How to Choose the Perfect Custom Keycaps for Your Keyboard

Custom keycaps are one of the easiest and most personalizable upgrades you can make to your mechanical keyboard. Whether you’re aiming for an aesthetic transformation or improved typing comfort, keycaps can make a world of difference custom keycaps. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are the perfect fit for your keyboard. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect custom keycaps for your setup.

1. Understand Your Keyboard Layout

The first step in selecting keycaps is understanding your keyboard’s layout. Keyboards come in various layouts such as full-size, tenkeyless, and 60%, and each layout uses a different set of keycaps.

• Full-size: Includes all the keys, including a number pad, function row, and arrow keys.
• Tenkeyless: A more compact layout without the number pad, but it retains function and arrow keys.
• 60%, 65%, 75%: These compact layouts sacrifice extra rows of keys (like the function or arrow keys) to create a smaller and more portable keyboard.

Before purchasing custom keycaps, make sure the set you choose is compatible with your keyboard layout. A standard keycap set may not fit smaller layouts, so look for specific sets designed for your keyboard size.

2. Material Matters: ABS vs. PBT Keycaps

Keycaps come in different materials, each offering unique characteristics in terms of durability, feel, and sound.

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS keycaps are lighter and cheaper to produce, making them the most common type. However, they tend to wear out faster, and their surface can develop a shiny, greasy look over time due to oils from your fingers. ABS keycaps are also known for a more high-pitched sound when typing.
• PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): PBT keycaps are denser, more durable, and resistant to shine or wear. They tend to have a more matte finish, offering a slightly smoother feel when typing. PBT keycaps often produce a deeper, quieter sound compared to ABS, making them popular for those looking for a more premium typing experience.

While ABS is more affordable and offers a wider range of designs, PBT keycaps are generally considered higher quality and longer-lasting.

3. Keycap Profile: Shape and Comfort

The shape of the keycaps can significantly impact your typing experience. Keycap profiles refer to the height and shape of the keys, and different profiles can influence both the look and feel of your keyboard. Here are a few common profiles:

• OEM Profile: The most common and widely recognized profile. It features sculpted rows with different heights, which many users find comfortable for typing.
• Cherry Profile: Slightly lower than the OEM profile, Cherry profile keys are also sculpted, but they have a more compact and streamlined design.
• SA Profile: These keycaps are tall and spherical, providing a more retro look. The height can sometimes take a little getting used to, but they offer a distinctive aesthetic and typing experience.
• DSA Profile: These keycaps have a uniform height across all rows, giving them a flat profile. They’re often chosen by users who prefer a minimalistic or uniform feel across the keyboard.

It’s important to consider your typing style and preference for key height. If you’re more accustomed to the feel of OEM or Cherry profile keycaps, it’s advisable to stick with those profiles. If you want something more unique and are willing to adjust to a different typing feel, try out profiles like SA or DSA.

4. Keycap Design and Aesthetics

One of the main reasons to upgrade your keycaps is for the visual appeal. Custom keycaps come in a wide array of colors, designs, and themes, allowing you to match your keyboard to your personal style.

• Colorways: Choose colors that complement your existing setup, or opt for vibrant, contrast-heavy colors to make a bold statement.
• Legends: The legends (the text or symbols on the keycaps) can also vary in style. They can be printed or engraved, with some keycaps featuring different fonts or iconography.
• Theme: Many custom keycap sets are themed around movies, video games, or specific color schemes. Think about whether you want a minimalistic monochrome look or something more playful with pastel tones, neon accents, or intricate designs.

Remember that the design you choose will affect not only the aesthetic of your keyboard but also the readability of the legends, so pick a design that is both functional and visually pleasing.

5. Consider the Sound Profile

The sound produced by your keyboard can be a major factor when choosing keycaps. Different materials and profiles will impact how your keystrokes sound. PBT keycaps generally produce a deeper, quieter sound, while ABS keycaps can make a higher-pitched, more “plasticky” sound.

If you want a quieter typing experience, opt for PBT keycaps or consider keycaps with dampening features like silencing rings. If you like a louder and more tactile sound, you may prefer ABS or a higher-profile keycap set.

6. Compatibility and Fit

Before finalizing your keycap choice, ensure they’re compatible with your switches. Some keycap sets have specific mounting styles, such as Cherry, MX, or Topre, and not all keycap sets will fit all switches.

For example, a keycap set with a “Cherry MX” mount will be compatible with most mechanical switches, but if you’re using a switch like the Topre or Alps, you’ll need to check for specific compatibility.

Additionally, make sure the keycap set includes all the necessary key sizes for your keyboard layout, such as the 1.75u shift key or the 6.25u spacebar for larger layouts.

7. Budget and Brand Reputation

Custom keycaps can range in price from affordable sets to premium, limited-edition collections. Price is often influenced by the material, profile, and the brand’s reputation. High-quality, well-known brands such as GMK, Keychron, and Drop tend to offer premium keycap sets made from durable materials like PBT, often at higher price points.

If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of excellent options available that still offer great durability and aesthetics. Don’t forget to look out for sales, discounts, or group buys that can make premium keycap sets more accessible.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect custom keycaps for your keyboard comes down to your personal preferences in terms of aesthetics, comfort, sound, and durability. Start by understanding your layout and material preferences, and then focus on design and keycap profiles that will make your keyboard stand out.