Transform Your Typing Experience: A Detailed Guide to Keycap Materials and Textures
By Ethan Brooks•Published on May 08, 2025
Customization
Guides
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When you're building or upgrading your mechanical keyboard, keycaps might seem like a purely aesthetic choice. But the material and texture of your keycaps dramatically affect how your keyboard feels, sounds, and holds up over time.
As someone who's spent countless hours testing different keycap combinations, I've found that the right keycap material can transform a good keyboard into a great one. Let's break down everything you need to know about keycap materials and textures.
ABS is the most common keycap material you'll encounter, and for good reason:
The downside? ABS keycaps develop shine over time as oils from your fingers wear down the surface. This usually happens within a few months of regular use, depending on usage patterns.
Many stock keyboards come with thin ABS keycaps, but premium ABS options (like GMK sets) use thicker plastic with better durability.
PBT has become increasingly popular among keyboard enthusiasts:
PBT keycaps typically cost more than basic ABS options but last significantly longer. If you're customizing your mechanical keyboard, PBT keycaps are often worth the investment for their longevity alone.
POM keycaps are less common but offer unique properties:
POM is sometimes called "Delrin" (a brand name) and has gained popularity for its unique typing feel. These keycaps are harder to find and typically more expensive.
PC keycaps are somewhat rare but offer interesting characteristics:
PC is often used for artisan keycaps or special accent keys rather than full sets.
Resin keycaps are typically used for artisan keycaps:
Metal keycaps exist primarily as novelties or for specific keys:
Zinc, aluminum, and brass are the most common metals used.
Wooden keycaps offer a natural aesthetic:
The texture of your keycaps significantly impacts your typing experience. Here's what you'll encounter:
While not strictly about material, the profile of your keycaps dramatically affects how they feel:
Each profile creates a different typing experience regardless of material. For a comprehensive look at different switch types that pair well with various keycap materials, check out our dedicated guide.
Keycap material significantly impacts your keyboard's sound profile:
If you're interested in the acoustic differences between switches, our article on tactile vs. linear switches provides additional context.
How long will your keycaps last? Here's a quick comparison:
To keep your keycaps looking and feeling their best:
For more detailed information, check out our ultimate guide to mechanical keyboard maintenance.
When choosing ke
