Written by Elizabeth · Published June 24, 2023
Reviewed & Updated by Olivia · Updated on July 28, 2026
ABS and PBT are the two plastics almost every keycap set is made from, and the one you pick changes how your keyboard feels, sounds, and ages. Here is the short version, then the detail that actually matters when you are choosing a set.
⚡ Quick Answer
Buy PBT if you want keycaps that stay matte, resist the greasy shine that develops with use, and give a deeper sound. It is the better daily driver and the default recommendation for most people. Buy ABS if you want the brightest colors, the best RGB shine-through, or the lowest price, and you do not mind the tops polishing to a shine over time. Neither is strictly better; they suit different priorities.
ABS vs PBT at a Glance
| ABS | PBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel when new | Smooth, slightly slick | Lightly textured, grippy |
| Over time | Develops a glossy shine | Stays matte for years |
| Sound | Brighter, higher-pitched | Deeper, more muted (“thock”) |
| Durability | Good | Better |
| Color & RGB | Vivid colors, great shine-through | More muted, less vivid |
| Price | Cheaper | Roughly 20–50% more |
| Best for | Bright themes, RGB builds, budgets | Long-term daily drivers |
How They Feel (And the Shine Problem)
Fresh out of the box, ABS keycaps feel smooth and a little slick, almost glassy. PBT feels slightly textured, closer to fine sandpaper, which gives your fingers more grip. That difference is subtle when both sets are new.
The gap opens up with use. ABS has a lower melting point and is softer, so the oils and friction from your fingers gradually polish the most-used keys into a glossy “shine.” Some people like that broken-in look; many do not, since it shows up first on the keys you touch most. PBT is harder and far more resistant to this, so it keeps its even matte texture for years. If shine is the thing you are trying to avoid, PBT is the answer.
How They Sound
Keycap material changes the sound of every keystroke. PBT is denser and dampens vibration, so it tends to sound deeper and more muted, the “thock” enthusiasts chase. ABS is a touch more resonant, giving a brighter, clackier sound that some gamers and typists actually prefer. Neither is right or wrong. Listen to both and pick the profile you like.
Durability and Cost
PBT wins on longevity. It resists wear, holds its texture, and shrugs off the UV fading and yellowing that can affect ABS left in sunlight. It also stands up better to the oils and cleaning agents a keyboard meets over its life. ABS is still perfectly durable for normal use; it just shows its age sooner.
That quality costs more. PBT sets usually run 20–50% above a comparable ABS set because the material is pricier and harder to mold well. If you keep a keyboard for years, that premium often pays for itself by outlasting a cheaper set you would otherwise replace. If you swap keycaps often or are on a tight budget, ABS gives you good quality for less.
Color, RGB, and Legends
ABS takes bright, saturated color better and is the go-to for vivid or translucent (shine-through) keycaps that show off RGB backlighting. PBT colors tend to look more muted, though PBT holds its color longer without fading.
For legends that never wear off on either material, look for double-shot keycaps, where the letter is a separate piece of plastic molded into the cap rather than printed on top. Double-shot PBT is the gold standard for durability; double-shot ABS is common on bright, RGB-friendly sets.
Which Should You Buy?
- Buy PBT if you type for hours daily, keep keyboards long-term, hate keycap shine, or want a deeper sound. This covers most people, which is why PBT is our default pick.
- Buy ABS if you want the brightest colors or the best RGB shine-through, you change keycaps often, or price is the deciding factor.
- Either is fine if you are new to the hobby and just want a solid set. Both feel great when matched well to your switches and board.
Keycaps are only one part of the picture. How they sound and feel also depends on your keyboard, switches, and case, so think about the whole build, not just the plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PBT always better than ABS?
No. PBT is more durable and stays matte, which suits most people, but ABS takes bright colors and RGB shine-through better and costs less. The right choice depends on your priorities.
Why do my ABS keycaps look shiny?
ABS is a softer plastic, so friction and skin oils gradually polish the surface of your most-used keys into a glossy shine. It is normal and does not affect function, but it is the main reason people switch to PBT.
Do PBT keycaps really sound better?
PBT tends to sound deeper and more muted because it is denser, while ABS sounds brighter and clackier. “Better” is personal. Listen to the two samples above and choose the one you prefer.
Are PBT keycaps worth the extra money?
For a long-term daily keyboard, usually yes, since they outlast ABS and keep their look. If you change keycaps often or are on a budget, a good ABS set is still a smart buy.
How can I tell if keycaps are ABS or PBT?
Check the product listing first, as reputable sellers state the material. By feel, PBT is slightly textured and matte while ABS is smoother and glossier. PBT also tends to sound a little deeper when tapped.
We keep our keycap guides updated as new sets and materials reach the market.