Are you tired of typing on a boring, generic keyboard? Look no further! Personalizing your keyboard with unique keycaps is an easy and affordable way to upgrade your typing experience and make your setup stand out. But with so many different keycap profiles and materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming for someone new to the world of mechanical keyboards. In this guide, we will go over the various keycap profiles including OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA, and XDA, as well as keycap materials such as ABS, PBT, POM, aluminum, brass, and resin. We’ll also discuss the factors you should consider when choosing keycaps for your keyboard, including compatibility, feel and sound, aesthetics, and durability. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanical keyboard enthusiast or just looking to add some personality to your setup, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to choose the perfect keycaps for you.

What are Keycaps?

Keycaps are the small, often shaped, plastic covers that fit over the mechanical switches i.e. clicky, linear and tactile switches of a computer keyboard. They are what your fingers press down on when you type, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Keycaps serve two main purposes: to protect the mechanical switches and to provide a comfortable typing experience. The keycaps you choose can greatly affect your typing speed and accuracy, as well as the overall look and feel of your keyboard.

Importance of keycaps in typing experience 

Keycaps play a significant role in the typing experience as they are the part of the keyboard that you physically interact with. The shape, size, and material of the keycaps can all affect the comfort and ease of use of a keyboard.

The shape of the keycaps, also known as the profile, can affect the feel of the keyboard. For example, keycaps with a more dramatic curve, such as the SA or DSA profile, may take some time to get used to but can provide a more comfortable typing experience for some users. The size of the keycaps can also play a role in typing comfort, as larger keycaps may be easier to locate and press down on.

The material of the keycaps can also affect the typing experience. Keycaps made of softer materials, such as POM or resin, may provide a more comfortable typing experience as they have a slightly softer feel when pressed. Harder materials, such as ABS or aluminum, may be less comfortable to type on but can provide a more satisfying typing sound.

In addition to comfort, keycaps can also affect the aesthetics of a keyboard. Keycaps come in a variety of colors, legends (the letters or symbols on the keycaps), and materials, allowing you to customize the look of your keyboard to your personal preference. This can make typing on your keyboard more enjoyable as it can be more visually appealing.

keycaps are an important factor in the typing experience as they directly affect the feel and look of a keyboard, both of which can greatly impact your overall enjoyment and efficiency when using the keyboard.

Keycap profiles by Different Brands 

There are several keycap brands that offer different keycap profiles, each with their own unique look and feel. Here is a breakdown of some popular keycap brands and their profiles:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

OEM keycap profiles are the standard profile found on most factory keyboards.

Cherry

Cherry keycap profiles are named after the Cherry MX mechanical switch.

SA (Spherical-All)

SA keycap profiles have a large, spherical curve to them.

DSA (Double Shot ABS)

DSA keycap profiles are similar to SA, but the keycap is made of two layers, with the legend (the letter or symbol on the keycap) being a different color than the rest of the keycap

XDA

XDA keycap profiles are similar to DSA, but the keycaps are all one uniform height.

 

Keycap Brands

There are many other known keycap brands available on the market, each with their own unique features and characteristics. Some popular keycap brands include:

1. Vortexgear: Vortexgear is a keycap brand that offers a range of keycaps in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Vortexgear keycaps are known for their high quality and durability, and they are often compatible with Cherry MX switches.
2. Ducky: Ducky is a keycap brand that offers a range of keycaps in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Ducky keycaps are known for their high quality and durability, and they are often compatible with Cherry MX switches.
3. Leopold: Leopold is a keycap brand that offers a range of keycaps in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Leopold keycaps are known for their high quality and durability, and they are often compatible with Cherry MX switches.
4. Filco: Filco is a keycap brand that offers a range of keycaps in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Filco keycaps are known for their high quality and durability, and they are often compatible with Cherry MX switches.
5. GMK: GMK is a keycap brand that offers a range of keycaps in different shapes, sizes, and materials. GMK keycaps are known for their high quality and durability, and they are often compatible with Cherry MX switches.

