Top 5 Keyboard Keycaps: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Imagine your keyboard is like a superhero’s costume. The keyboard itself is the strong body, but the keycaps? They’re the colorful, unique parts that give it personality! Ever looked at a keyboard and thought, “Wow, those keys look amazing!”? That’s the magic of keycaps. But choosing the right ones can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many shapes, colors, and materials, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder where to even start.

Picking keycaps isn’t just about looks; it can change how your keyboard feels and sounds when you type. Do you want a quiet typing experience, or do you love that satisfying click-clack? Are you looking for something that glows in the dark, or maybe keys with special symbols for your favorite games? It’s a lot to consider, and the wrong choice can leave you with a keyboard you don’t love. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you cut through the confusion.

By the end of this post, you’ll understand all the important things to think about when choosing your next set of keycaps. We’ll break down the different types, explain what makes them special, and help you find the perfect set that not only looks awesome but also feels just right under your fingertips. So, let’s dive in and unlock the secret world of keyboard keycaps!

Our Top 5 Keyboard Keycaps Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Keyboard Keycaps Detailed Reviews

1. Womier Pudding Keycaps

Womier Pudding Keycaps, PBT Shine Through Keycaps 165 Keys Set Custom Key caps Set OEM Profile, Universal Compatiability for 100%, 75%, 65%, 60% Keyboard-Black

Rating: 9.0/10

Upgrade your keyboard experience with the Womier Pudding Keycaps! This 165-key set brings a vibrant and stylish look to your mechanical keyboard. Designed with both aesthetics and comfort in mind, these keycaps are perfect for gamers and typists alike. The “pudding” design allows your keyboard’s backlighting to shine through beautifully, creating a dazzling display. Plus, they fit a wide range of keyboards, making them a versatile choice for many users.

What We Like:

  • Super Wide Fit: These keycaps work with most mechanical keyboards, including popular brands. They offer a huge set of 165 keys, so you’re likely to find all the ones you need. If you’re unsure, the seller is happy to help you check compatibility.
  • Tough and Lasting: Made from PBT plastic, these keycaps are built to last. They resist wear and tear, so they’ll keep looking great even with heavy use. The textured finish feels nice under your fingers.
  • Awesome Backlighting: The special “pudding” design lets your keyboard’s RGB lights glow through, making your setup look amazing. It really takes your keyboard’s illumination to the next level.
  • Comfy Typing: The OEM profile and curved shape feel natural for your fingers. This makes typing and gaming more comfortable, even for long periods.
  • Handy Storage: The set comes with a cool storage box to keep your extra keycaps neat and organized. It also includes a keycap puller, making it easy to swap out your old keys.
  • Guaranteed Satisfaction: The company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you have any problems or questions, they promise to help you out until you’re happy.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Random Box Design: The storage box design is sent randomly, so you might not get the exact one you see in pictures. Both box types are practical, though.

These Womier Pudding Keycaps are a fantastic way to personalize your keyboard and enhance your gaming or typing sessions. They offer great value with their durability, wide compatibility, and eye-catching design.

2. Womier Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 138 Keys

Womier Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set 138 Keys, Cherry Profile Custom Keycaps 60 65 75 100 Percent for 61/64/68/84/87/100/104/108 Retro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Brown Gray

Rating: 8.6/10

Upgrade your mechanical keyboard with the Womier Double Shot PBT Keycaps Set. This 138-key set offers a classic Cherry profile and a cool retro brown and gray color scheme. It’s designed for durability and a comfortable typing feel, making it a great choice for gamers and typists alike.

What We Like:

  • Durable PBT Material: These keycaps are built tough with strong PBT plastic. They resist oil and scratches, so they’ll look great for a long time.
  • Comfortable Cherry Profile: The classic Cherry profile feels natural and comfortable under your fingers. It provides a satisfying tactile experience.
  • Stylish Retro Design: The vintage brown and gray colors are perfect for a Gorpcore aesthetic. They make your keyboard stand out and look super cool.
  • Wide Compatibility: This set works with almost any keyboard size, from 60% to 100%. It fits keyboards with 61, 64, 68, 84, 87, 100, 104, or 108 keys.
  • Includes Keycap Puller: You get a keycap puller in the box, which makes swapping out your old keycaps easy and quick.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Limited Color Options: Currently, this set only comes in the brown and gray retro style. More color choices would be great.
  • Potential for Missing Keys (Rare): While rare, it’s always good to double-check the packaging upon arrival to ensure all keycaps are present.

