PBT vs POM Keycaps – What’s the Difference?

When shopping for mechanical keyboard keycaps, you’ll often see terms like PBT and POM. Both are high-quality plastics, but they differ in texture, durability, and typing feel. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between PBT and POM keycaps, explore their pros and cons, and share what the keyboard community thinks about them.

---

PBT Keycaps – durable and textured

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is considered the most popular “premium” keycap material. It’s resistant to shine, long-lasting, and has a slightly textured feel. PBT is known for its solid, matte look that doesn’t wear out easily, making it ideal for heavy typists and gamers who want longevity.

Key features of PBT:

• Highly durable and resistant to shine
• Textured, grippy surface
• Produces a deeper, “thocky” sound
• Legends stay sharp with dye-sub or double-shot methods

Community insights:
On Reddit, PBT keycaps are often described as the “endgame material.” Users love how they don’t develop shine, even after years of use. Some note that budget PBT caps may warp or have rough legends, but high-quality sets are considered the standard for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

---

POM Keycaps – smooth and silky

POM (Polyoxymethylene) is less common but highly praised among enthusiasts. POM keycaps are durable like PBT but have a much smoother, almost slippery surface. Many users describe POM as “buttery smooth” or “silky,” making it a unique typing experience compared to the textured feel of PBT.

Key features of POM:

• Silky smooth surface with minimal texture
• Durable and resistant to wear
• Produces a higher-pitched, clacky sound
• More rare and often more expensive than PBT

Community insights:
On Reddit and Deskthority, POM is praised by enthusiasts who want a smoother feel. Many say POM caps feel “premium” in their own way, though some users find them too slippery for gaming. Because POM sets are less common, they’re often seen in custom keyboard builds rather than mainstream pre-builts.

---

PBT vs POM – head-to-head comparison

Feature	PBT	POM
Texture	Matte, textured, grippy	Silky, smooth, slippery
Durability	Very durable, resists shine	Durable, also resists shine
Sound	Deeper, “thocky” sound	Higher-pitched, clacky sound
Availability	Common in many sets	Rare, usually custom
Price	Moderately priced	Often more expensive

---

Which should you choose – PBT or POM?

If you want durability, grip, and a matte feel, PBT is the best choice and widely available in many styles. If you want a silky, smooth typing experience and don’t mind spending more, POM offers a unique premium feel but is harder to find.

---

Find your keycaps at RGBKeys

Whether you prefer the durability of PBT or the silky smoothness of POM, you’ll find the perfect upgrade for your keyboard at RGBKeys. Browse our full keycap collection to explore all available sets.