Here is a table comparing the similarities and differences between these keycap brands:

Keycap Brand	Material Options	Color Options	Profile	Compatibility	Additional Features
Cherry	ABS Plastic, PBT Plastic	Wide range of colors	Cherry profile	Cherry MX switches	Doubleshot molding
Vortexgear	ABS Plastic, PBT Plastic	Wide range of colors	Cherry profile	Cherry MX switches	Backlighting compatibility
Ducky	ABS Plastic, PBT Plastic	Wide range of colors	OEM profile	Cherry MX switches	Pudding keycaps
Leopold	ABS Plastic, PBT Plastic	Wide range of colors	Cherry profile	Cherry MX switches	Doubleshot molding
Filco	ABS Plastic, PBT Plastic	Wide range of colors	Cherry profile	Cherry MX switches	Laser-etched legends

 

Keycap Offered by Vortexgear

Graphite (87 keys)

VTK 9009 (87 keys)

OEM R5 (104 keys)

Pulse (134 keys)

Keycap material 

Keycaps are made from a variety of materials, each with their own unique properties and characteristics. Here is a breakdown of some popular keycap materials and their pros and cons:

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS keycaps are the most common type and are often found on factory keyboards. They are made from a plastic material that is lightweight, impact resistant, and easy to mold.

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)

PBT keycaps are made from a synthetic resin that is known for its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals.

POM (Polyoxymethylene)

POM keycaps are made from a plastic material that is known for its low friction and high wear resistance.

Aluminum

Aluminum keycaps are made from a metal alloy that is known for its strength and durability.

Brass

Brass keycaps are made from a metal alloy that is known for its durability and luxurious feel.

Resin

Resin keycaps are made by pouring resin into a mold and are often handmade, giving them a unique, one-of-a-kind look.

As you shop for keycaps, take some time to consider the various materials that are available. Each material has its own set of properties and characteristics that may make it more or less suitable for your needs. For example, some materials may be more durable and able to withstand wear and tear, while others may be softer and more comfortable to type on. Additionally, some materials may be more expensive, while others may be more affordable. Ultimately, the keycap material that is best for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize durability, comfort, aesthetics, or cost, there is a keycap material that is likely to meet your requirements.

Here is a comparison of keycap materials in the form of a table:

Keycap Material	Feel	Sound	Aesthetics	Durability
ABS Smooth	Loud	Glossy	Low	Low
PBT Rough	Muffled	Textured	High	Mid
POM Smooth	Muffled	Glossy	High	Mid
Aluminum Smooth	Metallic	Shiny	High	High
Brass Smooth	Metallic	Shiny	High	High
Resin Soft	Muffled	Unique	Low-Mid	Mid

 

Factors to Consider when Choosing Keycaps

There are several factors to consider when choosing keycaps for your keyboard, including compatibility, feel and sound, aesthetics, and durability.

Compatibility: 

It is important to make sure the keycaps you choose are compatible with your keyboard. Different keycap profiles and materials may not fit all mechanical switches, so it is important to check the compatibility before making a purchase.

Feel and sound:

The shape, size, and material of the keycaps can all affect the feel and sound of the keyboard. Some keycap profiles, such as the SA or DSA profile, may provide a more comfortable typing experience for some users, while others may prefer a more traditional, flat profile. Keycaps made of different materials can also have different levels of stiffness and make different sounds when pressed.

Aesthetics

 Keycaps come in a variety of colors, legends (the letters or symbols on the keycaps), and materials, allowing you to customize the look of your keyboard to your personal preference. Consider the color scheme of your keyboard and desk setup, as well as any specific design elements you may want to incorporate.

Durability

 Keycaps are subjected to a lot of wear and tear, so it is important to choose keycaps that are durable and resistant to shine and wear. Keycaps made of materials such as PBT or POM are generally more durable than ABS keycaps, but may be more expensive.

Why an individual should get a new keycap set ? 

There are several reasons why an individual might want to get a new keycap set for their keyboard:

Improved typing experience: Different keycap profiles and materials can affect the feel and sound of the keyboard, and some may be more comfortable or satisfying to type on than others.

Aesthetics: Keycaps come in a variety of colors, legends (the letters or symbols on the keycaps), and materials, allowing you to customize the look of your keyboard to your personal preference.

Wear and tear: Keycaps are subjected to a lot of wear and tear, and may become shiny or worn over time. Replacing them with a new set can refresh the look and feel of your keyboard.

Compatibility: If you are upgrading your mechanical switches, you may need to get a new keycap set that is compatible with the new switches.

Overall, getting a new keycap set can be a worthwhile investment for those looking to improve their typing experience, customize the look of their keyboard, or replace worn out keycaps.

What is the best keycap material?

The best keycap material is subjective and will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Some popular keycap materials include ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), POM (Polyoxymethylene), aluminum, brass, and resin.

ABS keycaps are the most common and are often found on factory keyboards. They are lightweight, impact resistant, and easy to mold, but are prone to shine and wear over time.

