Keycap Materials & Profiles
Understand the differences between ABS and PBT plastics, and Cherry, OEM, and SA profiles.
Choosing the right keycaps can transform your typing experience. Two critical factors determine how your keycaps will feel, sound, and last: the material they’re made from and their profile (shape). This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Part 1: Keycap Materials
The material your keycaps are made from affects their texture, durability, sound, and how they age over time. Most keycaps use one of two plastics: ABS or PBT.
ABS Plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is the most common keycap material, especially on pre-built keyboards and budget keycap sets.
Characteristics:
- Smooth, slightly slippery surface texture
- Lighter weight than PBT
- Lower melting point (easier to manufacture)
- Produces a higher-pitched, clackier sound
- Typically less expensive to produce
Pros:
- Vibrant colors: ABS takes dye extremely well, allowing for bright, vivid colors and crisp legends (the letters/symbols)
- Smooth finish: Some users prefer the slick feel for fast typing
- Cost-effective: Generally more affordable than PBT sets
- Variety: Wider selection of colorways and designs available
- Backlight-friendly: Shine-through legends work better with ABS
Cons:
- Develops shine: Over time, oils from your fingers create a glossy, shiny appearance on frequently used keys
- Less durable: More prone to wear and yellowing over extended use
- Thinner walls: Often manufactured with thinner plastic, resulting in a less substantial feel
- Texture changes: The smooth surface can become slippery with use
Best for: Users who prioritize color options and aesthetics, don’t mind eventual shine, or are on a budget.
PBT Plastic (Polybutylene Terephthalate)
PBT has become increasingly popular among enthusiasts for its durability and texture.
Characteristics:
- Textured, slightly rough surface (often described as “dry” or “chalky”)
- Heavier and denser than ABS
- Higher melting point (more challenging to manufacture)
- Produces a deeper, more muted “thock” sound
- More resistant to wear and chemicals
Pros:
- Shine-resistant: Maintains its textured finish much longer, resisting the development of shine
- Durability: Superior resistance to wear, heat, and UV damage
- Texture: The rougher surface provides better grip and tactile feedback
- Thicker walls: Usually manufactured with thicker plastic for a more premium feel
- Color stability: Less prone to yellowing over time
Cons:
- Limited colors: Harder to achieve bright, saturated colors due to manufacturing constraints
- Higher cost: More expensive to produce, resulting in higher prices
- Warping risk: Can warp during production, especially on longer keys (spacebar, shift)
- Legend limitations: More difficult to create crisp, detailed legends
- Less variety: Fewer design options compared to ABS
Best for: Users who prioritize longevity, prefer a textured feel, and want keycaps that maintain their appearance over years of use.
ABS vs PBT: Direct Comparison
| Feature | ABS | PBT |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Texture | Smooth, slippery | Textured, grippy |
| Durability | Develops shine over months | Resists shine for years |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier, more substantial |
| Sound | Higher-pitched, clacky | Deeper, muted thock |
| Color Options | Vibrant, unlimited variety | Muted, limited palette |
| Legend Quality | Crisp, detailed | Can be less sharp |
| Price Range | $20-60 (typical sets) | $40-100+ (typical sets) |
| Lifespan | 2-5 years before noticeable wear | 5-10+ years of consistent appearance |
| Backlight Compatibility | Excellent for shine-through | Limited shine-through options |
| Manufacturing | Easy, consistent quality | Challenging, occasional warping |
Quick Decision: Choose ABS if you value color and cost; choose PBT if you value durability and texture.
Other Materials (Brief Overview)
POM (Polyoxymethylene):
- Extremely smooth, self-lubricating surface
- Very deep, quiet sound profile
- Rare and expensive
- Limited color options (usually black or white)
- Best for: Sound enthusiasts seeking the deepest “thock”
Polycarbonate:
- Transparent material used for backlit keycaps
- Often combined with ABS or PBT
- Best for: RGB lighting showcase builds
Resin:
- Used for artisan keycaps (decorative single keys)
- Hand-cast, one-of-a-kind designs
- Not suitable for full sets
- Best for: Accent keys and collectibles
Part 2: Keycap Profiles
Keycap profile refers to the shape and height of your keycaps. Different profiles affect typing comfort, aesthetics, and overall feel. Unlike materials (which you can learn to love), profile preference is highly personal and impacts your typing experience significantly.
