9 Best Keycaps for Gamers, Writers, and Aesthetic Enthusiasts in 2024
Upgrading your keyboard with the right keycaps can transform your typing experience and add a personal touch to your setup. Whether you’re a gamer, a writer, or just someone who spends hours on the computer, the feel and look of your keycaps can make a big difference. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best ones?
We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the 9 best keycaps that offer both style and functionality. From durable PBT plastics to unique artisan designs, these keycaps will elevate your keyboard game to the next level. Dive in and discover which keycaps suit your needs and preferences.
The Importance of Material in Keycaps
Choosing the right material for your keycaps can significantly impact your typing experience and keyboard’s durability. Here’s a look at the three most popular materials used in keycaps:
ABS Keycaps
ABS keycaps are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a common plastic known for its affordability and ease of manufacturing. They offer a smooth, shiny finish that many typists enjoy. However, ABS keycaps tend to wear down over time, developing a glossy appearance and losing their texture. Brands like Cherry and Razer often use ABS for their mainstream models due to its cost-effectiveness.
PBT Keycaps
PBT keycaps, crafted from polybutylene terephthalate, stand out for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. They maintain their texture longer and don’t develop a shine as quickly as ABS keycaps. PBT also offers a more tactile and satisfying typing feel, making it popular among enthusiasts. Many premium keyboards, such as those from Drop and Ducky, use PBT keycaps to enhance the typing experience.
Rubber Keycaps
Rubber keycaps are designed for those seeking extra grip and comfort, often used for specific keys like WASD in gaming setups. These keycaps provide a soft, cushioned feel and can help reduce finger fatigue during long gaming sessions. Though not as common as ABS or PBT, rubber-coated keycaps are favored by gamers looking to enhance their control and responsiveness. Brands like HyperX and SteelSeries offer rubber keycap sets tailored for gamers.
Understanding the material of your keycaps can help you make an informed choice based on your typing or gaming needs.
Best Keycaps for Gamers
Gaming demands durable, responsive equipment. Keycaps can make all the difference when enhancing your setup.
RGB Compatibility
RGB compatibility is crucial for gamers who love vibrant, customized setups. Keycaps like the HyperX Pudding keycaps allow maximum backlighting to shine through, thanks to their translucent sides. This feature creates an eye-catching effect, especially in low-light conditions. Look for keycaps designed with RGB in mind, as they’ll enhance your overall gaming experience.
Durable Legends for Intensive Use
Durable legends are essential for gamers to ensure that the key graphics remain visible and intact even after prolonged use. Keycaps such as those made with double-shot molding or laser engraving techniques, like the Corsair Double-Shot PBT keycaps, offer exceptional durability. These methods embed the legends into the keycaps, preventing them from wearing off despite heavy, intensive use. Ideal keycaps will stand up to the rigors of gaming, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Top Keycaps for Typists
When it comes to typing, comfort and efficiency play crucial roles. Here are the best keycaps for typists focusing on ergonomics and noise reduction.
Ergonomic Designs
Finding the right ergonomic keycaps can significantly improve your typing experience. Sculpted keycaps like the DSA Profile offer a uniform feel, making it easier to glide your fingers across the keyboard without strain. Meanwhile, the SA Profile provides a higher, more contoured shape that can help reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. Look for keycaps with a comfortable height and shape to support your typing posture.
Noise Reduction Features
If you’re concerned about loud keystrokes, consider keycaps designed for noise reduction. O-rings, for instance, are small rubber rings placed on the keycap stems to dampen sound when keys bottom out. Another option is rubber dome keycaps, which provide a quieter, cushioned press. Selecting keycaps with noise-reducing materials and designs can create a quieter environment, ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing.
Stylish Keycaps for Aesthetic Enthusiasts
Stylish keycaps transform your keyboard into a stunning work of art. If you’re an aesthetic enthusiast, these options will help you make a bold statement.