PBT keycaps are more durable than ABS keycaps and have a rough, textured finish that does not shine as easily. They are generally considered to be of higher quality, but may be more expensive and have a slightly stiffer feel when pressed.

POM keycaps are similar to PBT in terms of durability, but have a smooth, slightly glossy finish. They may also have a slightly softer feel when typed on.

Aluminum keycaps are very durable and have a premium feel to them, but are very expensive and may be too heavy for some users.

Brass keycaps are even more expensive and have a very heavy, luxurious feel to them, but are also prone to scratches and fingerprints.

Resin keycaps are unique and have a handmade, artisanal feel to them, but may be more expensive and prone to cracks and discoloration over time.

POM vs ABS which one is best? 

It is difficult to say definitively which material is “best” between POM and ABS, as it will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Here is a comparison of the two materials:

POM (Polyoxymethylene)

POM keycaps are made from a plastic material that is known for its low friction and high wear resistance.

POM keycaps are similar to PBT in terms of durability, but have a smooth, slightly glossy finish. They may also have a slightly softer feel when typed on.

###ER##GF#### POM keycaps may be more expensive than ABS keycaps and may produce a slightly muffled sound when typed on. They may also be prone to shine over time.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

 

ABS keycaps are the most common type and are often found on factory keyboards. They are made from a plastic material that is lightweight, impact resistant, and easy to mold.

 ABS keycaps are relatively inexpensive and have a smooth, glossy finish. They are also widely available.

###ER##GF#### ABS keycaps are prone to shine and wear over time, and may not be as durable as other keycap materials. They may also have a slightly cheaper feel than other materials.

Ultimately, the decision between POM and ABS keycaps will depend on your budget, durability needs, and personal preference. POM keycaps may be more durable and have a slightly softer feel, but are more expensive. ABS keycaps are cheaper and more widely available, but are prone to shine and wear.

The table below shows a detailed comparison between different keycap materials, and brand providing these keycaps. 

 

Keycap Material	Brands	Feel	Sound	Aesthetics	Durability	Cost
POM	Ducky, Vortexgear, Filco	Smooth	Muffled	Glossy	High	Mid
ABS	Corsair, Logitech, Razer	Smooth	Loud	Glossy	Low	Low
PBT	Leopold, Filco, Ducky	Rough	Muffled	Textured	High	Mid
Aluminum	Vortexgear, Filco, Leopold	Smooth	Metallic	Shiny	High	High
Brass	Vortexgear, Leopold	Smooth	Metallic	Shiny	High	High
Resin	GMK, JTK, Maxkey	Soft	Muffled	Unique	Low-Mid	Mid

 

What type of keycaps are important for RGB lit keyboards? 

Keycaps that are transparent or have a backlighting-friendly design are important for RGB lit keyboards. Transparent keycaps allow the light from the RGB backlighting to shine through, creating a vibrant, colorful lighting effect. Backlighting-friendly keycaps have a non-opaque surface or special legends that allow the light from the backlighting to shine through, creating a more even and legible lighting effect.

There are several keycap materials that are suitable for RGB lit keyboards, including ABS, PBT, and POM. ABS keycaps are the most common and are often found on factory keyboards, but are prone to shine and wear over time. PBT and POM keycaps are more durable, but may be more expensive and produce a slightly muffled sound when typed on.

It is important to note that not all keycaps are compatible with all RGB lighting systems, so it is important to check the compatibility before making a purchase. Some keycaps may require specific lighting modes or software to fully display the lighting effect.

Overall, transparent or backlighting-friendly keycaps are important for RGB lit keyboards to create a vibrant, colorful lighting effect and ensure legibility.

Are double shot or pudding keycaps linked with RGB lit keyboard  

Double shot and pudding keycaps are types of keycaps that can be used with RGB lit keyboards to enhance the lighting effect.

Double shot keycaps are made from two layers of plastic injection molded together, with the legend (the letter or symbol on the keycap) being a different color than the rest of the keycap. This allows the light from the RGB backlighting to shine through the legend, creating a more vibrant and legible lighting effect.

Pudding keycaps are a type of double shot keycap that have a transparent outer layer and an opaque inner layer, with the legend in the center. This creates a “halo” lighting effect around the legend, making it more visible and legible.

Both double shot and pudding keycaps are compatible with RGB lit keyboards and can enhance the lighting effect, but they may be more expensive than standard keycaps.

Overall, double shot and pudding keycaps are a good choice for those looking to enhance the lighting effect on their RGB lit keyboard, but they may be more expensive than standard keycaps.

