A Guide to the Different Types of Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps

Mechanical keyboards have become very popular in the last few years. More and more people are getting into the hobby of keyboard building. Mechanical keyboards have become a must-have for gamers and typists alike.

Keycaps are often overlooked in building a mechanical keyboard. Keycaps affect the way your fingers feel every touch and they also alter the sound and keystroke. The type of material, shape, profile and printing of a key cap are crucial to an exquisite typing experience.

This article will explain the different types of keycaps available for mechanical keyboards. Whether you are a making a rugged gaming keyboard or a cute mechanical keyboard, this article will offer useful insight.

Types of Keycaps for Mechanical Keyboards

We have explained the types of keycaps for mechanical keyboards on five bases;

1. Type of Keycap Material
2. Keycap Profile Shapes
3. Keycap Printing Techniques
4. Keycap Sets and Compatibility
5. Custom Keycaps

Types of Keycap Material

The most important thing in a keycap is the material. It affects how a keycap feels, looks and sounds. Each material offers different texture and durability.

1. ABS Plastic
2. PBT Plastic
3. Double Shot ABS and PBT
4. Other Materials

Following are some most commonly used types of keycap materials for mechanical keyboards: 

ABS Plastic

ABS plastic is the most popular choice for keycap material. It offers both variety and affordability. ABS material is smooth to touch, it doesn’t feel as premium though. It is easier to mold ABS into various shapes and designs, that is why it is commonly used in kawaii mechanical keyboards.

ABS material is not very durable, it gets shiny and slippery after extended use.

PBT Plastic

PBT Plastic keycaps are more durable than ABS ones. PBT keycaps have a slightly rugged or textured feel. They offer excellent durability and strength. These keycaps are great if you want to make keyboard which will last you a while. PBT keycaps are also available in a variety of designs.

Double Shot ABS and PBT

Double shot ABS and PBT keycaps are most durable and stylish. Since they are made by mixing two different types of plastics together it creates a textured top layer with a translucent bottom. The backlight shines through the translucent layer and looks beautiful. The only downside is that if you are making a cute mechanical keyboard on a budget, these would break your bank.

Double-shot ABS and PBT keycaps are made by molding two different plastics together. This creates a keycap with a durable, textured top layer and a translucent bottom layer, allowing for backlighting to shine through. Double-shot keycaps are more expensive than single-shot keycaps, but they offer better durability and customization options.

Other Materials (wood, metal)

Metal keycaps are also a thing, they are not as common as usual plastic ones, but some people prefer them for their unique style and sturdy feeling. Wooden keycaps however, look more aesthetically pleasing and natural. Both of these materials would cost you more than the normal plastic ones.

Pro-Tip

The material of a keycap is the most important thing, make sure to get a feel of the material and try it out first, before you buy it. PBT keycaps are ideal because they offer decent feel without costing a fortune.

Keycap Profile Shapes

The shape and profile of a keycap can greatly affect the typing experience on a mechanical keyboard. Keycap profiles refer to the shape and height of the keycaps, and different profiles can offer different type of sound as well.

Some most commonly used keycap profile types are:

1. OEM Profile
2. Cherry Profile
3. DSA Profile
4. SA Profile
5. XDA Profile
6. KAT Profile
7. Other profiles

OEM Profile

OEM keycap profile is the most commonly and widely used one. These keycaps are slightly curved and relatively flatter on the top. The height of the OEM profile keycaps is similar to traditional membrane keyboards. Hence, they are the top choice for many new keyboard enthusiasts.

Cherry Profile

The cherry profile keycaps are similar to OEM profile keycaps. They are slightly more curved and taller in terms of height. Gamers prefer cherry keycaps due to the unique tactile feel they offer.

DSA Profile

DSA profile keycaps are flatter than OEMs and they have a cylindrical shape and low profile. You’ll often find these in custom keycap sets due to their unique and minimal look.

SA Profile

SA Profile keycaps are taller than most keycap types. These keycaps have a unique shape and feel that is preferred by many keyboard enthusiasts.

XDA Profile

XDA profile keycaps are flatter. The uniform shape offered by XDA keycaps is often used for custom keycap sets. These keycaps have a minimal design. If you like sleek and simple looking keyboard then you can’t go wrong with these keycaps.

KAT Profile

KAT profile keycaps are relatively newer on the market. These are similar to SA profile keycaps. However, KAT keycaps have a flatter top and a more curved bottom, these might not be for everyone. So, make sure to try them out before you decide to buy these.

Other Keycaps

Other keycap profiles are also available, such as the MT3 profile and the HSA profile. These profiles offer a range of different shapes and heights.

Pro-Tip

Ultimately, the keycap profile you choose will depend on your typing style and personal preferences. If you prefer a more traditional and inclusive keyboard, feel, the OEM profile may be the best choice.

Buying Guide

Before you select a specific keyboard you need to ask yourself, do you prefer a traditional or a more tactile typing experience? Are you looking for a specific color or design? How much are you willing to spend on your keycaps? These are all important factors to consider.

Keycaps play an important role in the overall mechanical keyboard experience. Choosing the right keycap material and profile shape can greatly affect the feel, durability, and customization options of your keyboard.

ABS and PBT plastics are the most common keycap materials. Keycap profile shapes, such as the OEM, Cherry, DSA, SA, XDA, and KAT profiles, can offer different levels of comfort and customization options depending on your preferences.

Conclusion

To sum it up, keycaps are a crucial part of any mechanical keyboard setup. By carefully considering the right keycap material and profile shape based on your typing style and preferences, you can enhance your overall typing experience and create a personalized and unique keyboard setup that suits you.