x 7.56 inches
Corsair pbt double-shot pro (source: playzone)
The Corsair PBT Double-Shot PRO keycaps are a great choice for gamers and typists Corsair PBT Double-Shot Keycaps are made from PBT plastic, which is known for its durability, rigidity, texture, and shine resistance. Double-shot keycaps have the legends infused into the plastic, resulting in clear fonts and long-lasting durability.
These keycaps fit all Corsair mechanical and optical-mechanical keyboards with a standard bottom row and any other keyboard that uses Cherry MX switches. The translucent keycaps allow for backlit legends, which can be helpful for typing in low-light conditions. The keycaps also have a textured surface for added grip and stability.
The keyboard comes with optional silicone O-rings, which can be used to make the keystrokes quieter and softer. This can be a great feature for users who prefer a quieter typing experience, or for gamers who want to reduce the noise of their keyboard. O-rings improve the typing experience, making it more comfortable for extended use.
Pros
Cons
Durable and long-lasting construction
Textured surface for added grip and comfort
Sharp and fade-resistant legends
Compatible with most mechanical keyboards
Available in multiple colors
Includes optional O-rings to reduce typing noise and enhance tactile feel
Reduced RGB brightness due to color choice and thickness
Incompatibility with keyboards with non-standard layouts
Adjustment period required for new keycap profile and feel
Drop + MiTo GMK Laser Custom - Best Sounding Keycap for Coding
Specification
Brand: DROP
Color: Monocolor dark with cyan
Compatibility: Cherry MX switches and clones
Profile: Cherry
Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Backlighting support: No
Weight: 13 ounces
Size: 12.44 x 9.45 x 1.97 inches
Drop + mito gmk laser custom (source: youtube andi palmer)
The Drop + MiTo GMK Laser Custom keycap set is a high-quality keycap set with a unique and eye-catching design. The keycaps are made of thick, double-shot ABS plastic, making them long-lasting and durable. They also have comfortable and ergonomic sculpted keycaps.
Made of ABS plastic and having double-shot ABS creates a very nice sound profile of the keys. They have a relatively high pitch, which some users find pleasant and others find to be too loud. This means that the sound of each keystroke is relatively sharp.
The keycaps also have a moderate amount of resonance, which means that the sound of each keystroke lingers for a short period of time. Finally, the keycaps have a relatively low amount of bottom-out noise, which is the sound that is produced when the keycap bottoms out on the plate.
Pros
Cons
Color-accurate
Community-driven design
Creative and unique novelties
High-quality construction
Only looks good on black cases
No alternate legend kits for number row
Limited color choices
Limited production batches
HK Gaming Dye Sublimation - Best Sounding Keycap for Gamers
Specification
Brand: HK GAMING
Color: Chalk
Compatibility: Cherry MX switches and clones, Drop SHIFT Mechanical Keyboard, and other keyboards with the same layout
Profile: Cherry Profile
Material: Polybutylene Terephthalate
Backlighting support: No
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Size: 9.84 x 4.17 x 1.46 inches
Hk gaming dye sublimation (source: ubuy)
HK Gaming Dye Sublimation is good choice for users who want a keyboard that can withstand heavy use and will not fade over time. The keycaps have a Dye Sub process, which means the legends are printed on the surface of the keycaps and then heated to fuse with the material. This makes the legends more clear and long-lasting.
The keyboard features low-profile Cherry Profile keycaps for a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience. They work with most standard keyboards and switches and producing a deeper and more “thocky” sound. This can provide satisfying auditory feedback while gaming.
Pros
Cons
Durable and resistant to damage
Fade-resistant legends
Wide range of color and layout options
Compatible with most Cherry MX switches and clones
Reasonable price
Higher price than traditional ABS keycaps
Some users find the PBT material to be too rough
Little shorter than most other keycaps
Blank White Thick PBT - Best Blank Sounding Keycap
Specification
Brand: YMDK
Color: White
Compatibility: Most MX switches 61 standard mechanical keyboard whose bottom is 1x6.25u+7x1.25u as the image shown
Keycap profile: OEM Profile
Material: PBT
Backlighting support: No
Weight: 1.76 ounces
Size: 9.84 x 6.69 x 1.18 inches
Blank white thick pbt (source: amazon)
Blank white thick PBT keycaps are a great offer for those who want a minimalist and stylish look for your keyboard. Made from PBT plastic, PBT keycaps are ideal for heavy use and last longer. The blank design means that there are no legends on the keycaps, which gives them a clean and minimalist look.
