How to choose keycaps for a mechanical keyboard: The complete guide to materials, profiles, and compatibility

When talking about mechanical keyboards, most of the attention usually goes to the switches, the keyboard's construction, and the typing sound. But there's another component that significantly affects the experience: the key covers themselves, known as keycaps.

Replacing keycaps is one of the simplest ways to change the look of a mechanical keyboard, but the effect isn't just visual. The material the keycaps are made from, their thickness, their profile, and even the manufacturing method can affect how they feel under your fingers and the sound they produce while typing.

So how do you choose the right keycaps, what is the difference between ABS and PBT, and is an expensive keycap set really better?

What exactly are keycaps?

Keycaps are the covers fitted onto the switches on a keyboard. They are the parts we see and touch while typing.

On many mechanical keyboards, you can remove them using a tool called a keycap puller and replace them with another set.

This lets you change the colors, design, profile, and feel of the keyboard without replacing the switches or the keyboard itself.

However, not every keycap set fits every keyboard, and not all keycaps are made to the same quality standards.

ABS vs. PBT - what is the difference?

The two most common materials used to make keycaps are ABS and PBT. Each has its own characteristics, and neither is necessarily right for everyone.

ABS keycaps - not just for cheap keyboards

ABS is one of the most common materials used to make keycaps, and it can be found on both basic keyboards and premium sets designed for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Although PBT keycaps are sometimes considered higher quality thanks to their relative resistance to wear and shine, it is important to understand that high-quality ABS can offer an excellent typing experience.

Advantages of ABS keycaps:

Disadvantages:

It is worth emphasizing: ABS is not necessarily an inferior material. A high-quality ABS set can offer excellent manufacturing quality and may even cost more than a PBT set.

GMK - premium ABS keycaps

GMK is a German company considered one of the best-known and most established manufacturers of custom keycaps.

GMK CYL sets are made in Germany from high-quality ABS plastic using double-shot technology, in which the legends are formed from a separate layer of plastic rather than conventional printing.

Key advantages of GMK keycaps:

Sets such as GMK Botanical and GMK Analog Dreams illustrate the company's emphasis on design and colors.

The main drawback, aside from the relatively high price, is ABS's tendency to develop shine after prolonged use. GMK keycaps are not immune to this either.

It is worth noting that GMK also has lines in other profiles, such as MTNU, so you should check each set's specifications individually.

Keykobo (KKB) - a quality alternative to GMK keycaps

Keykobo is another manufacturer attracting interest among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts thanks to its designed sets made using ABS double-shot technology.

Like GMK, Keykobo also offers Cherry-profile sets with an emphasis on color combinations and designs.

Some of the company's well-known sets include Keykobo Soju and Keykobo Lilies of the Valley.

Advantages of Keykobo:

Some designs also use UV printing for secondary legends or special elements, so not every legend in a set is necessarily double-shot.

Keykobo can be an interesting option for anyone looking for a well-designed, high-quality ABS set who does not necessarily want to choose GMK.

GMK vs. Keykobo - which is better?

Both companies offer high-quality sets, but there may be differences in texture, finish, colors, and feel.

GMK has a long-standing reputation in the field, while Keykobo offers a wide variety of designs and an interesting alternative for ABS enthusiasts.

In terms of sound, you cannot categorically say that GMK sounds deeper or that Keykobo produces a sharper sound. The result also depends on the switches, plate, and keyboard construction.

Ultimately, choosing between the two is mainly a matter of personal preference, design, feel, and budget.

PBT keycaps

PBT is a plastic material considered relatively resistant to wear and changes in texture.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Brands such as Osume and PBTFans offer high-quality PBT-based sets, with an emphasis on design, manufacturing quality, and typing feel.

However, it is important to check the material of each set individually, as some manufacturers also offer sets made from other materials.

So which is better - ABS or PBT?

There is no single right answer.

Those who prefer a smooth feel and certain colors may prefer ABS, while those looking for keycaps that retain their texture over time may choose PBT.

High-quality ABS keycaps, such as those from GMK and Keykobo, can offer excellent typing feel and finish, while high-quality PBT keycaps may be better suited to those who prefer a different texture and greater resistance to developing shine.

It is important to remember that the material alone does not determine keycap quality. Thickness, manufacturing method, texture, and production quality control also affect the result.

Keycap profiles - why do height and shape matter?

One of the major differences between keycap sets is their profile.

A profile describes the height, shape, and angle of the keycaps. It affects how your fingers meet the keys and how typing feels.

Cherry Profile

One of the most popular profiles in the custom mechanical keyboard world.

It is relatively low compared with OEM, with a sculpted shape that varies between rows and a slightly concave typing surface.

Cherry is a popular choice thanks to its comfortable, familiar feel, and it is common in sets from GMK, Keykobo, and other manufacturers.

OEM Profile

A very common profile on prebuilt mechanical keyboards.

Its overall shape is similar to Cherry, but it is usually taller.

For someone coming from a standard mechanical keyboard, OEM may feel familiar and natural.

SA Profile

A tall profile with a distinctive retro look.

The keycaps are generally rounded with a concave top surface, and their substantial height provides a different typing experience from lower profiles.

