Keycaps Blog

When shopping for new keycaps, you’ll often see terms like ANSI and ISO. These refer to different keyboard layouts, and they affect whether a keycap set will fit your keyboard. But what do ANSI and ISO actually mean, and how do they differ? ANSI Layout (American Standard) ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is the most common layout, especially in the US. Key features include: Rectangular Enter key Long left Shift key No extra key next to the left Shift Most aftermarket keycap sets are designed primarily for ANSI, making it the easiest layout for compatibility. ISO Layout (European Standard) ISO...

One of the most common questions beginners ask is: will these keycaps fit my keyboard? While many sets are designed to be universal, not all keycaps are compatible with every keyboard. Let’s break down the main factors you need to check before buying. 1. Switch stem type Most modern mechanical keyboards use the MX-style cross stem (Cherry MX and clones like Gateron, Kailh, etc.). Almost all aftermarket keycap sets are designed for this stem type. However, some switches (like Alps or Topre) require specialized keycaps that are not cross-compatible. 2. Keyboard layout Layouts can vary a lot, and this affects...

When customizing a mechanical keyboard, keycap thickness is one of the most overlooked factors. Yet, thickness has a major impact on both sound and typing feel. But how exactly does it make a difference, and should you go for thick or thin keycaps? Let’s find out. How thickness affects sound Thicker keycaps (typically 1.5 mm or more) create a deeper, fuller sound, often described as “thocky.” Thin keycaps (around 0.8–1.0 mm) tend to sound higher-pitched and clacky. The extra plastic in thicker caps absorbs vibrations, resulting in richer acoustics. How thickness affects feel Typing on thicker keycaps usually feels more...

If you’ve ever switched from budget keycaps to a premium set, you’ve probably noticed that they feel and sound very different. But why do cheap keycaps feel lighter, cheaper, or even “hollow” compared to high-quality ones? Let’s break down the reasons behind the difference. Materials: ABS vs PBT vs POM Most cheap keycaps are made from thin ABS plastic, which is inexpensive to produce but less durable. Premium sets often use PBT or POM, which feel sturdier, resist shine, and produce a richer sound. Thickness matters Cheap keycaps are usually 0.8–1.0 mm thin, while premium keycaps can be 1.5 mm...

Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often debate whether premium keycaps are worth the extra cost compared to budget sets. With prices ranging from $20 to over $150, the difference can be huge. So, what makes premium keycaps more expensive, and are they really worth it? What makes keycaps “premium”? Premium keycaps typically stand out because of: Material quality – PBT, POM, or high-grade ABS instead of cheap thin ABS Legend durability – doubleshot or dye-sublimation instead of pad-printing Unique profiles – Cherry, SA, XDA, etc., crafted with consistency Custom designs – artistic themes, colorways, and limited editions Thicker walls – producing better...

When buying or using mechanical keyboard keycaps, you may come across the term “warping”. Warping happens when a keycap loses its original shape, leading to uneven typing feel, poor fit, or even damage over time. But what exactly causes warping, how can you spot it, and how can you prevent it from happening? Let’s dive in. What causes keycap warping? Warping can occur during manufacturing, long-term use, or improper storage. The most common causes include: Heat exposure – leaving keycaps in direct sunlight or near heat sources can bend the plastic Material quality – lower-quality ABS caps are more prone...

When shopping for mechanical keyboard keycaps, you’ll often see people talking about keycap thickness. But does thickness really matter, and are thick keycaps always better than thin ones? Let’s explore how keycap thickness affects sound, durability, and typing feel. What is keycap thickness? Keycap thickness refers to the thickness of the plastic walls that make up each cap. Standard keycaps usually range from 0.8 mm (thin) to 1.5 mm or more (thick). Both thin and thick caps can be made from ABS, PBT, or POM, but their feel and sound are noticeably different. Advantages of thick keycaps Deeper sound –...

When researching mechanical keyboard keycaps, you’ll quickly come across the claim that doubleshot legends are permanent. But is this true, and how does the process compare to other printing methods like dye-sublimation or laser etching? Let’s dive into what makes doubleshot keycaps unique and whether their legends really last forever. How does the doubleshot process work? Doubleshot molding is a manufacturing technique where two separate pieces of plastic are molded together: one for the keycap body, and one for the legend. Because the legend is its own piece of plastic, it can never fade or wear off – even after...

When buying mechanical keyboard keycaps, one of the most important considerations is the legend durability. Legends are the printed characters on your keycaps, and depending on the printing method, they can either last a lifetime or fade within months. So, do dye-sublimated legends fade? Let’s take a closer look. What is dye-sublimation? Dye-sublimation (or dye-sub) is a process where dye is heat-transferred into the plastic rather than just printed on top. This method is commonly used on PBT keycaps because the dye bonds deeply into the plastic surface, making the legends highly durable. Do dye-sub legends fade? The short answer:...

One of the most common questions for mechanical keyboard owners is: how long do keycaps last? The answer depends on the material, usage, and environment. Some keycaps wear out within months, while others can look fresh after many years. Let’s explore the factors that determine lifespan and compare ABS, PBT, and POM keycaps. Factors that affect keycap lifespan Material – ABS, PBT, and POM all have different durability levels Usage – heavy typing and gaming wear caps down faster Environment – oils, sweat, and UV light can cause shine or yellowing Printing method – pad-printed legends wear off quickly, while...

If you’ve looked into mechanical keyboards, you’ve likely come across the debate: are ABS keycaps bad? ABS is one of the most common plastics used in keycap manufacturing. While it has some drawbacks, it’s not all negative. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and how ABS compares to alternatives like PBT. What are ABS keycaps? ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a type of plastic widely used in keyboards, electronics, and even LEGO bricks. ABS keycaps are usually smooth, lightweight, and cheaper to produce than other materials, which is why many pre-built keyboards ship with them by default. Advantages of ABS...

If you’ve used a mechanical keyboard long enough, you’ve probably noticed that some keycaps develop a shiny, glossy surface over time. This is especially common with ABS plastic keycaps. But what about PBT keycaps – do they also get shiny after heavy use? Let’s break down how shine happens and whether PBT is truly resistant. What causes shine on keycaps? Shine occurs when the surface texture of a keycap wears down from friction, skin oils, and repeated typing. Over time, the matte finish smooths out, reflecting more light and creating a glossy look. It doesn’t mean the keycap is breaking,...