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 keycaps

  • Affordable – cheaper than PBT, making them common in entry-level keyboards
  • Shine-through legends – ABS works better with backlighting, making RGB effects pop
  • Smoother feel – some users prefer the slick typing surface
  • Widely available – most gaming and budget keyboards use ABS sets

Disadvantages of ABS keycaps

  • Shine – ABS caps wear down quickly, becoming glossy within months
  • Durability – ABS is softer and less resistant to wear compared to PBT
  • Yellowing – white ABS keycaps can discolor over time due to UV exposure
  • Sound – tends to produce a higher-pitched “clacky” sound

Community insights

On Reddit (r/MechanicalKeyboards), ABS often gets a bad reputation because of its shine and durability issues. Many users report their stock ABS sets becoming glossy within months. However, others note that high-quality doubleshot ABS (such as GMK keycaps) can last for years and are highly valued for their smooth texture and color vibrancy.

ABS vs PBT – Comparison

Material Durability Shine resistance Feel Best use
ABS Lower Poor Smooth, can get glossy Budget boards, RGB shine-through
PBT Higher Excellent Matte, grippy Enthusiast and premium sets

So, are ABS keycaps bad?

Not necessarily. While ABS has weaknesses – especially shine and durability – it also offers benefits like better RGB lighting support and affordability. If you’re on a budget or love RGB effects, ABS is perfectly fine. For long-term durability and a textured feel, PBT is the better choice.

Explore keycaps at RGBKeys

At RGBKeys, we stock both ABS and PBT keycaps, including premium doubleshot ABS sets and durable PBT options.

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