Understanding Profile Anatomy
All keycap profiles have three key characteristics:
- Overall height: Distance from keyboard plate to top of keycap
- Row sculpting: Different heights and angles for each row (sculpted) vs uniform height (unsculpted)
- Top surface shape: Cylindrical (curved side-to-side), spherical (curved in all directions), or flat
Cherry Profile
Height: Low (11.5-13.5mm) Sculpting: Sculpted (different height per row) Top Shape: Cylindrical (curved left-right, flat front-back)
Characteristics:
- The standard profile for most mechanical keyboards
- Subtle sculpting creates a natural finger resting position
- Low profile keeps hands closer to the desk
- Comfortable for long typing sessions
Typing Feel:
- Natural, ergonomic finger positioning
- Easy to find home row without looking
- Minimal finger travel between rows
- Smooth transitions during typing
Best For:
- All-day typing and office work
- Users transitioning from laptop keyboards
- Those who prefer minimal hand movement
- Gamers who want low-profile performance
Considerations:
- Can feel cramped if you have larger hands
- Less pronounced tactile feedback between rows
OEM Profile
Height: Medium (12-14.5mm) Sculpting: Sculpted Top Shape: Cylindrical
Characteristics:
- The most common profile on pre-built keyboards
- Slightly higher than Cherry profile
- More aggressive row sculpting than Cherry
- Familiar feel for most users
Typing Feel:
- Standard, predictable typing experience
- Noticeable height difference between rows
- Moderate finger travel
- Comfortable for most typing styles
Best For:
- Users who like their current keyboard’s feel
- Those seeking a balanced, middle-ground option
- Mixed use (typing, gaming, browsing)
- Budget-conscious buyers (widely available)
Considerations:
- Less unique than specialty profiles
- Can feel generic compared to premium options
- Middle rows may feel awkward for some users
SA Profile (Spherical All)
Height: Very high (16-18mm) Sculpting: Heavily sculpted (or uniform options available) Top Shape: Spherical (curved in all directions)
Characteristics:
- Tall, retro aesthetic reminiscent of vintage keyboards
- Deep spherical dishes for fingertips
- Substantial height creates dramatic look
- Thick walls produce deep, resonant sound
Typing Feel:
- Pronounced sculpting guides fingers precisely
- Requires more deliberate finger movements
- Satisfying, substantial key press
- Finger wells provide clear tactile reference points
Best For:
- Retro/vintage aesthetic enthusiasts
- Users who enjoy deliberate, purposeful typing
- Sound enthusiasts (produces excellent “thock”)
- Those with larger hands or longer fingers
Considerations:
- Steep learning curve (1-2 weeks adjustment)
- Tiring for extended use initially
- Not ideal for gaming (height causes slower actuation)
- Premium pricing ($80-150+ for sets)
DSA Profile (DIN Spherical All)
Height: Low-medium (7.4mm uniform) Sculpting: Unsculpted (all rows same height) Top Shape: Spherical
Characteristics:
- Uniform height across all rows
- Compact, minimalist appearance
- Spherical top on every key
- Extremely versatile layout compatibility
Typing Feel:
- Flat typing plane with no row guidance
- Allows for unorthodox hand positions
- Quick, effortless key presses
- Requires adaptation period to lose row reference
Best For:
- Ortholinear/ergonomic keyboard users
- Those who frequently rearrange keys
- Minimalist aesthetic lovers
- Users who touch-type without looking
Considerations:
- Lack of sculpting can feel disorienting initially
- Not ideal for hunt-and-peck typists
- May cause typing errors during adjustment
- Limited tactile feedback for home row location
XDA Profile
Height: Medium (9.5mm uniform) Sculpting: Unsculpted Top Shape: Spherical (slight dish)
Characteristics:
- Taller than DSA but still uniform height
- Larger top surface area than DSA
- Gentle spherical dish on each key
- Modern, clean aesthetic
Typing Feel:
- More substantial than DSA
- Flat typing plane with better finger contact
- Comfortable for varied typing positions
- Easier adjustment than DSA for most users
Best For:
- Users who want uniform profile with more substance
- Alternative keyboard layouts (Colemak, Dvorak, etc.)
- Those who like flexibility in key positioning
- Preference for larger keycap surface area
Considerations:
- Still lacks row differentiation
- Less common than other profiles
- Fewer colorway options available
- May feel too flat for traditional typists
Keycap Profile Comparison Table
| Profile | Height | Sculpting | Top Shape | Learning Curve | Sound | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry | Low | Sculpted | Cylindrical | Easy | Moderate | All-day typing, office work |
| OEM | Medium | Sculpted | Cylindrical | Very Easy | Moderate | General use, familiar feel |
| SA | Very High | Heavily Sculpted | Spherical | Hard | Deep thock | Retro aesthetics, deliberate typing |
| DSA | Low-Medium | Uniform | Spherical | Moderate | Quiet | Ortholinear, minimalist builds |
| XDA | Medium | Uniform | Spherical | Moderate | Moderate | Alternative layouts, flexibility |
Other Notable Profiles (Brief)
- MT3: High, deeply sculpted, retro typewriter feel
- KAT: Medium-high, sculpted, comfortable alternative to SA
- ASA: Low-medium, sculpted, similar to Cherry but with spherical tops
- G20: Very low, flat, chiclet-style for ultra-slim builds
Part 3: Choosing the Right Keycaps
Now that you understand materials and profiles, here’s how to make your decision.
