When you’re building or upgrading a mechanical keyboard, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right keycap material. The type of plastic used in your keycaps will impact the durability, sound, feel, and overall experience of your keyboard. For beginners, it can be a bit overwhelming due to the variety of options available.
In this article, we’ll dive into 12 different types of mechanical keyboard keycap plastics and compare their features, advantages, and drawbacks. We’ll also explore the factors that matter most when choosing keycap material, such as sound, feel, and aesthetics.
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, keycaps play a huge role in defining your typing or gaming experience. Not only do they affect how your keyboard sounds and feels, but they also influence the longevity of your setup. The material you choose for your keycaps can alter everything from the acoustics to the tactile feedback and aesthetics.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common types of keycap plastics to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the nuances of these materials is essential for building the perfect mechanical keyboard.
ABS Plastic: The Affordable Choice
Advantages of ABS Keycaps
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is one of the most popular plastics used for keycaps due to its affordability and availability. ABS keycaps are widely produced and are often included in pre-built mechanical keyboards.
- Cost-Effective: ABS keycaps are among the cheapest materials available, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Lightweight: ABS keycaps are light in weight, which can result in quicker typing responses.
- Customizable: Since ABS is easy to mold, these keycaps are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs.
Drawbacks of ABS Keycaps
- Prone to Wear: ABS keycaps tend to shine over time due to oil from your fingers, which affects their appearance.
- Less Durability: ABS is softer than other materials like PBT, making it more prone to cracking and breaking after prolonged use.
- Sound: ABS keycaps can produce a hollow or high-pitched sound, which some users find unpleasant.
For more detailed comparisons on keycap durability and material, check out our keycap material build guides.
PBT Plastic: The Durable Alternative
Advantages of PBT Keycaps
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is considered one of the best materials for keycaps due to its durability and resistance to wear.
- Durability: PBT keycaps are much more resistant to wear and tear than ABS keycaps. They don’t shine as quickly, which makes them a popular choice for heavy typists and gamers.
- Texture: PBT keycaps often have a textured feel, which some users prefer over the smoothness of ABS.
- Better Sound: PBT keycaps produce a lower-pitched, softer sound compared to ABS, which many users find more pleasant.
Drawbacks of PBT Keycaps
- Price: PBT keycaps are generally more expensive than ABS, making them less budget-friendly.
- Less Customization: While PBT keycaps come in various colors and styles, they tend to be more limited in terms of designs compared to ABS.
If you’re looking for the most durable and premium-feeling keycaps, consider PBT keycaps for your build.
POM Plastic: Smooth and Sleek
Advantages of POM Keycaps
POM (Polyoxymethylene), also known as acetal plastic, is known for its smooth surface and durability.
- Smooth Feel: POM keycaps are highly regarded for their smooth, almost glass-like texture.
- Highly Durable: POM is a tough plastic that is resistant to wear and tear, providing long-lasting keycaps.
- Low Friction: The smooth surface leads to a very responsive typing experience.
Drawbacks of POM Keycaps
- Expensive: POM keycaps tend to be more expensive due to their superior material qualities.
- Sound: The smooth texture of POM keycaps can make them a bit noisier compared to PBT.
Check out the full guide on keycap profiles and customization to find out if POM fits your typing style.
Polycarbonate (PC): Clear and Strong
Advantages of Polycarbonate Keycaps
Polycarbonate is a strong, clear plastic often used in keycaps to provide both durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Clear Design: Polycarbonate is transparent, making it an excellent choice for backlit keycaps.
- Durability: PC keycaps are incredibly tough, resistant to breaking, and maintain their shape over time.
- Customizable Appearance: Polycarbonate keycaps allow for vibrant colors and intricate designs.
Drawbacks of Polycarbonate Keycaps
- Price: Like PBT and POM, polycarbonate keycaps are more expensive than ABS.
- Sound: Due to its material properties, polycarbonate can produce a hollow sound when typing.
