What are pudding keycaps and should you buy them?

  • Keycaps 101
  • Posted by: amy-golden
  • Aug 8, 2022

Keycaps are an excellent way to not only decorate one's workstation gaming setup but also to express one's personality.

However, choosing the ideal keycaps can be a head-scratcher. You will need to consider some factors such as pricing, quality, durability, and compatibility with the switch. If you like RGB backlighting, people may recommend pudding keycaps to you. But what exactly are pudding keycaps, and are they any good?

Take the time to read this review, and you will find the answers you need.

What do pudding keycaps mean?

Pudding keycaps
Pudding keycaps

Pudding Keycaps are typically made of a high-quality ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic material. ABS is known for its durability, smooth texture, and ability to showcase vibrant colors.

The keycaps are manufactured using a double-shot molding process, where two layers of plastic are molded together to create a dual-layer design. The top layer is opaque, while the bottom layer is translucent, allowing light to pass through. This construction ensures that the legends on the keycaps remain clear and legible while enhancing the illumination effect of the keyboard's backlighting.

To learn more about other keycaps, see this Complete Guide to different types of keycaps: Materials, Profiles, Printing methods, and more.

What are Pudding Keycaps made of?

What are pudding keycaps made of?
What are pudding keycaps made of?

Pudding keycap sets are produced in the same way as regular keycap sets. In terms of used materials, they can be produced with ABS or PBT plastic, depending on the manufacturer.

The material used in making pudding keycaps is a key factor in their durability. Most firms produce pudding keycaps with PBT plastic with double shot legend printing to ensure high durability.

Typically, PBT pudding keycaps are more durable than ABS keycaps. Although a part of them is coated with opaque material, pudding keycaps made of PBT are more sturdy and long-lasting.

As a result, it resists factors like solvents, friction, and wear that usually damage plastic components. Please keep in mind, though, that this does not entitle you to mistreat them.

Besides, pudding keycaps are manufactured using double-shot injection molding, which divides every keycap into 2 layers: a completely opaque thick top layer and a transparent body layer that allows RGB lighting to come through. (Check out this article to learn more about double-shot vs dye-sub keycaps)

Which keyboards do Pudding keycaps work best on?

Which keyboards do pudding keycaps work best on?
Which keyboards do pudding keycaps work best on?

Due to their relative brightness compared to south-facing switches, pudding keycaps perform best on keyboards with north-facing switches. To create the vibrant RGB featured on the majority of gaming keyboards, the LEDs on the PCB must be placed on top of the switch.

Furthermore, north-facing switches provide a centered shine through to a pudding keycap body as well as direct illumination of the keycap legends.

That's why north-facing switches are currently a regular feature on gaming keyboards and the majority of pre-built keyboards.

So, what other keyboards use pudding keycaps?

After all, keep in mind that MX-style switches are the only ones that work with pudding keycaps now. Besides, pudding keycaps are not yet available that compatible with rubber dome switches or membrane keyboards.

What do pudding keycaps do?

As was already said, their main objective is to boost the keyboard's backlight's luminosity for aesthetic purposes. Apart from this, they serve the same purpose as ordinary keycaps.

Moreover, given that the materials used to produce pudding keycaps are not frequently ideal in terms of texture, some really experienced keyboard fans may regard them to be sub-optimal. It's also important to note that the dual-layer design has a tendency of separating under vigorous use, which is again not really optimal.

Pudding Keycaps vs Regular Keycaps 

Pudding keycaps are a unique type of keycaps that have a dual-layer design. The top of the cap is opaque, while the rest of the keycap is translucent. This design allows for enhanced illumination without compromising readability. Pudding keycaps are primarily used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard's backlighting.

Translucent keycaps, on the other hand, are designed to allow light to pass through them. Unlike regular shine-through keycaps, pudding keycaps act as diffusers for RGB backlighting, creating a more vibrant and evenly distributed illumination effect.

Pudding Keycaps

Pudding keycaps

Translucent Keycaps

Translucent keycaps

Other Keycaps

Other keycaps

Design Dual-layer design with opaque top and translucent body Transparent keycaps that allow light to pass through Solid color keycaps that block light from passing through
Backlighting Enhances keyboard's backlighting for aesthetic appeal Allows light to pass through for illumination effect Does not allow backlighting to shine through
Readability Maintains readability with opaque top section May have slightly reduced visibility of legends due to transparency Clear and distinct legends for easy readability
Aesthetic Distinct appearance with a unique layered design Provides a more subtle and traditional look Offers a clean and minimalistic look
Compatibility Generally compatible with standard layout keyboards Generally compatible with standard layout keyboards Generally compatible with standard layout keyboards
Availability Widely available in various keycap profiles Widely available in various keycap profiles Widely available in various keycap profiles
Customization Limited customization options due to dual-layer design Limited customization options due to transparency Wide range of customization options available

*Please note that the table is based on general characteristics of Pudding Keycaps, Translucent Keycaps, and Non-Shine Through Keycaps, and specific variations may exist depending on the manufacturer and specific keycap set.

