Types of keycaps
ABS plastic keycaps
ABS plastic keycaps are a popular choice for many keyboard enthusiasts due to their affordability and wide availability. These keycaps are made of a type of plastic called acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which is a lightweight and durable material. ABS plastic keycaps are known for their smooth, glossy finish and their ability to withstand wear and tear. They are also resistant to fading and yellowing over time, making them a good long-term investment. However, one downside to ABS plastic keycaps is that they can develop a “shine” or smoothness on the surface over time due to finger oils, which can affect their appearance and feel. Despite this, ABS plastic keycaps remain a popular choice due to their ease of maintenance and cost-effective price point.
PBT plastic keycaps
PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) plastic keycaps are a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts due to their durability and resistance to wear and tear. PBT keycaps are made from a high-quality, heat-resistant plastic that is more resistant to fading and shiny keys compared to ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic keycaps. They also tend to have a more textured and slightly rougher feel compared to ABS keycaps, which some people prefer. PBT keycaps are generally more expensive than ABS keycaps, but they are worth the investment for those who value long-lasting, high-quality keycaps for their mechanical keyboards.
Pudding keycaps
Pudding keycaps are a popular type of keycap that are known for their unique and eye-catching design. They are made from a translucent plastic material that allows the backlighting of a keyboard to shine through, creating a “pudding” effect. Pudding keycaps are often used to add a personalized touch to a keyboard and can be found in a variety of colors and styles. Some people prefer pudding keycaps for their durability, as they are made from a higher quality plastic material that is resistant to wear and fading. However, they can also be more expensive than other types of keycaps, such as ABS plastic keycaps.
Keycap profiles
OEM profile
OEM profile refers to the shape and height of the keycaps on a keyboard. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, and OEM profile keycaps are typically used on OEM keyboards that come with the computer. These keycaps are generally shorter and wider than other keycap profiles, with a slightly curved surface. The OEM profile is known for its comfortable typing experience, as the keycaps are easy to press and have a smooth, round shape. Some users prefer OEM profile keycaps for their aesthetic appeal, as they tend to look more modern and sleek compared to other keycap profiles. Some keycap brands that offer OEM profile keycaps include Ducky, HyperX, and Vortexgear.
Cherry profile
Cherry profile keycaps are named after the company that first popularized them, Cherry Corporation. They have a distinctive curved shape that is designed to fit the natural contours of the fingertips. Cherry profile keycaps are known for their comfortable typing experience and are often preferred by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. They are also available in a variety of materials, including ABS plastic and PBT plastic, and can be found in many different colors and designs. Some popular Cherry profile keycaps include the Vortexgear Pok3r Cherry MX keycaps and the Ducky One 2 Mini Cherry MX keycaps.
DSA profile
DSA profile keycaps are a type of keycap that has a uniform height and a slightly curved surface. They are known for their unique shape and the fact that they have a lower profile compared to other keycap profiles. DSA keycaps are often used on mechanical keyboards because of their slim design and compatibility with most switches. One of the main benefits of using DSA profile keycaps is that they can help to reduce hand fatigue, as they allow for a more natural hand position when typing or gaming. They also tend to be more durable and resistant to shine compared to other keycap materials, making them a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts.
Keycap brands
Ducky
Ducky is a popular brand of mechanical keyboards and keycaps. Their keycaps are known for their high quality and durability, as they are often made from PBT plastic, which is more resistant to fading and wear than ABS plastic. Ducky keycaps also often have a unique, lower profile design compared to other keycap brands, which gives them a sleek and modern look. In addition to their functional qualities, Ducky keycaps are also known for their aesthetics, as they often come in a variety of colors and designs, such as rainbow gradients and patterns. Many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts consider Ducky keycaps to be some of the best on the market.
GMK
GMK keycaps are a popular brand among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts due to their high quality and attention to detail. GMK stands for “Göbel, Manner, and Krede,” the three founders of the German company. The brand is known for producing keycaps using original Cherry MX molds, which gives their keycaps a precise fit and feel on Cherry MX switches. GMK keycaps are made from high-quality ABS plastic and are double-shot molded, which means the keycap legends are injection molded into the keycap rather than being printed on top. This process results in keycaps with legends that won’t wear off over time. GMK keycap is also known for the unique colorways and designs, with many popular sets inspired by pop culture, movies, and video games.
HyperX
HyperX is a well-known brand in the gaming and computer peripherals industry, and they offer a variety of keycaps for mechanical keyboards. These keycaps are made of high-quality PBT plastic, which is known for its durability and resistance to shine and wear. HyperX keycaps are available in a range of colors and styles, including solid colors, translucent designs, and textured finishes. They are also compatible with Cherry MX switches and come with a keycap puller for easy installation. HyperX keycaps are a great choice for gamers and keyboard enthusiasts looking for a premium, high-quality option for their mechanical keyboard.
Keycap themes
Anime keycap
Anime keycaps are a popular type of keycap among fans of anime and manga. These keycaps are designed to look like characters from various anime and manga series, and are often made from high-quality materials such as ABS plastic or PBT plastic. Some popular anime and manga keycaps include characters from series such as One Piece, Naruto, and Attack on Titan. These keycaps are not only a great way to show off your love for your favorite series, but they can also add a fun and unique touch to your keyboard. Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore otaku, anime and manga keycaps are a must-have for any collector.
Nature and animals
Nature and animal-themed keycaps are a popular choice among enthusiasts who want to add a touch of nature to their keyboard. These keycaps feature designs of animals such as bears, wolves, and foxes, as well as plants and natural elements like leaves and trees. They are often made from high-quality materials such as PBT plastic, which is known for its durability and resistance to shine and fading over time. These keycaps can add a unique and eye-catching element to any keyboard setup, and can be a great way to personalize and express oneself through their keyboard. They are also a great way to bring some of the beauty and wonder of the natural world into your daily life, and can be a reminder to take a moment to appreciate the beauty around us.