Overall, this keycap set is a fantastic way to personalize your keyboard. It offers durability, comfort, and a unique style that many users will love.

3. PBT Keycaps MOA Profile MayDay Cute Keycaps 130 Keys Dye-Sublimation Kawaii Keycap Set for Cherry MX Magnetic Switches Mechanical Keyboard

PBT Keycaps MOA Profile MayDay Cute Keycaps 130 Keys Dye-Sublimation Kawaii Keycap Set for Cherry MX Magnetic Switches Mechanical Keyboard

Rating: 9.4/10

Add a splash of adorable charm and superior typing feel to your mechanical keyboard with the PBT Keycaps MOA Profile MayDay Cute Keycaps set. This 130-key set features a delightful “MayDay” design, perfect for anyone who loves a touch of kawaii. Crafted with durability and a premium feel in mind, these keycaps will transform your typing experience.

What We Like:

  • These keycaps are made of strong PBT material. They won’t wear out easily.
  • The MOA profile gives a comfortable and stable typing feel.
  • Bright colors and clear designs are printed with dye-sublimation. They won’t fade or deform.
  • This set has 130 keys, fitting many different keyboard sizes.
  • The extra-thick walls make the keycaps very sturdy.
  • They are a wonderful gift for friends and family who love gaming or cute things.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The unique MOA profile might take a little getting used to if you’re used to flatter keycaps.
  • While widely compatible, it’s always good to double-check your specific keyboard layout if you have a very unusual setup.

This keycap set offers a fantastic blend of cuteness and functionality. Upgrade your keyboard and enjoy a delightful typing journey.

4. XVX Matcha Wagashi PBT Keycaps-MOA Keycap

XVX Matcha Wagashi PBT Keycaps-MOA Keycap, Custom Keyboard Keycaps 60 65 75 100 Percent, 5 Side Dye Sublimation Keycap, 132 Keys Key caps Set for Cherry Gateron MX Switches Keyboards, Gradient Green

Rating: 8.6/10

Elevate your typing experience with the XVX Matcha Wagashi PBT Keycaps. These custom keycaps bring a touch of Japanese sweetness to your mechanical keyboard, inspired by delicate matcha wagashi treats. The gradient green color adds a refreshing and unique look, making your keyboard stand out.

What We Like:

  • Unique gradient green design inspired by matcha wagashi.
  • The new MOA profile feels great and sounds even.
  • Rounded corners give a smooth, comfy feel.
  • Made from durable PBT plastic that resists wear and tear.
  • The 5-sided dye-sub printing makes colors bright and long-lasting.
  • Works with most standard US and UK layout mechanical keyboards (61-108 keys).
  • Comes with a keycap puller and an 18-month warranty.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The set only includes keycaps, not a keyboard.

These keycaps offer a stylish upgrade and a comfortable typing feel. They are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to personalize their mechanical keyboard with a unique and high-quality set.

5. OHY PBT Keycaps

OHY PBT Keycaps, XVX Pink Jelly Foundation HOA Profile, 132-Key Cute Custom Keycaps (for Mechanical Keyboards with Cherry/Gateron MX Switches)-Flesh Pink(ONLY KEYCAPS)

Rating: 9.3/10

These OHY PBT Keycaps are a delightful way to give your mechanical keyboard a fresh, dreamy look. The “Flesh Pink” color and jelly-like material make your keyboard pop with personality.

What We Like:

  • The keycaps are made from strong PBT and clear PC plastic. They won’t wear out easily and resist dirt.
  • The HOA profile has smooth, rounded edges for a comfy typing feel.
  • The pink jelly look is super cute and makes your keyboard stand out.
  • You get 132 keycaps, so they fit most keyboards, including popular sizes like 60% and 100%.
  • A keycap puller is included, making it easy to swap out your old keys.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Remember, you’re only buying the keycaps, not a whole keyboard.
  • The jelly look might show fingerprints more easily than matte keycaps.

If you want to add a touch of cute style and a unique feel to your mechanical keyboard, these keycaps are a fantastic option. They’re built to last and will definitely get you compliments.

Level Up Your Typing: The Ultimate Keycap Buying Guide

Your keyboard is your trusty sidekick. It helps you work, play, and connect. But the keys themselves can make a big difference in how your keyboard feels and looks. That’s where keycaps come in! These are the little plastic covers on top of your keyboard’s switches. Changing them can totally transform your typing experience. This guide will help you pick the perfect keycaps for your keyboard.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re shopping for keycaps, keep these important features in mind.