SA is especially suited to those who like classic designs and tall keycaps, but not everyone will find it comfortable for extended typing.

XDA Profile

A relatively low profile with uniform height and shape across rows.

Unlike Cherry and OEM, where each row has its own angle and height, XDA keycaps generally have a uniform shape.

The advantage is greater flexibility in keycap arrangement, but the feel may be less natural for those used to sculpted profiles.

Unique profiles

There are also special profiles from various manufacturers, such as Osume's Marshmallow profile.

These profiles offer a different typing experience and design, and sometimes require an adjustment period.

Which profile should you choose?

If you're unsure where to start, Cherry Profile is an excellent starting point. It is common, comfortable for many users, and available in a wide range of designs.

However, comfort is personal, and the best way to choose is to try things out.

Do keycaps affect a keyboard's sound?

Absolutely, but it is important to understand that they are only part of the equation.

The sound of a mechanical keyboard is influenced by a combination of factors: switches, plate, case, dampening materials, stabilizers, and keycaps.

Keycaps affect sound because of several characteristics:

Material: ABS and PBT can produce different sound characteristics, but there is no fixed rule that one always sounds deeper than the other.

Thickness: Thicker keycaps can change the resonance and sound character compared to thin keycaps.

Profile: A keycap's height, shape, and internal volume affect how sound is produced and resonates.

Keyboard construction: The same keycap set can sound completely different on two different keyboards.

For example, a GMK or Keykobo set might sound deep and full on one keyboard, but produce a sharper sound on another.

So, if you heard a sound test on YouTube and fell in love with the sound, remember that buying the same keycap set will not necessarily produce the same result on your keyboard.

Manufacturing and legend methods - Double-Shot vs. Dye-Sublimation

Beyond material and profile, it is worth paying attention to how the legends on the keycaps are made.

Double-Shot

This method uses two plastic molds to create the keycap and legend as integrated parts.

The main advantage is that the legend is not printed on the surface, so it does not wear off like regular printing.

Double-Shot is common in high-quality ABS sets, such as GMK and Keykobo, as well as some PBT sets.

Dye-Sublimation

This method uses heat to infuse dye into the surface of the plastic.

The method is especially common with PBT keycaps and allows for durable legends and designs.

However, it is generally easier to apply when the legend is darker than the keycap's color. There are also Reverse Dye-Sublimation methods that allow for more complex designs.

Both methods can produce high-quality results. What matters is the quality of the manufacturer's execution.

Keyboard compatibility - what should you check before buying?

This is one of the most important topics, especially when it comes to keyboards that are not a standard size.

An attractive, expensive keycap set will not necessarily fit every keyboard.

Before buying, it is worth checking a few things.

Switch compatibility

Most sets intended for custom mechanical keyboards use a cross-shaped mount compatible with Cherry MX-style switches.

But switches with other mounts also exist, so it is important to verify compatibility.

Keycap sizes

Different keyboards use keycaps of different widths.

For example:

The letter U represents the width of one standard key.

Numpad support

Not every set includes keycaps for the number pad.

In some sets, especially premium sets, the Numpad is sold as a separate add-on kit.

If you use a full-size, 96%, or 98% keyboard, it is important to check that the kit includes all the keycaps you need, including Enter, Plus, and 0 keys that fit the layout.

Layout compatibility

Check whether the set supports ANSI or ISO layouts and whether it includes the keycap sizes required for your specific keyboard.

Keyboards with special layouts, such as Alice, may require additional keycaps or an add-on kit.

Important tip: Before buying a set, compare the keyboard's layout diagram with an image showing all the keycaps included in the kit. Do not rely solely on descriptions such as "fits 100% keyboards" or "98% compatible".

Are expensive keycaps really better?

Sets from well-known manufacturers such as GMK, Keykobo, Osume, and PBTFans can cost a significant amount.

But is the high price justified?

Sometimes the price reflects manufacturing quality, color accuracy, legend sharpness, raw material quality, and quality control.

In other cases, you are also paying for a unique design, collaborations, limited production quantities, and branding.

On the other hand, there are also affordable sets that offer very good quality.

A high price does not guarantee that the feel or sound will suit your taste.

In fact, an expensive set can feel less comfortable than a cheaper one, simply because its profile or texture does not suit your personal preferences.

How do you choose the right keycaps for you?

Before ordering a new set, it is worth asking yourself a few questions:

In summary

Keycaps are much more than a design element. They are an integral part of the typing experience and can affect a keyboard's feel, sound, and appearance.

The choice between ABS and PBT, Cherry and OEM, or a basic set and a premium set depends on your personal preferences.

Manufacturers such as GMK and Keykobo show that ABS keycaps can also be high-quality premium products, while manufacturers such as Osume and PBTFans offer excellent options for those who prefer PBT.

There is no single set that is best for everyone, and no guarantee that more expensive keycaps will provide a better typing experience.

The great advantage of the mechanical keyboard world is the ability to experiment, make changes, and tailor your keyboard to your personal taste.

And sometimes, simply changing the keycap set can make a familiar keyboard feel almost like a new one.