Keycaps Blog

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,...

In the world of mechanical keyboards, you’ll often hear about low-profile keycaps. These slim keycaps are designed to reduce the overall height of a keyboard, creating a thinner, sleeker look and a faster, laptop-like typing experience. But what exactly are low-profile keycaps, and how do they compare to standard ones like OEM or Cherry? What defines a low-profile keycap? Low-profile keycaps are shorter in height than traditional keycaps. Combined with low-profile switches, they make the keyboard significantly thinner. This creates a more compact typing angle and can improve ergonomics for users who prefer minimal wrist strain. Main features of low-profile...

When exploring mechanical keyboards, one question often comes up: do keycap profiles really affect typing feel? The answer is yes. The height, angle, and shape of a keycap profile directly influence comfort, accuracy, and even the sound of your keyboard. Let’s dive into how profiles impact your typing experience. What is a keycap profile? A keycap profile defines the height, shape, and row angle of keycaps on a keyboard. Some profiles are sculpted (each row angled differently for ergonomics), while others are uniform (every row the same). These differences affect not only how your fingers rest on the keys, but...

When customizing a mechanical keyboard, one of the most important choices is the keycap profile. The profile determines the shape, height, and typing feel of your keys. Four of the most popular profiles are OEM, Cherry, SA, and XDA. But what exactly is the difference between them, and which profile suits your typing or gaming style best? Let’s explore each one in detail. What are keycap profiles? A keycap profile defines the height, shape, and angle of each row of keys. Profiles can be sculpted (each row has a different angle) or uniform (all rows are the same). The choice...

When exploring custom keyboard designs, you may come across side-printed keycaps. Instead of placing the legends (letters and symbols) on top of the key, the legends are printed on the front or side wall of the keycap. This subtle style creates a clean, minimalist typing surface that’s popular with enthusiasts. But what exactly are side-printed keycaps, and should you consider them for your setup? What makes side-printed keycaps unique? Unlike traditional keycaps where legends are visible from above, side-printed keycaps place the lettering on the front side of the key. From a normal typing angle, the top of the keyboard...