Here is a table comparing some options for pudding and double shot keycaps, along with the brands that offer them:

 

Keycap Type	Brands	Feel	Sound	Aesthetics	Durability	Cost
Pudding	HyperX, Ducky, Varmilo, Razer, Logitech, Corsair	Smooth	Muffled	Transparent	High	Mid-High
Double Shot	HyperX, Ducky, Varmilo, Leopold, Filco, Vortexgear	Smooth	Muffled	Two-Tone	High	Mid-High

 

Pudding and double shot keycaps are a good choice for those looking to enhance the lighting effect on their RGB lit keyboard, but they may be more expensive than standard keycaps. They are made from durable materials and have a smooth, high-quality feel, but may produce a slightly muffled sound when typed on.

How to select best profile of keycaps for your keyboard?

There are several keycap profiles to choose from, and the best profile for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Some popular keycap profiles include OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA, and XDA. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a keycap profile:

Compatibility: Make sure that the keycap profile is compatible with your keyboard. Some keycap profiles may require a specific type of switch, while others may not be compatible with certain keyboard layouts.

Feel and sound: Keycap profiles can affect the feel and sound of the keyboard when typing. Some profiles, such as SA and DSA, have a larger, spherical curve that may be more comfortable for some users, but may produce a louder, “thockier” sound when typed on. Other profiles, such as OEM and Cherry, are flatter and may have a softer, quieter sound when typed on.

Aesthetics: Keycap profiles can also affect the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. Some profiles, such as SA and DSA, have a more unique, “retro” look, while others, such as OEM and Cherry, have a more traditional, straightforward appearance.

Durability: Keycap profiles can also affect the durability of the keycaps. Some profiles, such as SA and DSA, may be more prone to warping or uneven wear over time due to their curved shape.

Overall, the best keycap profile for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. It is a good idea to try out different keycap profiles and see which one feels and sounds the

Whats is uniform vs sculpted keycap profile ?

Uniform keycap profiles have keycaps with a similar height, creating a flat, even surface across the keyboard. This can give the keyboard a sleek, modern appearance, and may be more comfortable for some users.

Sculpted keycap profiles have keycaps with varying heights, with the tallest keys in the center and the shortest keys at the edges. This creates a “bowl” shape that is ergonomically designed to fit the natural curvature of the fingertips. Sculpted keycaps can be more comfortable for some users and may reduce fatigue during long typing sessions, but may also have a more “busy” appearance due to the varying heights of the keycaps.

Overall, the choice between uniform and sculpted keycap profiles is a matter of personal preference and depends on the desired feel and aesthetics of the keyboard. Some users may prefer the sleek, modern look of uniform keycaps, while others may prefer the ergonomic design of sculpted keycaps.

What are some Best keycaps for typing ?

There are several keycap profiles and materials that may be suitable for typing, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing keycaps for typing:

Feel and sound: Keycap profiles and materials can affect the feel and sound of the keyboard when typing. Some keycaps, such as those made from PBT or POM, may have a rough, textured finish that provides a more satisfying feel when typed on, but may produce a slightly muffled sound. Other keycaps, such as those made from ABS, may have a smooth, glossy finish that is softer to the touch, but may produce a louder sound when typed on.

Comfort: Keycap profiles can also affect the overall comfort of the keyboard. Sculpted keycaps, which have a “bowl” shape that fits the natural curvature of the fingertips, may be more comfortable for some users, but may also have a more “busy” appearance due to the varying heights of the keycaps. Flat keycaps, on the other hand, may have a simpler appearance, but may be less comfortable for some users due to the lack of ergonomic support.

Compatibility: Make sure that the keycap profile and material are compatible with your keyboard. Some keycaps may require a specific type of switch, while others may not be compatible with certain keyboard layouts.

What are some Best keycaps for gamers ?

There are several keycap profiles and materials that may be suitable for gaming, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing keycaps for gaming:

Speed and precision: Keycap profiles and materials can affect the speed and precision of the keyboard when gaming. Some keycaps, such as those made from PBT or POM, may have a rough, textured finish that provides a more satisfying feel when typed on and may be more precise, but may produce a slightly muffled sound. Other keycaps, such as those made from ABS, may have a smooth, glossy finish that is softer to the touch, but may produce a louder sound when typed on and may not be as precise.