Artisan Keycaps
Artisan keycaps are handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces designed to elevate your keyboard’s visual appeal. Craftsmanship, uniqueness, and premium materials are the hallmarks of these keycaps. You can find them in various materials like resin, wood, and metal, each offering a different feel and look. Artists and creators often design themes like fantasy creatures, pop culture references, and abstract designs. Brands like Rama Works and Jelly Key are well-known for their exquisite artisan keycaps.
Novelty Keycaps
Novelty keycaps add a touch of whimsy to your setup. These keycaps feature fun, quirky designs that stand out. Categories cover everything from animals and emojis to famous landmarks and iconic characters. Novelty keycaps are perfect if you want to showcase your personality or sense of humor. Companies like Ducky and Tai-Hao offer a wide range of novelty keycaps that are both functional and visually striking. You can mix and match them with regular keycaps to find the perfect balance of style and usability.
Best Budget-Friendly Keycaps
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality keycaps. Here are some excellent budget-friendly options to consider.
Cost-Effective ABS Options
Affordable ABS keycaps can still provide a great typing experience. Brands like Keychron and Redragon offer durable ABS keycaps with double-shot legends to prevent fading. These keycaps often come in sets that include key pullers and extra keys for customization. Though ABS plastic is less durable than PBT, these budget options can last long with good care.
Quality PBT at Lower Prices
PBT keycaps are known for their durability and resistance to shine over time. Budget-friendly PBT keycaps from brands like YMDK and Glorious PC Gaming Race provide excellent value. These caps often feature dye-sublimated or double-shot legends, ensuring longevity and clear visibility. You might sacrifice some premium features, but you’ll still get the durability and feel of PBT at a fraction of the cost.
Premium offerings in Keycaps
Discovering premium keycaps can elevate your typing experience and aesthetic appeal.
High-End Artisan Creations
High-end artisan keycaps are perfect for those who value craftsmanship and uniqueness. These keycaps, often crafted from resin, wood, or metal, are meticulously handmade by skilled artisans and feature intricate designs. Keycap sets from brands like Jellykey and Rama Works offer highly detailed and visually stunning pieces, turning your keyboard into a work of art. Expect to pay a premium, starting from $50 per keycap, due to the labor-intensive creation process.
Exclusive Limited Edition Sets
Exclusive limited edition sets are ideal if you’re looking for rare and collectible items. Brands like GMK and Drop frequently release limited edition sets that boast exceptional build quality and unique colorways. Examples include the GMK Mecha-01 and Drop + Matt3o MT3 Susuwatari, which feature distinctive themes and are produced in small batches. Prices for these sets often start around $150, reflecting their scarcity and the high-quality materials used.
User Favorites and Community Picks
Top-Rated by Keyboard Communities
Varmilo’s VA87M is a hit among enthusiasts. It’s celebrated for its PBT keycaps with dye-sublimated legends. Geekhack users admire its build quality and customization options. Drop’s MT3 Profile keycaps, designed in collaboration with community members, are also favored for their unique, sculpted shape. The Holy Panda X Switches from Drop have garnered praise for their tactile feel. Reddit’s r/MechanicalKeyboards frequently recommends these keycaps and switches for their durability and excellent feel.
Best Sellers in Well-Known Stores
Corsair’s PBT Double-Shot Pro keycap set is a best-seller on Amazon. Customers rave about the set’s durability and clean legends. Logitech’s G Pro X keycaps are popular for their swappable nature, allowing you to change layouts effortlessly. NovelKeys’ NK_ PBT Taro keycap set often sells out quickly due to its striking colorway and high-quality PBT material. These products consistently top sales charts on platforms like MechanicalKeyboards.com and Newegg, thanks to their robust design and reliability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right keycaps can significantly elevate your typing and gaming experience. Whether you’re looking for durability, ergonomic design, or stunning aesthetics, there’s a keycap set out there to meet your needs. From premium artisan keycaps to popular community picks, the options are vast and varied. Investing in quality keycaps not only enhances functionality but also adds a personal touch to your setup. So take the time to explore and find the perfect keycaps that resonate with your style and requirements.
