Understanding the various types of keycaps and which ones best suit your needs can dramatically enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. Praised for their tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, mechanical keyboards are distinguished by their customizable keycaps—the removable covers that sit atop the keys.

Designed for comfort and durability, keycaps can also improve typing efficiency. They come in a myriad of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing users to personalize their keyboards to their liking.

But what exactly are mechanical keyboard keycaps? In this article, we'll delve into the different types of keycaps and how they can impact your typing experience.

The keycap profile significantly affects the feel and functionality of a keyboard. Here are the primary types:

OEM Keycaps

OEM keycaps, or Original Equipment Manufacturer keycaps, are the most ubiquitous type, commonly found on mass-produced keyboards.

These keycaps are typically made from ABS plastic, known for its durability and resistance to wear. The majority of OEM keycaps feature textured concave surfaces to help your fingers find the right keys without looking.

SA Keycaps

SA (Spherical All) keycaps stand out due to their higher profile. They are usually thicker and have a more pronounced sculpted shape, along with a spherical surface for each key. Thanks to these characteristics, SA keycaps are popular among gamers and heavy typists for the comfortable typing experience they offer.

Moreover, SA keycaps are often available in vibrant colors and intricate designs, allowing your keyboard to make a bold statement.

DSA Keycaps
DSA (Differential Spherical All) keycaps are low-profile and have a uniform shape across rows. Their pre-formed design makes them easier to remove and clean compared to other types.

However, the uniform profile may not be as comfortable for some typists who prefer a more contoured feel.

Cherry Keycaps

Cherry keycaps are renowned for their high quality, designed to offer improved typing performance and durability. Made by Cherry Corporation, a leader in keyboard components, these keycaps are widely regarded as some of the best in the industry.

Constructed from PBT, a thermoplastic known for its durability and resistance to fading, Cherry keycaps also offer a variety of colors and designs.

Keycaps are primarily made from one of two materials, though some manufacturers opt for other types as well.

ABS Keycaps

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) keycaps are created from a thermoplastic resin, combining strength and flexibility. These keycaps are frequently found on budget keyboards due to their lower production costs.

Light-colored ABS keycaps tend to yellow over time when exposed to sunlight and natural oils from your hands. They can also develop shiny spots with extended use.

PBT Keycaps

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) keycaps are another type of thermoplastic polymer resin. Known for their superior quality, PBT keycaps are often featured on aftermarket and custom keyboards.

Enthusiasts generally prefer PBT for its greater durability compared to ABS. PBT keycaps do not develop a shiny finish or yellow over time. They also usually have a textured surface, providing better grip.

Rubber Keycaps

Some keyboard enthusiasts favor rubber keycaps, believing they offer a more comfortable typing experience. Made from silicone resin, a heat-resistant and flexible synthetic polymer, rubber keycaps are softer and quieter than their ABS or PBT counterparts.

However, rubber keycaps are less durable and can become sticky over time. They are also more challenging to clean compared to plastic keycaps.

For many typists, the feel of a keyboard is paramount, and keycaps play a crucial role in this. The material, thickness, and profile of keycaps can all influence the typing experience. For instance, the thickness of a keycap can change the actuation feel of a switch, depending on the type of switch you use. While some materials like ABS plastic offer a smooth surface, others like PBT plastic provide a textured feel that enhances grip.

Some enthusiasts even enjoy customizing their keycaps with different materials to fine-tune the typing experience. Whether you’re a gamer, a professional, or simply a typing aficionado, customizing keycaps is an excellent way to upgrade your keyboard’s comfort and reflect your personality.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of different keycap types and materials can help you choose the best set for your mechanical keyboard, ensuring an enjoyable and efficient typing experience tailored just for you.