These keycaps, due to their material and thickness, tend to produce a sound that is more resonant and deeper. The sound of blank white thick PBT keycaps is a symphony of nature, and it is a symphony that is sure to please the ears of any typist.
Pros
Cons
Made with durable materials
Clean and minimalist design
Fits most Cherry MX and Cherry MX-compatible keyboards
Can be customized with your own legends
White color with faint pink hue
Uniform texture with moderate smoothness
Resistant to fingerprints and grease stains
Taihao Rubber Red 18 PCS - Best Rubber Sounding Keycap
Specification
Brand: TAI-HAO
Color: Red
Compatibility: Cherry compatible switches, includes keycap puller and two additional PBT branded keycaps
Keycap profile: OEM Profile
Material: PBT
Backlighting support: Yes
Weight: 0.81 ounces
Size: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
Taihao rubber red 18 pcs (source: amazon)
The Taihao Rubber Red 18 PCS is a set of 18 red rubber keycaps for mechanical keyboards. The keycaps are made from PBT plastic and have a textured rubber coating for added grip and comfort. The keycaps fit with all Cherry MX switches and clones.
The Taihao Rubber Red 18 PCS keycaps are known for their unique sound. They are made of rubber, which gives them a distinct feel and sound compared to traditional ABS or PBT keycaps. The keyboard's sound is often described as "thocky," which is a deep, muted sound that is pleasing to many typists.
Pros
Cons
Tactile rubber texture for easy key finding and reduced fatigue
Good grip and comfort
ABS base for crisp actuation
Double-shot keycaps for light transmission and low-light visibility
Fit all Cherry MX switches and clones
Only red version
High demand, often out of stock
Sticky rubber material
Gateron Aluminum Alloy - Best Sounding Keycap for Office
Specification
Brand: Gateron
Color: Starry sky grey, and quicksand gold and bright night black
Compatibility: most small keyboards
Keycap profile: OEM Profile
Material: Aluminum alloy
Backlighting support: No
Weight: 0.0723 ounces
Size: Custom height
Gateron aluminum alloy (source: zealpc. Net)
Gateron Aluminum Alloy keycaps are made of a high-quality aluminum alloy that is built to last, even with heavy use. The keycaps have a unique and satisfying sound, a luxurious theme with elegant colors, and a wide compatibility with most mechanical keyboards.
Gateron Aluminum Alloy keycaps come in two sizes: a standard 112-key set and a limited 115-key set with unique designs themed after the Chinese Year of the Tiger. The keycaps are packaged in an ammunition box with a sponge liner to prevent scratches.
Pros
Cons
Durable and sturdy
Soft and gentle on the fingers
Unique Chinese Year of the Tiger keycaps design
High price
High demand, often out of stock
Heavy weight, may require heavier switches
DROP Skylight Series - Best Sounding Keycap for Ergonomics
Specification
Brand: Drop
Keycap profile: OEM Profile
Compatibility: Compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones
Color: Horizon
Material: PBT
Backlighting support: yes
Weight: 12.7 ounces
Size: 11.89 x 6.54 x 1.57 inches
Drop skylight series (source: drop)
The Drop Skylight Series Keycaps Set is made of PBT, a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts because of its durability and fade-resistance. They are also shaped in the popular OEM profile, which provides a comfortable and balanced typing experience. The keycaps are a versatile choice for most mechanical keyboards because they fit Cherry MX switches and clones.
The Drop Skylight Series Keycap Set is made of PBT material, a durable plastic known for its smooth feel and pleasant sound. Users have praised the PBT keycaps for their texture and sound, which is why they are popular with sounding keyboard enthusiasts.
