Find the Perfect Keycap Material for Your Typing Experience

When you're looking to upgrade your mechanical keyboard, keycaps are often the first modification most enthusiasts consider. Beyond their visual appeal, the material of your keycaps significantly impacts your typing experience, durability, and even the sound your keyboard makes.

Let's break down the most popular keycap materials on the market today, examining their pros, cons, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision for your next keyboard upgrade.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is the most common keycap material you'll encounter, especially in mass-produced keyboards.

Pros of ABS Keycaps:

Cost-effective: Generally more affordable than other materials
Versatile manufacturing: Allows for vibrant colors and translucent designs for backlighting
Smooth texture: Provides a slick, polished feel out of the box

Cons of ABS Keycaps:

Develops shine: The most notorious drawback—ABS keycaps develop a shiny, slick surface with use
Less durable: More prone to wear and yellowing over time
Thinner walls: Often results in a higher-pitched, "thinner" sound profile

ABS keycaps come in varying quality levels. While stock keycaps on budget boards might feel thin and cheap, high-quality doubleshot ABS keycaps from manufacturers like GMK offer exceptional legends and colorways that many enthusiasts consider worth the eventual shine.

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)

PBT has gained tremendous popularity in recent years as enthusiasts seek more durable alternatives to ABS.

Pros of PBT Keycaps:

Superior durability: Highly resistant to wear and shine
Textured finish: Provides a slightly textured, matte surface that many prefer
Temperature resistant: Less prone to yellowing over time
Deeper sound: Generally produces a lower-pitched, more "thocky" sound profile

Cons of PBT Keycaps:

Higher cost: Typically more expensive than ABS alternatives
Manufacturing limitations: More challenging to produce in certain colors and designs
Shrinkage issues: Can lead to warped spacebars in some sets

PBT keycaps are ideal for daily drivers and work keyboards where durability matters. If you're tired of shiny keycaps on your frequently used keys, upgrading to a PBT set might be the solution you're looking for. Check out some great options in our guide to buying mechanical keyboard keycaps in the UK.

POM (Polyoxymethylene)

POM keycaps, sometimes called "Delrin" keycaps, offer a unique feel that some enthusiasts swear by.

Pros of POM Keycaps:

Unique smooth texture: Has a soft, almost "buttery" feel unlike other materials
Wear resistant: Highly durable with good shine resistance
Distinctive sound: Produces a deep, dampened sound profile

Cons of POM Keycaps:

Limited availability: Fewer options compared to ABS or PBT
Potential slipperiness: The smooth texture can feel too slick for some users
Higher cost: Generally more expensive than standard keycap sets

POM keycaps are perfect for enthusiasts looking for something different. They pair particularly well with linear switches for a smooth, consistent typing experience. If you're curious about which switches might complement POM keycaps best, explore our guide to various switch types.

PC (Polycarbonate)

Polycarbonate keycaps are less common but offer unique properties that make them interesting for specific builds.

Pros of PC Keycaps:

Translucent properties: Excellent light diffusion for RGB setups
Durability: Good impact resistance
Unique sound: Produces a crisp, distinctive sound profile

Cons of PC Keycaps:

Limited availability: Not as widely available as ABS or PBT
Prone to scratches: Can show surface scratches more easily
Cost: Typically more expensive than standard options

PC keycaps are ideal for builds where RGB lighting is a priority. Their translucent nature makes them perfect for showcasing your keyboard's lighting effects.

Metal Keycaps (Zinc, Aluminum, Brass)

Metal keycaps represent the premium end of the market, offering unmatched durability and a distinctive feel.

Pros of Metal Keycaps:

Exceptional durability: Virtually immune to wear and shine
Premium weight: Adds satisfying heft to keypresses
Unique aesthetics: Offers a distinctive look that stands out
Heat dissipation: Can feel cool to the touch

Cons of Metal Keycaps:

High cost: Significantly more expensive than plastic alternatives
Weight: Can be too heavy for some switches
Temperature sensitivity: Can feel uncomfortably cold in winter
Noise profile: Often louder and more "pingy" than plastic keycaps

Metal keycaps are typically used as accent keys (like ESC or arrow keys) rather than for full sets due to their weight and cost. They make excellent additions to a custom build where you want to add visual interest and tactile variety.

Resin Keycaps (Artisan)

Artisan keycaps made from resin deserve a special mention for their artistic value in the mechanical keyboard community.

Pros of Resin Keycaps:

Unlimited design potential: Can feature intricate 3D designs impossible with other materials
Collectible value: Many become valuable collector's items
Personalization: Allows for extreme keyboard customization

Cons of Resin Keycaps:

Very high cost: Premium artisans can cost more than entire keyboards
Practicality concerns: Elaborate designs can sometimes interfere with typing
Consistency issues: Hand-made nature means variation between pieces

Artisan keycaps are perfect for adding personality to your keyboard. They're typically used for non-essential keys like the escape key or function row to showcase your style without impacting typing performance.

How to Choose the Right Keycap Material

When selecting keycap material for your mechanical keyboard, consider these factors:

Usage patterns: Heavy daily typing? PBT might be best. Occasional use? ABS could suffice.
Sound preference: Want a deeper sound? PBT or POM. Prefer a cris

Find the Perfect Keycap Material for Your Typing Experience