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, but it can make the keyboard look worn.

PBT vs ABS: Which shines more?

ABS keycaps (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) are softer and more prone to surface wear. This is why many stock keyboards develop shine quickly – sometimes within months. PBT keycaps (Polybutylene Terephthalate), on the other hand, are harder, more durable, and much more resistant to shine. While they can eventually develop slight gloss after years of heavy use, it’s far less noticeable compared to ABS.

Key differences:

  • ABS: develops shine quickly (months)
  • PBT: highly resistant, may take years of heavy use
  • PBT maintains texture and matte look much longer

Do PBT keycaps ever get shiny?

The short answer: yes, but very slowly. No plastic is completely immune to wear. With thousands of keystrokes, even PBT will eventually smooth out slightly. But compared to ABS, the difference is dramatic – many users report PBT sets staying matte for 5+ years.

Community insights

On Reddit (r/MechanicalKeyboards), many users say their PBT sets have lasted for years without noticeable shine, while ABS caps got glossy within months. On Deskthority, PBT is often praised for its “grippy” texture that resists wear, though some note that extremely heavy use (gaming marathons, office typing) can eventually polish certain keys like spacebars.

PBT vs ABS – Shine Resistance Comparison

Material Shine resistance Time before shine appears Feel Common use
ABS Poor Months Smooth, becomes glossy quickly Stock keyboards, cheaper sets
PBT Excellent Years Matte, textured, grippy Premium and enthusiast keycaps

Should you choose PBT for durability?

If you want keycaps that stay matte and textured for years, PBT is the best choice. While no plastic is completely immune to shine, PBT dramatically outperforms ABS and remains the enthusiast favorite for durability, grip, and long-term aesthetics.

Explore PBT keycaps at RGBKeys

At RGBKeys, we offer a wide selection of PBT keycaps in various profiles and designs.

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