Deciding on Material
Choose ABS if you:
- Want vibrant, specific colors or themed sets
- Are on a budget ($20-50 for a full set)
- Prefer a smooth, slick typing surface
- Plan to replace keycaps in 1-2 years anyway
- Need bright backlight shine-through
- Don’t mind developing shine over time
Choose PBT if you:
- Want keycaps that last 5+ years
- Prefer textured, grippy surface
- Value durability over color variety
- Type heavily (programmer, writer, gamer)
- Hate the look of shiny keycaps
- Don’t mind limited color options
Budget compromise: Start with quality PBT keycaps in neutral colors (black, white, beige). They’ll last through multiple keyboard builds and maintain their appearance.
Deciding on Profile
Step 1: Consider your current keyboard
- If you love your current keyboard feel: Choose OEM
- If you want something different: Continue to Step 2
Step 2: Evaluate your typing style
- Touch typist (don’t look at keys): Any profile works; try Cherry or SA
- Hunt-and-peck typist: Stick with sculpted profiles (OEM, Cherry)
- Mix of both: Cherry or OEM for easiest transition
Step 3: Consider your primary use
- Heavy typing (8+ hours/day): Cherry or OEM (comfortable, low-fatigue)
- Gaming focus: Cherry or OEM (low profile, fast actuation)
- Aesthetic/collection: SA (dramatic look) or MT3 (unique)
- Alternative layouts: DSA or XDA (uniform flexibility)
Step 4: Hand size matters
- Smaller hands/shorter fingers: Cherry, DSA, or XDA
- Average hands: Any profile works
- Larger hands/longer fingers: SA, MT3, or KAT
Testing tip: If possible, buy a cheap tester set with different profiles ($15-25) before committing to a full set.
Compatibility Considerations
Before purchasing any keycap set, verify compatibility with your keyboard:
Layout compatibility:
- ANSI vs ISO: Different enter key and left shift sizes
- Standard vs non-standard bottom row: Check spacebar, Windows/Alt key widths
- Keyboard size: 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL, and full-size need different key counts
Common compatibility issues:
- Spacebar size: Most keyboards use 6.25u, some use 6u or 7u
- Right shift: Standard is 2.75u, compact layouts may use 1.75u
- Function row: Some profiles don’t include F-row keys for 60% boards
Stem compatibility:
- Most keycaps use Cherry MX stems (cross-shaped)
- Verify your switches are MX-compatible
- Rare switches (Alps, Topre) require specific keycap stems
Stabilizer interference:
- Taller profiles (SA, MT3) may interfere with certain stabilizers
- Check reviews for your specific keyboard model
- Cherry and OEM profiles rarely have issues
Material limitations:
- PBT warped spacebars are common; check vendor quality
- ABS less prone to warping but develops shine
- Some profiles only available in specific materials
Quick Decision Framework
Answer these three questions:
-
What’s your budget?
- Under $30: ABS, OEM profile
- $30-60: PBT, Cherry or OEM profile
- $60-100: PBT, any profile
- $100+: Premium PBT, specialty profiles (SA, MT3)
-
How long do you want these to last?
- 1-2 years: ABS is fine
- 3-5 years: Quality PBT
- 5+ years: Premium PBT from reputable brands
-
Are you willing to adapt to a new feel?
- No: OEM profile (familiar)
- Yes, but cautiously: Cherry profile
- Yes, completely: SA, DSA, or XDA
Final Recommendations by User Type
The Office Worker:
- Material: PBT (durability for daily use)
- Profile: Cherry or OEM (comfortable for 8+ hours)
- Why: Silent, professional, long-lasting
The Gamer:
- Material: ABS or PBT (personal preference)
- Profile: Cherry (low profile, fast actuation)
- Why: Quick response, minimal finger travel
The Enthusiast/Collector:
- Material: PBT (longevity)
- Profile: SA or MT3 (unique aesthetic and sound)
- Why: Distinctive look, excellent acoustics
The Budget Beginner:
- Material: ABS (cost-effective)
- Profile: OEM (familiar, widely available)
- Why: Affordable entry point, easy transition
The Writer/Programmer:
- Material: PBT (texture and durability)
- Profile: Cherry or DSA (comfortable, efficient)
- Why: Textured grip, all-day comfort
The Minimalist:
- Material: PBT (clean appearance over time)
- Profile: DSA or XDA (simple, uniform aesthetic)
- Why: Sleek look, versatile configurations
Conclusion
Choosing keycaps comes down to balancing aesthetics, feel, durability, and budget. Start with understanding whether you prioritize longevity (PBT) or color variety (ABS), then select a profile based on your typing style and comfort preferences.
Remember: keycaps are highly subjective. What works perfectly for one person may feel terrible to another. Don’t be afraid to experiment with budget options first, and build your preferences through experience.
Your first set recommendation: Start with PBT Cherry profile in a neutral color ($40-60 range). This combination offers durability, broad compatibility, comfortable typing, and easy resale if you decide to try something different.
Happy typing!