All the below-mentioned PBT keycaps are fully compatible with Cherry MX mechanical keyboards with a standard layout. Here are the best different types of PBT keycaps for different requirements. Cherry MX compatible keycap mounts have cruciform as 0.159”x 0.159” x 0.047” and a diameter of 0.217”.

However, all other keycaps above the standard row have a standard design and are compatible with aftermarket keycaps, given that they have the same stem/keycap mount design. Also, some keyboards with standard bottom rows may use different supporters or stabilizers and may cause some issues in fitting custom keycaps. Corsair) use the non-standard bottom row for their keyboards, which makes custom keycaps replacement somewhat difficult. Note: Some of the aftermarket keycaps for Spacebar, Ctrl, Win, Alt, and Shift may not fit on every mechanical keyboard, because some manufacturers (e.g. In earlier days, only ABS keycaps can be made using a double-shot injection method, but nowadays you can find double-shot PBT keycaps too. Most of the backlit keycaps that are used in gaming and RGB mechanical keyboards are double-shot keycaps only. Because of the two layers of plastic, these double shot keycaps are generally thicker compared to keycaps made from one single layer of plastic.

It is a relatively expensive way to create keycaps and the markings on them, but these keycaps are very durable and last longer. The color of the outer layer plastic is different from the inner layer, which is done to create letter markings or legends on the keycaps that never fade. POM keycaps are very rare and they are pretty expensive too.Ĭheck out: Best PBT Mechanical Keyboards for Typing & Gaming What are Double Shot Keycaps?ĭouble Shot Injection is a process or method to create keycaps from two layers of plastic that are molded into each other. This means they are durable & thick like PBT keycaps but have a smooth surface like ABS ones. There is also another type of keycap, which is POM, and it is a hybrid between ABS and PBT keycaps. PBT keycaps are favorite among typists because they are more durable and provide a solid feel and satisfying typing experience, especially when you bottom out the keys. ABS keycaps are relatively cheaper, have a smooth surface, and develop shine over time while PBT keycaps are more durable & thicker, have a textured finish (matte surface), and do not smudge or develop shine over time, but they are expensive. The majority of keycaps that you can find on mechanical keyboards are made from either ABS or PBT plastic. So, to help you out on this, here I am going to list down some of the best high-quality custom mechanical keyboard keycaps for your needs, but let us first learn about the two most popular materials that are used to manufacture mechanical keyboards keycaps. So, selecting the proper and good quality keycaps is a bit of a tedious task, and the keycaps you are getting should also be compatible with your mechanical keyboard otherwise they will not fit and you will end up wasting your money. For example, there are PBT, keycaps, translucent keycaps, retro typewriter keycaps (round keycaps), gaming keycaps, blank keycaps, colored keycaps, etc. Also, there are different types of mechanical keyboard keycaps available for different requirements. You must know that there is a lot of difference in the quality of keycaps too, as the cheaper and non-branded ones do not feel that good and it can further spoil your typing or gaming experience. If you are not satisfied with your current keycaps or your keycaps have worn out or legends (or markings) have faded or you want custom keycaps for your specific requirements, then you can always get good aftermarket keycaps for your mechanical keyboard. Some keyboards have good quality keycaps, while others may have lower quality keycaps, even if they have high-quality mechanical switches i.e. Also, the quality and feel of keycaps may vary from one mechanical keyboard to another. However, not all mechanical keyboards are the same as they can have different mechanical switch types with different feel and characteristics to them. Mechanical keyboards are the real deal when it comes to typing and gaming.

Black translucent keycaps