The best keycap materials are the door to a delightful typing experience that define your interactions with the keyboard, from the feel and durability to the aesthetics and customization.
Thus, choosing the right keycap material is an art to craft a keyboard that resonates with your typing tastes and elevates the pleasure of every keystroke.
| Keycap Material | Pros | Cons | Suitable for |
| ABS |
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| PBT |
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Heavy typists and gamers |
| Polycarbonate |
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Typists who prioritize aesthetics and RGB features |
| POM |
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Regular typists |
| PVC |
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| Clay |
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|
Keycaps collectors |
| Resin |
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Keycaps collectors |
| Wooden |
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Keycaps collectors |
| Metal |
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Keycaps collectors |
Keycaps are typically made of one of two types of plastic: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a form of copolymer plastic widely used in the manufacture of keyboard keycaps. ABS is a three-mastery polymer with acrylonitrile for hardness, butadiene for flexibility, and styrene as the core material.
ABS keycaps have the following characteristics:
Let's explore the pros and cons of these keycaps to better appreciate their appeal and limits.
| Pros | Cons |
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PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is also a type of material commonly used in the production of keycaps for mechanical keyboards.
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) keycaps offer several benefits, including exceptional durability, resistance to wear and shine, and excellent keycap texture that provides a comfortable typing experience, making it the most sought material for typists and gamer.
The main characteristics of PBT keycaps are:
Needless to say, the “good” of PBT may outweigh the “bad”. Just pay a little more buck, and you will get the luxury touch holding your fingertips.
| Pros | Cons |
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Alright! We explored all the nooks and crannies of these two widely used materials. Hard to choose one? Then, this comparison table will truly help you determine the best keycaps material for your keyboard.
| Factors | ABS Keycaps | PBT Keycaps |
| Durability | Wears over time | More durable |
| Cost | Usually cheaper | More expensive |
| Noise | Quieter when typing | Louder when typing |
| Comfort | Smooth | Textured |
| Melting Point | Around 105-degree | Around 225-degree |
| Double-shot keycaps | Available | Available |
| Weight | Thinner (Not always) | Thicker |
Along with ABS and PBT, there are several less popular keycap materials, each has its unique properties and characteristics.
Polycarbonate (PC) is a type of high-performance thermoplastic with various distinct features as a keycap material.
Polycarbonate keycaps excel at giving an eye-catching light show thanks to their transparency or translucent (as you can see in the below image) Besides, these keycaps tend to produce a "hollow" or "resonant" sound due to the nature of the material.
While polycarbonate keycaps can give your keyboard an unmatched unique touch, they are less common and often found in high-end or specialty mechanical keyboard setups.
POM (Polyoxymethylene) keycaps offer a comparable smooth feel as ABS but are less prone to wear. Their silky texture provides an almost candle-like finger feel, while each key exhibits a milky appearance.
Jelly POM is a unique option for fancy designs. This special material also allows keyboard RGB lighting to illuminate the keyboard more effectively.
POM keycaps are a great alternative to ABS with a similar feel and improved durability. Those seeking a more unique vibe to brighten up their setups will not go wrong with POM keycaps.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a widely used synthetic plastic material known for its flexibility, affordability, and ease of molding.
PVC keycaps are typically soft and have a slightly rubbery feel. Besides, PVC keycaps can be produced in various shapes and designs, allowing for customized choices that would not be possible with other materials.
As it is sensitive to high temperature, PVC may be the least durable among other keycap materials. Additionally, the production of PVC can have environmental drawbacks, leading to restrictions on its manufacturing in some regions. Nevertheless, PVC keycaps remain a popular choice for those on a budget or seeking entry-level mechanical keyboards, frequently used by mass-market brands like Logitech, Dell, and HP.
PVC keycaps are widely used by mass market brand
Add clay to your keyboard? Sounds weird but it is true. Clay keycaps, as the name suggests, are made from clay or a clay-like material.
They provide a unique and artisanal vibe to your keyboard, as they are often exquisitely handcrafted. However, clay keycaps may be scarce and considered a niche or specialty product within the custom mechanical keyboard community.
