Selecting the right keycaps is crucial for both the look and feel of your custom keyboard. With terms like PBT, ABS, dye-sub, and doubleshot floating around, the choices can feel overwhelming. Let’s simplify the decision-making process by breaking down the core differences.

The plastic used defines your keycaps' longevity and texture. Custom PBT keycaps (Polybutylene Terephthalate) are denser and more rigid. They resist shine from oils over years of use and offer a subtly textured, matte feel. PBT excels in durability and maintains its appearance, making it ideal for heavy typists. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is lighter and softer, leading to a smoother, sometimes glossier surface. While ABS can develop shine faster, it allows for exceptionally vibrant colors and intricate designs, especially with translucent legends for RGB lighting. Many signature sets, including popular Cherry profile keycaps, come in both materials.

How legends (letters/symbols) are applied affects longevity:

• Dye-Sublimation (Dye-Sub): Ink is heated and permeates the plastic itself. Legends become part of the keycap, resisting wear exceptionally well. This technique shines on custom PBT keycaps due to their porous nature, enabling crisp details and deep colors without fading. Premium sets like MOA keycaps often utilize high-fidelity dye-sub for unique artistic designs.
• Doubleshot: Legends are formed by injecting a second plastic layer into the keycap mold. The result is legends that physically cannot wear off since they’re separate plastic pieces. Doubleshot excels on ABS for sharp, bright legends and unparalleled backlight compatibility but is also increasingly common on PBT.

Prioritize feel and durability? Custom PBT keycaps with dye-sub legends are a resilient, textured choice. Craving vibrant colors and shine-through effects? Smooth ABS with doubleshot legends delivers brilliance. For detailed artwork and unique themes, seek high-quality dye-sub on PBT (like MOA keycaps). For classic profiles and versatility, explore Cherry profile keycaps in either material. Understanding these fundamentals ensures your keycaps perfectly match your typing experience and aesthetic vision.