Keycaps are the removable covers placed on top of mechanical keyboard switches. While they might look similar at first glance, the material used to make a keycap has a big impact on its durability, feel, and sound. The most common materials are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), but other plastics like POM and artisan resins are also used. In this guide, we’ll break down what keycaps are made of and what each material is best suited for — with insights from the keyboard community.

ABS Keycaps – smooth and budget-friendly

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the most widely used keycap material. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and found on most pre-built gaming keyboards. ABS keycaps start smooth but tend to develop shine over time as the plastic wears down.

Key features:

  • Lightweight and smooth to the touch
  • Affordable and widely available
  • Legends can fade on cheaper sets

Community insights:
On Reddit, ABS keycaps are seen as “good enough” for most gamers, thanks to their low price and smooth feel. However, enthusiasts often complain about shine and fading legends. Premium double-shot ABS keycaps are praised as a much more durable version.

PBT Keycaps – durable and textured

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is considered a premium material. It’s more durable than ABS, resists shine, and usually has a matte, textured surface. PBT keycaps are heavier and produce a deeper sound when typing, which many users prefer.

Key features:

  • Resistant to shine and wear
  • Textured, grippy feel
  • Legends last longer with dye-sub or double-shot techniques

Community insights:
On Reddit and Deskthority, PBT is often called the “endgame material.” Many users highlight how PBT caps feel more premium and stay looking new for years. Some budget PBT sets can warp slightly, but high-quality PBT is considered the gold standard.

POM Keycaps – smooth and unique

POM (Polyoxymethylene) keycaps are less common but loved by enthusiasts. They’re durable like PBT but feel smoother and “silkier” to type on. POM caps are usually found in custom keyboard builds rather than mainstream pre-builts.

Key features:

  • Smooth and slightly slippery texture
  • Durable and resistant to shine
  • Harder to find and more expensive

Community insights:
Reddit users often describe POM as “buttery smooth” and note that it offers a different feel compared to ABS or PBT. It’s popular among enthusiasts who want something unique in their typing experience.

Artisan and Resin Keycaps – decorative and collectible

Not all keycaps are made for practicality. Artisan keycaps, often made of resin, metal, or even wood, are handmade and highly decorative. They’re usually sold individually or in small sets to replace specific keys.

Key features:

  • Handmade and highly customizable
  • Unique designs, from gaming themes to abstract art
  • Not practical for full sets — mostly decorative

Community insights:
On Reddit’s artisan keyboard groups, resin caps are seen as “functional art.” Some collectors spend hundreds of dollars on rare artisan caps, while others prefer to stick with PBT or ABS for daily typing.

Comparison: ABS vs PBT vs POM vs Artisan

Material Pros Cons
ABS Affordable, smooth feel, widely available Shines quickly, legends may fade
PBT Durable, textured, resists shine More expensive, can warp in cheap sets
POM Silky smooth, long-lasting Rare, usually pricier
Artisan/Resin Unique, decorative, customizable Not practical for full keycap sets

Find your perfect keycaps at RGBKeys

Keycaps are made from different materials, each offering its own feel and durability. Whether you want affordable ABS, premium PBT, smooth POM, or unique artisan designs, you can find the right upgrade in our keycaps collection at RGBKeys.

PBT vs POM Keycaps – What’s the Difference?

Prev Post

ABS vs PBT Keycaps – Keycap Materials Explained

Next Post