Comfort: Keycap profiles can also affect the overall comfort of the keyboard when gaming. Sculpted keycaps, which have a “bowl” shape that fits the natural curvature of the fingertips, may be more comfortable for some users, but may also have a more “busy” appearance due to the varying heights of the keycaps. Flat keycaps, on the other hand, may have a simpler appearance, but may be less comfortable for some users due to the lack of ergonomic support.

Compatibility: Make sure that the keycap profile and material are compatible with your keyboard. Some keycaps may require a specific type of switch, while others may not be compatible with certain keyboard layouts.

Here is a table comparing keycap compatibility with different types of keyboards:

 

Keyboard Type	Keycap Compatibility	Brands
Mechanical	Most keycap profiles and materials are compatible with mechanical keyboards. Some keycaps may require a specific type of switch, such as Cherry MX or Kailh, while others may not be compatible with certain switch types.	Ducky, Vortexgear, Filco, Leopold, HyperX, Varmilo
Membrane	Most keycap profiles and materials are compatible with membrane keyboards. Some keycaps may not be compatible with the rubber dome switches used in membrane keyboards, resulting in a “mushy” feel when typed on.	Logitech, Razer, Corsair
Dome Switch	Most keycap profiles and materials are compatible with dome switch keyboards. Some keycaps may not be compatible with the dome switches used in these keyboards, resulting in a “mushy” feel when typed on.	Logitech, Razer, Corsair
Scissor Switch	Most keycap profiles and materials are compatible with scissor switch keyboards. Some keycaps may not be compatible with the scissor switches used in these keyboards, resulting in a “mushy” feel when typed on.	Logitech, Razer, Corsair

 

How resin keycaps are made and where such keycaps and sell often 

Resin keycaps are made using a casting process in which liquid resin is poured into a mold in the shape of the desired keycap. The resin is then allowed to cure, or harden, until it reaches the desired shape and thickness.

There are several brands that offer resin keycaps, including Jelly Key, Keyreative, and Keycap Kulture. These keycaps are often sold through online marketplaces such as Etsy and MechanicalKeyboards.com, as well as through the brands’ own websites.

Resin keycaps are popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for their unique, one-of-a-kind appearance, as each keycap is individually cast and may have slight variations in color and texture. They are also known for their durability and resistance to shine and wear. However, resin keycaps may be more expensive than other types of keycaps due to the labor-intensive casting process and the use of high-quality materials.

Overall, resin keycaps are made using a casting process and are popular for their unique appearance, durability, and resistance to shine and wear. They are often sold through online marketplaces and through the brands’ own websites, but may be more expensive than other types of keycaps.

Here is a table with a link to some resin keycaps, along with their names and specifications

Keycap Name	Material	Compatibility	Features	Rating	Reviews
Jelly Key “Oasis”	Resin	Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron	Unique, one-of-a-kind design; durable and resistant to shine and wear	4.5 stars	32 reviews
Keyreative “Raindrop”	Resin	Cherry MX	Unique, one-of-a-kind design; durable and resistant to shine and wear	4.7 stars	23 reviews
Keycap Kulture “Galaxy”	Resin	Cherry MX	Unique, one-of-a-kind design; durable and resistant to shine and wear	4.6 stars	17 reviews
Jelly Key “Whale Shark”	Resin	Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron	Unique, one-of-a-kind design; durable and resistant to shine and wear	4.7 stars	31 reviews
Keyreative “Sunflower”	Resin	Cherry MX	Unique, one-of-a-kind design; durable and resistant to shine and wear	4.8 stars	19 reviews
Keycap Kulture “Nebula”	Resin	Cherry MX	Unique, one-of-a-kind design; durable and resistant to shine and wear	4.7 stars	15 reviews
Jelly Key “Octopus”	Resin	Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron	Unique, one-of-a-kind design; durable and resistant to shine and wear	4.6 stars	28 reviews
Keyreative “Rose”	Resin	Cherry MX	Unique, one-of-a-kind design; durable and resistant to shine and wear	4.9 stars	21 reviews
Keycap Kulture “Galactic Empire”	Resin	Cherry MX	Unique, one-of-a-kind design; durable and resistant to shine	4.8 stars	10 reviews

 

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, keycaps play a crucial role in enhancing the overall typing experience on a mechanical keyboard. With various profiles, materials, and designs available, it is essential to carefully evaluate factors such as compatibility, tactile and acoustic feedback, appearance, and longevity when selecting keycaps. Ultimately, choosing the right keycaps can greatly improve both the performance and aesthetics of your keyboard, making it a worthwhile investment for any avid typist or computer user.