Find the right set of keycaps to put the finishing touch on the board of your dreams
When you join the wonderful world of mechanical keyboard hobbyists, buying or building your device is only the first step. Once your keyboard is up and running, you’ll probably want to customize it with a striking set of keycaps. While there’s nothing wrong with manufacturer-issued keycaps, they tend toward predictable colors and generic designs. If you’re willing to do some research, you’ll find hundreds of different types of mechanical keyboard keycaps. The right set can help your whole office or gaming setup reflect your unique style.
To find the best keycaps for your mechanical keyboard, you’ll need to choose the right materials and ensure that the keycaps are compatible with your device. After that, you can look at some of the most popular models on the market and see if they suit your taste. With a little knowledge on your side, you can choose a set of keycaps that are fun to look at — and even more fun to type on.
How to find the best keycaps for you
Cherry MX-style switches — originally developed by Cherry and now widely produced by other manufacturers like Kailh and Gateron — are among the most common switch types in the mechanical keyboard world. These switches typically feature a cross-shaped stem (sometimes with additional elements like box-style housings), which fits keycaps with matching cross-shaped mounts on the underside. Many mechanical keyboards and components available today are designed around this standard, making Cherry MX-compatible keycaps broadly interchangeable across brands and builds.
It’s worth noting that not all keycaps are Cherry MX-style. In fact, some of the most comfortable and striking keycaps on the market aren’t compatible with standard mechanical models. Consider Topre switches, for example. These inventive switches have a unique electrocapacitive design that combines the precise, comfortable performance of a mechanical keyboard with the smooth, quiet operation of a membrane keyboard. The HHKB uses Topre switches exclusively. If you buy an HHKB and want to swap out your keycaps, make sure to search for Topre-specific models.
As you research the possibilities, remember that there are many different types of mechanical keyboard keycaps on the market. The best keycaps for your setup will ultimately depend on your preferences for materials, profile, and style.
Materials for mechanical keyboard keycaps
Most keycaps are made from plastic, but the type of plastic you choose can make a big impact on feel, sound, and the life of the product.
- ABS keycaps are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a rigid plastic polymer. These keycaps are affordable, but they tend to be less durable than other options. They also pick up “shine” from wear. A common way to upgrade the life and feel of ABS caps is with a “double-shot” manufacturing process; this means the external body of the cap was made with one layer of plastic then the legends and internal material were made with another.
- PBT keycaps are made from polybutylene terephthalate, a heat-resistant plastic polymer. The next section of this article explains everything you need to know about PBT keycaps.
- Other keycap materials include resin, rubber, polyoxymethylene (POM), and even metal. These keycaps tend to be more niche than ABS and PBT models, but if you want something that’s a bit off the beaten path, they’re worth investigating. Rubber keycaps are comfortably soft, for example, while metal keycaps are much harder than plastic.
Profiles for mechanical keyboard keycaps
There are dozens of different keycap profiles, each with distinctive designs and heights.
Sculpted keycaps use rounded designs that contour to your fingers. Each row of keys can have a noticeably different height profile.
- OEM keycaps don’t always come from an Original Equipment Manufacturer, as the name suggests. Instead, these are medium-height keycaps with angled tops. These subtle height differences may make it easier to reach keys on the top and bottom rows.
- Cherry keycaps are similar to OEM keycaps, but the angles are a bit more subdued. This gives them a more uniform look, particularly if you view them from the side.
- SA (spherical angle) keycaps have much higher profiles than either OEM or Cherry keycaps. They also feature rounded, concave designs that give your fingers a comfortable place to rest between keystrokes.
Uniform keycaps use mostly flat designs that can feel more consistent for typing. Each row of keys has a similar height profile.
- XDA keycaps feature high profiles and slightly indented, rounded tops. (XDA does not stand for anything in particular.)
- DSA (Deep Sculpted Angle) keycaps have a medium-profile design. Like XDA models, DSA keycaps also have small, slight indentations on top.
This list covers some of the common keycap profiles you’ll find, but it’s not exhaustive. For example, MT3 keycaps resemble lower-profile SA keycaps, while Chiclet-style keycaps are about as short and flat as you can get.
Styles of mechanical keyboard keycaps
Two sets of keycaps in the same material and profile may look completely different thanks to the variety of keycap appearances available today. Pick out a set with different body colors or a unified look, go for fancy legends (those are the labels on top) or opt for a minimalist style instead. Keycaps are pretty easy to change out, so you could even swap them every now and then just for a fresh look.