Should you buy Pudding keycaps?

Now that you’ve already got everything needed about pudding keycaps. It’s time to place an order. But before doing so, you need to consider the following factors to know whether pudding keycaps are worth your money:

Durability

As previously said, pudding keycaps are made of extremely strong PBT material and are made to fit almost any mechanical keyboard. They maintain their consistency in texture, clarity, and aesthetic even after prolonged usage.

Lighting effects

Undeniably, pudding keycaps will allure you when you add lighting effects as opposed to simply a single unchanging color.

As we discussed, pudding keycaps are made especially to boost keyboards' RGB illumination.

Given that they enable a maximal shine through of your switches' LEDs, it is highly suggested that you purchase these keycaps if you are a true RGB fan. Moreover, it will get more pleasant if your keyboard already goes with various pre-programmed lighting effects.

Affordability

The Pudding Keycaps provide a great, affordable way to level up your keyboard.

For example, the price of HyperX Pudding Double Shot PBT is $24.99. This is an amazingly low price for high-quality PBT keycaps from a well-known brand in the mechanical keyboard industry.

What are the best pudding keycaps?

Learn about the finest pudding keycaps to improve the looks and usability of your mechanical keyboard. Check out our best picks for the most fascinating and attractive pudding keycaps to modify your keyboard configuration.

Pudding keycap set Features Price Range

YMDK PBT Doubleshot Shine Pudding Keycaps Set

Ymdk pbt doubleshot shine pudding keycaps set

  • Manufacturer: WPL
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Doubleshot
  • Color: Black
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Number of Keys: 104 keys
$16.50 - $29.90 /set 

XVX Pudding Keycaps

Xvx pudding keycaps

  • Manufacturer: XVX
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Doubleshot
  • Color: Black
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Number of Keys: 165 keys
$13.99 - $14.99 /set

SteelSeries PRISMCAPS Double Shot Pudding Keycaps Set

Steelseries prismcaps double shot pudding keycaps set

  • Manufacturer: ‎SteelSeries
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Doubleshot
  • Color: Black
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Number of Keys: 105 keys
$27.99 - $28.99 /set

HyperX Pudding Keycaps Set

Hyperx pudding keycaps set

  • Manufacturer: HP Inc.
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Doubleshot
  • Color: Black
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Number of Keys: 104 keys
$19.99 - $29.99 /set

HK Gaming Pudding Keycaps 

Hk gaming pudding keycaps

  • Manufacturer: HK Gaming
  • Keycap material: PBT
  • Keycap printing: Doubleshot
  • Color: Black
  • RGB Light: Yes
  • Number of Keys: 108 keys
$19.99 - $24.99 /set

If you want to explore more options, check out this Review of Best Pudding Keycaps for Stylish Keyboard Customization.

FAQs

Are pudding keycaps quieter?

Although the pudding keycap is somewhat quieter, they are not entirely silent.

Do Pudding Keycaps work on membrane keyboards?

No. Pudding keycaps do not work will membrane keyboards or rubber dome switches.

Are Pudding Keycaps Durable?

Pudding keycaps are durable due to their dual-layer design, using materials like ABS or PBT plastic for high durability and wear resistance. With proper maintenance and use, they can maintain their beauty and performance over time. 

What do pudding keycaps do?

Pudding keycaps are created to improve the aesthetics of mechanical keyboards by enhancing the visibility of RGB illumination through the keycaps. Pudding keycaps are popular among keyboard aficionados who want to give their keyboards a distinctive and striking appearance.

Are Pudding Keycaps good for typing?

For some people, typing with pudding keycaps may be comfortable. However, the keycap profile, key switches, and individual preferences are the main determinants of typing performance and comfort. Pudding keycaps' suitability for typing depends on a person's aesthetic preferences and how well they type with the keycap set they've chosen.

Are Pudding Keycaps good for gaming?

Yes. Pudding keycaps can be a good option for gaming due to their transparent design, which enhances RGB illumination visibility, particularly in low-light conditions. However, their suitability depends on personal aesthetic choices and gaming experience with the chosen keycap set.

The Bottom Line

Pudding keycaps with PBT plastic material are the right option if you want to give your keyboard a sturdy look and maximize RGB lighting.

Typing has never looked better than with the brilliant RGB lighting of the pudding keycaps. Let them make your work corner more aesthetic and attractive!

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