Pros
Cons
Durable PBT construction
Double-shot injection molding
Shine-through legends
Variety of colors and layouts
Higher price than other types of keycaps
Rough PBT material
Limited availability of some colors and layouts
Why Should You Choose Best Sounding Keycaps?
Choosing the best sounding keycaps can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience by producing a satisfying sound. Here are some reasons why you should invest in high-quality, best-sounding keycaps:
Improved Typing Speed and Accuracy
Keycaps with a pleasant sound profile and tactile feedback make typing more enjoyable and accurate. The audible response from the keycaps not only helps typists feel the actuation of each key but also instills a sense of confidence, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving typing speed.
If you're looking for premium keycap options, our guide on the best GMK Keycap Sets provides excellent insights.
Improved typing speed and accuracy (source: thegioididong)
Enhanced Gaming Performance
For gamers, the sound of keypresses can be crucial in fast-paced gameplay. Opting for keycaps with a sound profile that matches their preferences can provide better in-game feedback, leading to improved response times and performance.
Using the best keycaps in sound can help you perform at your best. The best keycaps for gamers can be named as HK Gaming Dye SublimationH, Drop + MiTo GMK Laser Custom, Drop + GMK Redsuns Keycap,... You can also choose the one that suits your needs by considering our checklist of 10+ best gaming keycaps.
The sound of keycap improved response times and performance (source: banghechoigame)
Personalized Sound Profile
Different keycap materials and designs produce unique sounds. By selecting the best sounding keycaps, users can create a customized sound profile that aligns with their preferences and complements their keyboard setup. This personalization adds to the overall typing or gaming experience.
For those who are more focused on switches, check out our recommendations for the best Akko switches to pair with your keycaps.
Each keycap material and design produces unique sounds (source: nguyenvustore)
Durability and Longevity
Best sounding keycaps are often made from durable materials like PBT, ensuring they can withstand heavy use without wearing out or losing their sound profile. Other materials, such as ABS, are also a popular material for keycaps.
Understanding all the characteristics of PBT and ABS helps you choose the right keycap type that fits your demands. Read this comparable article to find out about ABS and PBT.
Best sounding keycaps are often made from durable materials (source: giaonhan247)
Factors Affecting Keycap Sound
The sound produced by mechanical keycaps is identified by some factors, which combine to create a unique acoustic profile. Here are key factors affecting keycap sound:
Keycap Materials
Keycaps are made of various materials. If you want good sound keycaps, the important one is choosing keycaps that have the best keycaps materials. ABS keycaps typically produce a higher-pitched and more distinct sound while PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps generally offer a deeper and more muted sound.
Choosing the best keycap materials (source: ezpc)
Keycap Profile
Different profiles have different shapes, heights, and angles that can change the way the keycaps hit the switch and the case. So, the profile of the keycaps can change the typing experience, both in terms of sound and feel.
Some common profiles are Cherry, OEM, SA, DSA, and XDA.
Cherry profile: Lower height, dense or solid sound.
OEM profile: Higher than Cherry profile, slightly hollower sound.
SA profile: Even taller and more spherical than OEM profile, deeper thock sound.
DSA profile: Flat profile with uniform height across all rows, crisp sound.
XDA profile: DSA keycaps but having a larger surface area and a slightly different sound profile.
The best way to find the right keycap profile for you is to experiment with different profiles and see what feels best. Sculpted profiles like Cherry and OEM have a more pronounced curvature, while flat profiles like DSA have a uniform height. Heavy typists may prefer a more durable profile, while light typists may be able to get away with a less durable profile.
The sound of your keyboard can also depend on the keycap profile. Bigger keycaps generally produce a deeper, more hollow sound, while smaller keycaps tend to produce a higher, more crisp sound. We also have an article that analyzes thoroughly about all types of Keycap Profile.
Keycap profile affects how the keycap contacts the switch and the case (source: silicon. Vn)
Key Switch Type
The switch type is another factor that influences the sound of keycaps. Types of mechanical switches include linear vs tactile vs clicky. Each switch type has a unique feel and sound, so it's important to choose the one that's right for you.
