How to Choose the Right Keycaps for Your Keyboard

Your Guide to buying the best Keycaps

Overview

Keycaps are an essential part of any keyboard. They help to protect the keys from wear and tear, and they also add an eye-catching element of personal style to your device. When it comes to purchasing new keycaps, there are a number of factors to consider. In this buying guide, we'll discuss the different types of keycaps available, the quality of materials used, and the various aesthetic features to look out for when selecting keycaps. We'll also provide advice on how to choose the best keycaps for your specific needs, ensuring you can make an informed decision when shopping.

Key features

  • Design/Shape - Keycaps come in a variety of designs and shapes, such as OEM, Cherry, DSA, and SA. It is important to determine which shape best fits your keyboard and the desired aesthetic.
  • Material - Keycaps come in a variety of materials such as ABS, PBT, and POM. ABS is the most common material and is usually cheaper but also more prone to shine and wear. PBT and POM materials have a more premium feel and are less prone to wear.
  • Profile - Keycaps come in a variety of profiles, such as OEM, Cherry, DSA, and SA. The profile of the keycap will affect the height, angles, and overall feel of the keys when typing.
  • Legend/Print Type - Keycaps come with a variety of legend/print types such as dye sublimation, laser etching, and pad printing. Dye sublimation offers the highest quality but is also the most expensive. Laser etching and pad printing are less expensive but are also less durable.
  • Layout/Stabilizers - Keycaps come in a variety of layouts and stabilizers, such as ANSI, ISO, and Cherry stabilizers. It is important to determine the layout and stabilizers of your keyboard before purchasing a set of keycaps.
  • Price - Keycaps come in a variety of price ranges, from budget sets to premium sets. It is important to determine the budget and determine how much you are willing to spend.

See the most popular Keycaps on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Keycaps are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, meaning they can withstand intense usage without needing to be replaced.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: With a variety of colors, shapes and materials, Keycaps can provide a stylish, attractive look to any keyboard.
  • Reduced Noise: Keycaps are designed to absorb sound, providing a quieter typing experience.
  • Improved Ergonomics: Keycaps are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing for a more comfortable typing experience.
  • Cost-Effective: Keycaps are relatively inexpensive and can be easily replaced, making them an economical choice for an upgrade.

Cons

  • Durability - Keycaps are generally not very durable, and can wear down over time due to use.
  • Compatibility - Keycaps are designed for specific keyboards, so make sure to buy keycaps that are compatible with your keyboard.
  • Price - Specialty keycaps can be quite expensive, and may not be worth the cost for some buyers.
  • Complexity - Installing keycaps can be a complex process, and requires a certain level of technical skill.

Best alternatives

  1. Mechanical Keyboards - keyboards that feature mechanical switches, which can provide different tactile feedback with each press.
  2. Ergonomic Keyboards - keyboards that are designed to fit the natural contours of the human hand and minimize strain.
  3. Backlit Keyboards - keyboards that offer customizable LED lighting.
  4. Mechanical Key Switches - physical switches beneath each keycap that cause the keyboard to register each key press.
  5. O-Rings - dampening rubber rings that are placed underneath keycaps to reduce the sound of a key press.
  6. Key Pullers - special tools that allow users to remove keycaps from a keyboard.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Keycap Puller - a tool designed for removing and replacing keycaps from a keyboard
  • Stabilizers - a component used to keep larger keys such as Shift and Enter from wiggling
  • Caps Lock Modifier - a keycap designed to replace the Caps Lock key with a modifier
  • O-Rings - small rubber rings designed to dampen and reduce the sound of typing
  • Keyboard Switch - a switch used to detect a keypress on a keyboard
  • Keycap Set - a set of keycaps designed to fit a specific keyboard
  • Keyboard Layout - the arrangement of keys on a keyboard
  • Switch Tester - a device designed to test the durability and performance of a switch

Common questions

  1. What types of Keycaps are available? Keycaps come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. Common shapes include spherical, cylindrical, and concave. Common materials include ABS plastic and PBT plastic, which can be dyed or double-shot molded for a more durable finish. Keycaps also come in a wide range of colors.
  2. What do the different Keycap profiles mean? Keycaps come in a variety of profiles, which refers to the shape of the keycap. Common profiles include OEM, sculpted (such as Cherry, DSA, and SA), and uniform (such as MT3). Each profile provides a different feel when typing.
  3. What is Keycap stem type?Keycap stem type refers to the shape of the stem of the keycap which connects to the switch. Common stem types include MX, Alps, and Topre. Different stem types are compatible with different switches, so it is important to check the stem type when buying keycaps.
  4. What do the legends on Keycaps mean? Legends refer to the text or symbols printed onto keycaps. Different legends are used to denote different actions, such as modifier keys or media keys.
  5. Are there backlit Keycaps available? Yes, backlit keycaps are available. These keycaps are designed to allow light from the keyboard's LED backlighting to shine through the legends. Backlit keycaps are usually made from a translucent material such as ABS or PBT plastic.
  6. Are there Keycap sets available? Yes, Keycap sets are available which contain a complete set of keycaps to fit a full-sized keyboard. These sets usually come in a variety of colors and profiles, so it is important to check the compatibility of the set with your keyboard.
  7. Are there custom Keycaps available? Yes, custom Keycaps are available. These are made to order and can be designed in a variety of colors, materials, shapes, and profiles. Custom Keycaps are usually more expensive than off-the-shelf Keycaps.

Trivia

In the world of custom keycaps, some enthusiasts take their hobby to the next level by creating their own works of art by hand. This process involves carving intricate designs into blanks made of resin, wood, or other materials. These unique works of art have gained popularity in recent years, with some of the most interesting pieces selling for hundreds of dollars. One particular artisan, NovelKeys, has even made a career out of creating beautiful custom keycaps and selling them through their online shop. The popularity of custom keycaps shows no signs of slowing down, as people become more creative in their designs and appreciate the craftsmanship behind the production of these unique pieces. Source: https://novelkeys.xyz/pages/custom-keycaps

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.