Short Answer:
Yes, PBT keycaps are worth it for their durability, resistance to shine and wear, and superior tactile feel. They offer a better long-term experience, though they are more expensive than ABS keycaps.
Long Answer: This Article ⇓
Are PBT Keycaps Good?
How Long Do PBT Keycaps Last?
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) keycaps are renowned for their durability.
The average keystrokes per work day is around 11.000 per day (study), Assuming this kind of work, the 50 million keystrokes that PBT is capable of enduring should last easily 10 years+.
PBT caps are resistant to wear and tear, making them last longer than standard keycaps.
What Do PBT Keycaps Feel Like?
PBT keycaps have a distinctive matte finish that provides a pleasant tactile experience.
This texture also resists shine and grease, keeping the keys looking clean and new.
Sound Quality
The material offers a denser, more satisfying sound during typing, preferred by many keyboard enthusiasts.
This sound can enhance the overall typing experience, adding to the appeal of PBT keycaps.
Aesthetic Variety
PBT keycaps come in a wide range of colors and designs, offering great customization options.
Their ability to hold color well ensures that designs remain vibrant and clear. With the correct stem, you can use both ABS and PBT caps on the same keyboard.
Price Consideration
While offering numerous benefits, PBT keycaps are generally more expensive than their ABS counterparts.
This cost is often justified by their superior quality and longevity.
What Are Double Shot PBT Keycaps?
PBT Refers to the type of plastic used for the keycap, in this case, Polybutylene terephthalate.
Double shot refers to the technique for dyeing the keycap.
How To Tell If Keycaps Are PBT?
Texture and Appearance
PBT keycaps have a distinctive matte finish and a slightly grainy texture.
They lack the shiny, smooth surface characteristic of ABS keycaps.
Sound Test
PBT keycaps produce a denser, more thock-like sound when typing, compared to the lighter, higher-pitched clack of ABS keycaps.
Weight and Density
PBT keycaps are generally heavier and denser than ABS keycaps.
This difference in weight can be felt when handling individual keycaps.
Do PBT Keycaps Get Greasy?
PBT keycaps are more resistant to oils and don’t develop a shiny patina as quickly as ABS keycaps.
This resistance helps maintain their matte finish over prolonged use.
Legend Fading
The legends on PBT keycaps are less prone to fading.
This is due to the durability of the material and the manufacturing process.
Water Float Test
In a water float test, PBT keycaps will typically sink due to their higher density, whereas ABS keycaps tend to float.
This test should be done with caution to avoid damaging the keycaps.
Manufacturer Information
Checking the manufacturer’s specifications can confirm the material of the keycaps.
Many manufacturers explicitly state whether their keycaps are made of PBT.
As a former SAP Software Engineer and ex professional esports competitor in Warcraft 3, Dota, and CSGO, my passion for gaming and coding runs deep. My websites are a treasure trove where I share this rich expertise, along with my fascination for AI art and mechanical keyboards. Currently, I own three distinct keyboards, and my collection of keycaps is so vast, I've lost count – each one a testament to my commitment to quality and performance.
