How to Buy the Best Keycaps for Your Mechanical Keyboard

Keycaps are a vital part of any mechanical keyboard setup. They affect not just the look of your keyboard but also the feel, sound, and comfort of your typing experience. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about selecting keycaps, especially if you’re new to the hobby.

1. Make Sure the Keycaps Will Fit

A. Switch Compatibility

• Most Common: MX-style switches (plus-shaped stem) – almost all modern keycap sets are compatible.

• Alternatives:

  • Alps (minus-shaped stem)

  • Topre/EC (circular stem)

  • Kailh Choc (two-pronged stem)

• These alternatives are not compatible with MX keycap sets.

B. Keyboard Layout Compatibility

• Standard layouts are widely supported.

• Unique layouts (e.g., HHKB Studio) may require specific keycap kits.

C. Coverage

• Some sets exclude numpad, arrows, or function row keys to reduce base price.

• Ensure the set you purchase includes all keys you need.

2. Keycap Profiles and Sculpts

A. Height Categories

• High-profile (e.g., SA)

• Medium-profile (e.g., OEM, Cherry)

• Low-profile (e.g., Choc, flat keycaps)

B. Row Sculpting

• Sculpted Profiles: Different angles/heights by row (e.g., Cherry, SA)

• Uniform Profiles: All rows have the same shape (e.g., SA uniform, PBS)

C. Face Shape (Sculpt)

• Cylindrical: U-shaped surface (common in Cherry, OEM)

• Spherical: Bowl-shaped surface (e.g., SA, OSA)

• Flat: Minimal or no curvature (for low-profile or ortholinear boards)

3. Keycap Materials

A. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Bright colors, smooth feel

• Prone to developing shine over time

• Produces higher-pitched sound

• High-end examples: GMK, Signature Plastics

B. PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)

• More durable and textured

• Resistant to shine

• Slightly muted colors

• Deeper sound signature

C. Ceramic

• Deep, marbly sound

• Smooth and slick feel

• Modern versions have plastic stems to prevent breakage

D. Metal

• Heavy, crisp feel

• Expensive ($200+ per set)

• Fit issues more common

• Cold touch that warms up with use

4. Printing, Sublimating, and Other Lettering Methods

A. Doubleshot

• Plastic legend inside plastic keycap

• Extremely durable and vibrant

• Available in both ABS and PBT

B. Tripleshot

• Adds a third plastic color for sub-legends

• Rare and expensive (used for Japanese legends)

C. Dye Sublimation

• Dye is embedded into PBT plastic

• Very durable

• Less vibrant on darker keys

D. Reverse Dye Sublimation

• Dye everything except the legend

• Tricky process; results vary

E. UV Printing

• Multicolored legends

• May fade or wear over time

F. Pad Printing

• Inexpensive; wears off fastest

5. Buying Methods

A. In-Stock Sales

• Immediate shipping

• Most reliable method

B. Group Buys

• Preorder-like model

• Helps meet minimum production quantities

• Risky if vendor has poor reputation or mismanages funds

C. Preorders

• Midway between group buy and in-stock

• Less risk, but often involves waiting

Summary Table

Final Tips

• Know your layout and switch type before shopping.

• Choose a profile and material that suit your typing style.

• Prioritize printing method if you care about the look and durability of legends.

• Buy from reputable vendors to avoid risks with group buys.

This guide is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the world of keycaps so you can make an informed, satisfying choice for your keyboard setup.

Looking for reliable sourcing? Browse our keyboards collection and our keycaps collection at AllWinFactory.