Keycaps Blog

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...

In the world of mechanical keyboards, artisan keycaps are some of the most unique and collectible accessories you can buy. Unlike mass-produced sets, artisan keycaps are handmade, often in small batches, and designed as miniature works of art. But what exactly are artisan keycaps, why are they so popular, and are they worth adding to your keyboard? Let’s break it down. What makes artisan keycaps special? Artisan keycaps are typically handcrafted by independent makers or small studios. They are often made from resin, metal, wood, or even clay, and come in a wide range of creative designs. Some resemble tiny...

If you’ve browsed mechanical keyboard setups online, you’ve probably seen pudding keycaps. These special keycaps are designed to let more RGB lighting shine through, creating a vibrant, colorful effect. But what exactly are pudding keycaps, how are they different from normal keycaps, and are they right for your keyboard? Let’s dive in. What makes pudding keycaps unique? Pudding keycaps are made with a two-tone design: an opaque top (usually black or white) and a translucent lower half. This “pudding-like” look allows RGB lighting to shine through the sides of the keys, creating a brighter and more dramatic glow compared to...

When choosing new keycaps, the printing method matters as much as the material. Two of the most popular techniques are doubleshot and dye-sublimated (dye-sub). But what’s the difference, and which one is better for your keyboard? In this guide, we’ll compare doubleshot vs dye-sub keycaps and share community opinions to help you choose. Doubleshot Keycaps – crisp legends that never fade Doubleshot keycaps are made by molding two separate pieces of plastic together: one for the keycap body and one for the legend (lettering). This means the legends are not printed on the surface but are part of the plastic...

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...

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...

If you’re diving into the world of mechanical keyboards, you’ll quickly come across discussions about keycap materials. The two most common are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). But what are the differences, how do they affect your typing experience, and which keycaps should you choose? In this guide, we’ll compare ABS vs PBT, with insights from the keyboard community. ABS Keycaps – smooth and affordable ABS is the most common keycap material. It’s lightweight, easy to manufacture, and often used in mass-produced keyboards. ABS keycaps typically feel smooth, but over time they can develop a shiny or...