For a deep dive on keycap styles, check out the last two sections of this article.
Did You Know?:Read PCMag's review to find out why the HHKB Professional Hybrid makes "a strong case for minimalist 'designer' keyboards."
PBT Keycaps: Everything there is to know
What are PBT keycaps?
We discussed PBT keycaps briefly in the previous section, but there’s a lot to know about this versatile material. PBT plastic is used in a wide assortment of applications, from auto part connectors to television accessories, toothbrush bristles, and yes, even keyboards.
So why does that matter? For one, PBT plastic is very durable, making it a perfect choice for components in a device meant to be struck repeatedly. PBT keycaps tend to be thick, sturdy, and have a gritty, almost sand-like texture, giving them a premium, weighty feel while typing.
PBT plastic is also chemically resistant to solvents and oils, ensuring keycaps won’t build up a greasy shine after extended exposure to the natural oils generated by your skin. It’s also highly resistant to extreme temperatures and discoloration from UV radiation exposure.
PBT plastic’s unique properties make it more expensive to produce than its ABS plastic counterparts. ABS plastic makes up the majority of keyboards currently in use because it balances durability and cost. It’s easier and cheaper to mold than PBT plastic, making it perfect for mass production.
ABS keycaps are generally lighter and smoother than PBT keycaps and will typically wear down faster. They’re also not as resistant to UV radiation or oils, often causing keys to develop a tell-tale shine after a few months and gradually turn yellow over several years. By contrast, PBT keycaps usually look great after decades of regular typing.
How are PBT keycaps made?
PBT keycaps are made through a process called injection molding. Factories take thermoplastic compounds (like PBT), melt them down into a liquid, then inject them into molds that form the plastic into a keycap. This process is more difficult and expensive for PBT keycaps because of the compound's superior resistance to heat and chemicals.
Marking keycaps with lettering and characters — also known as the legend — requires additional processes that can happen either during or after the injection molding process.
Pad printing involves pressing letters directly onto keys with ink. It’s a less expensive and less durable method of printing characters onto keycaps, as the ink tends to wear away after extended use. Commonly found on commercially produced ABS keycaps, pad printing is rarely found on PBT keycaps.
Laser etching uses a laser beam to burn away the top layer of plastic to either color or engrave the legend onto keycaps; the grooves can be filled with additional coloring to make the legend stand out more. Manufacturers can also use laser etching to burn a colored top layer off a translucent layer hidden underneath, allowing RGB lighting to shine through.
Dye-sublimation looks similar to pad printing, but the process involves using heat to inject the ink directly into the plastic, resulting in lettering that doesn’t wear away over time. The only wrinkle is that the dye must be darker than the plastic keycap, so you’ll never see white dye-sublimated lettering on black keys.
Double-shot injection uses two sets of molds during the injection process. One color of plastic is injected into the legend mold, and another dye is injected around the legend to form the rest of the keycap. It’s the most expensive process of the bunch, but it produces the highest-quality keys (since the coloring is physically part of the keycap). Double-shot injection can also be used with a broader array of colors, creating better contrast ratios between legend and keycap coloring.
Did You Know?:The HHKB uses premium textured PBT keycaps and durable dye-sublimated labels, ensuring your keyboard looks and feels great for years to come. Click here to learn more.
Can I upgrade from ABS to PBT keycaps?
Swapping keycaps is simple and is a handy way to upgrade from ABS to PBT keycaps without replacing your entire keyboard — just make sure they both use the same kinds of stems before you commit. If so, all you need is a keycap puller. Wrap both wires of the puller underneath the keycap on opposite ends, then gently but firmly pull the keycap out. Voila! Now you can build your own PBT keyboard.
Cherry MX Keycaps Explained: Compatibility, Materials, and Styles
What are Cherry MX keycaps?
As a refresher, Cherry MX keycaps are keycaps that are compatible with Cherry-MX-style switches, such as the loud-and-proud “clicky” Cherry MX Blues and the quieter, more tactile Cherry MX Browns. We refer to the style of switches because the same caps are also compatible with the many key switches created by other companies to a similar specification. The fundamental element that makes a keycap a Cherry MX keycap is the cross-shaped mount on the underside of the cap, as this is what allows the cap to be securely seated on a Cherry-MX-style switch.