If you’re interested in unique designs and backlighting, consider exploring Polycarbonate keycaps.
PET Plastic: Flexible and Versatile
Advantages of PET Keycaps
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is another common plastic used in keycaps, known for its flexibility.
- Durability: PET keycaps are quite durable and resistant to heat and wear.
- Lightweight: PET is lighter than many other plastics, which can be ideal for users who want to keep their keyboard light and responsive.
Drawbacks of PET Keycaps
- Surface Texture: PET keycaps can feel a bit too slick for some users.
- Less Popular: PET is less common than PBT or ABS, meaning there are fewer customization options available.
PVC Plastic: Budget-Friendly with Customization Potential
Advantages of PVC Keycaps
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is another affordable option for keycaps, popular due to its affordability and flexibility.
- Budget-Friendly: PVC keycaps are one of the most cost-effective materials available.
- Color Variety: PVC allows for easy customization with vibrant colors and unique patterns.
Drawbacks of PVC Keycaps
- Durability: PVC keycaps tend to wear down quickly and may lose their shine over time.
- Sound: Similar to ABS, PVC keycaps can produce a higher-pitched sound that might not appeal to all users.
Explore more on keycap customization options to find the right material for your build.
Delrin: The Premium Option
Advantages of Delrin Keycaps
Delrin is a premium plastic used in high-end mechanical keyboard keycaps. It’s highly regarded for its durability and feel.
- Extreme Durability: Delrin keycaps are incredibly resistant to wear and tear.
- Smooth Texture: They offer a smooth and premium typing experience.
Drawbacks of Delrin Keycaps
- High Cost: Delrin keycaps are usually quite expensive, making them a premium option.
- Limited Availability: Because of their price, Delrin keycaps are not as widely available as other materials.
Acrylic Keycaps: Stylish but Fragile
Advantages of Acrylic Keycaps
Acrylic keycaps are highly aesthetic and often used for custom or artistic keycaps.
- Visual Appeal: Acrylic keycaps offer a high level of visual clarity and can showcase intricate designs and colors.
- Customizable: These keycaps can be easily molded into different shapes and patterns.
Drawbacks of Acrylic Keycaps
- Fragility: Acrylic is much more fragile than other materials and can easily crack or break.
- Scratch-Prone: Acrylic keycaps can scratch easily, diminishing their appearance.
ABS vs. PBT: Which is Better for You?
When it comes down to choosing between ABS and PBT, there’s no definitive answer. It depends on your budget, usage, and typing preferences. ABS is great for beginners looking for an affordable option, while PBT is ideal for those who value durability and a premium feel.
Choosing the Right Keycap Material for Gaming vs. Typing
For gaming, you may prefer a keycap material that offers quick, responsive key presses like ABS or POM. On the other hand, for typing, many users prefer the durability and tactile feedback of PBT or Delrin.
How Keycap Material Affects Sound and Typing Feel
Different keycap materials will produce different sound profiles and affect your typing experience. PBT tends to be quieter and more muted, while ABS and PVC may produce a louder, higher-pitched sound.
Tips for Maintaining Keycaps and Prolonging Their Lifespan
To get the most out of your keycaps, it’s important to clean them regularly and store them in a cool, dry place. For more detailed tips, visit our keycap cleaning guide.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Keyboard
Choosing the right keycap material is an essential part of building your mechanical keyboard. Whether you prefer the smooth feel of POM, the durability of PBT, or the aesthetic appeal of acrylic, the options are plentiful.
Consider factors like sound, feel, durability, and cost before making your decision.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Keycap Plastics
- What are the most durable keycap materials?
- Can keycap material affect my typing speed?
- What is the best keycap material for a quiet workspace?
- How can I prevent my ABS keycaps from shining?
- Are PBT keycaps worth the extra cost?
- What keycap material is best for gaming?
- Can I customize my keycaps with different materials?