While it can take a bit of effort to find and purchase them, you can become an artisan yourself with your one-of-a-kind keycap. Simply search for some tutorials on how to make a clay keycap at home.
Resin is a viscous liquid that can be plant or plastic-based and is utilized to make polymers.
Resin keycaps have always been praised for their high degree of customization. Artisans can embed various elements like flowers, and glitter, or even meticulously 3D-paint something (character, landscape, etc) into the resin. This way, they create visually stunning and distinctive keycaps before filling the mold.
The game doesn't stop here! Resin keycaps often have a translucent or semi-transparent appearance, enabling light to shine through and enhancing the attractiveness of embedded parts or designs.
Most people come to artisan resin keycaps as they pursue the uniqueness and DIY-friendliness they offer. Yet, keep in mind that resin keycaps are often produced on a small scale since resin keycaps are individually handcrafted by artisans to become unique works of art.
If you are a fan of these unique works of art, don’t hesitate to take a look at Hirosart’s resin keycap collection, your gateway to meticulously handcrafted, customizable keycaps. Explore a diverse range of captivating designs, including enchanting creations like the Pokémon spacebar and the graceful Koi artisan keycaps, all available for worldwide shipping.
Our custom spacebar Pókemon keycap are available in SA and OEM profile (Source: Hirosart)
Wooden keycaps are made from various types of wood such as walnut, cherry, rosewood, or bamboo. They stand out from more common plastic keycaps with their natural aesthetic and organic feel to mechanical keyboards.
Although wood is long-lasting, it may not be as strong as PBT keycaps (can rot over time). As a result, artisans may apply different finishes or coatings to enhance the beauty of the wood and preserve it from wear.
Like resin keycaps, wooden keycaps have carved themselves a unique niche in the mechanical keyboard world, yet they are scarce and highly sought after by keyboard lovers.
Want maximum durability and luxurious appearance? Go for metal keycaps.
Metal keycaps are made from various types of metal such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel, zinc alloy, or titanium. They often have a polished or brushed finish.
What may make you disappointed is that customization options for metal keycaps may be more limited due to the intricacy of the manufacturing process and the nature of metalworking.
Even so, you can make your keyboard an invincible warrior with this best high-end keycaps material.
To pick the best keycaps material for your fantastic builds, do not make a hasty decision and first take a moment to consider the following aspects.
Of course, no one wants to pay for a set of keycaps that are flimsy and easy to damage. If you're striving for utmost durability, PBT keycaps stand strong as your "stalwart pals". They defy wear and tear over time with legends lasting for years.
Other keycap materials, such as ABS and PVC are considered to be reasonably durable enough for regular use. However, you may need to consider purchasing new keycaps as they tend to wear and turn shiny after a period of use.
Typing feel is a crucial factor when choosing the best keycaps material, as it directly influences your typing experience and comfort. ABS and POM keycaps are often described as slippery or smooth as glass, while PBT keycaps offer a more textured surface with a somewhat gritty or sandpaper-like feeling.
Ultimately, the typing experience is a subjective experience varying from person to person.
If you want to add a personal touch to every click, then go for the best keycaps material allowing for a high degree of customization such as clay, or resin. These materials offer a world of artistic possibilities and creativity that other materials can't match. They are much like collectible items that anyone may treasure.
However, it doesn't mean ABS and PBT keycaps are boring. They are also available in more colors and even the most intricate designs with dye sublimation and double shot options.
Explore the world of custom keycaps to match your style and preferences, and check out our selection of the 15 best custom keycaps, starting from just $8.49, to enhance your typing experience today!
Think about the aesthetics you want to achieve with your keyboard. PBT keycaps often offer more color stability, while ABS keycaps might develop a glossy shine over time.
If you desire to put true works of art into your keyboard, artisan clay and resin keycaps would be a go-to for a fancy build.