Not all keycaps can be fitted onto Cherry-MX-style switches — for instance, the Topre switches that give HHKB keyboards their beloved “thock” are made to fit with specially engineered Topre keycaps. However, beyond what you can find pre-installed on mass market boards, custom Cherry MX keycaps are one of the most common products for specialist mechanical keyboard creators and retailers. Note that, in the context of keycaps, the term “Cherry” also refers to a specific kind of keycap profile — more on that in just a moment.
Did You Know?:HHKB keyboards are available in multiple colors to suit your desk aesthetics, and you can even opt for a clean, legend-less look. Click here to learn more.
Key features of Cherry MX keycaps: Durability, fit, and feel
Finding the perfect Cherry MX keycaps is one of the most exciting parts of crafting a custom keyboard — or if you’re browsing pre-built models, it can be another great way to narrow down contenders.
Because Cherry-compatible keycaps come from so many different vendors, there’s no definitive list of all the different options. Generally speaking, you’ll choose keycaps based on their material, compatibility, and profile. We’ve already discussed material (ABS vs. PBT) in previous sections, but you can learn more about compatibility and profile below.
A keycap’s appearance — its color, design, transparency, and so forth — will also be a major factor in your decision. However, this is mostly a matter of personal taste and budget. Remember that you can also mix, match, and replace keycaps over time, so don’t stress over finding the “perfect” set.
Compatibility: How to install Cherry MX keycaps
As long as you buy Cherry MX-compatible keycaps, installation isn’t too difficult. As you browse keycaps, be sure to look for “Cherry MX” or “MX-style” in the product specifications. The underside of the keycap will resemble a plus sign, just like a Cherry MX switch. If you have a different type of switch, such as the Topre switches in the HHKB Professional series, you’ll want to invest in Topre-specific keycaps instead. (There are plenty of fun, inventive colorways for Topre keycaps, so enthusiasts can rest easy either way.)
From there, installing Cherry MX keycaps is incredibly simple. Use a keycap puller to remove your current keycaps, then press down the new keycap until it clicks into place. If you’re replacing everything at once, you may want to take a picture of your setup beforehand so you don’t accidentally put the new keycaps in the wrong place!
Just be aware that some larger keys, such as the Spacebar and possibly Enter, have stabilizer bars for better balance and performance. To install these, insert the plastic pegs into the keycap first, then slide them onto the stabilizer bar, one peg at a time. Press down — but not too hard — to click the key into place. Consult a video tutorial if you’re having any trouble; it’s easier than it sounds.
Cherry MX keycap profiles explained: Choosing the right fit
This defines the shape of each keycap, and whether that shape is uniform across the entire board or varies by row. For instance, Cherry profile keycaps have angled tops and are sculpted across each row to better meet your fingers, while XDA profile keycaps have concave tops that cradle your fingertips and are of uniform size regardless of row.
As with a keycap’s appearance and material, there’s no wrong choice here. Our complete guide to keycap profiles can help you narrow down your choices, and you may even be able to find a local hobbyist store to help you go hands-on.
Caring for your Cherry MX keycaps: Cleaning and maintenance tips
If you want your Cherry MX keycaps to last a long time, you should clean them regularly. Wiping them down with a soft cloth is a good way to remove dust and debris. Over time, though, you might get some grime buildup from the oils in your skin. When that happens, it’s time to give your keycaps a bath.
First, remove all the keycaps from your keyboard. Add them to a bowl of warm water along with a small quantity of dish soap. Swish everything around until you build up a good quantity of suds. From there, you can let your keycaps soak anywhere from one to eight hours, depending on how much cleaning they need. After that, let them dry in a colander or wipe them down with a soft towel. (Paper towels may be too abrasive.)
While your keycaps are soaking, take the time to clean the rest of your keyboard.
The best keycap sets you can buy right now
There are too many types of mechanical keyboard keycaps on the market to give a complete list. There are hundreds — if not thousands — of keycap styles available from specialty retailers. If you’re willing to mix and match different sets, or 3D print your own keycaps, the possibilities open up even more. If you’re starting from scratch and need a few jumping-off points, though, consider these fan favorites:
Drop + MiTo SA Laser Custom keycaps
Even if the cyberpunk future looks grim at times, these cyberpunk-styled PBT keycaps from Drop look nothing but stylish. The main set of alphanumeric keys are a bright purple with teal legends while the modifiers and function keys lurk on the sides with a more menacing dark purple and neon pink. They offer a ton of unique options for thematic labels, and their distinct choice of profile makes for one of the sleekest and most high-impact SA keycap sets we’ve ever seen.