Some switches are designed to be clicky and loud, or named as the best loud mechanical keyboards such as Cherry MX Blue or Kailh Box White. Others like Cherry MX Red or Gateron Black are more silent and smooth. The switch type can also affect the feel of the keycaps, such as how much force is required to press them or how much feedback they provide.
The switch type can also affect the feel of the keycaps (source: vissles)
Keycap Thickness
Double-shot and dye-sub are two different manufacturing methods that are used to create the legends on keycaps. To learn more about these two methods, please read our article Double-Shot vs Dye-Sub Keycaps: How Different Are They.
Thicker keycaps tend to produce a deeper and more solid sound compared to thinner keycaps, which can be more resonant and higher-pitched. However, thicker keycaps can also be at a higher price. Additionally, if you've ever wondered why keycaps are so expensive, we have a detailed explanation that delves into the factors driving their prices.
If you are looking for keycaps that have a deep, resonant sound and feel solid and durable, then double-shot keycaps are a good option. However, if you are on a budget or prefer a thinner keycap, then dye-sub keycaps are a good option.
Double-shot vs dye-sub keycaps have their own advantages (source: arstechnica)
Switch Lubrication
Lubricating the mechanical switches can affect the sound by reducing friction and creating a smoother and quieter keystroke. Lubed switches can result in a more pleasant typing experience with a dampened sound. However, switch lubrication can also make your switches feel less responsive. So, make sure to use high-quality lubricant for your mechanical keyboard switches.
Choose switch lubrication that is compatible with your switches (source: silicon. Vn)
Keycap Stabilizers
Keycap stabilizers are an important part of mechanical keyboards, as they help to ensure that larger keys are stable and responsive. If your keycap stabilizers are not properly lubricated, they can rattle.
Stabilizers prevent the keys from wobbling, so you can enjoy a smooth and stable typing and gaming experience. Cherry style, Costar, and optical are the three most common types of keycap stabilizers.
Keycap stabilizers keep the keys balanced (source: keyboard. University)
Conclusion
Our journey through the "10+ Best Sounding Keycaps - Top Picks in 2023" has revealed a diverse range of keycaps, each with its own unique sound profile. With so many different keycap sets available, there's a keycap set that's perfect for you. The more you discover the world of typing, the more you can upgrade your mechanical keyboard.
FAQs
Which keycap material offers the best sound?
PBT keycaps are often preferred for their quieter sound due to their better sound insulation properties compared to ABS keycaps. The thicker and more noise-resistant construction of PBT keycaps contributes to a mellower typing sound.
Are double-shot keycaps better for sound quality?
Yes, double-shot keycaps are generally considered to be better for sound quality than single-shot keycaps. However, they can produce a different sound profile, which some people may prefer.
What is the best sounding keycap profile?
The best sounding keycap profile is a matter of personal preference, but some popular profiles for sound quality include:
Cherry profile: This profile is known for its deep, thocky sound and good feedback, making it popular for gaming.
GMK profile: This profile is similar to Cherry profile, but with a slightly taller and more sculpted design that can produce a more pronounced sound profile.
MT3 profile: This profile has a unique high, sculpted design that is known for its deep, resonant sound.
How can I make my keycaps sound better?
You can enhance the sound of your keycaps by choosing the right keycap material, modifying your keyboard setup, and sometimes adding aftermarket accessories.
Can keycap sound affect typing speed and accuracy?
Yes, the sound of keycaps can affect typing speed and accuracy. Keycap sound may affect typing speed and accuracy, but it is not the primary factor. Other factors such as keyboard layout, switch type, and typing technique have a greater impact on typing speed and accuracy.
Where can I find the best sounding keycaps?
To find the best sounding keycaps, you can check out the following sources:
Popular online retailers for keycaps include Amazon, Drop, NovelKeys, and Kono.
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts such as Etsy and Reddit.
Mechanical keyboard meetups where mechanical keyboard enthusiasts gather to share their keyboards and knowledge
Do you love the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards? Are you in search of the perfect sound for your typing experience but overwhelmed by the multitude of options in the market? Let's explore our list of the best sounding keycaps that will breathe new life into your keyboard and elevate your typing experience to […]