The sound profile of keycaps can affect the overall typing experience. Some users find the audible feedback from ABS keycaps enhances their typing rhythm and provides a sense of confirmation with each key press. On the other hand, the muted sound of PBT keycaps can offer a more relaxed and calming typing experience, reducing the potential for distraction.
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If you are simply a typist, all the keycaps material here can serve you to the very end. But if you're looking for powerful warriors for intense battles, the high-quality PBT keycaps can cover each of your fingers during extended gaming sessions.
Moreover, for decoration purposes or to express your personality, handcrafted keycaps made from clay or resin will work best.
To choose the ideal keycap material, it's important to consider your intended uses (Source: Interstellar Resin Keycap by Hirosart)
Price is also an important consideration driving you to choose the best keycaps material that best fits your budget.
Here is the price list of some common keycaps material on the market in ascending order. We looked into the pricing of certain keycap materials on e-commerce sites like Amazon and Etsy.
| Keycap Material | Price Range
(Price as of August, 2023) |
| ABS keycaps | $15 to $50
Higher-quality sets might go up to $100 or more. |
| PBT keycaps | $20 to $130
Premium sets and custom designs going up to $150 or more. |
| POM keycaps | $50 to $120 |
| Metal keycaps | $10 to $150 |
| Resin keycaps | $30 to $200
Depend on the designs (simple or complex) |
| Wooden keycaps | $10 to $340 |
Ultimately, determining the best keycaps material is a subjective process that heavily relies on personal preferences. The mechanical keyboard community is diverse, and there is always the best keycaps material for every typist's taste.
The best keycaps material is essential for a delightful typing experience. ABS is affordable and customizable but less durable. PBT is stronger, with a premium feel but costlier. Other materials like polycarbonate, POM, PVC, clay, resin, wood, and metal offer unique features and aesthetics, transforming keyboards into heirloom treasures.
Regardless of your typing preferences and budget, you can craft your dream keyboard out of any of the materials mentioned above. Just take a moment to evaluate some key factors before buying a new set of keycaps, as they hold the power to make your typing journey a tale of joy and fascination.
Yes. Keycap material does matter as it influences the feel, durability, aesthetics and customization of your keyboard and overall typing experience.
The most popular keycap material is ABS and PBT. ABS keycaps offer a smooth feel with high customization options. PBT keycaps are highly regarded for their durability, matte finish, and premium feel.
The cheapest keycap material is ABS. ABS keycaps are commonly found in budget-friendly and entry-level; mechanical keyboards. They are an affordable option for those looking for basic customization and a smooth key feel.
Artisan keycaps made from resin, clay, or other unique materials can be expensive, depending on their rarity and craftsmanship. These keycaps are considered collectible and are sought after by keyboard enthusiasts looking to add a touch of exclusivity to their mechanical keyboards.
The most durable keycap material is metal. Metal keycaps are made from materials like aluminum, brass, stainless steel, or titanium, which can withstand heavy use and are less likely to develop wear, shine, or fade over time.
PBT keycaps are often favored by gamers who demand long-lasting performance. PBT keycaps are famous for their durability and textured surface with enhanced grip during intense gaming sessions. However, the best keycap material for gamers eventually comes down to individual preferences.
The best keycap material for typists is a matter of personal choice. Some appreciate the longevity of PBT keycaps for forever performance while some love the smooth typing experience of ABS keycaps.
The best keycap materials are the door to a delightful typing experience that define your interactions with the keyboard, from the feel and durability to the aesthetics and customization. Thus, choosing the right keycap material is an art to craft a keyboard that resonates with your typing tastes and elevates the pleasure of every keystroke. […]
Not everyone is that familiar with keycaps, so when you first listen to things like ABS or PBT, it could be very confusing. In this article, we will answer the question “what are ABS keycaps” and also include their pros and cons. We will also make things simple for you guys who’re on the journey […]
ABS keycaps ABS keycaps, short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene keycaps, are a common type of keycap material used in mechanical keyboards. They are made from a thermoplastic polymer known for its versatile properties and are widely used in various consumer products due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing. Furthermore, injection molding is used to […]