SA Chalk keycaps
Want a little more color on your board that still fits with a minimalist approach? The beloved SA Chalk keycaps set, available from KeebsForAll, presents a beautiful option to consider. Its alphanumeric keys are white while its modifiers and function keys bring a range of vibrant shades, and each features large and easy-to-read black legends. It presents a very different aesthetic from the previous option, but this PBT set is still a strong contender for the greatest SA keycap set available on the market today.
POM Jelly keycaps
Ready to wander further afield from classical materials for keycap sets without leaving the comfort and convenience of plastics behind? This set of POM Jelly keycaps from Escape Keyboard features a distinct, satiny finish atop a rainbow of pastels. Though the colors are eye-catching, blank keycaps keep the spectacle from going over the top — you can also opt for side-etched keys to keep track of which is which if you prefer. Just don’t be surprised if you get hungry for Jordan almonds every time you start typing.
Did You Know?:You can find even more tempting new sets of keycaps (and more) in our guide to the best places to buy mechanical keyboards.
Cerakey keycaps
Ceramics aren’t just for fancy vases. Cerakey offers what it calls the first full set of ceramic keycaps, with a range of colors all in the tall-and-sculpted Cherry profile. Cerakey says ceramics allow for a more refined feel, unique sound, and stronger lighting transmittance over plastics, all of which make them an appealing choice for keyboard lovers who are looking to explore new options for their next set of keys.
Wild keycap styles for your next custom build
Your keycaps should reflect your sense of style, and that style doesn’t have to be mainstream. Whether you just want to try out some new keycap color options, experiment with unique lighting arrangements, or simply enjoy the feel of unusual materials, we have you covered. Let’s get started.
Navy blue keycaps from PBTfans
The gorgeous range of marine colors on display in the PBTfans Basin keycap set — from the aqua accent keys, to the bright surface blues, to the navy blue keycaps in the middle, to the black abyssal depths — make it an instant eye catcher. The aqua blue legends are easy to read and are made with double-shot PBT plastic to ensure they stay just as easy to read even after years of use. Their common Cherry profile means your fingers should have no trouble getting used to the Basin keycaps even as they remain captivating to the eye.
Pudding keycaps by Matrix and Artifact
Pudding keycaps are such a look that we had to go with a twofer, both in OEM profile, for this entry. First up are the Miami Vice Teal Pudding Backlit Keycaps, which will glam up your desktop setup with instant ‘80s flare. Note that only the tops of these caps are adorned with those vibrant colors — the sides are left translucent to glow with your RGB lighting of choice. Then we have an inverted pudding setup in the Artifact Bloom Glow keycap set; these boast translucent tops to shine through your lighting, and solid sides that block light with the exception of shine-through legends. All the RGB possibilities make either of these sets a great choice if you’re on the hunt for gaming keycaps.
Transparent keycaps by Drop
If you aren’t sold on the pudding look but you are excited for all those RGB possibilities, you’re in luck. The Drop Keysterine Keycap sets are made with transparent ABS plastic, letting you outfit your keyboard with an aesthetic inspired by the see-through electronics trend of the ‘90s and early ‘00s, all in the easy-to-use Cherry profile. You can opt for the fully transparent Arctic set to keep your lighting effects at center stage or pick from four other colorful variants to establish a signature look.
Aluminum keycaps by Gateron
We couldn’t think of a better way to cap off this list of wild keycap styles than with aluminum keycaps set. These Gateron Aluminum Alloy Keycaps are like nothing else on the market with a price to match. The full set of keys weighs nearly a pound by itself, and they have a unique profile inspired by the Cherry profile “with additional adjustments for a rounder look and feel.” It may take a while to get used to the metal feeling as you type, but you can rest assured knowing that these keycaps are almost guaranteed to outlast anything you pair them with.
Go beyond the norm with an HHKB keyboard
Your hunt for the perfect peripheral doesn’t have to end once you’ve researched the various types of mechanical keyboard keycaps. If you’d like to explore options beyond standard mechanical keyboards, the range of high-end keyboards offered by HHKB use high-precision Topre switches, and they also feature an intelligently revised layout that puts ergonomics and efficiency at the forefront. Add an HHKB to your collection and experience all the joy (and joyfully “thocking” keypress sounds) that mechanical keyboards have to offer.
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