1. Profile

The profile is the shape and height of the keycap. Different profiles feel different when you type. Some are tall, and some are short. Some are sculpted to fit your fingertips better. Common profiles include Cherry, OEM, SA, and XDA. Cherry and OEM are very popular and offer a comfortable typing feel. SA keycaps are tall and have a vintage look. XDA keycaps are flat and uniform in height, giving a clean, modern look.

2. Legend Type

The legend is the letter or symbol on the keycap. You can get different types of legends. Some are printed on top. Others are laser-etched. Some keycaps have legends that glow through, called “shine-through” keycaps. This is great for gaming in the dark. The type of legend affects how long it lasts and how it looks.

3. Compatibility

Make sure the keycaps fit your keyboard. Most keyboards use a standard layout. But some keyboards have special keys, like a smaller shift key or a different-sized spacebar. Always check the size of your keys before buying. You don’t want to end up with keycaps that don’t fit.

Important Materials

Keycaps are usually made from plastic. The type of plastic matters a lot for durability and feel.

1. ABS Plastic

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a common plastic for keycaps. It’s affordable and easy to mold into different shapes. However, ABS keycaps can become shiny over time with heavy use. This is called “keycap shine.” It can make them feel a bit slippery.

2. PBT Plastic

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is a more durable plastic. PBT keycaps feel a little rougher and are more resistant to shine. They tend to last longer and feel more premium. Many enthusiasts prefer PBT for its quality and longevity.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Several things make keycap quality better or worse.

1. Manufacturing Process

How keycaps are made affects their quality. Double-shot molding is a great process. Two different colors of plastic are molded together. This makes the legends very durable and they won’t fade. Dye-sublimation is another good method. It dyes the legend into the plastic. Cheaper methods like pad printing can wear off over time.

2. Thickness

Thicker keycaps generally sound better and feel more solid. They have a deeper, more satisfying “thock” sound. Thin keycaps can sound more hollow and might feel flimsy.

3. Fit and Finish

Look for keycaps with clean edges and no rough spots. A good fit on your keyboard switches means the keycaps won’t wobble. The legends should be crisp and easy to read.

User Experience and Use Cases

Your choice of keycaps can change how you use your keyboard.

1. Typing Feel

Some keycaps are designed for comfort. Sculpted profiles can help your fingers land on the keys naturally. The texture of PBT keycaps can provide a better grip. This can make typing for long periods more enjoyable.

2. Aesthetics

Keycaps are a fantastic way to personalize your keyboard. You can find them in countless colors, patterns, and designs. Want a clean, minimalist look? Or maybe a vibrant, themed set? Keycaps let you express your style.

3. Gaming

Gamers often look for keycaps with good grip and clear legends. Some sets have special WASD keys or different colored keys for important gaming commands. Shine-through keycaps are also popular for gaming setups.

4. Productivity

For work, you might want a comfortable profile and clear, easy-to-read legends. Some people like a quieter sound profile, which can be influenced by keycap material and thickness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the main keycap features to look for?

A: Key features include the keycap profile (shape and height), the legend type (how the letters are printed), and compatibility with your keyboard layout.

Q: What are the most common keycap materials?

A: The most common materials are ABS and PBT plastic. PBT is generally considered higher quality and more durable.

Q: How does the manufacturing process affect keycap quality?

A: Manufacturing processes like double-shot molding and dye-sublimation create durable legends that last longer. Cheaper methods may wear off quickly.

Q: What is “keycap shine”?

A: Keycap shine is when ABS keycaps become smooth and glossy over time from repeated use, making them feel slippery.

Q: Are PBT keycaps better than ABS keycaps?

A: PBT keycaps are often preferred because they are more durable, resist shine, and feel more premium than ABS keycaps.

Q: How do I know if keycaps will fit my keyboard?

A: Check your keyboard’s layout to make sure the keycap set matches the size and number of keys, especially for non-standard keys like the spacebar or shift keys.

Q: What is a keycap profile?

A: A keycap profile refers to the shape, height, and angle of the keycaps. Different profiles offer different typing experiences.

Q: Can keycaps change the sound of my keyboard?

A: Yes, the material and thickness of keycaps can affect the sound. Thicker keycaps often produce a deeper, more satisfying sound.

Q: Are there keycaps that glow in the dark?

A: Yes, some keycaps are designed to be “shine-through,” meaning the legend is visible when a backlit keyboard shines through them. This is great for low-light conditions.

Q: Where can I buy custom keycaps?

A: You can find custom keycaps on online marketplaces, specialized keyboard websites, and directly from keycap manufacturers.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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